An Owl Mystery

We used to have a nice pair of owls by our house until a neighbor removed the palm tree where they nested.  We are hoping to find more owls once we settle in the new house.

However, I discovered a pair of Great Horned Owls right behind the pottery studio this morning.  And they have a large nest nearby.  I am hoping they will have some chicks and I am going to watch over the next few months for signs of babies.  Today I only had my cell phone camera so these photos aren't great, but I'll keep working on getting better pics.

This owl is hard to see but he is almost exactly in the middle of the photo. He's the lump.

The mate was way up high looking down at me.  He is in the center, near the top, of this photo.

A totally rainy day, again!

I might as well be in Portland.  Not really.  This upcoming week should be nearing 70 most days so  we'll be happy.  But Pickleball was definitely rained out today.

When we go to the "new" house to work on cleaning I always check the mailbox.  We are still getting tons of mail from the previous owners.  The most interesting mail is from lots of charities.  I guess the thing is to send actual coins to the homeowners in the hopes that they will donate.  So far I've "earned" about .85 from all these charity envelopes.  Plus we're getting at least four magazines as the previous owners have not cancelled any of their subscriptions, yet.

Those are real nickels!

The sun is working hard

The last two days have been about 30 degrees in the morning, but have warmed up nicely to a sunny 65.  Good Pickleball weather in the afternoons.

The painter is working amazingly fast.  In one day he almost got all wall surfaces covered with the first coat of paint.

Our house was listed yesterday and we already had one person come through and take a look.  Haven't heard back yet if there is any interest in buying.  It should be about two weeks until we can move into the "new" place.  One Pickleball friend told me that all my neighbors will be about 85 years old so I won't make any friends there.  We'll see.  We know there are older neighbors on one side of us, but we haven't met anyone yet.

Morning sighting of javelinas

It has been really cold here.  The mornings have been in the mid 20s.  This was my view from the Pickleball courts yesterday where we played while wearing many layers, gloves and hats.  We even had a few snowflakes during the game.

This morning on the 7am walk we startled a herd of javelinas!  As we approached they kept scurrying to get out of our way.  There were probably 15, including two babies!  Since it was still a bit dark my camera phone wasn't good enough to get any great shots.  They look pretty funny in these photos.

After I am warmed up from the three mile walk I've been heading straight to the "new" house to scrub it.  Here is what the living room currently looks like as I pulled up the carpets to paint the baseboard. This afternoon the painter is going to start painting the walls.  I can't wait!

New Year's Day Snow

The sun is shining right now and water is dripping everywhere.  I know the snow will be gone by tomorrow, but we are enjoying its beauty while we can.

Our poor Mesquite tree!! We lost two big branches.

Christmas in Arizona

On the morning walk today I saw how beautifully the main clubhouse was decorated.  Since it was still dark at 7am I was able to get these photos of the lights.  It's cold, windy and there is a possibility of snow after midnight.  Happy New Year!

And the hard work begins

We've finally arrived back in AZ and have done nothing fun, yet.  We've been working like dogs getting the new place cleaned up and getting the current place ready to put on the market.

So far we haven't played Pickleball, taken any walks, gone swimming, or done pottery.  Soon.

Also, a mountain lion has been spotted, several times, near the new place.  I'll keep a lookout in the backyard when I'm working.  But I don't think mountain lions care for oranges or grapefruit.

Entry way, white walls, linoleum - all going to disappear.  Notice the dirt on the wall on the left.

Looking into the family room from the kitchen.  Walls and floor are both changing.

Den/Gillian's room.

Very dirty guest room.  Currently.

Hallway to master bedroom.

Living room/dining room.  Carpet, walls and window coverings will change.  Notice the orange tree on the right.

Master bedroom.

Look forward to the exciting pictures as the transformation takes place.  Starting next week!