As The Dough Rises...

It's been awhile...

2011-02-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

I did it! I stopped playing FarmVille on FaceBook. Actually I stopped in December. Now back to updating my blog once in a while. That game... That FarmVille, was just too addicting. I still hear it calling to me every so often. "come back... come back and see how your farm is faring since you abandoned us...". NOPE, I just won't do it! It caught me in it's web twice before and this time I've escaped for good. Unfortunately, there were a lot of "friends" made just because of that darn game. And I never hear from them anymore. But it was time, past time, that I got back into the real world. Instead of creating creative quilt patterns on virtual fields of virtual flowers and virtual vegetable crops, I'm helping create real quilts with other real people to give away to those in need of a warm blanket. Soon it will be time to get outside in the sunshine and plant real flowers, ones that I can actually touch and smell and watch grow in real time! Back to friends I can talk to in person (what a novelty!). Back to posting photos of things I love. Keep watching this space... because I'm baaaack!

Oh My! Did Facebook take over my life???

2010-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

I really hadn't noticed that it's been over 5 months since I last logged onto my blog. The time just flew by while I was trapped in the land of FarmVille. It's too easy to get lost in a world of make believe and forget about the daily routines, worries and responsibilities of real life.

Checking to see if the crops are ready to harvest before they wither up and die becomes an obsession. Collecting enough Christmas gifts, valentine cards, gold coins and spring eggs is a race for more, more, more, just to beat your "neighbor" by having the most "stuff". Gathering virtual eggs, milk, wool, oranges, almonds, maple syrup and circus peanuts becomes another chore.

At some point, you come to the conclusion, that the escape you found in make believe has now become your daily routine, worries and responsibilities that you tried to leave behind in reality. Hopefully this realization hits before too long. I've come to that place now 5 months since I began. But... Can I keep away from the farm? Only time will tell... only time will tell...

Happy Birthday Kenny!

2010-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Has it been a 26 years already since my last child was born? He may have been number four but still unique in his own way. Never had I experienced morning sickness except with him. Never had I experienced false labor, not once but twice, except with him. And to top it off, born on a Friday the 13th! But I'm not superstitious. My last child had arrived and the wonder of this tiny newborn in my arms was once again miraculous!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T23:20:00.002-07:00

Oh just where did the month of October go??? It's been too long since my last blog. So now... just before midnight... on the last night of October... I'm scrambling to get something, anything posted!

Since it's Halloween, I thought photos of my grandkids all dressed up for trick & treating would be a good idea.

Beginning with the youngest, Abby in her darling little witch costume...

Then Breanna as a little pirate. Isn't she a cutie!

Kayla as a little witch. Don't cross her, she may turn you into a toad! LOL

Jaytyn as a scary vampire. Look at the blood dribbling out of his mouth.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Arizona bird migration...

2009-09-15T11:21:00.002-07:00

At the crack of dawn on another beautiful day in Tucson, I was gazing at the clouds and imagined this particular one looked alot like a bird in flight. At first, I thought about the majestic Canadian geese that would soon be flying south for warm winter homes. Then I realized... no... this must be a sign that the yearly migration of the snowbird is about to begin. Those fair weather folks from up north will soon be traveling long distances just to roost in the land of sunshine and warmth and to avoid the dreary, cold winter months. Before the last leaf falls and the arctic snow drifts, they will have settled into their cozy nests in various RV parks and established winter homes all around town. So keep an eye out, because you'll soon be seeing them every where, as they navigate their flight patterns and flock in great numbers to enjoy their favorite feeding stations.

September storms...

2009-09-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just another beautiful sunset in Tucson with one really BIG square storm cloud bringing much needed rain showers!

And...

I can't believe I got this shot of lightning in the same cluster of clouds!

It's the first game of the season

2009-09-03T23:47:00.008-07:00

for the JV team at Empire High...

...and it rains!

Did it just have to show up tonight?

At least some people came prepared.

It wouldn't be that unusual in other parts of the country...
....but THIS IS TUCSON!

Not sure if that's a bag of trash or just a couple of kids on the bench.

Well, everything came out alright in the end.

It had been a drier than normal year in these parts and the rain was very welcome indeed!

