The Belle Of The Ball

I certainly didn't think that would be a lake, but sure enough, Pena Blanca Lake was called the Belle of the Ball when it was completed in 1958.  It's a reservoir with 45 acres surface area, although at one time it was larger, and one of the oldest and smallest near the Mexican border.  Take Highway 19 down towards Nogales.

For over forty years there was a resort facility here, but we saw no evidence of it.  It's just you, wildlife, hiking trails and nature.  There are picnic tables, benches for your sitting pleasure and lots of fish to catch.  You will even find two camping areas.

In 1993 they discovered a minor crisis.  Sadly, they did not catch the problem sooner.  Rains had washed over mine tailings in the surrounding mountains, contaminating the water with mercury.  In 1999 mine tailings were dug up and over 1,000 tons of contaminated soil removed.  It will take some time to completely return to normal, but in the meantime, they have the biggest bass in the country for your fishing pleasure.  

It's all catch and release at this point since it's probably still not a good idea to eat the fish.  We sat and had lunch here at one of the picnic shelters.  It was quite and an absolutely gorgeous setting.  There are even concrete walkways around some of the areas and steps down to the water's edge.

Who knew there were lakes in the desert??  The mercury is receding and they hope to be back to eating the fish you catch very soon.

Here's my latest acquisition in my quest to become a better Chef.  Jeffrey Eisner is not a chef at all.  He's just a nice Jewish boy who took to the Instant Pot like a pro.  He had so many Facebook fans and so many good recipes, he was encouraged to write a cookbook.  

It just came out for $15.98 on Amazon, so I ordered a copy.  I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime, while scrounging around the kitchen looking for something to do, I discovered I had all the ingredients to make another cake.  THIS time the frosting came out MUCH better.  Dark chocolate chocolate with a shot of chocolate!!  I even made a half size version for the Chance household.  Half size because they are not as addicted to sugar as I am!!

Here's the prince of the ball as far as I'm concerned.  They are so sweet and angelic when they are sleeping.  Then he wakes up and wants to be entertained for the next four hours!  Throw the ball Mom!!!

I did something silly last night.  I volunteered to cook dinner for the Chance house and myself after watching Chef Simon (Food Network) on Facebook.  Many of the TV Chefs are doing this for free from their homes.  AT&T thinks I'm on my phone constantly and has sent threatening messages.  They are right, but sadly for them, I have an unlimited cell data account.  Let the megabytes add up!!!

At any rate, he cooked a beautiful sort-of-Italian beef dish that I'm going to try and create.  It's an experiment, right?  I have pizza on speed dial, just in case.

A Little Peek Inside

Back in time to the little town of Fairbank Arizona.  Images of this treasure are few and far between.  Amazingly it was a booming little train stop on the way to the biggest silver mine in the area.  Originally named Junction City, the railroad came this direction in 1881, following the San Pedro River.

Finally complete in 1882, the city became official in 1883 as Fairbank, named after the Chicago investor who financed the railroad and the Grand Central Mine in Tombstone.  This main building housed the post office, a saloon of course and a general store.

Although at one time the intersection of three railroads, the mines played out, leaving Fairbank in the dust.  The Boquillas Land and Cattle Company, which boasted heirs of the land, came in around 1901 and evicted all the land owners exerting their "legal" rights to the land under a Mexican Land Grant.

Most of the people still living in Fairbank destroyed their homes rather than let the Cattle Company have them.  A few families were allowed to remain and lease what became known as the adobe commercial building you see here.

The little school closed in 1944 but the Post Office stayed open until the 1970's with the store still remaining open several years more.   Eventually it fell into disrepair.  In 1987 the Bureau of Land Management acquired the land into their National Conservation Area in order to save the water and land for the critters.  Pretty cool.  

By that time, the buildings were in pretty sad shape.  

Although definitely not their primary focus, the NCA stabilized the buildings that were left standing.

Since that time, the Friends of San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area have restored the outside of the building to what you see today.  When Doug Laning and I cruised through town, we found the chain link fence gate open.  I saw my opportunity to use my feminine wiles on the two repairmen taking a break.

Not really ... I asked if we could peek in the door and take some pictures.  I'm pretty sure they didn't speak English.  THANK YOU!!!  We quickly hot footed it in the first open door.  You can see the original flooring and adobe interior walls.  

Stepping lightly so as not to fall through the floor, we made our way to the back of the first room.  Interesting, look at the pink paint!!

We walked through an interior door into the next room.  This one had walls covered with plastic, sheets and wallpaper.  

The next room was the actual general store section I think.  The interior wall was wood and sheetrock.  You can definitely see the effects of rain coming through the now repaired roof.

Apparently sheetrock was in short supply as pieces of canvas and fabric covered some interior walls.

At last we walked into the saloon.  Wow ... there was some major shoring up done here.  It was the largest room by far.  We shuffled through some papers left on the chair, but alas, no treasures were discovered.

Knowing we were really trespassing and probably where we should NOT be, we snapped a few quick images and got out of Dodge back the way we came.  How exciting was THAT!!  

Wanting to take a look at the back of the building, I walked around the side, snapping pictures all the way.  The two guys said they were "painting", but we concluded they were actually either scraping off the outside adobe brick stucco or replacing (painting) a protective stucco sealer coat over the adobe.

This little cabin-like building was a later addition to the adobe building.  They are guessing it was a house, possibly turned store of some kind.  

As we rounded the corner and headed out the gate, we waved and yelled Gracias to the two workmen, who waved back.  I can't believe my luck to have been able to access this amazing building.  I mean look at these doors ... they are original!!!  You can still see the huge timbers over the top.  What fun!!

I must have been born in the wrong time period because I'm fascinated with the life of the old west.  If you get a chance, check out Fairbank and take a walk to the cemetery.  My advice however, is to NOT go the long way around.  Come back the same way you went.  It's MUCH shorter!!

Just Hanging Out

After hearing all your snake stories, I'm more on alert than ever!!  I just don't really care for things that want to bite and sting you.  I know I've been in their territory for the last few days as I wandered the property looking for blooming cactus, but that has come to a screeching halt.

Since that won't be happening again any time soon, here's what I discovered.  Unless they bloom two feet from my fence, these are probably the last cactus images you will see!!  This one is actually over at the Chance residence.

These COULD be at the Chance house because they have the exact same thing, but believe it or not, these are out on my driveway, not far from the snake den.

It's been a happy cactus year so far!

I think these are my favorite!!

No I haven't taken to drink since the rattlesnake incident, but only because I have self control when it comes to this stuff!!  I'm not all that worried about getting the virus around here ... I don't think there have been any cases near me.  The thing is, all the hoarders have bought up every single type of sanitizer there is.  I even think the stores are keeping it for themselves, which is okay with me.  

So what's the next best bet for alcohol?  Why VODKA of course.  As Patty said, don't you remember in the old days when they gave you a big swig of whiskey, then poured some on your wound as they cut out the bullet?  

So I made up my own disinfectant wipes to use on shopping carts and my steering wheel.  Cut up paper towels soaked in vodka!!  Can't hurt, and if I see another snake, I'll just drink a few big swigs!!  So raise of hands.  How many of you have wiped down the steering wheel of your vehicle?  Oh my goodness .... it was so dirty I had to use FOUR wipes to get it clean.  The problem is if I get stopped for speeding, I may be in a little trouble when they smell my "disinfectant".

At any rate, I do love the fact that they do not allow personal shopping bags any more.  I never remember to take them in anyway.  THIS image is all Patty and Dan's fault!!  Dan said he bought some Tillamook and it was WONDERFUL!!  Somehow this worked it's way into my cart.

Once home with my groceries, I began to take a count of the number of bags the checkers used.  I realize most old folk can't lift much, but seriously, WHY oh WHY did you put literally ONE item in each bag?   I ended up with 25 .. count them .. 25 bags from one small shopping trip.  Now THAT'S wasteful!!  I added them to my stack and eventually I WILL use them up.

I've still got lots of images to post from the Fairbank mercantile building and San Xavier Mission, but right now, this sweet face wants some cuddle time, then I'll be beating the bushes in my back yard with a broom .... just to be sure no little creature snuck in last night.

Happily I saw they are relaxing the virus restrictions.  People really do need to get back to work so they can support their families.  We can still keep our distance from each other and you can always just stay home if you wish.  It's not over, but we are seeing a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

Put On Your BIG GIRL BRITCHES!!!

You knew it would happen.  I was just hoping NEVER would be my luck.  Believe it or not, I actually won a HUGE $5.00 on the Safeway Monopoly game.  I decided to hit the store and collect my winnings.

