Yuletide Splendor

Breathe that sigh of relief that we made it through another holiday season. We have a full year to think about that next perfect gift!

We woke before sunrise Christmas morning to a heavy frost, actually turning on the furnace to quell that bitter chill. Al cooked up some oatmeal to give us a warm start before heading to Tucson to meet up with his brother for a hike and mid-afternoon dine. I started the truck a few minutes early, kicking on the heated seats and defroster, mostly because I don’t have a scraper and lacked much ambition to clear the icy windows another way. I was still defrosting myself!

We met up with Dale at the San Xavier del Bac Mission. Founded in 1692, the original building was destroyed in 1770, while the current structure was built from 1783 to completion in 1797. It has a storied past of abandonment and neglect, but has been in stages of ongoing renovation since 1992. The erroneous newer stucco covering is being removed due to damages retaining moisture, being replaced by the original mud plaster of prickly pear pulp that allows it to wick away. The best intentions to restore the building were subtly destroying it, making the proper reparations more involved to correct it. I find this all too relatable within the complexities of my own life as I try to claw my way out of my spiraling conundrum.

It’s a spectacular sight inside, with statues and intricate paintings from floor to ceiling. I’m not a person of strong faith, but I respect and support those that do, and have admiration and appreciation for the immensely talented individuals that created this masterpiece so many years ago. It’s astonishing how the artwork has survived the harsh desert climate so brilliantly despite the damage and neglect. I am curious how the current staff lit so many candles on three stories of ledges, but glad it was not a task asked upon me. As a non-parishioner, it would be a dis-service for me to describe the ambience other than it felt very uplifting just being there, observing the enjoyment it was bringing to all who were present. Al and Dale seemed immersed in the experience of being in such a grandiose and meaningful establishment, especially on such an appropriately significant day. Surprisingly, this wasn’t our original stop of intent, but I’m glad we chose it.

A last-minute suggestion from me was to stop by the Pima Air Museum as it was along our route. As my foot was being cranky, I was pleased enough to see the planes from the driver’s seat, but gave them the chance to take a closer look from the sidewalk. They nabbed a few pics of a couple former Air Force One Presidential aircraft, and the Douglas “whale” Skywarrior. Shortly after, we turned before passing the Bone Yard, but stopped again to peer over the fence at the Grave Yard. Another grandiose scene, I’ve never seen so many aircraft in one place and lines up so perfectly. We skedaddled out of there and kept driving.

When they had their fill, it was time to fill our grumbling bellies. We stopped at Lin’s Chinese Buffet, each going back for a plate or two too much, chatting away, then wondered how it got to be so late. We drove back to the mission, dropping Dale off at his car, then went our our opposing directions as the skies began darkening.

I really enjoyed the company of Dale today, as conversation flows freely and there’s rarely a moment of silence. He’s very positive about life and gives helpful advice on improving my outlook. I’m very grateful that he joined us today and thankful for his generosity for dinner.

Thank you to all that texted or called wishing Merry Christmas, and to those that answered our calls as well. While we couldn’t be with much of our family and friends for the holiday, it was nice catching up with some of them in other ways. I appreciate each and every one of you!

It’s the middle of the night, the dogs have been out one last time, and bed is beckoning. I hope everyone had the Merriest of Christmases! As always, thank you so much for following along with us!

Dale mentioned that Saguaro Cacti grow below 4000 feet, and it was like they just suddenly disappeared as ascended past. It was a winding climb to an altitude of 6578 feet, stopping at the Windy Point Vista. I cruised into one of the open parking spaces, leashed up Suki, all of us going for a stroll, allowing Cassie to nap away she seemed all too comfy with the truck to herself. In the far distance of the roadside overlook, the mountains were floating over a layer of fog. I could have stook there taking in the views for longer, but as it was getting increasingly busier, no more parking spaces available and visitors amassing, I retreated back to the safe confinement of the truck while Al & Dale explored terrain too rough for my foot’s poor balance and instability. I don’t do well with crowds when my pain is flaring.

Share your comments on Facebook or email us at roadfronts@gmail.com