Blogs from Oro Valley, Arizona, United States, North America

Lola raised $162 and a check was mailed to Operation Smile!! Lola's Christmas Project Lola is our 7 yr old granddaughter and she has decided to mix her love of hot chocolate, cookies and socialization to raise money for children much less fortunate than she is. She will be hosting a 'Hot Chocolate/Cookie' Stand as a fund raising opportunity for 'Operation Smile'. Please stop by: 13006 N Eagleview Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 Monday, December 23rd, between 4-6 pm *if unable to attend, you can donate on line... read more

I'm up pretty early each day. Ken makes my coffee while I work in my pjs. It's quiet here and it's nice to have that...a great working environment. I did have Doctors appointments: Dentist- all is good. Dermatologist: 5 places were zapped with liquid nitrogen! One place (above my lip) has turned bright red; it looks like a cherry red birth mark....nice! Eye Doctor: had to reschedule because I have new insurance but haven't received my cards yet. I have all of the information but when the office tried to call to verify, they were closed (they are Eastern time). Monday night I made a great dinner. Monday night football-The Bengals, the Reds were playing too and Justen was off. I made a small homemade pizza appetizer, Grilled French Cut pork chops, Smashed cauliflower, twice baked ... read more

We got up around 7:30 am. We have lots to do today. I went shopping while Ken worked in the yard...cleaning patios, furniture, pulling weeds...we've been gone awhile. Afterwards I began cooking and getting things ready for tonight. It is Annie's Birthday celebration! I love entertaining, setting the table, planning the dinner. The Menu~ Appetizers and Cocktails: Frozen Pineapple, Lime, Raspberry vodka cocktails (all made with fresh fruit) Cajun Crab dip and crackers Parmesan walnut salad in Endive leaves Dinner: Romaine wedges with tangy blue cheese vinaigrette Foccaccia Bread Sesame Teriyaki grilled chicken breasts Roasted glazed carrots and parsnips Scalloped potato stacks Birthday Cake Pear and Dried cherry Frangipane It was a fun evening...we had appetizers outside in the back and then went inside for dinner. I love ... read more

We had a wonderful Birthday celebration for Henna on Saturday! The menu was homemade everything: deviled eggs, guacamole, salsa, margaritas, chicken enchiladas and yellow cupcakes with buttercream frosting. I know why people are willing to pay $3 a piece for a cupcake! I overfilled the cupcake tins; I made the frosting and attempted to fill these new plastic decorating tubes, so I could make my cupcakes look beautiful. Well, I discovered why I am not a cake decorator. It was frustrating trying to fill the tubes; I ended up using my fingers and a knife. They did taste good. Here are a few pictures.... read more

559 miles down, thanks to my wonderful husband who drove, and drove and drove. We are all settled in to our condo in Oro Valley, Arizona overlooking a beautiful golf course, rock garden and swimming pool. We drove straight into a thunderstorm that was loud but very quick and a big, fat Gecko was waiting in the driveway for us as we unpacked the car. The sun is now up and I am just sitting patiently while Jim smooths his feathers and gets his second wind. I love the desert and had no idea what to expect here in this part of Arizona. It is beautiful and I am looking forward to shooting some photos and exploring a bit while it is still daylight. I'm sure that tonight will be a very early night. I woke ... read more