Savoring Chip And JoJo

I finally got my copy of Chip and JoJo's new lifestyle magazine, The Magnolia Journal.

It's beautiful!

And it's the closest I'll come to having them in my house.  



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Coastal Trees
2014: BuffaSNOW
2013: The White Dove Of The Desert
2012: A Beautiful Listen
2011: The Music Of The Night
2010: There’s No Better Place On Earth
2009: Getting Tanked In Al-Nahar
2008: Bracing For A World Of Mouse Ears
2007: At Least He’s Up Front About It
2006: Aten HUT!!
2005: Be The Player

El Ed Rides El Tour

Tomorrow Ed will participate in the 34th Annual El Tour de Tucson.  This is his riding jersey and the cute pair of El Tour socks I bought him for his first ride.

The excitement builds!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Not Everything Is Lost
2014: Hairspray Is Gross
2013: Breathing Retro Life Into The West End Of A Miracle Mile
2012: A Little Bit Of Wyoming
2011: A Franchophile’s Paradise
2010: 10 Things I Learned On My Vacation In Italy
2009: A Beautiful Deep Fried Pocket Of Cornmeal Dough. Or, My Mom.
2008: A Foxy Furry Little Friend
2007: The One That Got Away
2006: Don’t We All?
2005: Miss Singular

In The Pink

Another pretty car from the Crown Concepts collection.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: None Left At All
2014: Bivalve Mollusc Hunting Illegal
2013: The Price Of Relaxing
2012: Our Tail Was Driving Triples
2011: Where There Is Smoke, There Is Not Always Fire
2010: Ella Ella Eh Eh Eh
2009: What’s All The Glee About?
2008: Connecting Over The Mystic River
2007: Randomly Weird
2006: Eddie Acts Like A Five Year Old Friday
2005: From Earth To Heaven

I Am One Of The Safe Ones

The thing this election has changed for me: for the first time, I walk my America and, meeting eyes, wonder if they are among the safe ones.

— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) November 15, 2016

Sadly, there are reports that support this feeling all over America. It's always been there, but since the election, the deplorables have come out in the open. They're bold with their hate. They seem to enjoy it.

It's unacceptable.  And what's even more egregious, is that the person at the helm, steering the ship, claims he's unaware and thinks it's a "very small amount".

I stand with Anand Giridharadas.

I stand with the victims of anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia, racism, bigotry.

I stand with the victims of harassment and intimidation.  

I do not stand with hate mongers.  I do not stand with supporters of hate.  I do not stand with the people who voted in the hate.  You're on your own.  You created this backlash.  You emboldened the monster who terrorized our country for the past 18 months.  With your encouragement and support, his behavior, and this behavior has flourished.  It's disgusting.

I am one of the safe ones.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2015: The Birthplace Of The King
2014: A Whole Big Lot Of Love
2013: When A Pig Wraps Himself Around A Chicken Deliciousness Ensues
2012: Let The Stockpiling Begin
2011: From The Island To The Desert
2010: The Town I Was Dying To See
2009: Gleaming Curve
2008: Color Me Casual
2007: Eddie Goes Running Friday
2006: Forever Yours
2005: Home Away From Home

Blade Runner

Back in February, we cleared some land and had ABC (aggregate base course) delivered to flesh out our driveway area.  I operated a vibrating machine with much success.

It was challenging work and because this isn't something we really know how to do, the area didn't turn out as flat as we would have liked.  We drove over bumps for months, cursing every time we bottomed in the dip in the driveway approach.

Yesterday, we had a blade operator come out and grade the entire area.  It only took a few hours but by the time he got done, it felt like a road, not a rollercoaster.  The next step will either be some kind of pavement, concrete, or decorative colored stone. Landscape design will determine the direction of that.

With this size driveway - it's like a small parking lot - it looks like we're going to have to have some big get-togethers to make use of all the space.

