Phoenix, AZ, Friday, February 2022

Today began significantly warmer, 37ºF but still cool enough to require cover for tender plants to avoid any frostbite.In a futile attempt to restrict our caloric intake, we tucked in this morning to a bowl of Cheerios with milk and blueberries, and a banana (which, given its size, must have been raised with steroids!) 

As Fridays in February are a time for Master Gardener training and the Douglas/Sarpy County program is still holding classes under the Zoom model, Mark logged in this morning for a two hour scintillating session on Soils and Turf. As usual, he always picks up something that he found new, or that he had forgotten since the sessions from previous years. For readers who don‘t know, the material you garden in is Soil, not dirt. Dirt is something you wash off your hands or sweep from the floor.

For the noon meal, we finished up the leftover Asian cuisine from the previous night and sliced up the leftover beef filet from Wednesday‘s evening meal for sandwiches. Old people are frugal you know! As we were beginning to suffer from house fever, Dell backed the Ford out of the garage and we went for an afternoon tour.  We journeyed to nearby Cave Creek (a neighboring suburb) for a visit to the Rare Earth Gem Store. This is not your normal rock shop - $60,000 carved onyx bathtubs, six foot tall amethyst geodes on display stands that rotate for a mere $40,000, $10,000 slabs of  four inch thick polished marble for your dining room table, and then for the tourists, bins of shiny polished rocks to take home a a memory of Arizona. Or, if you have a big enough truck to drive you home, whole logs of petrified wood to spread around your lawn as a decoration.

Next stop was the Kiwanis Marketplace - an atypical thrift store of cast-offs. Mark scored a $2.00 hardcover book to read on the flight home. Better than an overpriced paperback James Patterson throwaway from the airport shop! 

We drove along the ridge top overlooking the suburbs of Phoenix, admiring the homes nestled in the hills among the saguaro, and then ended our driving tour at a local Anthem restaurant - Plaza Bonita Family Mexican Restaurant. This is an exceedingly popular local place, with a line extending out the door. We added our name on the list and settled in for a 20 minute wait for our table. We dined on some margaritas, tacos, and huge burritos. Excellent food and excellent company. We wisely did not notify the staff of Deb‘s birthday earlier in the week nor Dell‘s coming 75th birth anniversary on March 1. This decision became easy when an adjoining table was suddenly surrounded by employees who placed a huge ceremonial sombrero on an elderly lady‘s head, sang the Happy Birthday song (with the entire room of diners joining the chorus) and then chanting “Drink, Drink, Drink,“ as she was encouraged to down a shot of tequila. As we had watched her slowly being assisted to her table earlier, due to her apparent age, we were surprised that she was able to get the liquor down. When they offered up a second round, we were convinced against any further discussion with the staff regarding happy events.

Back at Casa Sennentz by 7:30, we settled in for a night of You Tube videos around the television. Again, by 10:30 we were bedded down, pleased with our day and thinking of the coming day of travel. Not once during our Arizona adventure did we stick a toe in the hot tub spas available at both homes, Tucson and Anthem. Our swimming togs stayed high and dry, hidden in our luggage. This of course was for the visual safety of our hosts. You are all welcome!

Phoenix, AZ, Thursday, February 24, 2022

Our first full day in Phoenix and we awoke to the potential beginnings of WW III. By the time we had rolled out of bed and started the coffee, Trump’s hero, Putin had delivered his false speech and launched his 120,000 troops into Ukraine. We spent the morning, glued to the television, learning of the coming horrors of the Ukrainian public and the reaction around the world. 

The morning here was very cool; the overnight low was 31 and there was some frost on uncovered plants. After watching the news all morning, we broke for lunch of sandwiches and chips. We turned the video feed back on to hear President Biden’s message to the nation regarding the invasion, and listened to a bit of the press conference. Becoming somewhat depressed, we turned off the feed and repaired to the warming outside for some reading time or napping. At cocktail hour we started a small fire in the outdoor kiva and enjoyed a cocktail.