As I started out the driveway, I spotted a stick laying off to the side.  Not paying attention because I was looking in the rear view mirror to be sure the garage door closed, I THOUGHT I ran over the stick.  Wait ..... there's no stick in my driveway.  I backed up, stopped and got out.

OMG OMG OMG  It's a rattlesnake!!!  I ran back to the house as fast as I could and grabbed my camera.  I didn't even change the settings, thus the blurry picture.  As I got closer, it actually looked like maybe I DID run over it.  But after doing research on the internet, it possibly looks funny because it hasn't eaten all winter.  Who knows.

Close your ears Doug ..... my plan was to drive over it again to be sure it would not be around to bite my puppies, which would kill them.  That's funny ..... it didn't try to slither off, nor did it rattle it's tail AT ALL.  I decided to call on my Master Critter Caretaker Dan, who carries a big shovel.  He's used to these things!

I raced back inside and breathlessly came back with my phone to find it had disappeared.  RATS!!!  At a little over three feet long, I wasn't going off into the bushes looking for him.

It couldn't have gone far, I wasn't even gone ten seconds.   That's when I spotted this big hole beside the driveway.  I bet he went down that hole.  Maybe he even lives there.  I put a huge rock over the hole, hoping he doesn't come out.

In the meantime, I posted a picture on my desert Facebook group for identification.  It's a red western diamondback rattlesnake, not as venomous as the green Mohave, but definitely can kill you.  It's also known as a Coontail.  Why?  Because of the white and black markings on the tail making it look like a raccoon.  Who knew?  I just know I want it GONE!!!

So now my heart rate goes up every time I open a door.  I look everywhere before I take even one step.  I'm exceedingly nervous about the puppies in the back yard.  They are never allowed out without me looking first, but now I have to walk the entire yard.  Even my biggest big girl britches are not big enough for rattlesnakes!!

This might help a little.  I purchased a box of patio lights on sale for $14.  With all this spare time, I decided to put them up.  Gosh .. I need TWO boxes.  After an hour on the internet, I found a matching box for $40.  Of course I ordered them.

The next morning I was hunting for a bowl in the kitchen, and what should I find but the SECOND box of lights I bought.  I put those up and will return the ones I ordered.  I'm hopeful all these lights will help keep snakes out of the yard.   Yeah I know, good luck with that!!  At least the yard is fenced in, but I'm sure they can find a way.

So much for Wednesday's excitement.  I had snake nightmares all night.  I never wanted to go to sleep when I was 4-5 years old because I dreamed of snakes crawling all over me every night.  No idea where that came from.  I'm hoping this is not going to be a repeat!!!

By the way, when Dan and Patty got here, Dan proceeded to tell me about the rattlesnake he caught in a rat trap UNDER his house.  Patty kicked him in the leg.  He forgot he wasn't supposed to tell me that little tidbit.  Maybe California isn't so bad after all!!

Mish Mash

I have to give it up to Home Advisor.  Little did I know when I started this project they would be so helpful.  Phil the contractor repeatedly ignored my calls to finish the job on my front porch and walkway.  Apparently when they sign up with Home Advisor, they get lots of business.  Bad ratings get them kicked out of the program.

The crew didn't show up until 1:00 on the second day, making me rather nervous, but they made it and completed the job.  They even sealed the pavers, which almost killed me.  That stuff is VERY toxic smelling.  I opened every window, a job in itself since I'm sure they haven't been opened since the dawn of time, and turned on every ceiling fan looking for fresh air.

The good news is we all woke up this morning, albeit short a few brain cells, and Momma hummer is back on her nest which hangs out over the walkway.  The last thing Phil said to me was be sure and change that rating to 5 star.  Sure Phil, sure ... but actually, he's going to be lucky to get 4 .... maybe even 3!!

Remember this?  It gives me the shivers.  Thanks to the contractor who said he would do it, then canceled on me, then called back and again said he would do it, all this mess got fixed.

So ... just so you know my good luck hasn't changed one bit, as I was cooking breakfast yesterday, my usual scrambled egg.  You really should not wash dishes while you are cooking.  A huge big plop of soapy water went directly into my just-scrambled egg mixture.  How does that happen?  It all went in the trash and I had pizza instead.  

