Temp this AM was 34, which I believe is colder than A2. I can feel your sympathy pouring out to us! The other day it snowed in northern AZ and they closed 17 north of Sedona, and also 40 around Flagstaff. Skiers would love it, but they can't get to the ski resorts. Wed it rained all afternoon here, and most of the night. We went to AZ Biltmore for a nice lunch, and walked around the place. Beautiful facility, but with rooms that start at $300 a night, we will stay there in the next lifetime -maybe. Saw signs in front of some homes in the area: "Mansions 4 Less" We did not enquire. Rode around Scottsdale "Old Town", but nothing screams old town like a sushi bar. Had dinner here at the hotel. Early bird special: dinner rolls, salad, filet, mashed potatoes and vegies, and ice cream for $10.95. Portions were small and the steak was better than Knights, but I suspect that a dietician would say that those are the portions most of us should be eating. May do that again tonight.
Thurs went to the Wrigley mansion and had a nice lunch before J took the tour. Who knew there was that much $ in chewing gum? Then off to another "Mystery Castle" Very funky!
Around the corner from our hotel is a park with a large Christmas tree, made of tumble weeds, sprayed white. Unusual, but pretty, especially at night with the lights on.
Other signs we saw in Tucson: "Come to cool church Christmas service" And a huge sign over the building: "No Tell Motel" - truth in advertising?
Weather is supposed to be better next week, so we will check out Monday and head for Sedona or Lake Havasu or where ever.
Happy new year to one and all. Hope everyone had a merry Christmas
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
12/28
We rolled into Chandler this afternoon and are staying at the Crowne Plaza in "historic" old town Chandler.
In Tucson, we decided not to stay at the Marriott Star Pass. Had Christmas brunch there. Good, but over priced. On the 26th, we checked into Hacienda del Sol, after J enjoyed another brunch of endless mimosas. Nice old hotel (not enough electrical outlets), and cheaper than Holiday Inn.. Spent the afternoon reading and exploring the hotel, which used to be a school for girls. Monday, J HAD to go to the miniature horse ranch, which also had dwarf goats. 45 minutes west of town, in the middle of nowhere. After we left, she complained that it was "dirty". Why my shift, lord?
That afternoon, we visited a glass gallery. Very nice.
Today we had a late breakfast (huevos rancheros) at Mi Nidito. Then off to Chandler. We drove around the Chandler Fashion Center, although I have a difficult time thinking of Sears as part of any fashion center. We passed the Heart Attack Grill, with an ambulance out front and a sign stating they were hiring nurses. Had to try it once, and J was OK, since she is the beneficiary of the trust. When we sat down, the "nurse" slipped hospital gowns on us and took our order. Burgers were 1/2 pound to 2 pounds. I opted for the 1/2 pound , and being a virtuous person, passed on the fries ("fried in pure lard"), with a bottle of water. J had a beer, and nothing to eat. Burger was OK, but the "nurses" were the star of the show. I don't remember nurses with uniforms that tight, low cut in the front, and slit that far up the bank (pink panties). Most of the guys were acting like teenagers, flirting with the "nurses" and getting their pictures taken with them. Been there, done that, no reason to go back.
In Tucson, we decided not to stay at the Marriott Star Pass. Had Christmas brunch there. Good, but over priced. On the 26th, we checked into Hacienda del Sol, after J enjoyed another brunch of endless mimosas. Nice old hotel (not enough electrical outlets), and cheaper than Holiday Inn.. Spent the afternoon reading and exploring the hotel, which used to be a school for girls. Monday, J HAD to go to the miniature horse ranch, which also had dwarf goats. 45 minutes west of town, in the middle of nowhere. After we left, she complained that it was "dirty". Why my shift, lord?
That afternoon, we visited a glass gallery. Very nice.
Today we had a late breakfast (huevos rancheros) at Mi Nidito. Then off to Chandler. We drove around the Chandler Fashion Center, although I have a difficult time thinking of Sears as part of any fashion center. We passed the Heart Attack Grill, with an ambulance out front and a sign stating they were hiring nurses. Had to try it once, and J was OK, since she is the beneficiary of the trust. When we sat down, the "nurse" slipped hospital gowns on us and took our order. Burgers were 1/2 pound to 2 pounds. I opted for the 1/2 pound , and being a virtuous person, passed on the fries ("fried in pure lard"), with a bottle of water. J had a beer, and nothing to eat. Burger was OK, but the "nurses" were the star of the show. I don't remember nurses with uniforms that tight, low cut in the front, and slit that far up the bank (pink panties). Most of the guys were acting like teenagers, flirting with the "nurses" and getting their pictures taken with them. Been there, done that, no reason to go back.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
12/25
Merry Christmas to one and all!