Our daughter Darcy was today scheduled to testify at the Nebraska Legislature against the proposed Abortion ban bill # 933. Although the hearing was to be six hours of testimony, the crowd was so large that they ran out of time just before her turn at the microphone. As all testimony had to be submitted in writing, she did get her testimony entered and it will be a part of the record. We were so proud of her activism in this important area.

We finished the afternoon by adjourning to the television for the latest update from PBS Newshour, again hearing of all the goings on in Europe. We made a decision to dine this evening on Asian cuisine so called in our order the the neighborhood restaurant. Dell and Mark drove to pick it up, returned and we all enjoyed the result.

We ended the evening  with another 3 hour binge of the Jack Reacher series, finishing the entire season. Into bed by 10:45 for another lazy vacation day. Maybe we will leave the house tomorrow for some adventure, or maybe not!

Tucson to Phoenix Arizona, Wednesday, February 23, 2022

We arise this morning to a cool, cloudy and blustery day in Tucson. Well rested, we breakfast on the remains of last night’s pizza, some fruit and yogurt and the ever present coffee. By 10:00 we are saying goodbye to the pink painted Santa Catalina mountain scenery.

Shortly we are all packed and we load into the white, smooth riding Avalon and head north along I-10 towards Casa Grande and our luncheon appointment. The winds were howling crosswise against the car and the semi-trailers were swaying as they stormed past our vehicle. Tom, our designated driver, held steady and the rain held off. We arrived right on time in Casa Grande and located our destination, Creative Cafe, reputedly the best restaurant in Casa Grande.

The Creative Cafe has an interesting story; according to its menu, it was founded in 1987 and provides work and learning opportunities for mentally and physically disabled adults. This was quickly apparent when we had been seated: we were approached by a young lady, obviously disabled and so thin she would have fallen over if she ventured outside in the winds we encountered on the way to the restaurant. She ably attended to our drink requests. On the other side of our table, an attentive young Down syndrome man was quick with refills, napkins and an apron filled with straws to hand out.

Our Phoenix connection friends were only 30 minutes behind schedule, although with a ready set of excuses; it was raining heavily on the way south, the traffic along the I-10 corridor was horrific, and most importantly, neither had remembered their cellphones with the name of the restaurant they were headed towards, nor any method of contacting us to receive directions. Even if they had located a pay phone(?) they wouldn’t have had the foggiest idea of our phone numbers as that information too was stored in these devilishly ubiquitous electronic devices. It was miraculous that they were able to find us at all.

Once the six of us were gathered around our table, introductions were made (our two sets of hosts had not met previously) we ordered our sandwiches and then launched into conversation. The Nebraskans, four of them desert transplants and the two of us freeloading visitors, quickly found commonality, shared background, politics, and interests. The sandwiches we had ordered were excellent and the single lunch hour stretched to two. By the time we were ready to transfer the luggage from one car trunk to another, it was pouring rain.  At least the rain was able to hide the tears as we offered heartfelt thanks and said our goodbyes to our Tucson hosts. Tom and Kevin headed back south in the rain and we headed north with Dell and Karen to our next few days of adventure. The rain finally stopped some 20 miles south of Phoenix and we coasted into Anthem, after a stop at Costco to load up on wine and soda water, now in the sunshine.

It has been two years since we were here in Phoenix; during the pandemic, we had cancelled plans in 2021 for a southern excursion. Many changes around the Sennentz homestead, new plantings, dirty Mesquite tree removal, but the pool and hot tub spa were still beckoning. We loaded our bags into our designated bedroom and settled in for some talk and rest.

Suddenly, we heard a strange noise and looked out the window. Hail was pouring down, splashing in the pool, bouncing on the patio deck and piling up! A strange phenomenon in the desert. The temperature was dropping and Dell went out with sheets and blankets to throw some protection over the more tender plants in anticipation of a predicted overnight frost.