C'mon over!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~2015: Goodnight 'Bama
2014: No Fear
2013: A Cozy Little Dinner With My Favorite Bird
2012: Western Winter Sky
2011: Men At Work
2010: Everyone Is NOT A Winner
2009: Text Me
2008: Going The Way Of Astatine*
2007: Picture Perfect Pilot
2006: Not Falling For Winter Yet
2005: I Miss You Already

We Do More Before 9 A.M. Than Most People Do All Day

I got up at 0400 - that's military time for "Who the fuck gets up this early?!?" -  to shower, do my hair, paint my face, and drive almost an hour to the other side of town so Ed could participate in the 12th Annual TMC/Fleet Street Veterans Day Half Marathon, ¼ Marathon & 5k.

The sun had not yet come up when we arrived at the Sabino High School football stadium track.  Tents were set up, people were milling around, the place was coming alive.  A few vendors were serving coffee which was a big hit because it was absolutely FREEZING.  I was actually wearing a sweater.  Me, in a sweater.  In Tucson.  That's one of the things about Southern Arizona, it might end up being 80 degrees by noon, but if you're out in the very early morning or after dark this time of year, expect to need something extra to keep you warm.

Ed was wearing shorts, but had his compression pants on underneath, plus a long-sleeve running shirt and his hoodie, which he'd remove for his run.

We milled around a bit before picking up his numbered bib and timing chip - a device that looked like an ankle bracelet - that he'd have to wear to keep his time during the race.

The sun had just started to come up at the start/finish line.  The 1/2 marathon runners were slated to go first, the 1/4 marathoners second, and the 5K runners last.  There were military members in uniform waiting around, event coordinators finishing their setup, and a DJ spinning tunes.  Everyone was very cheery!

The Color Guard posted up just before the first turn of the track, waiting for the opening ceremony of the event.  There was an Air Force Master Sargeant preparing to sing the National Anthem, and cheerleaders lining the lanes to motive and encourage the race participants.  G-O-O-D-J-O-B!  Good Job!!

The race started and finished on the on the high school track, but then meandered through the local neighborhood in the very scenic area at the base of the Catalina Mountains.  The race course was marked with orange cones and fully staffed.

The 5K started at 7:20 am.  Here, you'll see Ed waving to me as he passes, the morning sun kissing his smiling face!

Along the route, Ed said they had live music (an actual band!), photographers taking pictures, water stations, law enforcement, and locals cheering on the runners.

36 minutes and 12 seconds later, Ed crossed the finish line.

He was a little sweaty but still quite chipper.  Barely out of breath.  Clearly, all his bike riding (in anticipation for the upcoming El Tour de Tucson) has served him well.  He's always had great stamina, especially since loading and securing freight on the flatbed is a physical undertaking, but the regular bike riding has really increased it.

Don't tell him I said this, but when he received his race medal and placed it around his neck, he was glowing!  Look how cute!  

In addition to the medal, he also received a fantastic shirt with the race logo, date, and sponsors on it - white background with a patriotic design for Veteran's Day - and a breakfast of eggs, tortilla, refried beans, bananas, granola bars, orange juice, and coffee.  

There was a bouncy castle for kids, a kids' fun run, and other areas set up for the 1/2 marathon runners when they finished.  Overall, it was a pretty great morning, and afterwards I was able to have coffee at one of my favorite places, which happens to be on the same side of town.  I didn't even have to run to get it.  

Ed is stirring up some interest with taking the lead in this 5K stuff.  Running is not for me - I don't like to move that fast - but he did sign us up for the 11th Annual Vail Jingle Trail 5K in December. He'll run, Kim and I will walk it.  There's going to be holiday music and refreshments, and all participants get a race t-shirt and a set of bells.

Jingle all the way, my friends!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Grand And Important
2014: Winter Is A Table Set With Ice And Starlight
2013: The Romance Of The Road
2012: Celebrate With A Wild Desire
2011: Powerful Stuff
2010: Falling In Love With Ugly
2009: A Love Like This Can Know No Death
2008: Peace To This House
2007: The Sultan Of Love
2006: It’s Even Better Than Arbor Day
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

A Night Out

My mother and father in my grandparents' living room in the Bronx, April 1966, a little over 18 months before I came along.

I love my father's skinny tie and tapered pant legs, and I love that my mother is wearing black leather gloves.  They look like they're headed out somewhere.



