SPRING BREAK IN TUCSON

 

The morning I left for Spring Break Tucson this year, there was a slight dusting of snow-you can see it on the windshield and roof a bit.  Yep, my face reflects the delight I felt heading to warmer climes!

 

  As is now the custom, I was hosted most generously by brother Mark, his wife Cindy, and their dog Cinnamon.

You know there was shopping involved.  Need I say swimsuits?  Only one caught my eye this year, but it's a good one! 

An exciting variation on shopping this year was caused by niece Melissa's upcoming wedding on June 25.  Cindy (mother of the bride) and I committed enough time to find dresses for each of us.  The wedding is in Houston where both Melissa and her fiancee live.  We've been informed in no uncertain terms it will be HOT!  Thus, sleeveless, light weight dresses were of high priority.  I was fortunate to find this pleasing number on our second bout of shopping.

Cindy couldn't make a choice between two that were beautiful and flattering, so she got them both!

The best day of shopping:  we met Melissa in Phoenix to shop for her bridal gown!  Though she had done some pre-shopping in Houston and even found a gown she liked, she really wanted to share this special shopping with her family and friends in AZ.  I'm so glad I was able to be there!

Too cold......

too hot......

JUST RIGHT!!!

What a beautiful bride-to-be!

Between bouts of shopping and any other time we felt like it, Cindy and I indulged in the eight episodes of the second half of season one of Outlander.  It's SO GOOD!  Some scenes were racy enough they could only be shown on cable TV.  Cindy & I, both unworldly in certain ways, were goggle-eyed more than once.  We're already anticipating season two next spring break!

Mark worked the whole week, but we were able to enjoy weekend walks at Rillito River Park with Cinnamon.  

I wish I could say we spent evenings together too, but he's not watching Outlander.  After dinner, he banished himself to the bedroom while Cindy and I indulged in the living room. 

An all-day visit with long-time work friend Pat, who still has her nose to the grindstone.  Gosh, it makes a person feel fortunate beyond words to be retired!

 

Brother Mike had custody of all four of his grandboys for part of the week, so we went for a hike at Catalina State Park.  

Boys and rocks.....Nicholas, Sam, Jonathan.

Boys and water......Nicholas

and Jonathan.

Angel's artistic selfie:

The grownups:  Mike and I with Sam.

The subtext to this hike was it was the same one Mike and I did last year and where I believe I lost a valuable and sentimental bracelet Ron gave me for my 50th birthday.  I knew where I was when I lost it, and on the VERY off chance it might still be there, wanted to look for it.  Alas, it's well and truly gone.  If someone found it, I hope they enjoy it as much as I did.  If it's down a critter hole, well, it will eventually return to its earthly components.

Once again, a week SO enjoyably spent with family and friends!

 

Family & Friends © Jill Wolf, sent by Wendy Hinson

 

We all have a cherished garden we tend -
It is planted with love of family and friends.
The memories and dreams we treasure and share
Are like beautiful roses found blooming there.
The comfort and care on which we depend
Is given with love between family and friends.
The sunshine of laughter and rain of a tear
Only make our love grow with each passing year.
We may all be ourselves with no need to pretend
Because of the love of family and friends;
They notice the rainbows and weather the showers.
They overlook weeds and praise all our flowers.
The most valuable thing is the time that we spend
Tending this garden with family and friends.
When counting our blessings, we know from the start
That family and friends come first in our heart.