TUCSON GEM & MINERAL SHOW

For about two weeks every year, Tucson is taken over by "Rock People." Hundreds of vendors come to show their rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems. Bob and I had never been to the gem show so we decided, along with Scott and Yvonne, to go see what all the fuss was about. Bob and Scott thought that the red carpet was just for them! Yvonne poses by one of the smaller big rocks.

Bob and Scott were checking out all the different rocks.

There were so many vendors and different tents, you just couldn't see it all.

My questions was, "what would you do with these?"

There were also big slabs of rocks - some with fossils in them some without.

Bob meandering through one of the tents.

I thought this sign was funny. Is the table broken or is what's on it broken???

After we left the Gem Show, we went to The Old Pueblo Grill for lunch.

It was a great day!

SONORAN DESERT MUSEUM

Last Monday we were planning to go to Costco in Tucson when Bob decided we should leave a little early and go to the desert museum to see the flight show. We missed the Raven's, but I did get pictures of the Great Horned Owl

and the Ferruginous Hawk. We also watched a Prairie Falcon, but he flew too fast so I couldn't get a picture of him.

Looking out at the Avra Valley. It was a beautiful day!

Below is a picture of a seed stalk bolting up from a Palmer Agave (AKA Century plant); sitting in it is an uncooperative Cactus Wren. So to make the picture more interesting...

I photo shopped it.

On our walk around the museum we saw this Gila Woodpecker building a nest. Saguaro's are one of their favorite nesting sites.

The Barn Owl below was being shown on the glove by a docent.

Below: No they're not pigs! They're Javalina.

Another bird being shown on the glove of a docent: A Harris' Hawk.

Bob was reading the prehistoric history of the desert when I snapped this shot.

We had a good morning; went to lunch and made it to Costco without spending too much! ha ha. (we never go to Costco without spending lots - it's good we only go once a month or so).

OUR OPEN HOUSE

We had our second annual open house yesterday. Last year at the other house we invited about 24 people. This year we invited 46 and 41 came. What a group!! I was so busy visiting and giving tours of the new house that I forgot to take pictures -- Marg to the rescue. Unfortunately, she started taking pictures after half the people had already gone home. In the picture below, we are having a discussion about Boomer. People who have never been around birds are fascinated by him. They want him to talk, but of course he won't.

More pictures of some of the people in attendance.

It was too cold to set up the bar outside this year so we moved the car and set it up in the garage. Another reason we love the 2-car garage!

We had a great time. Lots of friends, food and fun! Right now we are re-thinking a third annual open house, but give us a few months to recover and we'll be rarin' to go!

CHRISTMAS 2010

Another Christmas under our belts! Seems like we just had Christmas 2009, and Christmas 2011 will be here before we know it. We spent Christmas Eve at Doc and Jean's. It was their first Christmas in their new house in Green Valley. Below left to right: Jean, Marg, Yvonne, Scott, Bob, Norm and Doc. Bob took this picture of the ladies:

So I took one of the gents:

On Christmas day we were invited to Norm and Marg's. It was our second annual Christmas dinner there. Below Marg insisted that I try her chair. It was comfortable, but I felt a little awkward!

Below, Norm shows his Christmas present. A beer holding holster (you can double click to get a better view in case you want to check it out more closley).

Below: The whole group.

Yvonne and Cliff talking at the same time (we all do that a lot).

Our chef cooking up the great steaks we had for eats!

Doc and Jean enjoying the mild weather.

The group of gals.

Marg gave us all gifts and Shirlie's was totally appropriate. It says " Sister Mary Margarita" after all Shirlie is known for her Margaritas, just not so much for her sisterly like conduct!

Scott taking a picture while I take a picture.

And finally dessert. Pumpkin pie and chocolate sour cream cake!

We had a great time with good friends and good food. Having had a successful Christmas 2010 we want to wish you all a very Happy 2011!!

YES, I'M STILL BAH HUMBUG

I couldn't decide if I wanted to put up Christmas decorations or not - I vacillated between yes and no for a number of days. I finally told Bob to bring in a few decorations just to make the house look a little festive. Well, we ended up putting everything out - tree and all!!

And Bob's palm Christmas tree too!!

So I guess this means that Santa is on his way?