From Cowboy to Arizona Adventurer

Over the years I have been fortunate to see much wildlife here in Arizona, sightings include Javelina, Jack Rabbit, Roadrunners, rabbits (the little guys), burros, countless birds, lizards and a Mountain Lion, probably a few I just can not remember.

Last night was a treat, coming back from a refreshing Prickly Pear Margarita, we were pulling down the street a little past 10pm, when at the end of the cul du sac a coyote runs out carrying what appeared to be a rabbit in it's mouth followed by two others. Fortunately my camera was still in the car, so I changed from Cowboy to Naturalist Photographer or (Arizona Adventurer). Well to continue, its dark they are moving all over the place and my camera is beeping (telling me that it can not see in the dark), so I change the settings to tell it just take a picture and began the round up. Notice I am not in cowboy mode, this is due to the fact I am not on the back of a horse but in  relatively red sporty sedan. Grace's streets are wide, ends in a cull de sac so here I am one hand on the reins (wheel) one on a camera. Remember I am in a very nice private community so there is no traffic or anyone to witness my heroic adventure, except Lisa. So at the incredible speed of maybe 5 miles per hour.

This is the entrance to Grace's front door, notice the glowing eye to the left, he is outside the guest bedroom

To relate the story in its entirety would be boring but I managed to wrangled these guys until I was able to take pictures. If I were a tourist this might have gone differently, by being a part time Cowboy and Arizona Adventurer I remained in the car to take pictures. This was due to the real cowboy from my horse back rides Paul, while giving us information something he said was in my mind at this moment. Paul stated "Those are City Coyotes, they will run up and grab your dog off the leash". The last thing I wanted these guys to think that the black object in my hand to be a small dog and eat my camera.

The weather today will be sunny and hot, Lisa and I are heading to the pool to relax and contemplate our next adventure.
NOTE: as you can see, The Brother Alan and Lisa are really enjoying themselves. And yes, at 11 PM when he came in from the round-up, I had to get up to see the downloaded pictures! Thank you for welcoming Alan to our blogging world. I have been trying to add him as a co-author, but blogger is not cooperating yet. So from all of us here at Horton House, thank you for your kind words and friendship.

From Commuter to Cowboy

There are times when you need to let go. Easier said then done, but let me share....

I am fortunate to have a good job, which takes me into Boston every day, the traffic is indescribable on some days but that was rectified by taking the train. Not glamorous but easier on the mind, an hour and forty five minute commute on a good day (2 plus on others) is replaced with a one hour train ride. Obscene drivers replaced by sleepy commuters, some of which are on laptops working. Me I read or listen to a book on tape.

But travel  2587 Miles or 4163 Km and I am a Cowboy, transformed from suit and tie to jeans with a Stetson hat and all, from alert and looking for what might go wrong to looking around and enjoying scenery, as you will see from the picture.

We went on a 3.5 hour trail ride yesterday into Tonto National Park, second largest National Park in the USA (Denali in Alaska is larger) outstanding views and a calmness of being on the back of "Woody" my steed. The views and quietness of it all was overwhelming at first but it soon became therapy. Woody is a Palomino, conveyor of people, therapist, sure footed as you will see in the next picture and protector. He patiently took me where I wanted to go kept alert sometimes stopping to identify a movement or noise. The park is full of wildlife such as Mule Deer, Bobcat, Javelinas and a Mountain Lion who lives right above his ranch in an auspicious rock summit. It is a female whom can be seen at times taking the sun looking down to the people who traverse her domain.

Yes I am slightly sore today but it is not enough to complain, like I mentioned I am a Cowboy out here. Peaceful day with a Wrangler for a guide (didn't want to get lost like a commuter) and Lisa who is happiest in a saddle.

To become this Cowboy you need to look at things differently, patiently and with caring. I have found the Wranglers (as they are called) enjoy the company of the horses, even the large Wrangler named Paul who was our guide continually spoke to his horse as if a child, a naughty one his mount was described to us by him as a "Knuckle Head" at times with a stubbornness. But with Paul's gentle but firm control he led us though and back.

