January is a Busy Month...

Santa Anna Humming Bird

Well, the festive season is behind us now and it is time to start planning out the New Year.  My way of thinking about it - is like starting a new page, new chapter or for that matter a book, changing what you don't like, doing the things that you've always wanted to try and doing more of what brings you joy!  We never want to leave things too long on the back burner, for one never knows what is in the "big guy's" book, especially when you are in the senior's demographic.  Even though I never think of myself being a "senior"; but I guess I am - OMG!!! Pinch, Pinch can this be true!! Is that why I can't spring out of bed like a bunny anymore...hummm.

Joe Henry Park

It remains pretty cool in the Yuma area, particularly at night and in the morning; accompanied by lots of wind.  Have heard many comments that this is one of the cooler winters for sure around Yuma as well as the entire southwest. I think I said something about this in last month's blog.  If the cool weather persist, no doubt it will be in next month's ramblings.

The winter vegetable crops are growing and really don't seem to be affected a great deal by the cold weather, in fact now some areas, just north of Cocopah RV, are being planted to grains, which means it is the last crop planted before we leave.  Gosh time is zipping right along.

Paul and I went to Joe Henry Park a couple of weeks ago, for yours truly wanted to 'try' and get a picture(s) of humming birds, they are such elusive little characters.  Not sure if we were too early but their presence wasn't very noticeable, and as luck would have it just before we decided to leave FINALLY a couple were feeding.  Managed to get in close enough to one to take a few pictures.  I've never been able to be fast/close enough to get one in focus.  We desperately need to get some feeders that attach to the window, that way I can hide behind the privacy glass in the 5th wheel and snap pictures till my heart's content.  Does that mean the window will have to be cleaned?  We took the girls with us to the park, they quite liked running about and smelling the new smells.

Chip Summey - Guest Instructor

This past weekend was the Clogging Workshop in Tucson.  Chip Summey was the guest Instructor, he is such an entertaining individual, not mention talented.

So first thing on Friday morning I headed out to Tucson and picking up another fellow (lady) clogger enroute. It was nice having the company, definitely shorten the trip.  Tucson is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Yuma. I was very excited about going and had been looking forward to it for quite some time.

 It was an extremely enjoyable time, despite the nasty cold that I had been dealing with for several days, prior to going.  I hope I didn't infect too many people while there. Shame on me!! On Saturday evening there were guest exhibition groups, showcasing their talents not to mention lovely costumes.  Definitely one thing for certain, it doesn't take imagination to see the fun these people have and their love of clogging.  There must of been 80-90 maybe more participants in attendance.  Unfortunately it was a bit dark and my flash just didn't reach that far, so some of the pictures tend to be darker than I like.   Definitely wished I had written down the name of the dances that the exhibitions dancers had performed.

Being put through paces.

Studying the Que Sheet

Duelling Banjos

Frilly Frocks

Colorful Costumes

Dazzling Red

Cool Tuxedos

Very talented young lady!!

Having never been to Tucson, was a nice treat.  It is a lovely city, not overly huge.  We were in just a very small vicinity of city, but from what I could see - I liked it.  Shopping would be great, lots of things to do.


 We returned Sunday afternoon.  When arriving home, I was ready to tell my DH about my experiences and  he was flat out with a cold, OOPHS!  He wasn't then and isn't now impressed.  The good news is, he is on the mend.  It just takes time.

On the way to Grandma's

New Shed

Have been busy building a quilt in the evenings and just finished the top last night, the pattern is called, On the Way to Grandma's.  I loved the fabrics, they have such a vintage look.   Will take it home and quilt it.  Now I will have to think about how to quilt it and next on the list of things to do will be making labels for the quilts that have been made or quilted over the past year.  Oh yes, have a couple of table runners on my list of things to do as well.

Sewing Cave

We built a larger shed and I now have a sewing/craft "cave" to do my stuff.  It is so good to be able to sit down and do stuff and not have to put everything away each night.  I can get so much more accomplished. I generally spend a few hours in the evening.  I have a TV, a satellite receiver, my apple TV and computer, so what more could I want!!! :-)) Paul put in the wiring and set up the shelves with the left over lumber, ran the cable from the dish, and with wireless one doesn't worry about computer cables etc.

Tools of the Trade

When we leave in the spring, the tables can be collapsed and our cart and other outside stuff can easily be put in side.

Well, I guess that sums up my rambles for the first half of January.  Not too sure what the last half will bring but we'll see.  So take care and until next time.... "dance like nobody is watching"!!!