To Tucson...

We are finally here in Tucson and all set up. I had hopes to blog from the road, but we hit some ice storms and the thought of capturing such misery was beyond my capabilities.

Luckily before we hit the ice storm, we were able to spend time with Greg's sister-in-law, Stacie. She lives with his brother Mike in Memphis. We had a wonderful time hanging out with her. She took us to The 5 Spot which is a small, neighborhood restaurant behind what used to be an old brothel called Ernestine and Hazel's. The meal was delicious. My scallops with sun-dried tomatoes over pasta was tangy and good, but I'll know for next time to get the shrimp and grits. I had a bite of Stacie's and the grits were supremely creamy, smooth, and the perfect accompaniment to the supremely tasty seafood. The cool thing was that we were given a tour of the entire place, including the ghost-invested upstairs.

Across the way was The Cheesecake Corner. It was delicious. I got a slice of rum-soaked coconut cheesecake that was divine. We hung out and stuff ourselves silly with cheesecake while watch the State of the Union Address.

While Greg was driving, I was able to finish up wire-wrapping some special, one-of-a-kind pieces for the shows. The glass baubles were featured in Cynthia's book, Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More, and were made by the talented Shannon Hill, who passed away last year. They are like time-capsules, preserving an original drawing by Cynthia with bits of stones, mica, and twigs. I adore these sweet baubles capped with PMC.

I wasn't able to work much though on the road. As I mentioned earlier, we eventually hit an ice storm and had to drive through snow, freezing rain, ice and all manner of unpleasantries. We spun off the road, got stuck and had to be rescued by passing by trucks, and dealt with the slow going 15 mile per hour trudge. We got stranded in Amarillo, Texas the weather was so bad.

Eventually when the snow stopped the next day, we took the some-what clearer roads south through Texas. As we came up to Odessa, Texas, most of the signs of the horrible weather were behind us and it was clear skies with a warm sun – just what I needed!

We arrived in Tucson just after the sunset. I am smitten with the house. The owner appreciates well-made things and that's represented in its furnishings and decor. It is sprinkled with all kinds of vintage goodness and many owl friends.

I made lunch yesterday and it was phenomenal. I sauteed a fillet mignon steak, whipped up a fresh salad, and toasted some crostini. I made a homemade béarnaise sauce and a quick lemon dressing made from meyers lemons right off the tree. We ate out on the deck, and I admired the succulents and view of the pool. It is such a delightful treat to eat OUTSIDE with the sun on my face. Back in Bolivar, this would be an impossibility unless you were looking to get frostbite.

After lunch, we shopped for wooden bowls and unique planters. I plan to stock up on succulents for my window garden while I'm here. The planters were just what I wanted. I felt very effective, crossing things off my list.

When we were done running around, she dropped me off at The Doubletree Hotel to help set up the booth at the To Bead True Blue show that opens in a couple of hours. It was interesting to set up a booth after having not done it for a month. Eventually the old patterns fell into place. Above is a picture of the new pewter pieces. They look fabulous! We'll also be getting a bunch clasps done in cast bronze on Tuesday! The table is laden with all kinds of treasures – lots of pewter, shibuichi, silver, bronze and copper from my family at Green Girl Studios, lampwork glass, books by my sister Cynthia, ceramics by Off Center Production, and we'll have polymer goodies from Heather Wynn on Monday. I am so excited about our shows!