Twas the Season

Every year from mid-February to late April is the high-season at the Casa. This is something that has occurred naturally and of its own evolution since our moving into our dream home back in November of 2007. The high-season in the tourism industry is the most active period in the yearly cycle and it seems that this time of year has become the busy season at the Casa. This year was no exception as we were privileged to be visited by friends and family once again.

Tim and Jackie

Tim and Jackie are officially, as of this year, regulars. They are old friends from Sonoma County and have passed through the Tucson area every year we’ve been in the Casa. They always make it a point to stop by for a visit. Their travels involve pulling a huge fifth-wheel trailer across large swaths of the country. Tim has a big diesel Ford F-5million and they setup camp over the pass on the far side of the Tucson Mountains then venture around the area visiting friends and relatives here in town. They don’t stay at the Casa but we can always look forward to a visit when they’re in town.

Marco and Debbie

Also longtime friends from the North Bay, Marco and Debbie seem to frequent Arizona in general and this year saw them splitting their week in the state between relations in Phoenix/Scottsdale and yours truly here in the Old Pueblo. In true wine-country fashion, they came loaded for bear with the fruit of the vine. We grilled one night and enjoyed good wine then Marco crafted his famous (at least to us) burgers a couple nights later with which we paired a nice zinfandel, or two. The weather was gorgeous, which is why we think we see so many folks from the north this time of year.

This was the exact moment Carolyn forgot she lived in the Colorado Rockies.

Jim and Becky and Lynn

Jim and Becky and Lynn flew into Phoenix to spend a long weekend at Spring Training in Scottsdale. They were there to see the Giants and this gave us the opportunity to get out of town. We drove up on a Saturday and met them for dinner and it was really nice to have the chance to get caught up. The next morning they drove up to Carefree, where we were staying, and we enjoyed a nice leisurely brunch. We all agreed that there just wasn’t enough time to really visit and we suspect we will be seeing Lynn here at to Casa for a stay sometime in the very near future.

Jim and Carolyn

Jim and Carolyn are dear friends from Colorado. The Lovely Gail and Carolyn have been friends for more years then we have been married, many more years. Jim and Carolyn now hold the much coveted honor of having the stayed longest at the Casa. The circumstances of their extended stay were less of plan and more a series of unfortunate events, however.

Jim and Carolyn. They insisted they had no intention of moving yet they left with a half dozen real estate magazines. Hmmmm....

Jim and Carolyn were the beneficiaries of a mid-90’s Ford four-wheel drive truck from Carolyn’s father; all they had to do was fly into Phoenix and then drive it home. They had also decided they would drive down to Tucson for an overnight visit with us before heading back to the Centennial State the next day. Subsequent mechanical issues, as well as process breakdown at the repair facility led to an unexpected and extended stay here in the Grand Canyon State. I think everyone agreed that there could be worse circumstances under which to be stranded and Jim and Carolyn’s warm spirit and soft presence made their stay very enjoyable. We have officially renamed the guest bedroom to “The Bentley Suite”.

The girls: The Lovely One and Sunshine. All smiles all the time.

Mom & Dad

Every spring my folks make one of their two annual visits to the Casa. They come down to feel the warm, but not too warm, weather and get a sense of what will be coming to northern Arizona in the next month or so. This year Mom took her tootsies for a swim from the edge of the pool and Dad made sure the patio furniture was in good working condition for the coming summer. Dad and I managed a couple household fix-it chores which then justified lounging on the patio most of the day. Mom, always nourishing her inner photo bug, snapped pictures of anything that didn’t move, and a few things that did.

Mom. The pool edge was a popular place this season.

End of Season

This year was probably the busiest season on the books for us. And, don’t think we’re complaining. We very much enjoy the visits and the company that they bring. It gets us out of our routine and often we do things or go places we might not have if left to our own devices. However, as we move into the hot season, and the snowbirds go north and the College students leave for the summer, there’s something to be said for quietness and routine. The summer will be on us soon, with its plus 100 degree days and stifling heat. With only the year-rounders left in town it’ll be slow and quiet. It was a good high-season this year, now bring on the heat!

Dad. All the patio furniture was certified suitable for safe use this coming summer season by our visiting patio furniture testing expert.

 

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