And the fighting Ravens didn't melt like the Wicked Witch of the West just because a little H2O fell from the sky.

In fact, they won the game!!!

It was a landslide (or maybe mudslide) win against the opposition. GO RAVENS!!!

More vacation photos...

2009-09-01T21:33:00.031-07:00

We're visiting Cabrillo National Monument in Southern California. It's a warm sunny day in June 2009.

My loving hubby, Ken...

... niece Megan, sister Linda, niece Kaitlyn and granddaughter Mary.

A beautiful day to check out the restored lighthouse on the hill.

There was a spiral staircase inside the lighthouse. It was a narrow, very steep set of stairs and really a tight fit.

Just think of the light house keepers ... ascending and descending ... all day long. Wouldn't need any stair-stepper machine back then!

Can you imagine what it would have been like, carrying a hot mug of coffee up those stairs to warm the master of the lighthouse during a storm?

Darn! Couldn't go to the top and look out the windows. It was sealed off with an iron grate.

The family living area was small, but cozy.

Wednesday's What Is That???

2009-08-05T19:36:00.002-07:00

Okay, Here's the photo.

Can you guess what it is?

Leave your comment.

Then I'll tell you more about it in a couple of days....

Maybe...

Whaley House, Old Town, San Diego

2009-08-04T09:20:00.010-07:00

More vacation photos from June. This building is said to be haunted...

The court room on the main floor. (Working from home is nothing new.)

The front parlor.

Private theatre on the second floor. (Obviously, home entertain systems are not new, either!)

Master Bedroom on the second floor.

Hydrangeas in the back garden. I do love flowers and these were HUGE!

Where did the time go?

2009-08-03T13:11:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it's August! It's been weeks since I added anything new to this blog. Sorry about that!

What's worse, is I'm on the laptop computer, the one that doesn't have my photos downloaded onto it. I'll have to add photos later.

July went by in a blur. Vacation Bible School for a week that seemed to drag on at times, but suddenly it was all over. I always enjoy the kids, their laughter and inhibitions to having fun. Why can't adults act like a kid more often? Some don't at all. I think it's a great tragedy that we don't even realize what we lose in our eagerness to "grow up" and be an "adult". I'm over 50, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to jump from the top step of the porch or do a cartwheel on the lawn. A fear of breaking my ankle keeps me from the first and never managing to do a cartwheel in my life keeps me from the second. That and being way overweight and out of shape but that's another story...

In the meantime, I'll keep on smiling, singing as loud as possible and swaying to the music during church. Which if you know Lutherans, that's a scandal in it's self!

Vacation 2009

2009-06-16T22:00:00.005-07:00

Starbucks after a long day at the beach. Here's my sister Sue, my granddaughter Mary, me and my sister Linda.

Sunset at South Carlsbad State Beach.

Mary painting a rock with a map of South Carolina.

San Diego is having beautiful weather today. It was sunny, warm and breezy. We are staying at South Carlsbad State Beach on a bluff over the Pacific Ocean. Great place to camp!

Odds & Ends, photo gallery

2009-06-07T21:05:00.006-07:00

Here is a typical view of the table our Board occupied during a recent annual conference in California. Notice the various items necessary to stimulate our minds... in other words to keep us awake during some of the not so inspiring talks.

A close up view of the seating arrangements on a recent flight. I generally like the window seat so I can lean onto the wall. It makes me feel like I have more room than if I was stuck in the center seat or falling off the edge of an aisle seat.

Notice all the ample leg room in coach class seating...

Our lovely little dog, Sam.

He likes to lay under the buffet....

under end tables and especially

in his cardboard box play house, that's the one with all the holes cut into the sides!

This looked a bit odd?

A new baby palm tree growing up out of the stump of an old palm tree.

That has to be a good example of perseverance.

For Our Freedom...

2009-05-25T10:50:00.005-07:00

Today is Memorial Day. Some people may call it Remembrance Day. A day to remember those who protect us, our home, the United States of America. The men and women fighting for our freedom. They were the soldiers that didn't make it home again from the war. Or the ones that made it home to live out their lives, but not without the memories of wars fought and friends lost. I'm fortunate to not have lost any close family members as a result of military action. My husband is retired Navy Reserves. I have 2 sons that served time in the Army. My dad and several uncles have served in the military. I have many memories of seeing little american flags waving on over the graves of soldiers and knowing my grandpa was one of those who placed those flags there each year. And I have countless friends who have served or are still in service with the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines. So here I would like to simply say Thank You and God Bless You all for a job well done!

