An year is ending, a new, beginning

No photos to share since I am writing this on my new laptop and haven't added any photos since a) the Christmas holiday passed and b) I finally am recovering from the nasty virus going around town (and Kellond School, where I volunteer and suspect I picked up the bug).

I read on FB that the Secret Society of Happy People listed their 10 Happiest Happenings of 2013.  Just off the top of my head, here are mine--what are yours?

1.  Christmas Eve at Aron and Laura's with Izy and Lynette.
2.  September's Long Beach visit for my aunt's 100 birthday party.
3.  Same trip, with my cousin Craig and his wife Lynn, for an all day visit at the Getty Villa.
4.  Taking Izy to one of the last Sidewinders' Baseball game, taking Izy to "Frozen"; hey, just taking Izy anywhere.
5.  Father's Day with both dads, Aron and Laura at Hacienda Del Sol where Aron is banquet chef.
6.  Several day trips to Mt. Lemmon
7.  Bed time reading with Mark and Gray, who curls up on Mark's legs or mine, seemingly depending on Gray's mood.
8.  Afternoons alone or with Mark or a friend at my favorite Starbucks, River and Campbell.
9.  Happiness Community Conversations at Oro Valley and Main Libraries.
10.  Waking up each day, pain free, hopeful and ready to learn/do something--new or familiar; it really doesn't matter.

Hey, I still have to list:
11.  Book signings at Starbucks and Mostly Books.
12.  Handling my first and second self-published books.
13.  Visits to the Tucson Botanical Gardens
14.  Visits to the Phoenix Art Museum
15.  Surprise invite to see ATC's "Xanadu".
16.  2nd Saturdays, Downtown Tucson
17.  Summer Diamondbacks Game
18.  Downton Abbey, Elementary, Sleepy Hollow, Parks n' Rec, Raising Hope
19.  Rereading "Mary Poppins", "Alice in Wonderland", "Alice through the Looking Glass"
20.  Walking with Mark on Mountain Ave., along the Rillito, around Reid Park
21.  Working with 3rd grade readers at Kellond School

okay, that's it for now--but this fun to do.  Hope you try it, too.

Casual dining at Hacienda del Sol

One of the many things I enjoy about Tucson, even in the summer (and maybe especially so), is the way our culture blends fine dining with casualness.  Hacienda del Sol (where our son is banquet chef) is one of the most delightful places to experience this "Tucson blend."  The elder-dads were eager to go there and partake of one of the restaurant's summer specials:  sonoran hot dogs (served with beer and choice of salad or fries).  Aron told us that a great deal of tasting time by the crew and owners went into the culinary decisions of which toppings and what kind of bun would go with the offering.  Before enjoying the entree, we ordered chips with fire-roasted salsa (the best I have tasted in a long time--really thick and balanced with sweet and spice) and home-made guacamole and hummus and pita.  My dad summed up his food review with "this is one good, juicy dog!"  And that's high praise from a man who grew up with Chicago "dogs."  The combo of black beans and bacon is what makes this variation unique and I recommend others to go to Hacienda and enjoy a sunset with your entree.  Whether you are wearing flip flops and jeans or a silk black dress and heels, you will be welcomed at the door, seated with grace and served with attention to details.  And, oh yes, the food is great and this summer the price is Tucson-affordable!

Hummus and pita

Salsa, guac, and chips

 

Two choices with the "dogs": my dad took the fries

 

Mark's dad took the salad: