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Last week, the Foto Fun Club went on a photo shoot to La Rienda Ranch. Yesterday, the members shared their favorite photos -- about 100 in all -- at our meeting. What fun! Here are the photos that I chose to share:
An interesting sky
Karin
Catalina Mountains
Jack, the Horse Whisperer
Pretty Red Horse
Fence
Backhoe
Hoses
I know that I have an odd sense of what's cool, perhaps, but I do have fun with my shot selection! These photos are unedited.
The deck is progressing and looking great. Jack (the same Jack as in the horse photo above) is a real craftsman -- very meticulous and accepts nothing but perfection. I'm expecting that we'll be done with the deck by Valentine's Day ... just a guess.
I'm working on getting to bed at a reasonable hour, and it's been a challenge. Last night I was in bed by 11, and tonight... it'll be after 11. :/ Anyway.. my goal is 10 pm to bed and 6 am to get up, particularly now that it's starting to get light earlier in the morning.
I'm feeling good, having lots of fun, and staying very busy. I'm going to be in the play with a small speaking role and singing in 4 different songs. I'm involved in the Computer Club, am Co-Chair of the Foto Fun Club, and I'm active in the Hiking Club. I'm going to be modeling in the Fashion Show this month. And, of course, I go to any party to which I'm invited. :D
On Sunday, I'm going to be meeting one of my MySpace friends -- Eric -- no.. not Eric Clapton! LOL! We're going to go to the Desert Museum, so if I come up missing, be sure that the CSI folks go after him! Seriously, he's a photographer and seems like a lot of fun. I'll let you know if my perceptions are accurate. ;)
This blue matches the sky today. The hike was long -- 9.4 miles -- but it was good. There was too much desert-tromping for my tastes, but there were good views, water crossings, waterfalls, and a couple of small hills.
I've been busy as a paper hanger with hives. Yesterday, Jack and I worked alllllll day long on my deck, making some good progress. We now have the beams all done and most of the joists in. I still have some nailing to do on some of the joists. We have to do rerouting of a water and electric hookup, building of an openable countertop bar to cover the utility boxes, nailing on the decking, doing the benches, and building the two steps.
Jack taught me how to do the toenailing of the joists, which wasn't as easy as it looks. And he had me making cuts with the table saw. I hauled wood from the front, piece by piece, and helped with planning and measuring. Jack's really meticulous and perfectionist, and this deck is going to be really sweet!
I was too tired by the end of the day to even go to the dance class. Jack likes to work from dawn to dusk, without even taking breaks for lunch.
I didn't yet mention the Computer Club dinner. It went swimmingly and I think the club ended up making a bit of money. The important thing is that we did it.
I've been finding that the only time I have to get online these days is... 10pm! And by the time I get done with my email, it's after midnight. I'm wondering how I ever had time to do any work!
Jim, you asked about making a safe left turn on a bike, from the right side of a 5-lane road. You need to make the turn from the left lane, just as cars do. So you have to maneuver your way over there. The preferred way to do this, because it's more expedient, if it's safe, is to check your mirror, do an over-the-shoulder look, and, if you deem it an appropriate time, you signal your move. Move then to the right side of the passing lane.
You still have one more move to make, and you do that the same way, bringing yourself to the right side or center of the left turning lane. If it is a left-straight lane, you want to be in the center of the lane. If it's a left lane, you can either take the lane, or you can be on the right side of the lane, if it's wide enough.
If there is lots of fast-moving traffic, you may want to make what is called a "box-turn." You do this by riding across the road and stopping in front of the lane that will be crossing the road, and crossing with the light, or proceed all the way to the crosswalk and walk your bike across when it's time. There are pictures and comments on this at this link.
A third option (in Tucson) is to make a RIGHT turn. Then make your way to the left and make a U-turn. Then proceed across the intersection. This works in Tucson, because U-turns are an expected thing here. As a cyclist, you don't want to behave in an unpredictable fashion.
Ok... bedtime for Bonzo!
The bicycling class was great! Part I was on Wednesday night, and it was classroom time. We learned basic rules of the road, parts of the bike, ... stuff like that.
Yesterday was Part II and we had to bring our bikes! For this part, we met in the parking lot at Udall Park. We began by helmeting up, and then riding over to another parking lot. Here we did various drills, riding in a straight line, looking over our left shoulder while holding a straight line, avoidance maneuvers, quick turns, and quick stops.
