Spur Cross 2017

PJ and I took a short hike up in the Spur Cross area in the late afternoon/early evening of March 10 - this is one of our very favorite places.  We took the Metate Trail - which pretty much travels along Cave Creek - our round trip was a little over four miles.

Lots of rain recently so the creek was busy, and plenty of green.  The only challenge:  fading light not optimal for photography-by-mobile-phone.  But trust us, it was quite lovely.

PJ on a creek crossing that did not involve a rock scramble.  (She skitters well where necessary.)

Why it's named the Metate Trail.

Early in the hike  . . . 

Hikes-with-water are so rare in this part of Arizona.

Moonrise . . . tried to catch reflection in the water.

Some amazing saguaros along the trail . . . getting a bit darker now.

piano transition

Summary of piano ownership by PJ 'n me:

Upright #1 (C and N in Glenview, Illinois)

1.  We start with a used upright piano that we found in 1982 in South Bend, Indiana right after law school graduation - shortly before we (PJ, me, Nicole, Chris) move to Glenview, IL to start my first law-job.  A little beat up but large, heavy, plenty good sound and action - and the price was right.  Movers took it to Glenview.  Then to St. Paul.  Then to Phoenix.  (Wouldn't have been worth hauling if we had ever been responsible for moving costs.)

2.  By the time we moved into Paradise Valley in 1989, we disposed of the upright.  Temporarily replaced it with a digital keyboard.  This was the instrument on which the kids started taking lessons - from me.  (That was not a permanent teaching solution.)

3.  Sometime in the early 1990s, we bought a Steinway grand piano from the local dealer (then also a client)  - a 1921 Model O - pretty good shape, and we much liked the cabinet (and bench, of all things).  And they cut us a deal.  That piano accompanied us up to 11419 in 1994.

4.  As the years rolled past - and as inevitably happens - the Steinway increasingly showed its age.  By 2009 (as discussed here), we invested a fair amount trying to get the action back up to snuff.  By 2011 - as we observed the piano's 90th birthday (discussed here) - we were lamenting that the 2009 repair job hadn't really solved anything.  By 2014 we adopted a temporary solution - PJ bought a quite nice digital piano; the Steinway's future remained unresolved.  It was largely unused for years.

Digital #1 (N with earphones; Paradise Valley, AZ)

5.  We learned some interesting things starting in 2014.  Among them:  a nice digital piano is quite a bit more valuable than we anticipated - it's actually usable - the headphones alternative is wonderful.  My piano practicing habits were developed in large part while accompanying the NDGC - late-night practice sessions at Crowley Hall were the norm - it's a fine thing to do late at night, but that would not be possible with an acoustic piano.  Banging around on a piano actually is no picnic for others in the house at any time.

K on Steinway; Paradise Valley, 1993

6.  So we were thinking in terms of keeping both pianos - the digital for daily/nightly practice use; the Steinway for "other".  We priced out restoring the Steinway - pricey but feasible, and probably a good investment - but we started wondering how much "other" usage actually would take place.  And in the reconfigured game room - space was at a premium.

Goodbye Steinway (also goodbye Roland (digital #2), per inset).

7.  Technology to the rescue!  Various manufacturers are proposing various solutions - but Yamaha's "Transacoustic" approach appears to be the best fit for our situation (notwithstanding the rather strange branding).  If you're interested in "why" - this article has perhaps the best explanation (though it's discussing a generation prior to ours, built on an acoustic piano a couple tiers down from ours).  In a nutshell, this piano offers these main choices:  (i) standalone acoustic piano; (ii) at the touch of a lever, the piano becomes "silent" - playable through earphones just like any other digital piano; (iii) you can play various voices simultaneously with the digital piano (either through headphones or not) - some of these combinations sound rather interesting - this is similar to any high-end digital piano, except when not using earphones, the soundboard is the speaker!; and (iv) you can play the acoustic piano and any of the digital voices together - which also creates some nice effects.  The variety works!

New piano - acoustic and digital (also new patio doors . . . rather a nice spot to sit and play).

I will mostly use (ii), except will use (i) when it's not annoying to others; occasionally will play with (iii) and (iv).  Sure it's an upright - but so what!  If you take away the Transacoustic elements, this is a serious acoustic piano - right at top of Yamaha's line.  Confident it's a great solution.

Old pianos were sent off for consignment sale.

Puerto Rico!

