Wow! The photo above is typical of the last 2-3 months here south of Tucson. The summer monsoon rains have turned the desert a gorgeous green. These are the Santa Rita mountains, with the iconic Elephant Head mountain framed by downpours on each side! Mount Hopkins is the tall peak on the right, and is well known for being the site of the Whipple Observatory sponsored by the Smithsonian. The next tall mountain to the left of it is Mount Wrightson, tallest peak in the Santa Ritas. To the left of Elephant Head where the smaller storm is falling lies Madera Canyon. The canyon is world famous for being one of the best birding spots ever. Supremely beautiful mountains, and we feel very privileged to be able to see them every day!
We've settled in very nicely, and our work on the townhouse is about done. It has a completely different look now, and we love it even more. Our kitchen below:
The kitchen walls were stark white, white cabs, old white appliances. So, thankfully I am married to a painter! Walls are now a lovely Tucson Tan, and strawberry red. A quartz countertop replaced the PINK one, and the appliances (except the microwave...budget was empty) are stainless. The cabs are a wonderful black that sets it all off perfectly.
The dining area has another accent wall, a great oil painting by a New Mexico artist, and all my little things from "home" on my bookcase from "home"! The patio is being used by my sister, who has arrived from Normal, IL. She's already found a house about 10 minutes away, soon to move in.
Steve and I have joined the Lapidary club, and I'm taking classes in Lapidary and silversmithing. Steve is golfing a bit, and signed up for a ceramics class. I also have agreed to teach a bronze/copper jewelry making course or two.
The hardest part is over now. We're here, we love it, and we're staying!!!!!