Dell threw some steaks on the barbecue, Karen prepared some Yukon Gold potatoes and steamed broccoli, and we had a leisurely dinner. We settled in to watch the PBS Newshour, then fell into binge watching a Jack Reacher television series. After three episodes, we finally called a halt and trundled off to bed at a reasonable 10:30 PM. Sleep was quick and deep.

Tucson, AZ, Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Twosday the twenty second day of the second month of the twenty second year of the second millennia following the alleged birth of Jesus of Nazareth. As the Europeans write the date - 22/02/2022. We in Tucson decided it should be a day of rest so confined ourselves to Casa Nielsen/Rose for the entire day. 

We started the day with the normal breakfast bar, but Chef Kevin added a cheesy egg scramble which included the remains of Saturday’s chopped pieces of filet and asparagus. We also polished off the remainder of the au gratin potatoes and the small pastry bites. Yogurt and fresh fruit again completed the meal. As it was a late brunch, we skipped the noon meal. 

We lazed around in the afternoon; Deb had some travel work to clean up, Mark worked on reading the novel he had begun on the flight down, Kevin attended to laundry for all of us, and Tom spent an hour or two in his home office, handling correspondence, paying bills, surfing the internet for something? We did spend a few hours waiting for and then watching President Biden’s address on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. None of us hold out any hope that the sanctions announced will deter the Putin Push, but all the effort the administration has put into organizing our Allies into a united front against this international crime is very refreshing.

 It was sunny to partly cloudy today, relatively warm at 65º F, but breezy. We were able to sit on the patio for a bit during cocktail hour, but eventually were pushed back inside. Not, however before we were able to polish off a plate of cream cheese covered by red pepper jelly, a chunk of Muenster cheese and a large collection of crackers as appetizers.

Earlier in the day we had decided on purchased pizza for our evening meal, so Tom headed out for a pair of Rosati’s thin crust pizzas; a large hamburger and mushroom, and a large “everything.” Kevin prepared a quick salad, and we enjoyed every bite, some having more bites than others! We topped this off with some delicious chocolate cookies that Kevin conjured from his pantry.

Afterward, we sat around watching You Tube videos of singer performances, notably Karen Carpenter and then a bunch of Andrea Bocelli videos. We talked and read well into the evening, finally falling into our beds around 10:30 PM. Tomorrow we will pack up and head towards our rendezvous with Dell and Karen midway between Tucson and Phoenix as we launch into the second half of our Arizona Adventure week.

 

Tucson, AZ, Monday, February 21, 2022

 

Today is an especially auspicious day - February 21 is the birthday of both Deb and Kevin Rose. As such we will call it their special day and try hard to put up with their constant  comment of “but it’s my Birthday!” This morning’s sunrise was not quite so spectacular but still pretty darn nice coming up over the mountains. At breakfast this morning, birthday cards were handed around; Tom and I both got the same card for Deb - crazy coincidence, especially as they were purchased at different stores 1,500 miles apart at different times.

 

 

First stop of the morning was to the Pima County Extension office.The University of Arizona is located in Tucson and the Extension Office is directly across the highway. In Omaha, the Master Gardener program encompasses 14 different demonstration gardens spread around Douglas and Sarpy counties. Here in Tucson, all of the Demonstration Gardens are here at the Extension office and they are open to the public, even though today is the President’s Day holiday. The greenhouses and the Propagation Nursery were closed but all the other gardens were open and available to walk through. One of the most interesting was the Xeriscape demonstration garden for low water level plantings. They utilize a drip system at each of the major plants.

Tucson averages 12” of precipitation a year, as we are in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Here they had a demonstration of a “water harvesting” system where they collect all rainwater from the metal roof of one of the outbuildings, perhaps 1200 square feet, and via guttering, direct the water to a storage tank that in turn uses timers and gravity to feed the drip irrigation system.