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2015: Hustle And Bustle In Ancient Guatemala
2014: The Flakes Got Up Early And Stayed All Day
2013: Headed For A Slow Boat To China
2012: A Roaring Forties Tasmanian Devil Of A Blue
2011: Waiter! There’s A Beer In My Soup!
2010: I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Wolf
2009: Eddie Getting His Licks Friday
2008: The Place Is In Ruins
2007: Winter Shadows
2006: The Angels Of The New York D.O.T.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Calling All Car Freaks And Geeks

Today we attended a grand opening event at Crown Concepts.  I'm not exactly sure how to explain their services, but it's all car related - they manage vehicles, maintain them, detail them, engineer products, fabricate and machine stuff.  It's all very out of my scope of interest, but the cars are pretty.

My brother has been working with them for a few months now and is in his glory.  He's loved cars since he was a little kid. Ask my Mom, seen here posing among the cars on display.

This is also the place that's showcasing my brother's hand crafted automotive art.  They have included pieces from his company, Carpenter Avenue Classics, in their showroom.

This 3-tier display case was being used to display merchandise for sale.

The crowd was large, and the car collection was impressive.  Everything from a McClaren 650S Spider...

To a Chip Foose1967 Dodge Charger with a 426 Hemi (for a cool $104,997.00)...

To my favorite, this Tangelo Pearl 1956 Chevy Bel Air...

Although this beauty came in a close second.  There's just something about the color I love, and those subtle flames are just understated enough to be beautiful.

If you're a car nut, and you're ever in Tucson, I recommend you swing by this place.  It's literally less than a mile from the Interstate - easy on, easy off.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Waiting For Turistas
2014: The Still Before The Storm
2013: Sizzle, Drizzle, And Pour
2012: Dreams Explored Over Dinner
2011: I’m In Love And It’s Not Even Valentine’s Day Yet
2010: Eddie As Fisherman Friday
2009: Birds And Barbells On Muscle Beach
2008: A Girl On The Shores Of Cozumel
2007: I’m Not Exactly Sure What You’re Proposing Here
2006: The Blizzard Of 2006
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Bread Is Life

Photo:  @barriobread

I have been dying to go to Barrio Bread for a while now, but never seem to remember it when I'm out and about.  I need to add it to my To-Do list.

The owner and baker, Don Guerra, currently bakes 900 loaves of bread a week.  Out of his garage!

At the end of this month, he's opening a real brick-and-mortar retail bakery location.  I usually don't leave my 2-5 mile radius for anything or anyone, but I'm confident it'll be worth the trip - 30 minutes away - to that part of town.  I'll go anywhere for good bread.

In the meantime, I'll keep following his Instagram feed.  You should too.

I'll bet you ten bucks you'll be sniffing the pictures.

“All sorrows are less with bread.” 

~ Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: La Bufadora And Almejas Gratinadas

2014: In The Nick Of Time
2013: This Business Means Business
2012: A Nodding Donkey On The Hill
2011: What A Croc
2010: Flash Of Pole
2009: They Hire ‘Em Young These Days
2008: Setting Sail At Sunset
2007: Happy Bee
2006: It’s Not Unusual
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Acute Nostalgia

Many people have a song they identify with certain life events.  Something that reminds them of their best years in high school, the song that was played at their wedding, the song they listened to endlessly when they broke up with their first boyfriend, etc.

One of my life songs is Waiting for a Star to Fall by Boy Meets Girl.

This song, released in 1988, reminds me of the years my best friend Vicki and I spent together in Upstate New York.  We worked at the same job (two of them!) and were, most of the time, inseparable.  Whenever I hear it, I think about my carefree twenties and all the fun we had and the memories we made.  Like it was yesterday.

I consider this "our" song.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: The Ancient And Mysterious
2014: The New Rest Area
2013: Sidestepping Nemo Wasn't All That Hard
2012: Fun, Fresh, Fabulous Little Neighborhood
2011: What Do You Get When The Daily Rant Meets The Plum Trucker? A Plum Crush!
2010: Industrial Morning
2009: Sunset On Venice
2008: Knots And Nautical Miles
2007: What Is The World Coming To When The Girls Next Door Think They Are Fat??
2006: T.T.D.L.I.T.H.A.T.I.F.
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005!

