Tag Archives: photos

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I bought a book.

March 14, 2019 Rivergirl 20 Comments

No, that isn’t news.

I’m an avid reader and am probably personally responsible for Jeff Bezos’s ranking on the Fortune 500.

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But this book was special.

As you may know, I have a fondness for chickens.

It started years ago when our farming neighbor moved in across the street and asked us to ~~baby~~ chicken sit.

Matter of fact, here’s a picture of the husband trying to speak to those first chickens.

As you can see, it didn’t go well. The chickens weren’t paying attention.

Were his conversational skills severely lacking…

Or did he just not speak their language?

The chickens might have been saying all kinds of fascinating things!

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Or not.

The point is we didn’t know.

And as the flocks grew larger…

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We made friends…

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But the language barrier was problematic.

My pathetic attempts at cooing were for naught.

Clearly the birds had something to say.

Possibly deep, philosophical things….

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But we couldn’t decipher it.

Until now.

So join me on the journey.

And we’ll explore these topics.

Admit it.

There have been times you’ve wanted to chat up a chicken too.

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It will be fun…

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It’s all about the rocks… and some food.

March 9, 2019 Rivergirl 18 Comments

Our last meal in Sedona was a late lunch and of course, it turned out to be the best restaurant we found during our two week trip.

Yes Martin, this is a food filled post.

You’re welcome.

Perched on top of a hill, the Mariposa Grille had some great views. (Of rocks.)

Mariposa means butterfly in Spanish, and they featured prominently in the decor at this Latin themed beauty.

Views (And rocks! Did you see the rocks?) aside..

It was a large…

And rather impressive place.

I mean hey, check out that door.

It’s made of rocks!

There was live music with a Spanish guitar, and more beautiful views.

(Of rocks!)

I ordered a few Caipirinhas… the national drink of Brazil.

Just to get in the proper mood and spirit of the place.

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And then on the advice of the waiter, we tried the Yuca fries.

Not to be confused with Yucca… which apparently tastes like soap… the Yuca were too die for!

To be honest, I had no idea what they were at that point.

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But had I Googled this Yuca meme beforehand?

I most assuredly would have passed.

Lunch for me was the Funghi Sublime. And sublime it was.

Scottsdale Burger Battle Judges’s Choice Winner 2018 ~ Smothered in sauteed Mushrooms, finished with imported Truffle Cheese and Truffle Dijonnaise

That burger positively melted in my mouth and was expertly cooked.

My husband ordered the Senor Fish, and was not disappointed either.

Pan-Fried and Seasoned with their House Rub, Lemon-Caper Aioli, and Shredded Romaine, on a Whole Grain Bun accompanied by 3 Seed Coleslaw.

This was an upscale South American restaurant with Latin inspired cuisine, and everything was served on the most wonderful plates. (Rocks! They were made from rocks!) I wish we’d found it sooner and been able to go back for a full dinner. I’m sure it would have been marvelous.

How upscale you ask?

There was some interesting artwork hanging on the walls…

Made with some rather expensive rocks.

And they were all for sale.

Yeah.

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Rocks.

Ya gotta love ’em.

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But maybe not that much.

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Splatter dabs, rat urine and my worst nightmare.

March 8, 2019 Rivergirl 23 Comments

I learned a lot on our final walk around the Sedona Heritage Museum.

(I’d ask you to name this rusty piece of crap, but they beat me to it.)

I learned about tent houses.

All the comforts of home.

Not.

And if I needed any more proof that I wouldn’t have made a good settler’s wife?

That’s it right there.

I also learned about big pancakes.

Really big pancakes.

Which got me thinking…

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Makes perfect sense to me.

Entering the fruit packing shed that was used when the property was a working orchard..

The husband fell in love with this old machine.

Which I admit was kind of cool.

But I also liked the funky steam punk apple peeler.

Although that first bite has got to be hard on the teeth.

The shed had a lovely old carriage.

And a short film on the history of Sedona.

There was also some fascinating info on rat urine.

Yes, rat urine.

A woefully under explored topic in most museums…

I often call my husband a pack rat, because he comes home with all sorts of ~~trash~~ treasure as well.

But damn. 20,000 years?

That’s some powerful pee.

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And now, our final discovery.

My worst nightmare.

There was a small section on prohibition…

And yes, I may have wept.

Oh…

The horror!

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John Wayne and $40 text messages.

March 7, 2019 Rivergirl 28 Comments

This cute little building was next up on our tour of the Sedona Heritage Museum.

Admittedly it didn’t look like much upon entry.

But then the husband saw this…

And I can’t swear to it, but I think he might have orgasmed right then and there.

Me?

Because as much as I love history, including that of the old west… I despise the old Hollywood westerns. The inaccuracies, the one dimensional characters, the predictable plots? You can have them.