Next up was a trip to another nursery, Green Things. This one was reminiscent of Mulhall’s in Omaha, acres and acres of plants on display, greenhouses as far as the eye can see, and a huge indoor tropical plant set up. This entire facility was originally a ranch, so the area is huge and flat. The other intriguing thing was that, as a working ranch there was a large main home, which is now a showroom and gallery of some very high end art, both Mexican and Native American. There are numerous bunk houses spread around the main home that are now indoor showrooms for pots, wood furniture and sundry other goods for sale. A huge enterprise.

Final stop of the afternoon was the Copenhagen Furniture store. Copenhagen specializes in Scandinavian and modern furniture design. There are stores in Phoenix, Tucson, San Antonio and Austin. We have visited the one in Phoenix almost every visit previously. Tom and Kevin had ordered a new set of dining chairs for their dining table and the ostensible purpose of this stop was to check on delivery status. Like everything else in the country, supply issues have delayed the arrival of the chairs. We were assured that they can expect them prior to the end of March, which was exciting news.

We then journeyed back to Casa Nielsen/Rose for a rest prior to changing for our dinner reservation at the Vivace Restaurant. This is a large, upscale Italian restaurant that is in the foothills overlooking the entire valley of the Tucson metro area. After dark the site of the lights of the city is quite something. The food was absolutely delicious. The Italian bread, fresh and hot from the oven, was accompanied by a very loose pesto sauce rather than butter - scrumptious. Salads were excellent, one a shared  Caesar and the other a oil & vinegar over fresh greens. With the crunchiest potato sticks ever encountered. Deb ordered the soup of the day which was the highlight of the appetizers, a cream of asparagus soup with an indescribable flavor. Main courses included a linguine topped by a perfectly grilled piece of salmon, a seafood “soup” with scallops, shrimp and cod, floating in a red sauce over fettuccine, a pork parmigano accompanied by pasta tossed with vegetables, and finally a large piece of grilled salmon over risotto.  Glasses of wine were consumed, and the evening was capped off by a pair of complimentary “birthday” brûlée’s, complete with a candle. Midway through the meal, we looked out on the patio of our dining area to witness a young couple just as he proposed to his date/girlfriend. She evidently said “yes” as tears flowed and hugs ands kisses ensued. They returned to the dining room to applause and rejoined what appeared to be her parents, they also now in tears. Very romantic!

We journeyed back to our abode for a nightcap and again into bed at the sensible hour of 10:00 PM.   A wonderful birthday for both the celebrants and their attending partners. 

Tucson AZ, Sunday, February 20, 2022

Up for a glorious sunrise over the Santa Catalina Mountain range,

which is the view out of the windows at the Nielsen-Rose abode this morning. We have an entire week stretching ahead of us and so much to do, yet so restful to sit poolside in the sunshine doing absolutely nothing! This morning Chef Kevin offered an amazing choice of repast with which to break our overnight fast. After discussing our plans for the day, we opted for a lighter meal of fresh fruit, raspberry pastries, yogurt and cereal. We enjoyed an orange juice Prosecco smoothie to go with our coffee.

Promptly at 11:00, the doorbell rang with a delivery of flowers for Deb. Abigail had arranged for the arrangement to be delivered in anticipation of Deb’s birthday tomorrow. When your children do something thoughtful and kind, such as this, you realize that maybe your attempts at parenthood were not such a failure after all. Next thing you know, they will offer forgiveness for all the times we refused to let them join their buddies at the mall or to purchase the newest piece of plastic plaything on offer.

