It's Gonna Take Some Time

 November 17 - December 4, 2025

Tombstone, Arizona

I wasn't fooling myself. I knew it would be so, so hard. But whew, this has been a very rough few weeks. Tessa is everywhere, and that is slowly becoming comforting rather than gut-wrenching.

Many thanks for the heart-felt comments on our girl's passing. 

The very best fluffy girl (thanks Jim B for this great pic).

There are a few reasons I've been thinking about trading in the Jeep. While I have to admit the absence of my fluffy pal riding along is a factor, there are more practical and long-term reasons it was time for a change.

When I pick up the new Maverick, we'll be a two-Ford home :-) It's the first new vehicle we've had as a couple, other than the Thor coach we lived in for several years. The little truck is a very comfy ride, all-wheel drive, and a hybrid!

It's nice to have gal-pals Rebecca and Vicky back for the winter. Also getting back to the crafts group every Tuesday has been fun. Nice to have new folks joining us.

A mile, cloudy day is perfect for exploring the large art and crafts show at the Tucson Art Museum (these are not Rebecca and Vicky).

The area has a lot of historic, colorful buildings, but on this day I'm drawn to the uncluttered simplicity of a quiet corner.

We do our part to support local artists, and give our feet a rest at favorite eatery, Cafe a la Carte.

I'm very glad to have the heat behind us for a few months. This is my favorite time of year in the desert. It's the season we always came to visit, when we put this area "on the list". 

Some changes jump out, others are more subtle. 

Cottonwoods line the San Pedro River and signal the seasons with the cycle of their leaves.

We didn't see the massive amount of rain they had to the north this Fall, but Tombstone did get a couple days of heavy wet.

A rare ribbon of white fog to the south.

Eventually it surrounds us before dissolving as the day warms.

The following morning it returns to the north as a large gray wall. It feels very Stephen King around here for a couple days!

Our skies continue to enchant.

Drama through the window.

A sliver moon at sunset.

The tall green grass of summer morphs into stalks of spun gold.

Very little changes in a small historic town, folks don't come here to see "new stuff". However, the community does strive to make upgrades, improvements and a few additions that the locals most appreciate. The little diner has reopened, a food truck is tucked behind the brewery, a mechanic has opened a shop on the main highway, much-needed paint is showing up on the exteriors of vintage buildings. 

Most welcome is the new Cowboy Coffee in a beautifully restored historic building across from the mine tour. Good ol' boys serving good coffee and fresh-baked pastries is a fine addition!

We hear them yipping at night, but a sighting is rare at the water trough. What a beauty.

Bill is doing fine. He had minor surgery that hasn't slowed him down thankfully. He continues to drive into Sierra Vista for clinic three days a week. Of course football season is the very best :-))

We'll have a small and quiet Christmas this year with the kiddos staying in SoCal and Jeff headed east to holiday with friends. I've decorated but held off on the tree so far. Sometimes memories take time to be cathartic. I'll get there.

There continue to be opportunities to smile:

It happens enough to have an official sign?

Elliott is rewarded for important things.

Cousins Mason, Oliver and Maximus are ready for the holidays!

Virginia family cuteness - Reese, Penelope and Magnolia share smiles with their folks.

Henry and his biggest fan.