Spring flowers in AZ

2009-05-07T13:06:00.004-07:00

Just a few flowers from my yard. Barely Spring and the temps up to 100 today!

Packrat Pandamonium

2009-05-06T09:13:00.006-07:00

I hate PACKRATS!

Okay, that's perhaps a bit harsh. I do enjoy watching the desert wildlife as it roams through the grounds... as long as it keeps on roaming right out of my yard.

I'm resigned to the fact that those cute little cottontail bunnies who love to munch on my flowers will not be restrained by a simple chain link fence.

And the wonderful winged creatures; doves, finches, thrashers, wrens, quail and even tiny hummingbirds... leave behind acidic poop that must be washed off the grill, chairs, railings and cement patios frequently to prevent discoloration and/or damage.

But when those ungrateful little rodents, those PACKRATS, attack my comfortable outdoor furnishings, I'd like to wring their tiny fuzzy necks!

Todays example of destruction focuses on the patio swing.

I always find it comforting to sit and swing, to and fro, while listening to the soothing tone of the wind chimes and watch my feather friends flitting from fence to tree to bush, back and forth. Even Sam and Mr T love to relax and take a little nap on the softly padded cushions of the patio swing.

But after 4 years of this blissful activity, the PACKRATS have invaded.

As the photos show proof of their destructive behavior... those bodacious beasts have torn holes into the very fabric of the swings gentle cushions! Of all the nerve!

I guess there's nothing I can do...

Nothing else...

except...

go out and buy new cushions.

Of course, shopping is such a pain... yeah, right.

Out of the past...

2009-05-04T23:43:00.003-07:00

Today, I received a letter...

It was addressed to me, but the writer wasn't certain I was the person she was looking for. No, it was a short letter searching for a long lost friend. Searching for someone who had a baby the same time she did. Someone who lived in Sandy, Utah and same time she had. Someone who lost a friend's phone number a long time ago and was trying to reconnect.

It was a letter from my long ago friend, Carol, and she found me! That was such a wonderful surprise! We had sons that were born 10 days apart at the same hospital over 20 years ago. I immediately called the phone number that she wrote in her letter. She had been in the Salt Lake City area on a work assignment and wanted to get together. Of course, Carol had no idea I had moved to Tucson four years before. It was so good talking to her once again. She now has my phone number and (hurray) we are both on Verizon so we can talk, talk and talk some more.

Some days it's really great to get up in the morning!!!

I think it's working now...

2009-04-20T23:17:00.006-07:00

Let's try this again...

After checking my dad's computer, I found I could now access this blog without that annoying error message telling me I couldn't. That said, I will once again attempt to maintain this blog and NOT create a new blog.

I'm really happy to see my friend Julie back blogging on her site. I missed her humor and great photos. She is my inspiration for doing this blog in the first place! Here's a photo taken in Rome last year of Julie dancing in the rain with Jack. After a week of visiting Italy with a bunch of teenagers and not getting enough sleep, all the chaperons began to get a bit loopy. Of course, some of us started out that way...

Is this Tucson?

2009-02-12T00:07:00.005-07:00

Can you believe it? Yes, even in Tucson, we can get snow. Not as much as the mountains, but it is snow. Cold, wet, and melting fast. Once the sun breaks through, it'll be all over. These are photos taken around my house and in the school yard.

My dogs, Sam (the Bichon Friese) and Mr T (the Chihuahua) are loving it. Of course, Mr T has to have a sweater on to keep warm. Sam could use a haircut about now.

There's some cholla in the field next to my house. Interesting plant, but don't get to close to them as they are a real pain trying to remove them from your shoes, clothes, legs, hands, you get the picture.

My snapdragons are blooming but a little snow isn't going to hurt them.

The kids that arrive to school on the early bus, 6:00am, are having a great time throwing snowballs and building a snowman. Gotta have fun before the bell rings!

Can YOU view my blog???

