Thursday, November 26, 2020

Thanksgiving Thoughts



I don't normally use Thanksgiving as the day to think about all we have to be thankful for. I already know that our life is good compared to many and I appreciate it every day. But this year with the pandemic and politics I woke up thinking about how grateful I am that we have managed to stay relatively healthy and are still able to get out and walk, hike and bike, although sometimes with a few more aches and pains. Just hope we can make it to the vaccine and get back to happy hours at the local brewery and gatherings with friends where we can hug and don't have to sit so far apart, go to dentist, doctor and beauty salon visits without worrying about getting COVID for the next two weeks, etc. We've made it this far so I'm hopeful! 

And now, some photos from new-to-us trails just on the edge of Fountain Hills at Adero Canyon. The trailhead has been closed for a couple years due to construction of a new subdivision and just opened a few weeks ago. There is a brand new trail along a ridge and several others that have been there a while so we've gone out there a few times to check them all out since they all have great views Now if we could just get some rain to green up the desert a bit.


















From the viewpoint after a 500+ foot steep, rocky climb in a little over a half mile. Not sure I will get Jim back on the Western Loop trail again any time soon.






This afternoon we have our weekly cat caregiver shift, so we'll be heading out soon to visit with these guys and more. Then it's our traditional vegan pizza and pumpkin pie for dinner later.

Teddy

Jim's buddy, Bellamy

Sinatra, another one of Jim's buddies

Sweet Amy won't be there as she got adopted recently

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and thanks for stopping by.




16 comments:

  1. Such a lovely desert! These times certainly call on us all to remember all we have to be grateful for. Sinatra is such a handsome kitty :-))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are many handsome kitties over there right now. We have managed to resist so far!

      Delete
  2. Thank you for sharing that trail and photos and those kitties with distinct-looking personalities :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, cats are funny and they are all different. Teddy is a love bug but a drooler, Bellamy loves attention but will bite if she gets too much, Sinatra is very laid back, and Amy loves people but hates other cats. We enjoy getting to know their quirks!

      Delete
  3. Happy Thanksgiving you two. I'll be hiking the Western soon if you will show the way...Jim :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe if you're with us we can talk Jim into it again!

      Delete
  4. Glad you Enjoyed your Thanksgiving.
    Moderate Hike with beautiful scenery.
    Too bad someone cropped Teddy's ears like that. His hearing will be severely compromised.
    Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It's about time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poor Teddy was neglected and had severe ear mites that were not treated, which is what caused his ears to look like that. He's had a rough life and now has kidney failure that requires fluids. He is a very sweet, loving cat despite his past.

      Delete
  5. Despite these challenging times, we do have a lot to be grateful for. Glad to know that you two are doing well. I love the photos of the kitties. I think Teddy is adorable, and reading what you wrote about him makes me so happy to know that he's being cared for and enjoying his life. 💕

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to hear from you, Laurel! I told Jim yesterday that if I felt comfortable giving Teddy fluids (I'm not crazy about sticking needles in a cat's neck) we might have to consider fostering him.

      Delete
  6. How nice to have such trails near by. You are so right about how lucky we all are to be retired so our job isn't in danger and to be healthy. Do you make the vegan pizza? I'd love the recipe. Wonderful kitty pictures. You really have will power not to bring them home with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really lazy on Thanksgiving and we just had an Amy's frozen pizza that comes without cheese. It's really good! When I'm feeling ambitious I make my own whole grain crust but haven't perfected it, then top it with tomato sauce and grilled veggies.

      Delete
  7. Yes, we do have so much to be thankful for despite the world situation. We, too, hope the vaccine is available very soon. I sure hope people are cooperative and we can all get vaccinated so we can get back to "normal." But I must say that life hasn't really changed for us. We have always been good at social distancing...haha! Your new hike reminds me of the Robles Pass area we did lots of hiking in while in Tucson. Nice to have new trails near by. Love the photos of the cats. Some real beauties. Nice to hear from you. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to hear from you, too! We're hoping enough people take the vaccine, but that remains to be seen. At least we will have a president who cares.

      Delete
  8. Happy Thanksgiving to you both. At least with Biden in the wings we know that true leadership is soon going to actually do something to make a difference in the US...it can't happen soon enough. How nice to have a trail system like that near by.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a lot of good hiking around this area, but not nearly as much as Prescott. We've been going in the afternoons now that it's cooler and have only seen a few people on the trails, which makes us happy!

      Delete