I can't TELL you how happy I am that this is the last of the chicken hot dogs.  I discovered if you burn them enough, it masks the flavor, making it easier to choke down.  I'm hoping that second package I have in the freezer magically disappears.

Just because there is craziness going on outside my doors with the flu and all, doesn't mean it's quiet and safe in my sanctuary.  There I was, washing my face like I do every morning when I looked down to see this.  No, he is NOT dead.  OMG where did he come from?  My washcloth?  He wasn't there a second ago!!!  I yelled .... the dogs came running!!

I frantically searched for more, just in case, as I turned on the hot water and let it run.  I'm guessing $10 worth went down the drain, but the spider never wavered.  TWO MINUTES LATER he was still kicking.  Good grief!!!  At long last I smashed him flat with the bottom of my hairspray can.  Thank goodness for hairspray!!  Down the drain he went, followed by another $10 worth of water, just to be sure he was dead!!  

My heart was still racing as I put together a crockpot stew for dinner.  It turned out perfectly, meaning I now have food for four days, 3 meals every day.  It's hard cooking for one.

Here's another picture of my tree in the morning light.  The picture doesn't do it justice at all.  It's absolutely fabulous and as yellow as can be.  I've never seen it like this before.  

The day finally ended, but not with this beautiful sunset.  This was a couple of days ago.  I have to say the weather could not be any better.  It's been mid 40's at night and mid 70's during the day.  

Now that all my projects are complete, I've got nothing to worry about except doing my taxes, getting my vehicles registered and renewing my driver's license, none of which can be done online.  I tried calling for information, but California DMV doesn't even have people on their phone system.  Just a recording.  In no time I will be completely illegal, for which they will have no sympathy, in spite of the pandemic.  California is after all, California.

It Takes Patience

You all know, patience is not my forte.  Try as I might, I just get frustrated, stay awake all night long fretting and get up cranky.  Such has been the case lately with crazy California and what's going on in the world.

It was a nice break in the action to take Doug Laning over to the Mission San Xavier Del Bac for a few pictures.  Sadly, even though their website said they were open, everything was locked up tight and a big CLOSED sign was at the door.

We walked around the outside, then up on the hill to the grotto, but it's the inside that makes this the most fabulous church I've ever been in.  I told Doug I would post a few pictures from year's past just to whet his appetite to return next year when it is again open.

The pictures don't even begin to do it justice.  It's a must see in person.

One of these days I will go back and ask the question:  Are these amazing features carved in to the adobe walls themselves or were they carved separately and somehow glued to the walls?  Here you go Doug.  Put it on your list for you and Dolly to visit.

In my back yard, patience is a virtue also.  I kept spotting red, or what I thought was dark pink.  I really couldn't see, so I grabbed my camera and began to shoot, not really having a clue if I caught anything or not.

There were three birds flitting around my Texas tree of beautiful gold baubles.   When I processed the images, look what I got!!!  Cardinals in my very own back yard.  I can't believe my luck.  Not great pictures, but you get the idea.

And for your viewing pleasure, here is another terrible image.  Momma is now sitting on her nest of two eggs.  This picture is from squeezing between two pieces of the bedroom blinds and shooting through the glass with twelve branches between her and I.  

It took lots of patience just moving an inch at a time so I didn't disturb her.  She has added all kinds of dry leaf pieces around the edge of her nest.  Nice decorating work!!

THIS is where the real patience has come to play.  I've been calling Phil the Blue Ribbon Paver guy for 6 weeks now, trying to get him to finish the front porch.  Four times he said he would send his crew out and FOUR times no one showed up.  

I finally called Home Advisor (where the recommendation came from) and told them I wanted to revise my 4 star rating.  I explained the problem, whereupon the very nice lady changed everything to a ONE star and stated why.  

She said their protocol is to call the contractor and give him two days to respond.  If not, he's off their list forever.  Woohoo!!

He called me in less then ten minutes.  Oh so sorry .... he completely forgot.  How could he forget when I called him four times and four times he said he would show up?  Sad excuse.  At any rate, the crew showed up two hours later and began work.  They will finish up everything today.  Sometimes it does take PATIENCE, even though I have a minuscule amount.

Word is now that California is going to relax their regulations in spite of the President saying it's HIS choice, not that it matters to me.  With my porch completed, I'll be heading back that direction in a couple of weeks regardless.

I still have more "escape" images and three more hot dogs to eat.  Maybe those chicken dogs will increase my patience level.