After some time there, we took to the road, riding in traffic! It was scary for me at first, because I've always been scared riding in traffic. But then, being part of the group, doing it right and seeing why it was right, I enjoyed it! We stopped now and then for debriefing and introduction to what we were going to do next. We did left turns from the far right on a 5-lane busy road, rode on a 2-lane narrow road with no shoulder, crossed a couple of very busy roads, all safely with no problems.
We rode to a sandwich place and ordered the lunch of our dreams, paid for by the City. Then we had a test, after which we went over and discussed the answers. (I missed 3 out of 30.)
When the class was over, we got a certificate suitable for framing AND a coupon for free stuff from the Ajo Bike Shop on the other side of Tucson. A group of us went there right away to claim our goodies! We got a $30 helmet (which I got before the class, and which I love!), a $40 bike lock, a $25 light set, an $11 water bottle, a nice air pump, a patch kit, and tire tools! Thank you, City of Tucson!
Today was warm, but cloudy. Our high was 67, but there was little wind. It was a perfect day for a photo shoot, and that's what I did. Today was our first group photo shoot with our Foto Fun club! We went to a nearby ranch, where we got to photograph horses, steers being roped, fences, and lots of other things. It was a fun day! I haven't looked at my pics yet, but I'll be posting some soon!This evening, I went to a bicycling safety class with 5 of my Village buds. I learned a lot. There is a 2nd part to the class on Saturday, and we will be actually riding our bikes in traffic. This makes me nervous, but, when we get done, we get a bunch of cool free bike accessories, including a helmet, lights, pump, a bike lock, and a water bottle. The class is free, and we even get free lunch on Saturday!I still have not gotten myself a new bike. I have an old beater that George (park manager's husband and a friend of mine) gave me. In the class tonight, we learned about how to be sure that our bike fits us properly, so that'll help me when I go shopping.
Some of my better thoughts come to me as I'm awakening in the morning. Others come when I'm falling asleep. But the best thoughts occur to me in the shower.
Remember when I said that we ought to write as if everyone we know were already dead? Some of you thought that meant that I had wicked ideas about YOU that I was holding back. Nope. The following is one of the things that I would write if everyone I knew were dead. I hope that it makes you laugh. If you don't know very well... you're about to know me better.
I keep a bar of Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado soap in my shower and another in my vanity drawer. Coincidentally, I use the same type of soap on my face and my .. err.. nether regions, hereafter to be called (I don't know what the kids are calling it these days) "my furburger." (LOL my spellcheck thinks that's a misspelling!)
So the bar in my vanity had gotten thin, and I retrieved the bar from my shower and stuck it to the vanity soap. But then, this morning in the shower, I was under the water before I realized that I'd forgotten to put a new bar into the shower! What to do?
I have liquid soap that I use on the rest of me -- two kinds, and I choose between them, depending upon my mood. I have Bath & Bodyworks Energizing Orange/Ginger, and I have Aveda's Calming Lavender. So I pondered. Does a new widow wash her furburger with an energizing soap? Or does she use a calming concoction? I opted for energizing! **insert tiger roar here**
Yesterday was hiking, and we did the Babat Do'Ag trail in the Catalinas. I left in too much of a hurry and forgot, of all things, my camera! But Jack took lots of photos and I took pics last year and... I know. No going back. Bring the camera, dodo bird!
I took my insurance refund check to the Credit Union to deposit it, and, since it was made out to Michael, I had to go back and get a death certificate to deposit it! Sheesh. The annoying thing is that the insurance co made it out to HIM to begin with. *I* was the one who had made the overpayment.
Ok, today's another day, and I'm going to go and live it!
Sunday was a good day -- a football playoff day, when the teams for the Superbowl were decided: Patriots and Rangers. So the Patriots get to play with a Manning, but... the wrong one! :(
I watched the games with Gary, Jan, and EL Nash. Pete dropped by, and so did Janet and Jack. Gary and Jan fixed a delightful salmon dinner and a good time was had by all.
I enjoyed my day today! It began with my sleeping in a bit. By the time I was done in the bathroom and getting dressed, and having breakfast, it was 10:00. I know that's bad, but hey... I don't really care, either.
I'm actually a little bit more organized than I was. Now I have a calendar that I keep on my fridge. I post things there, and then, at the end of each day, I check the calendar to see what I missed!