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Yes, I know… it’s unAmerican. So sue me. But the soundtrack to my 35 year marriage has been Rio Bravo, Eldorado, and The Sons of Katie Elder. If I never see another John Wayne movie? I will die a happy woman.

But for the husband to be standing in the actual telegraph office building that was used to shoot The Angel and the Badman?

To walk where Wayne walked?

Yeah, that looks about right.

The studios made a lot of movies in Sedona back in the day, and while the husband was happily reading about the fake west….

I found an early Xerox machine from the real one.

Dare ya to print a copy of your butt on that!

And being a telegraph office, naturally there was telegraph machine.

But holy crap!

I never realized it was so expensive to send a message back then. $40 for a 10 word text? I’d be on the streets in no time flat.

And speaking of the old days…

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Yes sir.

You really had to want it.

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We’re finally there….

March 6, 2019 Rivergirl 32 Comments

Yes, it’s the last full day of the Arizona vacation.

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And to think it only took me 43 blog posts to get here.

Hey, don’t blame me. You’re the ones reading them.

Our day started in an arts and crafts gallery. Sedona is full of them and not one will allow you take pictures.

So here’s a picture.

I saw the framed blessing below and wished I knew someone who was getting married. It would have made a great gift.

Next stop was the Sedona Heritage Museum.

An unassuming little place tucked away in the canyon…

Do ya see the red rocks in the background?

Huh?

Do ya?

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The husband happily strolled around outside and examined rusty things.

There were lots of them.

Including one I could identify but he couldn’t.

Name That Crap.

Go….!

The museum building itself began as a one room cabin and eventually morphed into an early settler’s ranch. It was filled with antiques original to the house, memorabilia and history of a bygone age.

Naturally they wouldn’t let you take pictures.

So here are some pictures.

Yes, that’s part of an authentic chuck wagon from the old west. A piece of tin was folded down from the back and held up by a timber. This acted as the kitchen counter for the camp cook… because really, how much space do you need to make beans?

There were numerous out buildings to tour including this one that was filled with,

Well…

Rusty crap.

But then in the back I saw…

What?

Yes.

The world’s only teal arches.

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I know.

Teal arches.

Remember, you saw it here first.

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Funky trees, metal warrior women and some dinosaur dung.

March 5, 2019 Rivergirl 16 Comments

Tlaquepaque – the sequel.

Trees.

They were everywhere in this quaint shopping village.

And allowed to go pretty much anywhere…

Which was environmentally friendly…

And at times, down right comical.

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There was a strange bird with red peppers on it’s head…

And naked warrior women made out of metal.

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Also with birds.

Tell the truth…. how many of you men actually noticed the bird?

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We walked by Albert again…

And into a store that sold dinosaur poo.

Supposedly authentic… which caused my husband to snort.

Like you could you tell?

The village was lovely.

With a distinct Spanish flavor.

Which probably explains why the French cafe where we had lunch was so absolutely un-French.

It had a slight Gallic atmosphere.

And yes, French Onion soup.

But the closest the menu came to French cuisine was my uninspired, build it yourself chicken salad sandwich on a croissant.

The husband’s?

Might have had Grey Poupon.

Ooh La La Lame.

Finishing our circuit, we stopped at a Native American jewelry store. The prices were high, and though tempted…. I was going to walk out empty handed until the husband started talking.

When the husband starts talking? I know we’re going to be there a while and resumed shopping. Seriously this time.

So it really was his fault I spent a large chunk of change on this bracelet.

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Yup.

His fault.

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On our way out, a giant aloe vera plant threatened to swallow him whole while he gazed at a statue…

No. Not really…

But I totally would have posted that video to YouTube if it had.

Said statue.

Fountain.

Or tiny public bathtub, tough call.

Cat statue, directly opposite a pot filled with….

That can’t be a coincidence.

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Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and an amethyst trouser snake.

March 4, 2019 Rivergirl 20 Comments

Tlaquepaque.

No, I didn’t sneeze…. it’s a place.

Granted it’s designed for tourists with money to burn.

But it’s also a lovely warren of shops and cafes…

And a pleasant place to stroll the day away.

(I think this elk was complaining about his decided lack of fluffy butt.)

I could easily have seen that skull on my living room coffee table…

But no.

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We saw Mark Twain.

And a very relaxed Albert Einstein.

(I wanted my other half to take my picture sitting on his lap and giving him a smooch, but again… uncooperative husband.)

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Most of the shops were outrageously expensive…

And some of them were down right weird.

This one had fake pink stalactites hanging from the ceiling.

As well as …..

This.

I’m sorry.

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But any way you look at it?

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That’s an amethyst penis.

(And a very large one at that.)

And if you think my husband was mortified at the thought of me kissing dear old Albert?

You should have seen his face when I made a point of photographing that semi precious love dart.

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Washouts, floating snakes and a giant potato.

March 3, 2019 Rivergirl 31 Comments

Leaving Winslow, Arizona you see a lot of….