Speechless

Photo:  Google Images

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2015: Market Lighting

2014: Three Hours Of Mumbling McConaughey

2013: Pulling The Curtain Back
2012: A Great Way To End The Week
2011: Squirreled Away In Olean
2010: Home Sweet Home
2009: You Build It, We’ll Haul It
2008: The Canadian MJ II
2007: Eddie In The Half Moon Hall Friday
2006: The Italian Death March
2005: How You Doin’?

Don't Boo, VOTE!

Today is Election Day.  I'd say THE most important election day of my lifetime.  I voted early, on October 14th, so I don't have to worry about standing in line and making sure I get in before the polls close.  But as I drive this evening, I will be glued to the news, waiting to hear the returns as the polls close.  I might have to pull over for a drink or two. Diet Coke, people, Diet Coke!

This election is historical in more ways than one. If you've been paying attention, you know why.  But ultimately, this election is going to determine who we want to be as Americans.  Who we are as people.

If you're not so into the election - do you live under a rock?? - and want to read about some other stuff, here are a few other things that have also happened on this day in history.  And here's a handy little guide to U.S. Elections, because this'll be happening again in four years.

This is it, folks.  Today's the day!

Here are some poll results/predictions:

The New York Times

Five Thirty Eight

The Washington Post

Los Angeles Times

NBC/Wall Street Journal

Real Clear Politics

BBC

Don't be fooled by what you read.  Don't be swayed by what you hear.  Don't be lazy.  Don't sit this out.

And most of all, remember...

Don't boo, VOTE!



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Winter Beachcomber
2014: NASA Really Does Have All The Answers
2013: Steak With A Side Of History
2012: 300 Ways To Roll Vintage Style 
2011: I Have A Crush On A Boy-d
2010: Accentuate The Positive
2009: How The Train Derails
2008: Good Thing He Didn’t PAINT This On His Truck
2007: Red Snap
2006: Convexly Jackson
2005: Marriage Criterion

Which Link Doesn't Belong?

Photo courtesy of Bon Appétit

Cookies for breakfast?  I'm in.

I don't think there's any way I'd become a vegan, but these look pretty damn delicious.

The rarest pasta on earth is made, guess where?  Italy, of course.

Bacon-Onion Jam.  Get in my belly!

Oooohhhh, Roast Chicken.  Yum.  And four other recipes you should know how to make.

Eggplant Parmesan is my nirvana.  If I had to choose between gnocchi and eggplant parmesan, I'd be paralyzed by indecision.  And my head might explode.

Ski holiday?  If only I knew how to ski.  Can't I just go and sit in the snow?  

Chicken and Broccoli even better than takeout.

Cooler weather is coming.  Make soup.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Bird's Eye View
2014: Before All The Leaves Fall
2013: No Snow On The Horizon
2012: Moving Forward 
2011: Also Untouchable Because He’s Covered In Black Gold
2010: The Ride (And Thrill) Of A Lifetime
2009: Shot From A Safe Distance
2008: Eddie And The Moose Friday
2007: How Many Times Do You Have To Burn Your Hand Before You Stop Touching The Hot Stove?
2006: Just When You Thought There Wasn’t Another Ounce Of Fun To Be Had Or Another Drop Of Information To Be Remembered, It Doubles And Triples
2005: This Is What Fall Looks Like

A Perfect Sunday

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Who Puts Sweet Potato On Pizza? Geniuses, That's Who!
2014: This Sums Up Today's Events
2013: Wrecks Aplenty On Twenty
2012: Spanning The Straits
2011: Diner In The Mountains
2010: Limone Costa d’Amalfi
2009: To Tattoo Or Not To Tattoo
2008: Sparkle And Glow
2007: I See Sea Scallops
2006: My New Favorite Song
2005: Lazy Sunday

Ks For Charity

Today, Ed and I, and our friend Kim all had a new experience.

We participated in our first 5K!  Kim and I walked, and Ed ran.

It's an annual community event called Harvest for Hope, which collects food for needy families.

It was a very pleasant walk, with maybe 60 people in attendance - lots of families with kids - and pretty perfect weather.

We received a t-shirt and medallion for participating, and I won a raffle prize, a small flashlight and Christmas pencil.  Just what I always wanted!

Even though Ed ran the entire thing and passed us way before we finished, like a true Marine he came back to cheer us on and help his team through the finish line.