As soon as I got the blinds open, Jack was here to talk a bit more about the deck. He's getting set to get the materials. I think that we're going to get going on it this weekend. Getting us retired people to get any actual work done is sort of a job in itself!
Ione came over to go over some FotoFun Club ideas, and to see if I wanted to go to a movie later. Sure!
John and I went to American Home on a futile lamp-hunt, and I got home in time to get ready to go to the show with Ione. We saw Juno -- a great movie! We really both loved Ellen Page (Juno) with her flip but philosophical attitude.
After that, more lamp-looking with John. We found two this time, at Target. Dinner at In-and-Out Burgers and back in time to go to my ballroom dance lesson with Richard. It was fun, but I caught myself watching other couples and tonight I missed dancing with Michael.
I saw Jack, discussed tomorrow's hike, and we determined that I would drive and make the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
And then Tom came over just to say hi. It had been my first visit with him for a week, and it was fun to reconnect.
There are several Photoshop questions in my Inbox today, and I'm not answering them right away. I need a breather from that.
Kathryn, you asked if I still play the piano. I play at home, and I have another keyboard at home, which I bought to play with on the road. I had it all packed and ready to bring, but I decided at the last minute to leave it behind. duh. I miss it. I did bring my ocarina, though, and I've played it a couple of times. I've gotten very rusty on it!
I baked yesterday for the first time in awhile. I made a chocolate-pecan-orange torte, similar to the one that I used to make for my bakery. Today I enrobed it in chocolate-Grand Marnier ganache, and it was lovely.
I went walking with Maddy in the wash, and Dave wasn't answering the phone, so I called Becky! It was great to talk, since it had been awhile. The walk was a little chilly, but ... LOL not compared to back east! (I just checked, and it's 8° back in Bloomington! brrrrr! I guess I'll stop complaining about the cold here!)
So, by the time I went to Ione and Rob's for their party at 1, it had warmed up, probably into the 60's. We were in the sun, too, and it was lovely, food delicious, the people amiable, and the music great. Rob, Harold, Pete, Lloyd, and Neil played, and we all played percussion (tambourines, wood blocks, and eggs filled with sand!), and sang. I really should take my camera to one of our parties so you all can see (if not experience firsthand) the fun I am having.
Oh, and everyone loved my torte! :) It felt good to be back in the baking saddle again.
Last evening, I went out with Jan, Gary, and E.L.. These are the folks who are considering taking me along on their Alaskan cruise. E.L. has already asked another lady, though, so I'd say that my chances are not great at this point. Anyway, it was really a fun evening with lots of laughs and great food. We went to a Japanese restaurant where they cooked the food on a griddle right in front of us. I believe that the place is called Sakura.
Today I got up early (for me) and did my laundry. Ardell was there, and we enjoyed good conversation while our clothes went 'round and 'round.
After putting my clothes away, I went for my walk, taking Maddy to the Pantano River Park. It was a little chilly today, with the high getting only into the mid-50's, and a bit windy. It was sunny, though, so it was quite bearable.
I did some email and checked the goings-on in MySpace. I'm having fun with that, even though some of my "friends" look like police composites! Yeah, Annette, I have a couple of Greg friends. One is Greg from Chicago. He's currently #4 in my Friends listing. The other who's been writing back and forth with me lately is Gregor, and he's um... hmm... somehow he's not in my top friends, but he should be.
Jim, who wrote a comment here, is one MySpace guy that I write to pretty regularly. He is in Carmel, is killer handsome, and seems like a very nice guy! We're going to get together for a Handel's when I get back, but he doesn't know that yet. Jim, if you're reading this , now you know. And I'm thanking you for your generous compliments of my photos!
And then there's Dave, who's my #1 friend. He's *the* Dave, you know, from Massachusetts -- the one who's coming to Tucson on 3/2 to visit me! :)
I just looked through some of my MySpace friends' profiles and ... LOL I'm not in the top friends for most of my top friends. The goofy thing about the whole MySpace scene is that you sort of just trust that people are as they seem. And you have to know that some of the people who say that they're single aren't, and some who are single, aren't in a position to date... like me! I know that I'm going to get there, and I'm up front about that, of course, but you wonder who really isn't what they seem.
And it seems like such a rat race! The women seem so desperate and I am so NOT desperate. I just know that, when I'm ready to date, I'll be as busy as I want to be. I know that I want to be with someone -- I like being in a good marriage -- but I also like being by myself, and I know that I'm worthy of someone who's fantastic, self-sufficient, and sure of himself.