Well, I spoke too soon. J wanted to visit a mission church, built in the 1700's, located south of town. Beautiful old building, and well built: it remained standing when I entered. Then off to Tubac with its dozens of shops in the middle of nowhere. Nice day for walking around. We also drove through the Tubac golf resort. On the way back, we passed through a border patrol check point. They just glance at us and wave us on. But off to the side, they were strip-searching a car while they guarded the driver. After their fellow agent (who was from SE Mich) was killed, you don't want to mess with them.
Christmas eve dinner at McMahon's steak house.
Well, I spoke too soon. J wanted to visit a mission church, built in the 1700's, located south of town. Beautiful old building, and well built: it remained standing when I entered. Then off to Tubac with its dozens of shops in the middle of nowhere. Nice day for walking around. We also drove through the Tubac golf resort. On the way back, we passed through a border patrol check point. They just glance at us and wave us on. But off to the side, they were strip-searching a car while they guarded the driver. After their fellow agent (who was from SE Mich) was killed, you don't want to mess with them.
Christmas eve dinner at McMahon's steak house.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
12/22
People down here wish us a Merry Christmas, rather than the PC Happy Holidays. Being a non-pc person, I like it!
Sun we went to Hacienda del Sol for brunch. Not as expansive as in preevious years, and a few dollaars less expensive, but still very good: shrimp, prime rib, roast turkey, eggs, pastries, salads, etc. But for J, the best part was the endless, or bottomless, mimosa! Spent the afternoon doing laundry, reviewing architectural drawings for our place, and an offer to purchase Orville's home - which J accepted!
Mon some asshole turned left right in front of me. Fortunately, my reflexes and brakes worked, but we were inches from a collision - and that is no exaggeration.
Tues we went to 2 museums and a small mall. I think that J has now visited every museum and gallery within a 50 mile radius, so it is time to move on.
Wed (today) we went out Ajo Highway, southwest of the city, and found Tiny's Family Restaurant. One of those places you would not give a second look unless a friend recommended it. Much larger and cleaner than it looks from the outside, with a good burger. Sign out front: No firearms allowed.
Sun we went to Hacienda del Sol for brunch. Not as expansive as in preevious years, and a few dollaars less expensive, but still very good: shrimp, prime rib, roast turkey, eggs, pastries, salads, etc. But for J, the best part was the endless, or bottomless, mimosa! Spent the afternoon doing laundry, reviewing architectural drawings for our place, and an offer to purchase Orville's home - which J accepted!
Mon some asshole turned left right in front of me. Fortunately, my reflexes and brakes worked, but we were inches from a collision - and that is no exaggeration.
Tues we went to 2 museums and a small mall. I think that J has now visited every museum and gallery within a 50 mile radius, so it is time to move on.
Wed (today) we went out Ajo Highway, southwest of the city, and found Tiny's Family Restaurant. One of those places you would not give a second look unless a friend recommended it. Much larger and cleaner than it looks from the outside, with a good burger. Sign out front: No firearms allowed.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
12/19
Forgot to mention that, on the way to Las Cruces, we stopped at Hatch - the self proclaimed "Chile capital of the world!" The only thing there were thousands of dried chiles. I loved the aroma, but J had a problem with it.
Thurs we decided to visit old haunts, starting with Lodge on the Desert, where we stayed the first few years. Major renovations and additions. Had a nice lunch. It started to rain as we left, and continued the rest of the day. Our first rain on the trip, and the first here in 2 months. Elle, one of the places we liked, moved, so we visited the new location. Glass of wine and antipasto for an early dinner, and a cheese plate to take to the room.
Back to Mi Nidito for lunch on Fri, where I enjoyed a bowl of menudo. Dinner at El Corral, which started with a plate of rocky mountain oysters. They were no longer on the menu that last time we visited, so apparently I was not the only one who complained about their absence. Also visited a farmers' market in the PM. Took J to a shop she wanted to visit, and I parked in front of "Zinburger - a wine and burger bar". Must be good: they had a line out the door at 1:30 on Fri.