Until you see these…

And start looking for a restaurant here…

We’d heard there was a wonderful place to eat dinner at the Orchard.

Unfortunately…

We didn’t bring our white water landing craft.

This is what happens in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona when it rains.

And mind you, I’m not talking about torrential downpours. The rain we’d had the night before wouldn’t have been enough to properly soak my garden back home in Maine.

But road after road, and driveway after driveway were impassable.

Except for snakes.

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Apparently those suckers float right on by.

By the time we got back to Sedona it was dark, and we ended up here.

A well reviewed steakhouse.

It was pleasant…

And I was thirsty.

To hell with doctors orders, I’d been a good girl and was feeling fine.

Prickly pear pomegranite cosmo?

Come to momma!

The salads were lovely with fresh local greens, candied pecans, goat cheese and pears with a tangy citrus vinaigrette.

The yeast rolls with sea salt cultured butter? Light as air…

And yes, I ate 3.

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But the steaks?

Ooh la la!

My filet mignon with truffle butter was everything you want a steak to be.

Of course for $52 it should be.

And my baked potato was huge.

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Well, not quite.

But damn…

Now I totally want to go to the potato museum!

Canadian Potato Museum PEI

One of the Top 11 Food Museums in the World!

The Canadian Potato Museum is a living testament to the humble tuber and those who have tilled the soil in its evolution.

We celebrate all things “potato”.

Highlights include the world’s largest exhibits of potato-related farm machinery, agricultural and Community artifacts and the world’s largest potato sculpture.

The world’s largest potato sculpture?

It doesn’t get much better than that!

Who’s with me?

Great!

B.Y.O.P.

(Bring your own peeler)

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A hotel, a rusted camel and some death spoons.

March 2, 2019 Rivergirl 22 Comments

When you visit Winslow, Arizona you have to stand on the corner.

But you also have to visit La Posada…

It’s a sprawling old place, rich with history.

Abandoned for years but now lovingly restored and brought back to life.

Southwest colors and Spanish touches abound.

Including some lovely wrought iron…

And a rusted camel.

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The interior is a bit of a maze…

With arches….

Bright colors…

Elaborate entrance ways…

And room upon room….

Of antiques…

And funky art.

As well as a giant angry chicken.

Because really, what hotel is complete without one?

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The owner is an artist named Tina Mion and her works are scattered throughout the hotel.

Including this mural of suicides.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Take a closer look…

Thinking this was a little odd….

I walked on.

And found these.

Death spoons!

Now you have to admit…

These beat grandma’s Florida gator and Liberty Bell spoons all to Hell!

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Rocks, Kachinas and naked reflections.

February 24, 2019 Rivergirl 19 Comments

Let’s start with the reflections.

The resort where we were staying had a large master bath which was covered in tile. It also had a whirlpool tub as well as a shower, and the tub was surrounded by mirrors.

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Mind you, it was bad enough having to wake up in the morning and stare at myself sitting on the throne….

But stepping out of the shower and seeing 57 naked reflections of myself?

That’s the stuff of nightmares.

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Yeah.

That’s a whole lotta me.

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Sorry.

Moving on…

Another trip to Flagstaff meant more red rocks.

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Good point Paul.

And some pretty stupid signs.

Really?

I always thought they were transparent.

This one really killed me.

In Maine, we don’t need warning signs for this. We see it as common sense, but like I said…

Arizona is a very different place.

While in Flagstaff, the husband dragged me through a few antique stores. We made it out empty handed until the final stop, where he wanted to buy this.

Name That Crap.

Go….!

In retaliation, and since I still hadn’t found that special momento to take home, I made him visit the Kachina House.

For those who don’t know…

I’d seen these marvelous hand carved beauties at quite a few places…

And fell in love with all their different stories…

Most of which I can’t remember….

But still.

Aren’t they grand?

No, I wouldn’t dream of it.

So after being shocked at the prices of Native American jewelry at the other store, I decided the Mouse Warrior was coming home with me.

Revered for his bravery and selflessness, the Warrior Mouse staked his own limbs to the ground and offered himself up to a hawk that had been stealing the tribe’s chickens… but our rodent hero ended up killing the dreaded bird of prey instead.

A martyr mouse? I liked it.

What I didn’t like was the $975 price tag.

Bye bye mouse.

I’m told people actively collect Kachinas and have display cases full of them, which would be lovely…. but a wee bit too costly.

So I did what every good tourist lady whose husband was looking over her shoulder does…

I hit the sale table.

And got a nice piece of hand thrown, hand painted Hopi pottery…

And an adorable seed pod wall hanging….

Both signed by well known local Native American artists.

I also cheaped out and bought 3 miniature Kachinas for my desk.

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(Hummingbird, Mud Head and Kokopelli, from left to right.)

Not nearly as nice or intricately carved, but their price tag didn’t make my husband stroke out…. which is always a good thing when you’re on vacation.