FotoFun met today at 4, led by Ione and me. We discussed upcoming photo shoots and meetings, setting the agenda for the rest of the season, leaving just a few blanks. Our first photo shoot is next Wednesday!
You may wonder what happened to my outdoor projects, and ... they're progressing! Jack and I are going to be building my deck, and we've been scouting prices of materials and tools at the home improvement stores. He's going to make a materials list tomorrow.
No, you don't have to worry about my hurting feelings or having to find all new friends! LOL and I couldn't think of anything to say about you, Annette, that you wouldn't like. You're a sweetie! It runs in our family! :)
I wasn't thinking about talking about people in a negative way at all. I was talking sort of vaguely about telling secrets about myself and fantasies and crushes... that sort of thing. ;)
Thank you all for the great compliments on my pics! I think that I could probably get something published in AZ Highways if I really tried, Kath! :P And Kath, I don't know if I'll be getting back into doing those things that used to sustain me. I've just had to shift gears during the past year, and... I'm not sure why my focus has changed so dramatically, to be honest. I've done a bit of photography and Photoshop, but I'm not feeling the energy in that direction, as I used to.
I'm watching HGTV tonight. I love HGTV. :)
Golly... no comments on all those photos that I posted for you? Remember how I love your comments! Click that Comments notation just below each post. I get an email telling me that you posted. You can post anonymously or you can sign your name, or use a nickname.
My day was good! I got up early (for me) and readied myself for the hiking trip. We met at the Fiesta Room and arranged rides. This was a special trip -- our annual trek to Tubac.
Jack drove me, Sally, and Herb to Tubac. There we met the other 40 or so hikers, and we strolled to Wisdom's down in Tumacacori, about 3.6 miles. The walk was pleasant and the conversation flowed smoothly.
I got a quesadilla and tortilla soup for lunch at Wisdom's -- delish! Jack reappeared with his car, and we all rode back to Tubac, where we had an hour of shopping.
I read someplace that a writer should write as if everyone s/he knows is already dead. We are supposed to just cut loose, without regard to others' feelings or our own reputation or relationships. Zow. I sometimes wish I could do that. There are some things that I could say.
What a pretty day today was! It started with my running a couple of errands with my friend Jack. We went to look at a bike and then got some shelving that he's putting into their cottage.
I did my walk in the Pantano River Park, and it was really windy, but not horrible. It was too warm for a jacket, but I did fine in my lightweight sweater.
After I got back, John came over and I asked if he'd gone for his walk yet. He expressed a bit of boredom with walking around the park, so I asked him if he'd like to go on a bit of a hike. We went over to Saguaro East, to the end of Speedway, and did a piece of the Douglas Springs Trail and Garwood Trail too. 30 minutes and we were back at the car. It was the first time he'd been to Saguaro East.. and gotten out of the car, so it was fun for both of us.
I got my mail (thank you Suzanne!) was happy to find a check for an insurance overpayment, and was dismayed to find yet another bill for the MRI from Yale. I do so wish that the insurance company would get their heads out of their butts and get that thing taken care of for me. I wonder how I get that done. I've called them a bunch of times, called the doctor who said that they had gotten it precerted, I even got a thing from the insurance who said that they had approved the charge. And then I get another bill. Sheesh. I'd just pay it to shut 'em up, except that it's $3000!
For dinner, I'd asked Pam, Mike, and Tom to go out to Red Lobster. But Pam was off hiking and Mike was going to wait for her, so Tom and I went. :) We enjoyed a delicious meal, splendid service, and fascinating repartee.
I barely made it on time for my ballroom dance class at 7. Tonight we did more Foxtrot and Swing, punctuated by turns and the Grapevine step. I was partnered with Richard, who lives across the street, and it was fun.
A bit of email and here I am!
Oh... and I promised that I'd post photos from the hike on Saturday. Here are the photos from the hike to Milegraso (or wherever we were):
Hikers:
Waterfalls:
Reflections of cacti:
Neat canyon formations:
We ate lunch on the top of this hill:
Leftovers from a Javelina's lunch:
Desert plants, including an ocatillo with leaves and flowers:
Shadow shots:
An interesting sky
Karin
Catalina Mountains
Jack, the Horse Whisperer
Pretty Red Horse
Fence
Hoses