PJ and I had an unusually excellent trip experience visiting Puerto Rico from December 31, 2016 - January 4, 2017.  The best part of the trip:  the warmth, chatter, fun - and incredible hospitality - that always accompanies hanging around Pedro, Maga and the rest of the immediate Rossello family - but for this trip also getting acquainted with some of the extended family and friends-of-the-family - all delightful.  Two other plus-plus elements:  (1) being invited to attend Ricky's gubernatorial inauguration and some related events; and (2) finally seeing a bit of Puerto Rico and Old San Juan after years of conversations about it.

Here's what happened -

New Year's Eve in Old San Juan . . .

. . . complete with "plena" musicians . . . 

. . . and some expert dancing . . . 

New Year's Eve with our little daughter, Old San Juan.

Saturday, December 31 - PJ and I have easy travels and short layover (Houston) but learn that with time zone changes etc. it can still seem like a bit of a trip from Phoenix to San Juan; 6a departure, 4:45p arrival.  Nice views of the island as we arrive, and Kerry and Luis are at the airport to meet us; we get our first look around as we drive out to Pedro and Maga's lovely place in Dorado (a bit west of San Juan).  Great to catch up with P&M as always; also nice that Jay & Giselle & family (the three Gs) were there; then we settle into our quarters for the visit (a lovely home that we were sharing with K&L, made available by a family friend).  Thoughtfully stocked refrigerator courtesy Maga - all quite welcoming.  Back for dinner at P&M's place - all v good but I think we especially enjoyed the rice (pigeon peas!) and the plantains.  Our entire group then boards the small bus, or large van, that we utilized for the duration, and the drivers take us into Old San Juan - a very fun New Year's Eve party at Johnny & Leticia's place; met Maria Christina, Alana, Andrea, John Francis - all just as warm and welcoming as can be (plus they arranged for "plena" musicians to entertain us!)  We get some initial views of OSJ on the way to and from the party; perfect weather; eventually we make our way "home", getting to our place with 20 minutes to spare prior to midnight - at which time we watch a rather fine fireworks display from our balcony with K&L.

Early morning church service on Inauguration Day; this is upon arrival:  Pedro with members of the press. 

A blessing for Ricky and Bea.

At breakfast in the parish hall immediately following the church service.

Sunday, January 1- K&L are out early to pick up coffee and breakfast sandwiches for us (from "KGB"); we then make our way over to P&M's to catch up with everyone; say hello to Ricky and also get a chance to meet Bea and Claudia - lots of chattering, then we all drive (I mean, are driven) over to some picturesque spot on the property where the Rossello family Christmas photo is taken (if a bit after Christmas).  Back to P&M's for the loveliest lunch; we are joined by Luiso and Sonia, Luisra and Maria.  Among the treats: a dish traditionally served in Puerto Rico at Christmas - several varieties of fillings, each wrapped in a banana leaf - quite good (even if the Rossello brothers themselves seemed rather unenthusiastic about it).  Lots of talk on all sorts of topics as we sit around the dining table after finishing (and while things are being cleared away so efficiently); we of course were interested in catching up on some of the story lines around the gubernatorial race, plans for the inauguration and short-term thereafter; for some reason - the light, the atmosphere, who knows - it felt to me a lot like sitting around the dining table in Iowa 40 or 50 years ago after a home-prep'd meal and feeling the multi-generation conversation flow - hard to articulate that but it is a fine feeling.  Eventually we walk the grounds a bit, spend some time in the "Lazy River" area.  We meet Manny & Kristen & Isabella.  Quick change back at our "home", then our driver takes the four of us through heavy traffic into OSJ (we finally walk the last couple blocks) - we meet Manny & Kristen for dinner - good food/drink and conversation but the most memorable part was just all the laughs.

Upon arrival at the Capitol - and prior to Ricky's inauguration - a swearing-in
ceremony for members of PR"s House of Representatives.

Waiting for the postmaster ceremony to commence . . . many in attendance take advantage
of an opportunity for a photo with P&M.