2009-01-07T00:00:00.003-07:00

Okay, I'm not certain why, but several of my friends and family are not able to view my blog. I created this on a mac using safari. When I try to access my blog on a pc with internet explorer, I get an error message. I found I can view other blogs on the pc and can log in on my blog through another blogsite and can even add a new post. But I can't view my blog! What's happening here? Does anyone reading this have an answer to my problem?

2009, a new year and a good start

2009-01-02T00:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I actually watched the Rose Bowl Parade this morning. After a hot breakfast of Cream of Wheat with raisins, prepared by my darling husband, I sat down with Ken to watch the parade. Thank goodness for TIVO! Ken turned on the television when the parade started, during which we ate breakfast. Then we only had to back up the program to the beginning and watch the parade without all those pesky commercials. It's been years since I've taken time to watch any parade. What a great way to start the year!
Later we drove over to Sue & Al's and had a mini potluck dinner. Al made a delicious chicken curry over assorted rices. We brought a large wheat crust pepperoni pizza to toss into the oven to bake. Dad joined us for dinner and afterwards when we played dominoes. Just a good day all around.

Happy New Year! 2009

2009-01-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a very happy new year! May 2009 be a wonderful year for all of my family and friends and to all the new acquaintance's I have yet to know. God's blessings on all and may peace and happiness find you where ever you are!

Saturday, a day of leisure

2008-12-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my computer is working again! At least I was able to sign in to my own blog once more. I've no idea what went wrong, but if it's fixed now I'm not complaining.

These photos were taken during the week leading up to Christmas. Note the one with the fall arrangement still on the table with the Christmas decorations. I never did get that replaced with something a bit more winter themed.

Spritz were the ONLY cookies that were baked before Christmas. They wouldn't have made it if I didn't have help from my niece, Megan. She and her family are visiting from California. Her mom Linda, helped us with mixing up dough for sugar cookies and pepparkakors. Neither of those cookies are baked, YET! My helpers are now back home in warm southern Cal. The cookie doughs are still in the fridge. Perhaps tomorrow I'll bake them???

It turned really cold yesterday and we had a good freeze last night. More of the same tonight. I'm afraid to look at my plants outside under their blankets. The mountains were lovely with the dusting of snow. But this is Tucson and in a couple of days the temperature should be back above freezing once again.

Am I ready?

2008-12-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already the 19th of December. Christmas day will be over in just a week. The year will be over in less than 2 weeks. Am I ready? I have all my envelopes addressed for the Christmas cards that should have been signed and mailed out last week. There are gifts I purchased through out the year that I haven't even tried to find where they are hidden. Some of those presents should have been mailed out already. I've been thinking about making cookies. The butter has been out on the counter for almost a week. It's probably soft enough to work with now. Ken, my darling husband, has had the colored lights up outside for the past 2 weeks. He put the tree up about that time and has been adding ornaments to it every day or so since then. Yesterday he put the star on the top.

So what have I been doing? Well, I finished the church newsletter for January. Last week there was a Christmas party for the kids. It was "Lunch with Santa" and Father Christmas was there to talk to each of the children and gave everyone a bell from his sleigh. I was in charge of lunch. Yesterday the ASPIRE students and volunteers, meet with the Daybreak people for a party. Daybreak is a daycare facility for adults. The young met with the elderly and everyone sang Christmas songs, had snacks, met with Santa, received gifts and a warm recognition was given to all the volunteers.

Somehow, what I've accomplished doesn't seem to add up to very much. I feel like I've really been busy running here, there and everywhere. Through out the month, I've felt tired and worn out.

Yesterday was my birthday. It's no big deal. Yet I craved attention. My birthday frequently gets lost with all the preparations for Christmas. I have 4 sons and only heard from one. It's my own fault as I'm notorious about not getting cards in the mail for their birthdays. It's not that I don't remember everyone birthdays, anniversaries and special events. I do! I even purchase cards that never seem to get mailed. When I die, they'll find enough cards stashed away to compete with Hallmark. Kenny, my youngest God bless him, called and we had a nice long chat on the phone. My sister sang happy birthday on my voice mail. Saturday she will be making a family dinner, complete with blueberry pie, to celebrate. My dad took me out for a wonderful mani-pedi. Ken gave me an adorable Precious Moments figurine.

