"Hiking Sabino Canyon"

Yesterday, with beautiful weather in the mid 70's, I took time out to hike Sabino Canyon, which is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Residents and visitors alike find Sabino Canyon a popular recreation area that provides a place to walk, hike or even ride a tram, or for some push a stroller. Wildlife in the canyon includes deer, javelina, skunks, tortoises, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and a great variety of bird life.

"Cool Arizona Nights!"

Tucson, Arizona is located 2,467 feet above sea level. The city is located at 32.23 degrees north latitude and 110.92 degrees west longitude. Like all desert climates, cooling can be quite dramatic during the evening and night hours, especially as late fall and winter approaches. Tucson is no exception and this week the evening temperature has dipped down into the 30's with frost warnings. With that, flowers and herbs have needed to be covered most evenings. An added enjoyment, however has been gearing up using my outside jacuzzi. With the low light ordinance in Tucson (due to observatories) shooting stars, and even space stations are quite prominent as they move across the sky.

The rest of the United States returns to "Standard Time."

Unlike other states, only Arizona and Hawaii do not observe "daylight savings time." The only exception is on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, where "daylight savings" time is observed. I'll never forget the time that I was late for an early school meeting on the reservation due to this peculiarity. Thus, all states during the second week of November join Arizona on their respective standard time, Arizona being on mountain standard time.

When the sun was setting this past evening, the sunset was spectacular as the last rays of the suns settled on the red tile roof of my home. How beautiful!

"Happy Birthday Charlie Daniel!

Charlie Daniel, my grand nephew, arrived on October 23rd, at 2:10 AM in the morning. Charlie was a whopping 10 lbs 8 ounces. Both mom and Charlie are doing fine. What really is nice is that Charlie was named after his great-grandfather, my father, who I know would have been very honored by the gesture.

"Le Mars, Iowa, Home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream!"

Here in Tucson, my favorite ice cream is Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Perhaps I'm special to this brand partly because of my family roots to this small town in Northwest Iowa.

While doing genealogy work their this week, I visited the Blue Bunny visitor's center in Le Mars and took a number of photos which are shown in this blog. I've also provided a brief thumbnail sketch of the origins of ice cream which I found interesting. Seems that Marco Polo discovered much on this trips to the Orient!

Americans’ love affair with ice cream is centuries-old. The origins of the frosty treat reach back to the first centuries B.C., when, as the story goes, ancient Persians and Chinese stored ice to serve it with honey, rosewater or nuts. Furthermore, during Roman times, emperors sent their runners for mountain snow, which was then flavored with fruits and juices and enjoyed.

Legends about ice cream’s history abound: In the 13th century, Marco Polo brought the first ice cream recipe to Europe after his trip to the Far East, and the Italian royalties fell in love with the dessert. Italian Princess Catherine de Medici brought the treat to France when she married King Henry II. In England, Charles I paid his cook a handsome sum to keep the recipe a state secret.

Most of these tales cannot be supported. Yet, it is true that over time the ice cream recipe evolved and spread throughout the continent. In the 17th century, the dessert became publicly available in Europe, and it is believed that in the 18th century the recipe crossed the Atlantic with European settlers.

Official records in the New World indicate that presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson developed a sweet tooth for ice cream. By 1813, ice cream became a state dish and was served at the second inaugural ball for President James Madison. As restaurants became more popular in the 19th century, ice cream became a favorite indulgence. Ice cream parlors and soda fountains spread as well.

"They still say "I like Ike" in Abilene, Kansas"

When I saw this sign as I approached Abilene, I was reminded of a more quiet and respectful time in American Politics. Certainly a contrast to the current elections across the country this Fall and yes, what an irresistable campaign slogan, which most of that generation remember in "I like Ike.".

Dwight D. Eisonhower (1890-1969) was born in raised in Abilene,Kansas, and I was fortunate to have a guided tour of his family home where he was brought up with his five brothers. I also visited the Eisonhower Library and Museum where his growing up years, army years, presidential years and post presidential years were all documented.

"Old South Pearl Street is South Denver's Favorite Destination!"

Right around the corner from where my son lives in Denver is Old South Pearl Street. Here you will find unique shops and excellent dining. This whole area is marked my many homes that date back to the early decades of the 1900's. While this area declined during the 50's it was re-vitalized during the 80's and 90's and is now a favorite among the locals.

One regular event that goes from April through October is a Farmers market that is held on old South Pearl Street. The photos that are part of this blog show the variety of vendors ranging from fruit and vegetable stands to home made pies, to re-doing cane chairs to hand made baskets and even how one can adopt a rescue pet.