Monday, January 2 - bright and early start - this is Inauguration Day! - full police escort this time as our group is taken to church for the day's first event - press, photographers active (all this is new to PJ and me course).  A very nice ceremony, including the celebrant blessing Ricky and Bea; musicians livelier than what we normally see in church, fun to listen to.  They served breakfast to all of us in the parish hall immediately after - enjoyed the PR coffee.  Another escorted trip to the capitol building.  We are taken up via a small elevator to chambers outside the House of Representatives - an amusing part was the tiny elevator car could only convey a handful of us, and naturally it was those of us that nobody knew and stopped for photos etc. who were available to go up the elevator first - meaning PJ, I and a few others enter these chambers and start getting introduced around - to the mayor of San Juan, the representative from the Dominican Republic, etc. - everyone very kind even when dealing with unknown non-entities.  On we proceed into the House of Representatives, where the swearing-in ceremony takes place for the new members - this actually was kind of neat, typically they'd have a family member or two in tow, getting elected is an accomplishment no matter how you look at the world of politics.

In our front-row seats on the Capitol steps, waiting for the inauguration ceremonies to begin.

Governor Ricky is sworn in.

A portion of the large-enthusiastic crowd . . . Atlantic Ocean in background.

Next we move to a different area in the capitol building - some traditional ceremony involving the local postmaster - commemorative postmark or something?  The area was quite warm/muggy.  Press.  Photographers.  Nonstop line of people wanting to say hello to, and have their picture taken with, Pedro (and Maga) - the evident warmth toward them was impressive to see.  But it also required tremendous energy by P&M (who clearly are pros).  Delays.  Little episodes such as:  when time to go to the men's room - security escorts me there (stuff I'm not used to, to say the least).  Security guys chase down water bottles for us, yay.  Then Ricky, Bea and Claudia arrive and the postmaster ceremony proceeds.

Governor Ricky's inaugural address.

Ricky and Bea's daughter very well behaved, though she became
a touch uneasy when the 21-gun salute (or however many)
went off.  Ricky picked her up; photographers pounced;
PJ ends up in a nice photo (I end up blocked by the Guv'nor).

Now it's time for the formal inauguration ceremony - a stand has been set up on the Capitol steps - rather amazing view out over the Atlantic Ocean from where we sit toward the end of the family grouping in front row.  Getting to those seats involved a bit of a gauntlet run - K&L had warned of the seemingly simple rule of just keeping up with the security guys as we flow through crowds, photographers, etc.  Enthusiastic crowd.  Full sun on an 85 degree day; breeze generally quite nice but no one complained the few times that a cloud passed overhead.  Invocations, presentation of the colors, music, the actual swearing-in.  Ricky's speech - in Spanish - seems very well received.  Pedro and Ricky take the traditional walk to the governor's mansion - this on a very warm afternoon after so much activity already.  The rest of us go to the mansion via our van.

At the Governor's Mansion.

Just hanging out at La Forteleza.

The mansion - La Forteleza - surprised us, we had no idea of the history behind this place (originally a fort; oldest executive mansion in use in the western hemisphere, etc.).  The physical site - overlooking the harbor - is pretty incredible.  Not to mention the building itself.  On arrival - a fine lunch - this was timely and thoughtful, we all were quite ready to rest a bit, and get a bite to eat (the staff did a lovely job with that).  Then Maga led the family around for a most interesting tour of the mansion - fun and helpful to see where P&M did their work during the time P served as governor; enjoyed seeing the living quarters, including where Luis had spent some time way back when.  Many staffers there are holdovers from the days when P&M lived there - it was neat to see how pleased they were to have Rossellos returning.  Then we are taken back to Dorado for hair/makeup sessions (girls) and naps (me and possibly Luis).

La Forteleza does indeed offer some fine views.

At dinner - evening of Inauguration Day.

At night - the dinner celebrating the inauguration - our drivers get us back into OSJ in quick order.  We see many faces now familiar after a couple days; and meet some additional family/friends. Good food; a few speeches (including Ricky's); live music courtesy of several different performers (including a guy with quite a nice voice doing a version of "My Way," associated with Pedro as we learn!)  The event was intentionally a bit restrained given the island's current fiscal situation - but celebratory to be sure!  Afterward, a group of 10 of us are driven over to the lovely Vanderbilt Hotel for a nightcap.  Eventually we are driven home; a 20-hour day of memorable moments. [Ricky - and Manny, among others - head to Washington DC on 3a flight for introduction of statehood legislation.]

In our places and ready for the banquet . . . 

At the banquet:  Kerry, Ricky, Luis . . .

Tuesday, January 3 - we (K&L, PJ and me) organize for our tourist-day, and are driven over to P&M's; Jay & Giselle & family are there and in the midst of packing to head home.  Our stated plan was for the four of us to go out for breakfast and then proceed into Old San Juan.  But we linger - Pedro, we learn, makes a quite excellent cup of coffee; Maga puts together a fine little breakfast - all of a sudden we have settled in to enjoy another round of warm conversation and hospitality, and no hurry to leave - very pleasant.  Finally we say goodbyes to all - glad a March rendezvous in Phoenix is on the calendar! - and our driver takes us to OSJ.