Yet for some reason, today, I feel a sense of contentment. If the cookies don't get made it's not the end of the world. The gifts and cards will be mailed out even if it's after Christmas. My family should be used to this by now. The tree will get most of it's ornaments hung, up to the time for taking them off and packing all away once more.

The most important thing is to let all of my family and all of my friends know that I love each and everyone of them.

Another day ends in Tucson...

2008-12-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful ending to a December day in Tucson. I almost missed this one due to dinner preparations. If the dogs didn't need to go out right then, I would have! How can anyone not believe in God, when there are such magnificent sunsets such as these. This time of year has the best evening skies of any I've ever seen. The photo doesn't do it justice. You have to be here to really appreciate the view.

Wow! College for me?

2008-12-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I am truly surprised at the reader's level rating I received.

Considering I never even made it to college. Maybe I should reconsider my life and take a course or two and see where it leads. As if I had the time! Adding one more thing to my to do list, would certainly be the last straw.
Although, I have thought about it from time to time. One of those "Gee, I should get a degree and then I can teach kids how to bake." ideas. Why would I want to put myself through all that torture? I hate deadlines. Doing homework was never my idea of a good time. And taking notes? Don't get me started on that! Oh, I can take notes as well as the next person, but I never seem to do anything with them afterwards. When I'm busy trying to write what I think is important down, which is everything as I don't want to miss anything, I end up missing the pleasure of just listening to the lecture. I like to watch to the speaker talk, their expressions and hopefully enthusiasm on the subjects I'm interested in learning. Can't do that when I'm trying to write all their ramblings down on paper. Anyway, I can't deny that I'm very impressed with the rating I received.

Today is a Good Day!

2008-12-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's melt down, today is beginning better. I actually got through breakfast eating sensibly. Just eggs and tea (no cream or sugar). Drank chicken broth for lunch with a piece of cheese. Trying to stay away from the sweets and overdoing the carbs. I know, take it one meal at a time. Tonight is soup supper at church before the Advent service begins. I'm making corn chowder to share. Yes, it does have a lot of carbs, but I'll try to take it easy.

I only sat and watched one hour of tivo and it's already after 1:00 p.m. Yeah!

While looking through the ads from the Sunday paper, I started cutting out coupons I will probably forget to take with me when I go shopping. Then I thought about what I want to do with my life... so I started to cut out pictures in the ads of things to remind me why I have to watch what I eat. I'm making a collage to put on the fridge door. Maybe another one for the bathroom mirror.

So far I have pictures of a bike I would like to ride again, I always loved riding my bike as a kid and continued loving it as a young adult. Why did I ever stop? I just don't know.

I have a picture of clothes I would like to wear. Not just the shapeless t-shirts, sweats and grandma undies. (Oh, wait... I am a grandma, but I don't have to wear ugly undies do I?) Boots, tall boots, maybe with laces and a bit of a heel. That's not possible right now due to feet as wide as a ducks and necessary support inserts again due to my weight.

I'd like to play again. Like ping pong without gasping for breath in under a minute. I want to go hiking in the mountains and along the lakes. I want to ride a horse again.

I want to travel. So I have a picture of luggage. A coo coo clock to remind me I want to see Germany, Switzerland, Norway and especially back to Italy once more. A picture of a camera because I want to enjoy pictures of me doing things and not getting all gloomy because I look fat. I am Fat! That's the problem. I want to be able to sit in an airplane seat in comfort. Alright, I know airplane seats are not noted for comfort, but if I could remove the extra 150 pounds sitting with me, it just has to be more comfortable.

Julie, thanks so much for understanding. To answer your questions, Dad didn't watch me make pie crust, but he did help by peeling and slicing the apples. Had a lot of apples so we made 2 apple pies and skipped the coconut cream (& lemon meringue). No, I'm not a lunch lady anymore due to the past foot, knee, tendon injuries. Just can't stand for hours like before. I'm still on the payroll and occasionally help in the district office.

