Why hello, December! I can’t believe it’s already time to recount the blessings of November.
November was all about road trips and nesting and family. Between driving from Austin to Phoenix, and Phoenix to San Jose, and San Jose back to Phoenix, we clocked in more than 40 hours on the road… and it was worth every second. November’s main highlights were moving back to Arizona and going to spend Thanksgiving with my family in California.
November’s “BEST OF” to note:
1). Being back in the desert.
This was actually taken yesterday (in December), but it continues November’s brilliant sun and gentle warmth, so here you go. Sitting outside in a t-shirt, blessedly dry in the absence of humidity!
Phoenix date palms lit up for the holidays
2). Music: Steve Earle, my favorite country artist and one of my all-time favorite musicians, period. He’s a wonderful poet, and I love his unique sound… it flows between country, country-rock and alternative country, rich with folksy, rock n roll and bluegrass flavors here and there. He’s just amazing. I made a playlist of my favorite Steve Earle songs and burned the CD for our trip out of Texas. It was perfect!
My Steve Earle CDs: El Corazon, Townes, I Feel Alright, Copperhead Road and Jerusalem.
3). Target’s generic brand energy drink (Archer Farms). We think it out-red bulls Red Bull, and it’s very tasty.
The energy drink that fueled our many hours on the road in November. It’s Target’s brand. I love the raspberry flavor, too.
4). Living in downtown Tempe.
On the patio at the Handlebar in the middle of the night, just because we could. I guess it’s debatable whether living near Mill Ave is a plus or a hazard. Nah… it’s definitely a plus.
Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium, down the street from our apartment. We get to hear the fireworks when the Devils score, and that’s a lot these days!
5). Re-visiting favorite old hang-outs.
Alice Cooperstown, Alice’s sports bar/restaurant in downtown Phoenix. Major points for nostalgia here.
6). Feeling truly at home again! After books, houseplants define “home” to me.
Our first houseplants in three years! They’re temporarily named “His Plant” and “My Plant,” respectively (L – R). I have a special fondness for spider plants.
7). My house-warming gift to myself, which didn’t cost me a cent.
I took some old books to Bookman’s and traded them for the hand-made Greek (Rhodes) Bonis plate on the right.
8). Dexter. We binge-watched the entire eight seasons, starting in Texas and ending in Arizona.
Our favorite serial killer. And everyone else’s, I suppose.
9). November’s rave-worthy beauty product was (and continues to be) Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil for Hair, Body & Face. I spray a little in my palm, rub my hands together and run them through my dry air, and it leaves a nice sheen. Callaghan also loves it for his skin.
This oil defies the dryness of the desert without leaving you greasy. LOVE IT.
10). Two Very Happy, Satisfied At-Home Kitties.
Nounours at home on his blanky!
Ronnie James at home on the love seat!
And last, but far from least: Thanksgiving in California, a last-minute decision that was the best decision ever!
That Asian-Looking Chick 