We learn that - properly prepared - a pina colada can be a fine thing.  El Convento, Old San Juan.

Looking at the governor's mansion from outside in.  Old San Juan.

My ignorance regarding San Juan, and Puerto Rico in general, is near-flawless.  Wandering around - and looking at maps on the phone - we start to get a feel for why the area was so important to the Spanish - a great harbor (sheltered from the ocean, defensible against invaders), an island perched on the eastern edge of the Caribbean.  Anyway, the weather is lovely and we wander the narrow streets and old buildings - had no idea it was this old - Columbus on second voyage, etc.  A place named "El Convento" looks pretty appealing; we ask the bartender to describe the pina colada - the surprising part was that it tasted even better than it looked (and it was after noon by the time we ordered, I think).  We wander through shops, check out the scenery.  Super-compact.  Lunch; we are introduced to mofongo, among other treats - much enjoyed.  We are wondering in the area of La Fortaleza - getting the view from the street, interesting after yesterday's visit and tour.

Arriving at El Morro.

Overlooking Atlantic Ocean . . . we learn that the cannon were maneuvered on these tracks . . . 

As the afternoon proceeds we visit a huge fort named "El Morro" - the Spanish started building it in 1539 and expansion continued for centuries - this is on a finger of land immediately adjacent to Old San Juan - late afternoon light makes everything look better - the setting on the Atlantic Ocean is pretty wonderful but also there are views back to OSJ and over to the harbor - we much enjoyed wandering, would happily go back for a closer look (though that applies to everything we did on the entire visit).  Our drivers then whoosh us out of the downtown congestion and drop us off at the Hilton.  Since I never seem to get to the Atlantic coast, K and I make sure to walk down into the water for a touch.  Mojitos at the outdoor bar overlooking the Atlantic; it's fun to hear Luis recall visiting this hotel as a child with his grandparents.  Eventually we change clothes - meet Tico/Eva and Kristen/Isabella - who are in a salsa class while I fussed with some details on our flight; dinner; laughs!; then our driver takes us home.  Had a bite of the quite-wonderful cake that the mansion staff had prepared for the Rossellos (and that ended up in our refrigerator, luckily); a glass of wine; conversation into the early morning.

We learn that these watch towers are iconic PR scenery at this point . . . and
that the non-native iguanas are not well beloved.

Tourists on a lovely afternoon at El Morro.

Fifteen Thirty Nine!!

Wednesday, January 4 - our alarm goes off at 3:45a (or 12:45a Phoenix time - even after a few days on the road that seemed a little early).  We say our goodbyes to K&L - really fun to share this experience with the two of them - our drivers get us to the airport (flashing lights for two nobodies!)  Trip was pretty easy, not that I was awake for much of it; we did have a two-hour delay in Houston but that gave us a chance to sit down for a bite.  (Though the mallorca-ham-cheese treats that we took from the fridge onto the plane did get us all the way to Houston in good shape!)  Back at the house by about 5:15p.

K 'n me in the Atlantic Ocean.  Just barely.

Very appreciative of a unique trip and pretty much overwhelming hospitality.

No question that we would love to return, see more, spend more time with our hosts.

The best of luck to know people like this, experience things like this.


via GIPHY

year-end 2016

Another year-end, another epic round of holiday doings and fun.

Kerry arrived late on Friday, December 16.  Initial focus was on some tasks for K&L wedding - coming soon! - quite a bit of prep work was accomplished - some vendor meetings on Saturday, for example, attended by those doing the actual prep work.  Also on Saturday:  bridal shower hosted at Nedda and Paul Jr.'s place with Nicole overseeing things in her matron-of-honor role.  Boys weren't invited but we were given to understand that a good time was had by all.  Patrick arrived by Sunday, so after that just waiting for Luis to hit town.

Kerry's shower (Nedda & PJr's place) (12/17)

Shower fanciness!  (12/17)

There were some K&L wedding prep activities that I did help with, if that's the right word:  food tasting at Bianco's over lunchtime on Monday, December 19, and another food tasting at Fuego Bistro on Friday, December 23.  Most all of us as available joined for both events - very optimistic that wedding guests are going to love this stuff.

