Way Back When July Ended

 July 27 - August 12, 2026

Tombstone, Arizona - Silver City, New Mexico

First off, all is okay here. Other than a severe case of lack-of-motivation-to-write-a-post, things are fine. Given the amount of time I've let slip away, I'll include the highlights over a few weeks since the last post. 

At the end of July I'm really grateful to get a call from our number two, Bill's number one, Nick. He's coming to visit and offers to take care of his dad so I can get away for a couple days. Our number 6, Bill's number 4, Richie joins his brother for the weekend. Jeff and I make quick plans for a weekend in Silver City, NM. It's still hot and the higher elevation of this little mining town just 2.5 hours away seems perfect. 

It's a pretty Saturday drive (I'm more impressed than Jeff is), and we arrive earlier than check-in. I'm in the middle of several weeks of gut pain and discomfort which is SO unfair because I'm in New Mexico and can't eat any green chili or anything tasty :-( But we find food and kill some time in the old town area. 

I'm sad to say it is not the bustling shops and eateries that Bill and I enjoyed in 2021. We were here during COVID and there were more open businesses and more people. Still the cooler temps make it nice for walking around. It was 112 when I was in Tucson two days before our weekend in Silver City where it's 89.

The historic plaques are well done.

Some places still represent the prosperous late 1800s when the silver and gold mining was at its peak.

We're both happy with the little house in the sketchy neighborhood and settle in for a quiet afternoon and evening. The back porch is perfect for the thunderstorm and reading our books. Jeff got me Ann Patchett's Whistler, which I enjoy so much that when we get home I start increasing my "real" books collection. I've been all Kindle and audio for many years.

The vintage cabin was moved here years ago by the family of the single mom who now owns it with her daughter. They've done a lovely job of making it very homey.

The covered back porch has this great swing and a table with a couple chairs to enjoy the fresh air.

Lots of comfy space.

Sunday morning we hang out at a great coffee house - books, chess, coffee, pastry, atmosphere. Later Jeff opts for a day at the house and walking the area while I head over the hill to the Mimbres Heritage site that is hosting the small Hummingbird Fesitival. I spend a couple hours, it's a peaceful place with interesting history and friendly people. Being in town we can have dinner delivered and just chill. I finish the book, what a treat.

Tranquil Buzz is my favorite kind of place to get comfy with a random book and a hot drink.

Jeff plays himself. Says he wins.

There's also a unique outdoor space that reminds me of mountain lodges.

Aside from the big mining operation, it's a pretty little drive.

While it's definitely cooler, I'm shocked to find a couple patches of snow!

The pastoral Mimbres Valley is surrounded by green foothills. So peaceful here.

The heritage site is one of the nicest I've seen. A small area with excellent information provided in multiple ways.

In addition to signs showing the physical location of the featured structures are information plaques with floor plans.

Most impressive and informative are these 3-D relief models at several of the sites.

 A small and well done visitor center with friendly staff who are busy answering lots of questions.

I didn't get any photos of the few artists' tents where I bought a pretty gourd piece and some hand painted book marks (preparing for those real books I'm going to get!).

On the return drive the boys check in that they have dropped their dad off at dialysis and are headed home. It was a good visit for the three of them. It's a long drive twice in three days for them, and I'm so appreciative of their effort.

A few years ago fellow-blogger Gay and her hubby Joe moved to nearby Vail. We've met up with them at a mutual friends' home and in Bisbee for lunch. But I've not seen their casa nor met their sweet furbaby Lucy. On my way to an appointment in Tucson I remedy that! Their home is lovely and I'm so so happy to see them after way too long. Lucy is a delight and is my first doggy-fix since losing my own sweet girl. I soak up all the kisses and cuddles (Lucy), and wonderful conversation (Gay and Joe), and as always the time flies too fast. I will be back for more!

Just what I needed.

Stunning southern skies.

I've mentioned before what a variety of reading, listening and experiencing is offered by our Sierra Vista library. In addition to all we enjoy inside is their small but nice grounds. It's a pretty place to take a short stroll on hot days.

Either new or I just haven't seen them before (most likely) are several critters hiding along the walls and fences.

We've had a lot of this all summer. Within 30 minutes the ground is barely damp.

You can hear the grass and weeds growing to knee high over the whole yard.

Multiple shades of green from valleys to the tops of all the foothills and mountains.

Elliott (kindergarten) and Ezra (6th grade) head back to school on Ezra's 11th birthday. Too old too fast!

The plan (bwahahaha) is to get caught up with a few more posts.