June 25th.

It's been some time since we've talked. I have a confession to make. I am actually getting used to the 3-digit temperatures around here. Don't get me wrong. It's hot. HOT. But I caught myself questioning if it was too cool to go do some laps at the pool recently, and the temps were in the 90's. Can that be? It's unreal. But you have to understand something. It is truly sunny every day. A blue, cloudless sky. Every day. There is no Seasonal Affective Disorder here. So you don't have to exercise under less than ideal conditions. So swim, bike, or hike... you go out early and then hang out at the cafe for breakfast. And possibly head to work for the afternoon. What is this dream? Does it have to end? Sadly, time will tell.

So now the talk is "when is the monsoon coming?" I have only a faint idea of what that means. I hear it is dramatic and fierce and cooling. June is the hottest month on record each year. People love the monsoon. I hope I do too.

My job at the U of A is fun and exciting. It is cranking up and on its way. I truly hope it survives the November election. It is good for the future of this state. But not everyone sees money in the same way. So I am considering other options, and I have a couple of things in the pipeline. One is an outdoor guide at a local famous resort. A hiking and biking guide. I like that. Actually, I'd love that. We'll talk again soon.

a walk along the bike path from outside my door

It's a really pleasant evening tonight as the sun sets and the moon (almost full) is high in the sky. The temp is in the 70's. The bike path adjacent to my apartment is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Catalinas are the backdrop with blue sky behind. Within walking distance there is an intramural softball game going on next to a pick-up basketball game. Dog parks are along side... one for big dogs and one for small. Liking it.

biking, a little work, and the symphony

Lisa and I climbed Mt Lemmon today, our second time this week ... to Seven Cataracts, which is the furthest Lisa has climbed so far! It is beginning to feel good to me. Just going the distance and not fretting it. It's always a good workout. Descending is getting a bit easier... but to see some of the cyclists come down so fast is incredible. Their 1" tires are screaming down the pavement. You can hear them coming even before you see them.

Then I came home and made a very nice lunch of marinated salmon (yes, I took a chance in the desert), broccoli, and couscous with raisins, almonds, onion and honey. And then I went to work. On-line proficiency testing consisting of scoring and administration of the various standardized assessments. All my fears were for naught. I did great. Ready to move on!

My reward was the free outdoor symphony at Udall Park tonight. The weather is always good, and once the sun goes down, the temperature is delightful. Tonight was the Arizona Symphonic Winds with a special violin concerto. Fabulous! I have not heard a violin solo like that ever. So I expect I will learn a great deal about the symphony before the summer ends.

NBA afternoon

no boys allowed for the afternoon showing of the movie "Nine" at a friends house. Huge tv screen in a gorgeous home on a hot sunny friday in tucson. Snacks and wine and female conversation. Very fun! What a life.

the lovely evenings in the desert

I am still amazed by the beauty of the mountains and the desert landscape. Tonight, I attended an art exhibit at the Tohono Chul Park; an oasis within the city. It is their 25th anniversary, so they had drinks and appetizers and free entrance to their living museum. There are pathways to various botanical gardens outside, and the art exhibit inside. Many local artists are shown, and high schoolers entered a competition for first prize by creating drawings and paintings in various categories. My favorite category is the colored pencil. Crisp and clean, colorful original drawings. Fabulous entries by teenagers.

On my drive home, the sun and the shadows on the Catalina Mountains are simply gorgeous. Just beautiful and mesmerizing at this time of day. A lovely evening in the desert.

So now that the sun has set, I can open my windows again and feel the westerly breeze blowing in. My natural air conditioner after a hot, sunny, cloud free day.

I almost forgot to mention that I began the day with a 6 mile hike to Blackett's Ridge. This hike is a steady climb of 1700' and 3 false tops to a pinnacle with 360 degree views of canyons and mountains as a reward for your efforts. Truly the trail ends there as there is nowhere else to go. A nice day.

5/17/2010

I guess I can't leave it at egg coddlers, right? Okay then. Today was a nice success story for work. I had another practice assessment to do. I scheduled the morning with a father and his 4.5 yo son. When I met them at the preschool, the kid was clinging to Dad and crying that he did not want to do this. Great. But Dad persisted, so then I took over. Soon he was laughing and feeling good about his success with the games and tests. He did really well and had fun. Smart kid. I got him! And I got my practice assessment. Maybe the trainees can move forward now?

Who knew about egg coddlers?

After Lisa, Jerry and I climbed Mt Lemmon and then had our mid-morning double espresso, I found an estate sale at the base of the mountain. I stopped in, and although most items had been sold, I found 2 porcelain egg coddlers for $3. I had a couple of bucks in my pocket so I took a chance. I came home, found a recipe and cooked up two eggs. What a surprisingly tasty little package of protein! Have you ever cooked with egg coddlers? Who knew?