A contradiction for sure...........

Snow in the Tucson desert is rare, depending on the elevation.....

Last night we had a lightning and rain storm; usually a welcome sight when you live in the desert and it hasn't rained for a while. Surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson can also get measurable snow if you live at an elevation above 4000 ft. We live at about 3000 ft, so a dusting of snow is a common occurrence and just enough to blanket the golf course in the early morning, but certainly gone as soon as the temperatures rise to the 70's by noon....... Mother Nature giveth and taketh away. Beauty without the nuisance of shoveling.

In his Arizona kitchen, and just loving it!

Chef Donaldo.......

When it comes to the kitchen, this guy rules! Nothing makes him happier then when he’s chopping, peeling, sautéing, and especially tasting. And…….he does most of the clean up too. A gal couldn’t be more thankful for all the hours this guy spends in a kitchen, whether it’s in Salem or in Tucson. While Ada might have done the shopping, planned the menu, set the table and hoped to manage the whole production, Donald is in his groove behind this counter. And after the feast, Donald will surely be content in his easy chair with a new 1000 page book Ada bought him yesterday while she watches three NFL games in hopes of maintaning her first place position on her Fantacy Football team. And just maybe, there might be a walk around the golf course to make room for dessert, as on Thursdays you get to “Walk on the Wild Side”. A term golfers have for non-golfers who dare to walk the course during open play.

However you spend your holidays, Don & Ada wish everyone a great Thanksgiving; one we surely celebrate for the truly blessed lives we enjoy, and for all the friends and family that we might not see this day, but are in our thoughts always, and especially today.

This never gets boring................

Tucson weather for the week and for as long as they can predict, is heavenly, heavenly heavenly. Approaching from the north upon arrival last week, we did hit colder weather and a bit of snow in Show Low, AZ., but now that we are in Tucson, this is how it's going to be for quite some time. Early morning walks and after sunset temperatures can differentiate by 30 to 40 degrees, but refreshing just the same. Are you ready to hop a plane and visit?

Arrived Arizona to find these guys moved in.......

Cute, but being evicted. Humanly, of course.

Arrived Az. to find these guys have been having a good old time in the back yard........ Usually hiding under a spoon cactus, they burrow underground hoping to stay out of sight from larger varmints on the lookout for them. Sorry guys, but you've got to move, especially after you chewed on the drip system, burst the water line and flooded the yard. Start packing!

Meet & Greet with Alan Jackson.........

Star struck.........Ada & Alan Jackson

A superfan, Ada has always wanted to meet her Country Music idol, Alan Jackson. While her sister would be considered an AJ stalker, Ada thought, maybe someday she would have an opportunity if she just passed through Nashville enough times. We’ll, this trip through Nashville, TN on her way to Arizona, an opportunity, or fate, made it all possible. Of course, snooping around town and making friends with the locals helped. (You just have to hide that Boston accent, especially after the Patriots shellaced the Titans a few weeks ago 59 to zip..)

Ada and all the other country music fans coming to Nashville during CMA Week had the opportunity to meet Alan Jackson at a new attraction – a temporary Cracker Barrel Old Country Store retail shop, right in the middle of downtown, at lst & Broadway. A one-week-only attraction; it opened November 7th and continued til the 11th. It featured the newly released Alan Jackson Collection. (A new album and a whole host of products from calendars to coasters.) The highlight of the week for Ada & Don was the in-store appearance by superstar Alan Jackson on Tuesday, November 10th, where purchases could be autographed and a photo taken with “the Man” himself. Who cared that we had to get up at 5am to get one of the 300 tickets available for the Meet & Greet……… For sure, sleeping is so overrated!

Almost residents...........
Another year filled with special guests having a great time in our fascinating City, Ada & Don can’t believe how fast the season has flown by. And while Halloween has it’s own excitement, somehow people seem to find the true essence of Salem, beyond the carnival atmosphere that seems to prevail in October. Repeating guests, Carl & Barbara are two of those folks that have fallen in love with Salem and just can’t get enough of it. We are glad to recognize and enjoy their company as our last guest of the season and look forward to seeing them again in 2010 for their 4th Halloween retreat with us. For sure, we will be rolling out the fun carpet!

Driscoll Wins, Salem Wins! Let's Party

Celebrating Kim's victory, Theresa's birthday, and Ada's freedom

Rich the Finance Guy & Two Driscoll cheerleaders

It was a long day (7am to 8pm), but well worth the results, and the Election Day party gave everyone the chance to let loose and celebrate Kim's victory and leadership for four more years. It also seals Ada's "Girl Thursday" volunteer job at city hall with Jen, Jason, & Kim; a never boring diversion from her B&B chores. Although Ada will miss her friends for a few months while she and Donald travel to Arizona for the winter, all will be in good hands with Mayor Driscoll in the corner office. Congratulations to her, and all the other candidates that ran for public office. Campaigning is hard work, but the real work begins when the phone starts ringing with constituent concerns. For now, let's just enjoy the moment!