Early afternoon, we climbed into Kevin’s white Avalon to drive the area. First stop was Tucson Cactus and Koi, the cactus nursery at which Kevin spends way too much time and money (according to Tom,) and where all the salespeople seem to know his name, Kevin’s Cheers. Never have we seen such a display or variety of cactus. Tall ones, short ones, flowering ones, dead looking ones! Kevin, a Master Gardener with Douglas County Extension when he lived in Omaha, has embraced the desert flora. He has spent countless hours restoring his small piece of the desert. His yard now encompasses 95 cactus and 16 pots of annual flowers for color and diversity. He is after a low water, xeriscape, style planting and his efforts are evident. During this stop, Deb acquired a small potted cactus, which she intends to wrap up and smuggle onto our plane home in her carry-on!

Next stop is an upscale open air mall where we spent too much time in Crate and Barrel. This shopping excursion was spurred on as a number of items on Meg and Ed’s wedding list were available at his store. Since we will be coming back out to the great southwest in another 60 days to celebrate their wedding, we used this excuse to wander the store and ponder all the wonderful goods available and decide what we might want to contribute to their happiness. 

Next onward to our evening dinner location, the Original Guadalajara Cafe for some Mexican cuisine and a large pitcher of Margaritas. Mark chose a more sensible 20 ounce beaker of Modell Negra beer. The food was excellent - the only downfall was the table-side preparation salsa, guacamole and chips as appetizers. We enjoyed a taco salad, a plate of three sauce soaked enchiladas, a molcajetes (which is a scalding cauldron of seafood and meats to be wrapped in accompanying tortillas,) and  Tom’s choice of tamales and enchiladas and a Gordita. All in all too much food. We should have skipped the hors d’oerves. 

Just as the sun was setting, we returned to Casa Nielsen-Rose for evening cocktails and conversation under the stars. Amid a brace of dirty Martinis and a bottle of red wine, we tried to solve all the world’s, or at least just our own troubles. Luckily, the combination of activities, walking and good food tired us and kept our activities to a minimum. We were into our boudoir and bed at a responsible 10:00 PM.

Tucson AZ, Saturday, February 19, 2022

We head out this morning for our week in Arizona, first visiting our friends Tom Nielsen and Kevin Rose in Tucson, and then midweek, headed toward Phoenix to spent the balance of our week with our friends Karen and George (Dell) Sennentz. Abigail picked us up from home at 7:30 A.M.; she is always on time! She inherited that trait from one of her parents. We arrived at Eppley Airfield by 7:50 and were masked up and checked in moments later. This is our first trip together under COVID rules, although Deb and Abigail did take a flight to up-state New York last fall for a wool, sheep and knitting festival. The prospect of wearing a mask for 6-8 hours was not something we were looking forward to.

Our route from Omaha to Denver, a short layover, and then on to Tucson was uneventful. No one was thrown off the plane for rowdy behavior; it wouldn’t have been too bad as both flights were 100% full. The only respite was a cup of coffee and soda on the second leg which allowed for momentary mask removal. Both flights arrived early, and we set foot in Tucson at 1:30 in the afternoon. Tom and Kevin arrived to pick us up in the baggage area and we headed to their home in Oro Valley, some 50 minutes drive away. They have now been in Tucson for three years and have created quite a life for themselves. Their home is beautifully decorated, the pool and spa very inviting and their “son” Liam the Scotty well behaved.

We settled in, headed straight for the patio, and found cocktails to our liking. As we had not eaten all day, Kevin broke out some cheese, crackers, red pepper jelly, nuts and sausage rounds. We sated our appetite and then continued our cocktail hour and caught up on life in general. At dinner hour, Kevin produced a salad, au gratin potatoes, asparagus spears, stuffed mushroom caps and marinated filet steaks. Mark performed the grilling duties. It was a late meal for all involved. Kevin retired first, having spent a lot of effort on the meal. Tom, Deb and Mark stayed up chatting for a while and then as the traveling pair retired for the night, Tom handled kitchen clean-up duties.

We are happy to have arrived; we are looking forward to our week’s vacation in the warmth of Arizona. However, when we left on Saturday, the temps in Omaha were headed towards the 60’s. But snow is also

in the forecast so wed won’t miss that.