Another stellar day in the American Southwest. Monday was a leisurely day of reading, writing, and grazing through the breakfast buffet that Kevin set out for us. In the afternoon we loaded into the Avalon sedan and headed out for a late lunch with Tom’s cousin, Jan Buckingham and her husband Lauren Ronald at Vivace Restaurant. Jan and Lauren are transplanted Omahans who live in Tucson year-round. Jan is a retired Interior designer and Lauren is a retired attorney, formerly with Kutak Rock in Omaha. The lunch was well presented Italian fare and most delicious. The setting provides a view of the entire valley and downtown Tucson. We then drove to Chicos and Costco to replenish some supplies and find a blouse and slackers to complete a wardrobe for Deb.
We returned in the early evening and enjoyed cocktails and wine around the pool. We dined on leftovers and then settled in for a movie that Tom had recommended: “Leave the World Behind.” The stars were Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, Myha’la, and Kevin Bacon. This was a thriller and a very thought provoking movie that we can recommend to anyone over the age of 13. Lots of foul language and some violence. The ending leaves you wondering. It is available on Netflix.
Tuesday we were up at the crack of dawn (7:00) and again grazed the breakfast bar. After cleaning up and chatting for a while, we left for a late lunch at Harvest Restaurant. We enjoyed a glass of wine, some burgers, a salad and a turkey sandwich. All the food was delicious. Next we traveled to the DeGrazia Art Gallery and toured the art. Ted DeGrazia was a native Tucson artist (1909 - 1982) born to Italian immigrant parents in Morenci, Arizona Territory. He eventually attended University of Arizona earning a Master’s Degree in Art and established the Gallery for living and painting in the 1950’s.
We made a grocery stop and then returned to Oro Valley for martinis and wine around the pool. Tom fired up the jacuzzi spa and when the temperature hit 94ºF, we slipped into our suits, transferred our drinks to plastic glasses, and dipped into the spa for an hours soak and chatter. Some of us watched “Barbie” while the other two dozed while pretending to watch. I will let you figure out who the dozers were.
We finally crawled into bed at 10:30, having enjoyed a hospitable day of relaxation, witty repartee, friendship and food.