J got a massage on Sat and feels better.
Thurs we decided to visit old haunts, starting with Lodge on the Desert, where we stayed the first few years. Major renovations and additions. Had a nice lunch. It started to rain as we left, and continued the rest of the day. Our first rain on the trip, and the first here in 2 months. Elle, one of the places we liked, moved, so we visited the new location. Glass of wine and antipasto for an early dinner, and a cheese plate to take to the room.
Back to Mi Nidito for lunch on Fri, where I enjoyed a bowl of menudo. Dinner at El Corral, which started with a plate of rocky mountain oysters. They were no longer on the menu that last time we visited, so apparently I was not the only one who complained about their absence. Also visited a farmers' market in the PM. Took J to a shop she wanted to visit, and I parked in front of "Zinburger - a wine and burger bar". Must be good: they had a line out the door at 1:30 on Fri.
J got a massage on Sat and feels better.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
12/16
Greetings from warm and sunny Tucson! We arrived Tues, 12/14, and enjoyed a quiet day yesterday: not having to load the car and drive all day was a treat! We are in the Holiday Inn Express across the street from the Tucson Mall (River and Oracle), and had dinner Tues at the Cheesecake Factory. I was sceptical when the front desk suggested it, but it turns out to have a full range of food and drinks. Trying to eat sensibly, we had appetizers and none of the dozens of desserts! Went back for lunch yesterday and had large salads. For dinner, we visited our favorite local restaurant - Mi Nidito. Always a line to get in, and most of the faces are brown. And the food is as good as we remember. (Some of you will approve the fact that some years back, Clinton stopped here and ordered a huge dinner).
On Monday, we stopped for lunch at Sunset Grill in Truth Or Consequences NM (T.or C., as the locals say). Nice little place on a side street suggested by a local. Mon night we stayed just west of Las Cruces and ate at St Claire Winery and Bistro - very good food, and the wine was quite potable. We will back track later and visit some of the southern AZ cities on the way back, but after 3 weeks on the road, we were ready to beat feet for Tucson.
In Santa Fe, most of the locals pretend to be cowboys: "look at my hat, belt buckle and boots - I'm a cowboy!" Sat I was sipping a martini at the hotel bar when a local, wearing what appeared to be real working clothes (with goodly amount of facial hair) rushed in looking for an update on the Army/Navy game. We started chatting and he claimed that he used to teach at West Point - "unconventional war". Maybe - maybe not.
We check into the Starr Pass resort the 24th and 25th, and will return here through the New Year. Then back on the road.
On Monday, we stopped for lunch at Sunset Grill in Truth Or Consequences NM (T.or C., as the locals say). Nice little place on a side street suggested by a local. Mon night we stayed just west of Las Cruces and ate at St Claire Winery and Bistro - very good food, and the wine was quite potable. We will back track later and visit some of the southern AZ cities on the way back, but after 3 weeks on the road, we were ready to beat feet for Tucson.
In Santa Fe, most of the locals pretend to be cowboys: "look at my hat, belt buckle and boots - I'm a cowboy!" Sat I was sipping a martini at the hotel bar when a local, wearing what appeared to be real working clothes (with goodly amount of facial hair) rushed in looking for an update on the Army/Navy game. We started chatting and he claimed that he used to teach at West Point - "unconventional war". Maybe - maybe not.
We check into the Starr Pass resort the 24th and 25th, and will return here through the New Year. Then back on the road.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
More catch up
The drive north from Pecos was made interesting by winds, mini dust storms, and the need to dodge tumble weeds. We were amazed by the number of Chinese restaurants we encountered in TX and NM. The one in Pecos was actually good. The best part of Taos and Santa Fe is the beautiful scenery and vistas. We are north of Albuquerque tonight and I am glad to be back in a modern motel, with electrical outlets and spacious rooms. We have had great luck this trip with Holiday Inn Express, all of which have been newly renovated. And reasonably priced. Competition or economy or both? We left Santa Fe at noon and drove south on 14 to Cerrillos and Madrid. The former is an old dirt town whose claim to fame is that part of Young Guns was filmed there. Mary's Bar is still there. When J walked in, she asked Mary (94 years young) if she was open. "You're in, aren't you?" Then on to Madrid, where part of Wild Hogs was filmed. We ate lunch at Mine Shaft Bar - a great bar. The town motto is "Madrid has no town drunk. We all take turns." We also saw a sign: "Vegetarian. An old Indian term for bad fisherman"
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Catch up
$4 piss: as we approached Ft Stockton a few days ago, I needed to drain a kidney and the car was getting a little low on gas. After filling both needs, I noticed a few miles down the road that gas was $0.30 less. Hence the name.
