Enjoying the Southwest

We have been so blessed by wonderful weather the entire time we have been here.   We wanted to make sure we walked everyday while we were here and so far have done that.    There are some wonderful trails, greenways, parks and outdoor spaces to help us enjoy our time outdoors.   We have some favorite places to go and each morning plan ahead so we make sure we get at least 10k steps by the end of the day.  Most days we get more than that.

This is one place we both rank at the top of our walk list.   It is right in the middle of Scottsdale but a beautiful path along 2 small lakes with housing (both big houses and condos).  As you walk further you come to golf course and the mountain view is so pretty.   Yesterday Vic captured this picture that I loved - he said, "Uncle Carl would be proud".....He claims that Uncle Carl is the one that got him interested in photography and taught him the basic techniques when he was very young.

These two pictures were taken on a walk in Birding area that Cousin Pat told us about.    It was a fun spot to walk and also Vic enjoyed the birds that he was able to see.   On Monday my sister and her husband from Tucson are coming this way and we will go to this place.

Don't ask me what the bird was these three were enjoying - I just thought it was funny how they have their ears and eyes focused on any birds they might see.

Another thing we enjoy is seeing friends we don't see very often.   My friend Sylvia was here with her mother and sister and agreed to meet half way for lunch in Old Scottsdale.   We talked for 3 hours and I know we could have gone on for more.    It was so much fun catching up with her life and her 2 boys after not seeing her for a long time.

Traveling out of the COLD!

One of the first things we did when we arrived in Santa Fe was go to the Farmer's Market.   I was shocked at what a great place it was.   This man was cutting fresh herbs and had racks of them ready to sell.  

The color was so pretty with people displaying what they had created!   This part of the market was outside and it was chilly that morning!

Here is one of the most beautiful displays of many different kinds of breads.   Since we were traveling I passed on these but wanted to load up!!!

These are grown just north of SF - have to be hot house but they sure looked good.

The next day we decided to walk Canyon Rd - we had done this at night a few years ago when Trish stopped through.  It was a lot of fun but I enjoyed going into more of the galleries and enjoying it with the lights on this time.   As we spent time with Pat we commented that she knows so many people - no one is a stranger, including the dogs.   This dog walked right up to her - like he knew she would love him!!!

Clafoutis is one of the best places to eat in SF.  This year Pat graciously shared her Christmas gift from Bev with us and we enjoyed it!    I had a wonderful quiche and salad.  Thanks Bev (and Pat).

Thought this was such a neat entrance to one of the galleries along Canyon Rd.   There are some beautiful Southwest photo opts everywhere you look in SF.   Thank you Pat for a good time with you and the Super Tour Guide that you are!!