Troubling Tuesday

2008-12-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Feeling tired, too fat, no get up and go, getting older, watch my footing, don't climb ladders, people my weight(or is it my age?) have to be careful, I sleep, I eat, I lay in the recliner and watch too much tv, too early to go to bed, just don't want to do much of anything right now. What happened to the spring in my step? Will I spend the rest of my life like this? There's so much to do, to see, to experience. I want more energy. More time.

2008-11-30T01:49:00.000-07:00

Let's eat!!!

Family and friends around the table.

Thanksgiving in Arizona and the plants on the patio are looking great.

Blooming Geraniums Thanksgiving Day

Rain on the horizon and a rainbow in the sky in Tucson, Arizona.

All the time it takes to prepare for the Thanksgiving Feast and too soon it's over for another year. Our group was small this year, only 16 at the table. There was enough food to feed at least 40. Lots of good leftovers for everyone to take home. Tonight we had turkey and vegetable soup. So nice to have during the cooler weather months. Can't really say cold, it is Arizona after all, but we did have rain and the temperature had dropped at least 20 degrees from a week ago. Here's a few photos of the festivities...

I'm thankful for...

2008-11-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here are just 5 reasons I thank God for on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day!

Not to forget, I have 2 other wonderful grandchildren that I need to get photos to add to this group! I love you all!

Bake Day

2008-11-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and time to bake pies!

On the list is:

2 pumpkin pies

1 granny smith apple pie

1 mince meat pie (for Ken since I forgot it last year!)

1 coconut cream pie (maybe, it may end up as lemon meringue pie)

Taking all the STUFF to Dad's house and work there. Why? Because his fridge has more room than mine, he lives behind my sister's house (where we will have dinner) and because he wants to learn how to make the crust. He's been using store bought crust (oh nooo!) and it's just not as good as homemade (duh...).

ASPIRE: kids, homework, tutoring, fun

2008-11-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

Our church, Abounding Grace elca, hosts an after school program for elementary kids (average age is 12) called ASPIRE. Lutheran Social Services provide the teacher, one assistant and all the supplies. Thursdays and Fridays are the days I volunteer to help. It's only for 2-4 hours. And that's long enough for me.

Yesterday Jim, another volunteer, and I were whistling a song together. I don't remember the tune now, but it had something to do with our mental state at the time.

The average number of kids are 30 and really quite an ethnic soup. One would think that here in southern Arizona we would have mostly Hispanic, Native American & Caucasian. But most of our kids are from Africa and the rest are from Iran, Iraq, China and Caucasian. Religious backgrounds are also varied so snack time has to have a substitute for any pork items on the menu.

During last month's holiday, halloween, it was realized that some of these kids didn't have a clue about American celebrations. They couldn't believe that kids actually got dressed up in costume, went around the neighborhood ringing doorbells and would be given candy. Just what kind of holiday is that?

Well, they caught on fast and had a great time. We also realized that another holiday was just around the corner. What would they know about Thanksgiving?

I'll continue tomorrow...

One step at a Time...

2008-11-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning, the first, numero uno, my starting place and just where do I begin?

If it wasn't for my very good friend, Julie, I wouldn't be creating this blog. It's all her fault! If that wasn't enough, she left the warmth and sunshine of Southern Arizona and packed up all her quilting fabric, her tie dye totes, her crates of crafting, her crazy canines, her huggable husband and two out of three cuddly children (she left one here, thank goodness) to move to a frozen, mostly gray skied, skimpy on the daylight hours new home in Alaska of all places! I just hate her! I just envy her! I just really, really miss her! And I hope to visit her in Alaska before she decides to move somewhere else. I've heard a lot about Alaska. My husband spent several years there when just a boy. I love anyplace that has big pine trees and mountains. Also gurgling streams, ice blue lakes, tall willowy aspens, gigantic red maples, you get the picture. So, why am I living in Arizona? After living most of my life in the Chicago burbs and Northern Utah, the novelty of snow, lots of snow and cold and ice and scraping windshields and shoveling walks only to have the city snow plow push it back with interest, finally wore thin. It was time for Ken, my husband, and I to head for the sunshine and warmth (okay, hot, very hot, over 110 degree HOT, but it's a DRY heat) of Tucson. It's been three years and we're loving it! Of course we also have air conditioning for the summer when it gets really really HOT. But sometimes I think about it and I wouldn't mind visiting the snow and ice for a little while...