Pecos had a nice museum of local history. Then we stopped at Roswell, which surprised both of us. Much larger and less tacky than we expected. Pop of 50k +/- and nice, but with its share of ticky tacky stuff. J hit 3 museums, including the UFO museum (could not find her family). 2 nights there at a motel that had wifi problems (blocked by the space aliens??). Then on to Santa Fe, with a lunch stop at Vaughn at a great old dinner - hamburger with green chiles! Started our tour of the capitol at the basilica, which surprisingly did not collapse when I walked in. A funeral mass was in progress, with a mariachi band in the background. We walked the plaza and 3 museums, including the Georgia O'Keefe. Had a very nice lunch at La Fonda, the off to Taos, where we stayed at a very old hotel on the plaza. It was a maze, with steps everywhere. Clearly, no one had heard of ADA. On the second floor, we had to go down 6 steps, the up several, then 3 steps to get into our room. Even in the room, we had to step up to get into the bathroom. Returned to Santa Fe today and took a 2.5 hour train trip in a 1922 car. FUN! Dinner tonight at the La Fonda was less than enjoyable, as we were treated like second class citizens in the dining room and bar. I'm too old for this shit.
More tomorrow
Pecos had a nice museum of local history. Then we stopped at Roswell, which surprised both of us. Much larger and less tacky than we expected. Pop of 50k +/- and nice, but with its share of ticky tacky stuff. J hit 3 museums, including the UFO museum (could not find her family). 2 nights there at a motel that had wifi problems (blocked by the space aliens??). Then on to Santa Fe, with a lunch stop at Vaughn at a great old dinner - hamburger with green chiles! Started our tour of the capitol at the basilica, which surprisingly did not collapse when I walked in. A funeral mass was in progress, with a mariachi band in the background. We walked the plaza and 3 museums, including the Georgia O'Keefe. Had a very nice lunch at La Fonda, the off to Taos, where we stayed at a very old hotel on the plaza. It was a maze, with steps everywhere. Clearly, no one had heard of ADA. On the second floor, we had to go down 6 steps, the up several, then 3 steps to get into our room. Even in the room, we had to step up to get into the bathroom. Returned to Santa Fe today and took a 2.5 hour train trip in a 1922 car. FUN! Dinner tonight at the La Fonda was less than enjoyable, as we were treated like second class citizens in the dining room and bar. I'm too old for this shit.
More tomorrow
Monday, December 6, 2010
12/6
Greetings from Pecos Tx, yall! They claim that this is where the renowned jurist, Roy Bean, held court. If memory serves, he said that he would give the defendant a fair trial BEFORE he hung him. We wanted to check out the museum today, but they are closed. So we will visit tomorrow before we go to Roswell and drop off J. The drive on 258 from Fort Stockton to Pecos is one of the most boring in memory. West Texas is beautiful, but it does amount to too much sameness after a while. And it is surreal driving through Texas, with temps in the 50s, listening to Christmas music.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
12/5
Tlaked to a Local the other day about our travel plans, and she has done something similar. Only, she calls them 'Huey, Dewey, and Louie" trips.
Route 10 is the only road I have driven where the posted limit is 80. And yet we saw a police officer pull over a driver who had passed us.
Route 10 is the only road I have driven where the posted limit is 80. And yet we saw a police officer pull over a driver who had passed us.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
12/4
Greetings from exciting downtown Ozona, county seat for Crockett County - approximately 350 miles east of El Paso. We found a brand new Holiday Inn Express at a very reasonable price, so we will stay for 2 nights. Catch up on e-mail, read a book, go for a walk, veg, etc. I have heard that civilized people do that kind of thing, not that I know many civilized people. We stopped for lunch today in Kerrville at the Y.O. Ranch and resort Hotel. Very nice, and I recommend it to anyone who is traveling in the area. J asked the waiter, who appeared to be about 12, for a bloody Mary, and he responded that he had never had anyone ask for one of them before.