Tasting crew doing careful work at Fuego Bistro (thanks, Jeff!)  (12/23)

Then there was a major development - at request of Chris, PJ arranged a ring-shopping expedition to Wesley's in old town Scottsdale - this took place surreptitiously (at least as far as Dharma was concerned) on Sunday, December 18.  With a return visit to pick up the final product after Bianco's tasting on Monday.  This was exciting, and sneaky, and the most excellent news.  CPG came up with a truly beautiful ring.  Also on Sunday night:  book club at 706 to discuss Nicole's choice:  Gilead.  And eat some good food etc., with a white elephant gift exchange.  Nice night.

Shopping at Wesley's!  (Note EPG in mirror.)  (12/18)

Big decision, fine result.  (12/18)

On Tuesday, December 20:  we all gather at Brophy Chapel for the Christmas concert by the Phoenix Chorale - third year in a row - joined by Alison and Graham this time - really a quite excellent program, and the group sounded great per usual (though this remains my favorite Phoenix Chorale concert).  We walk over to "Hula Tiki" after, which fit the bill perfectly; drove EPG's car home as the young folk weren't quite ready to shut it down when we were.  Very fun night.

K, EPG, PJ did some pretty good work on tree-decorating.  The two elves didn't let
PJ get away without opening every decoration-storage-container, some more than once.
I like that the stockings PJ made are visible on fireplace in background here.

A different kind of gathering on Thursday, December 22:  some of us join Paul Jr., Cafiso and friends at a new place called the Wandering Tortoise.  We had a very fun evening, the place features quite excellent beers, and Michael was kind enough to share his mega-Stone bottle with our group (20th anniversary version recalling this trip).  For some reason the beers seemed kind of lethal but we all survived; late food at Deluxe.  As mentioned - December 23 was a fun tasting at Fuego - then the young folks spent the evening catching up with friends in Tempe.

Wandering Tortoise provided a fine evening (12/22)

Now it's Saturday, December 24 - for PJ and me, our first order of business in late morning is picking up Luis from the airport - now all are in town and everything is official!  Kerry works with Chris on a multi-layer packaging deception for the engagement ring - Layers of Misdirection.  In the afternoon we head up to Desert Ridge - saw the next Star Wars Movie ("Rogue One") - enjoyed the outing.  Even if rain was pouring down.  We eat some of the marvelous appetizer selection (courtesy PJ and POC), play pool, eventually get word that [K's wrapping job finally had been overcome and] Chris and Dharma were officially engaged - yay!  Dinner is at the Gladly (Richardson's had been booked by somebody else, so a change in venue); this works out really well.  It's such a great group and always nice to gather on Christmas Eve; two plus elements this year:  (1) very nice to have Luis with us for Christmas Eve/Christmas for the first time; (2) very nice to have the newly-engaged couple (it's exciting to share the experience so close to the actual moment).  (Plus Cafiso came through with a couple fine bottles of wine complete with "Capuso" tag.)  Then back to the house for a session of gift-giving - fun, nice, thoughtful; including Grandma's peanut blossom cookies complete with chocolate stars (courtesy NRG).

Christmas Eve at the Gladly.

Looks official!!

Sunday, December 25 - PJ makes some fine breakfasts; POC, NOC, EPG and me go hiking over on west end of Shea, lovely day (if a bit on the cool side).  Then a true feast of appetizers and marvelous beers for tasting - the beer shoppers did strong work, as did the appetizer chefs.  As the afternoon proceeds PJ leads the cooking effort leading up to dinner.  Saeed and Mina stop by; laughs and chatter.  Dinner was pretty amazing stuff.  There was a new board game - involved drawing things - this was fun and kept us amused until quite late.

Christmas Day hiking.

Appetizers and tastings with this crowd (12/25).  Great way to build an appetite for supper.

Bad luck for me, I was hit pretty hard by a cold overnight; otherwise Monday, December 26 was quite delightful - everyone enjoyed being a little less scheduled.  Games, a jigsaw puzzle, great leftovers, more appetizers.  All but me go over to a party at Mary Beth Stern house in the evening.

Old school entertainment.

And that was pretty much it for such a nice break - PJ back to work Tuesday morning; Kerry and Luis fly back to VA; at least Patrick was able to stick around for a few more days, so that was nice.

Working on the mini-tree with my friend 
(downsizing it seems like a good idea 
given pool table and everything 
else going on in the room).