The ride concluded physically only, because I can reflect on it at anytime feeling the warmth see the cacti and hear the stillness of yourself with a magnificent creature. Every bend introduced me to a yet different view, when you turn around the view you looked at is different, just like it is a different perspective. That this Cowboy will take back when I once again become a commuter.

As you know by now, this is poste by The Brother Alan. And before you ask, no, I did not take the ride this year...3.5 hours is a bit long for me...I can only handle 1.5 hour rides and not too sure about that anymore. Alan is now a co-administrator here so occasionally you may hear from him from way out in Boston. I am so enjoying having this guy and gal here if only for a week. More to come....

He is here!

Well all went well with the flight for Alan and Lisa. It was a day to relax and so

The Brother Alan did just that. Quiet day in the backyard and then on the lounger on the lanai. One of the things that has escaped Alan with each yearly visit is seeing a coyote. Last evening he and Lisa decided to go for a walk after sunset. Dennis armed them with a stich and a flashlight and we told them to be careful and stay away for the golf course. (just up the road from us) The returned all smiles and could not wait to tell us about the coyotes the saw...yes coyotes. They encountered 4 in all, 2 each time in our neighborhood. Finally, coyote sightings for them! Plans this week are open for them....day to day except for Thursday when they will be going for  horseback ride...a 3 hour ride. Today if Mr H is up to it, we may go to Scottsdale to the museum. If not, the car is available for them and they can go. It is so good to have Alan here. I really sound like a kid instead of a 70 year old older sister...but he makes me happy being here. They brought me something special...a blanket that belongs to my sweet great niece Natalia....so now I have something very personal from her. Will post about it more later. Well, dear friends that is about it for now. Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. I am sure you will be reading a post or two from The Brother Alan this week.

Oh happy day.....

It is finally Tuesday and The Brother Alan is on his way! ✈ So far the flight is on time. I finally have the house ready...I think 👏. We are having some light rain today, but it will not last (I hope). I love the smell of early morning rain....and the quiet sound of the rain as it bounces off the garden plants. Mr H and I did some yard/pond cleaning yesterday as it was a nice cool early evening. I suggested we take a break and I would finish early today...well, that is not happening with the rain!  Sorry they will arrive with rain but no matter, we will spend the time together and that is all that matters. The only plans they have is going up North for a horseback ride on Thursday. The microwave issue is resolved, we went to Lowes and pick one up. So that is settled but wouldn't you know it? I put the kitchen overhead fluorescent lights on this morning and one of them is not working...I can not change it myself so it will have to wait for Mr H. Always something. I tried to leave out some of my needlework to keep busy in early morning time..... and decided to work on the French Boutis project. It is a slow going project which for me is good to keep me relaxed and focused. (Mr H has not felt well the last few days). Well, it is time for me to have a cup of coffee and something to eat...toast I think with a hard boiled egg. I will of course keep you posted on The Brother Alan's arrival and most certainly the week's events. Thank you for the kind words and your friendship....have a good day.
#1 update: Left Chicago on time.....
#2 update: In the air making good time...status arriving early!
#3 update: The plane arrived 1/2 early to the gate here  in Phoenix.

It's Monday

Oh boy oh boy...it's Monday so that means tomorrow is Tuesday and that means The Brother Alan is arriving! Just in time the weather is cooling down...no triple digits so it will enjoyable to be outdoors. Preparations are almost complete...seems to be taking longer this year! Oh, and if I have nothing else better to do, the microwave seems to need to be replaced. Found that it has a place under the turntable where it is pealing and when I went on line to check safety, it says it is not! Oh bother 😒. Guess I am going out today to get one. Anyway, the bright side of things is that he is arriving tomorrow, and Lisa too.....big smiles....got to go now, things to do.