12/4
Good morning from Boerne (pronounced "Berny") TX - just west of San Antonia. Drove around the LBJ ranch yesterday - a beautiful piece of land, and paid $2 ea for a tour of the house. Seeing the pictures of him, Westmorland, and the boys brought back unpleasant memories. Went out for a quick sandwich last night and got turned around by a Christmas parade. This AM saw refried beans on the buffet. Also say a tee shirt: I get enough exercise just pushing my luck.
Friday, December 3, 2010
12/2
Greetings from Fredericksburg Tx, where Adm Nimitz was born and spent his early years before entering the Naval Academy. When the locals bought his family hotel and told him they wanted to turn it into a museum in his honor, he responded that they could not use his name unless they also honored all the men he served with. He is quoted as saying that leadership consists of picking good men and helping them do their best. We need more leaders like him. I spent a very enjoyable hour in his portion of the museum, but did not feel the need to spend several hours recapping WWII. We spent the night in the Hanger Hotel, which has memorabilia of the war, including the music and the bar called the Officers Club. Orville would have loved this place. Lots of friendly people in the bar last night. Before we leave, I want to see the LBJ ranch, not that I was ever a fan, but history is history. Not sure where we will end up tonight.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
12/1 con't
J thought she died and went to heaven here in Gruene. Every store she entered yesterday offered her wine. As if a Ritchey girl needs a liquid enducement to buy.
I thought of Warren when I saw a tee shirt that claimed "I am a beer drinker with a fishing problem"
On the way out of Houston, we were stopped as a deputy got out to round up an errant calf. To give it a ticket? We don't see that in Mich very often.
I thought of Warren when I saw a tee shirt that claimed "I am a beer drinker with a fishing problem"
On the way out of Houston, we were stopped as a deputy got out to round up an errant calf. To give it a ticket? We don't see that in Mich very often.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
12/1
Greetings from Gruene in the Texas Hill Country. It was 30 when we got up and all the local wusses were complaining. At 4PM it is 64, and many of the locals are still wearing coats. Staying at the Gruene Mansion Inn in the heart of their old town. J liked the Martguerita (cabo wabo) at lunch
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
testing testing
just got my new camera and trying everything out on all of you.
yummy 5lb thanksgiving turkey! :-) For right now, having a bit of technical difficulties, will be posting one picture at a time...
Monday, November 29, 2010
11/29
We originally planned to leave Mich this week. But the weather channel was on at breakfast today, telling us that we made the right decision. We got out of Dodge in time. Em has off on Tues, so it will be another girls' day - and peace and quiet for me. Some "friends" gave me a book asking if I was a miserable old bastard. I have been reading it on the trip, and confirming what everyone already knows: hell yes, Fletcher is a miserable old bastard! We leave for the Hill Country on Wed.
Yesterday the girls ate at one of their favorite restaurants and brought beef marrow and steak tartar for me. My doctor would not like it, but those Irish Catholic types don't like a lot of things I like.
Yesterday the girls ate at one of their favorite restaurants and brought beef marrow and steak tartar for me. My doctor would not like it, but those Irish Catholic types don't like a lot of things I like.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
11/27/10
Emily took us to a restaurant in the middle of nowhere for lunch. One of those places I would look at and keep on going. Oysters - on the half shell and sauteed (for she who must be obeyed), shrimp gumbo, red beans and rice, jalapenos stuffed with crawfish, and crawfish bisque. For dessert: an oyster shooter. It don't git no better 'an dat!
Friday, November 26, 2010
welcome
this is just the beginning of our new blog be patient with us we're new at this but, thought this would be the easiest way for all of you to keep track of our activities.
we had a long trip down but it was worth it to see emily & randy. had a delicious dinner yesterday and will eat leftovers tonight. emily had to work today and half of tomorrow and then the girls will do girl stuff. the boys can do computer junk and watch sports.
jacqui & ron
we had a long trip down but it was worth it to see emily & randy. had a delicious dinner yesterday and will eat leftovers tonight. emily had to work today and half of tomorrow and then the girls will do girl stuff. the boys can do computer junk and watch sports.
jacqui & ron
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