Out and About

February is usually a busy time in the Phoenix area. National events such a a big golf tournament, a big car auction, and perfect weather attract a lot of people to the area.

And I like to try to avoid a lot of people in the same space.

But it is a perfect time to be out and about so I’m sharing what is going on in my little corner Arizona.

Nature

This past week I noticed the ocotillos were starting to get their orange blossoms. Which indicate snake season is upon us.

It really is a good reminder to watch where you are walking. Because we at the edge where city now meets wild desert.

And lo and behold. This little fella apparently just woke up and wandered (slithered?) into the walking tunnel.

He’s not a rattle snake, but I snapped a quick picture and let him on this way. Didn’t stay to visit much.

And this same fine day, I found the little turtles out sunning themselves at the park pond. They are so shy they slide right into the water if they are approached so it’s hard to get a picture. There are more than a dozen I see at any given time, but I got a picture of a few brave ones.

They are so cute.

Cooper’s Hawk & Paris Baguette

Evon and I share a wine club membership at Cooper’s Hawk. We have really enjoyed using it ourselves and taking our good friends with us as well.

The ladies who pour wine are SO nice and we have two favorites. Fallon was the cutie spending the afternoon with us this day.

Cooper’s Hawk has locations across the country and four in the Phoenix area. I’m sure some day we’ll let our membership lapse, but for now, this has been a really fun hangout for us.

I wished it were closer, but.

But! It’s in the same shopping center as Paris Baguette. After our wine outing, we wandered over for lunch at Paris Baguette which I had not visited before.

This restaurant is not pretentious at all. It’s simple and lets the menu items do all the talking.

Ummm, if they build one of these in my neighborhood I’m sunk for good.

Evon and I shared a baguette sandwich and may or may not have shared some luscious dessert.

I’m for sure getting my eating back on track next week. Or maybe in March.

Anthem

Deb and I met at the Ironwood pool in Anthem on Thursday. This picture shows the pool and our view of Daisy Mountain.

While we were sunning and hot tubbing, the golf course was packed with people enjoying the day.

Do people actually enjoy golfing? Everyone seems to complain about their game, so I’m seriously not sure.

What I’m Eating

The new sourdough recipe I’ve been making has really turned out well.

I sliced some as thinly as I could, grilled one side and we used as buns for the burgers hub grilled this week.

I made homemade steak fries as the side.

I know! My diet is out of control.

This blog is about real life. I can’t just share when I’m on track. That wouldn’t be right. So I’m sharing the warts right now.

What I’m Reading

I’m making my way through the Slow Horses series. Both reading and audio.

London Rules is number 6 and while I’m not through, I’m loving it.

If you’re not easily offended by gross characters, this series is a good one.

On this perfect morning, I crawled back and bed and read a little before grabbing my laptop and finishing my blog.

My happy place! One of many, that is.

Wrap Up

Thank you for spending some leisure time with me this week.

Tell me what is going on in your world. Plans for Valentine’s or Galentine’s?

God bless you and yours for a wonderful weekend.