Ooh Rah!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Laundry, Y'all
2014: I Led The Turtle Convoy
2013: Where You Could Once Find A Bunch Of Damned Texans
2012: The Only Kind Of Pasty Ed Is Going To Get Me To Consider
2011: What Would You Think If You Saw A Grown Woman Climbing Out Of A Big Rig Wearing Pajamas?
2010: The Machines Might Be Old But The Smokers Start Young
2009: Don’t Take It For Granite
2008: Yes We Did!!
2007: Green Acres Is The Place To Be, Solar Living Is The Life For Me
2006: Hail To Our Beautiful Maine Coon Mascot
2005: Weekend In Nature

An Accident Waiting To Happen

Today my mother discovered the ride-on shopping cart at Home Depot.  She was eager to try.  I was concerned.

She got off to a jerky start, like when you first learn how to ride a bike, or drive a car with a clutch, but she eventually got to the point where she was able to back up in the aisle without knocking anything over.  Complete shocker.

I had my own cart and stayed several paces behind.

I'm not stupid.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: The Message Of The Testicle
2014: Gearhead Paradise
2013: Even When It's Cloudy, Ed Is Happy
2012: The Yoopers Little Piece Of Heaven
2011: From Pot Roast At The Buckhorn To Gambling With An Inky Malbec
2010: Nestled In The Fertile Plain
2009: I Think I’m Kinda Lichen This Moss
2008: Holding My Breath
2007: Ahhhh…..Ahhhhh…..Aw Shit!
2006: Contemplating Flight
2005: Eddie Blurred By NyQuil Friday

The Haunted Trade-Off

The Clougherty Packing Company is the West Coast's leading pork packer, making products sold under the Farmer John brand name.  This was their location in Tucson, Arizona.

The murals on the building have always been of interest to me.  Located in an industrial area just off the interstate, it was never a place I was in very often, but now we are in that area often since it's just down the street from where we have work done on our truck.

In recent years it's been used as a haunted house called The Slaughterhouse.  I had never been since haunted houses have never been my thing, but this year Ed really wanted to go.  But I really didn't want to go.  So I had to make a deal.  With the devil, apparently.  I needed him to do something for me and he wouldn't do it unless I went to the haunted house.  He flat-out refused to help me unless I agreed to traipse through this abomination.

So I sucked it up and went.  And I made it out alive.

Sometimes compromise works.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: High Shine
2014: Operating Empty In The Scenic South
2013: The Sun Shines For All Cyclists
2012: Lured Into A Tourist Trap
2011: Dining At The Buckhorn
2010: Ancient Details
2009: Framed By Fake Fall
2008: Let’s Hope This Five Year Old Is As Accurate With His Predictions As He Is With His Aim For The Toilet
2007: Belated Greetings From The Great Pumpkin Pile
2006: Working Man
2005: Black And White

Rainbow's End

Coming home we were greeted by cloudy skies, a little bit of rain, and a rainbow at the end of the street we were driving on.



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2015:  Airport Delivery
2014: A Bun Of Spun Gold
2013: City Tour
2012: Capturing The Soul Of The Midwest  
2011: Ed Weighs In
2010: You’ve Got Mail!
2009: Bigger Than Leif
2008: Newfies, Here We Come!
2007: Big Teeth And Dancing Just Don’t Mix
2006: Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay
2005: Nuts

Taking Fan Loyalty To A New Level

I'm not a fan of any sport, but I do know some fanatics.  The Steelers are big in my family.  My cousin had an ice sculpture at his wedding in the shape of a Steelers football helmet.  My brother is a fan by family association - my cousin made him do it - and my nephews all like the Steelers.  As do several other people I know.

So when I saw this guy pass us, I made Ed catch up to him so I could get a picture.  This guy is an owner-operator.  Clearly, he's serious about his team.

You're welcome, fans.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Welcome, November!
2014: November In North Carolina
2013: Another Visitor Preying On Us
2012: Escaping The Southwest
2011:There Can Only Be One
2010: The Doors. Italian Style.
2009: Please Leaf My Pinecone Alone
2008: A Call To Arms
2007: Where Defacing Rocks Are A Work Of Art
2006: One Idiot At A Time
2005: Find Your Spot