Saturday Meanderings
Welcome to Saturday Meanderings where we just chat about anything and everything! Grab a cup of Joe or tea and I am so happy you are joining me today!
Today is my birthday. I am 65 years old. How the heck did that happen? Quite honestly, I feel 25 on the inside, yet the outside is definitely showing some wear and tear. So here is what 65 years old looks like. Granted, this is after a hair cut and some make-up, but I still feel quite young and vibrant.
Needless to say, we are off celebrating this weekend and I’m very excited! Our destination is Castle Hot Springs, a 1,100 acre ranch secluded in an Arizona canyon with natural hot springs.
We may not celebrate my birthday in style every year, but my husband gets kudos for planning this. Click here to see the surprise trip to Blackberry Farm for my 60th birthday.
An Unexpected Trip
Earlier this week, we drove to see my cousins in Victorville, CA. Unfortunately, my sweet cousin, John recently received a challenging diagnosis and we hope our visit provided some fun and laughter. Since we grew up in opposite ends of the country, it is wonderful to hear family stories from their perspective.
I have never been to Victorville or Apple Valley and it is a delightful place in the high desert of the state. Listed as one of the top 100 places to live, I can certainly see why. Warm during the day, the temperature drops at night for the perfect sleeping weather. They live in a wonderful, patriotic community with a view out to the snow covered San Bernadino mountains.
Books on Tape
I guess the books really aren’t on “tape” but during the roundtrip 11 hour car drive to California, we listen to Audible books. In my opinion, the success of an audible book is the narrator. Murder at the Dolphin Hotel by Helena Dixon and beautifully narrated by Alex Tregear, is 8 hours and 7 minutes long and is considered a cozy historical mystery. We did enjoy it and it seems to make the drive go by faster.
What’s Blooming
April is the month where I believe our property is at its all-time best. Here is a snapshot of what’s blooming now.
The iris are in the middle of showing their delicate petals.
After whacking back the rose bushes in January, they always make a gorgeous comeback.
The photo at the top of the post is a bouquet of the heirloom roses (Quatre Saisons) that have been on the property for decades. I tried propagating them last spring (to no avail), but if you want to try rose propagation, I have a great tutorial on it here.
Every time I see a snapdragon I remember showing the children how to make them open and close like a mouth. Even the petals look like they have teeth, right? For some reason, the snapdragons are huge and abundant this spring.
And those hollyhocks are taking over the property. They are EVERYWHERE! I still have many seeds that I am happy to share (just email me at [email protected]).
San Miguel de Allende
This destination is on my bucket list. Has anyone ever been there? San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-era city in Mexico’s central highlands, is known for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene and cultural festivals.
Getting there isn’t fast or inexpensive. However, I do dream about going there someday. In my saved files, I am keeping this Belmont hotel, Casa de Sierra Nevada, as a possible future accommodation.
Doesn’t this look just amazing?
Belmond also does the Venice Simplon-Orient Express train~another bucket list destination. Maybe when I become a famous blogger, they will treat me to a trip!
Well, that’s it for Saturday Meanderings. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. I cannot wait to share our adventures at Castle Hot Springs!
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Photographs of me done by Cozy Clicks
Hair done by Roscoe Nichols at Pucci Salon
Makeup done by Kayla Spencer
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Happy belated birthday! You can’t be 65. You look 50. I guess the secret is clean living. San Miguel looks beautiful. I’ll have to add that to my list. Your husband is a keeper. What a fun get away. Looking forward to seeing you in person soon!
Andrea, wouldn’t it be fun to go to San Miguel with our blogging group? Something to think about….
Happy belated birthday Mary. It sounds like you had a great trip to Castle Hot Springs! I’m loving your snapdragons and hollyhocks. I bet your garden is even more gorgeous in person.
Sweet Friend, I hope I look that good when I hit 65. You are gorgeous inside and out.
Have a wonderful year.
Happy belated Birthday! We will be celebrating in Florida! Your iris are particularly gorgeous! You look amazing, and I am happy to see Cooper, too! Looking forward to seeing you in Phoenix…AND…Florida!
Chloe, can’t wait to see you on Saturday and meet your husband. Florida will be such FUN!You are a gem to host.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!
YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!
WHAT A GOOD GUY YOU HAVE MAKING PLANS AND DRIVING YOU TO APPLE VALLEY!
I had a crush on a GUY from there once upon a time however I never went there!He lived on his Fathers boat which was parked in front of my Mother’s Condo…………this would have been in the early 1980’s!
WELL,Keep doing what you are doing as YOU LOOK GREAT!
Thank you for the belated birthday wishes. I’m a bit behind in responding to everyone but it’s been a whirlwind from Apple Valley to Castle Hot Springs to having house guests. Love the story about your Apple Valley crush….
Happy Birthday and many more with good health to keep your beautiful home as you have done
so much there. I enjoy all your posts very much and look forward to much more.
Thank you!
Va in NC
Virginia, Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. My apologies for responding so late…it’s been a bit nuts here. I also am so happy you like my blog and posts. You have no idea how much I appreciate hearing that!
Oh happy day!! Birthdays are grand — we get an opportunity to travel around the sun one more time. If we are lucky, while we do that travel, we share our enlightened spirits with everyone that we meet along the way. We learn and we teach each and every day. I celebrate this day with you — counting my lucky stars that are paths crossed and we have become friends. Wishing you a year filled with joy, perfect health and lots of love. T.
Tanya, what a lovely comment. I, too, am so happy our paths crossed. I wore your jewelry at Castle Hot Springs because it felt so right to do so. It may be time for more jewelry. We’ve done orange, blue and perhaps something else???Pink?
Happy Birthday Cousin Mary. Enjoy your special day at Castle Hot Springs.
Put another candle on your birthday cake and reverse the numbers. Humm
56 seems about right. Love, cousin Charleen
Charleen, I like the idea of reversing the numbers! I actually started reverse aging at 50 so I’m really 35……Ha!
Mary,
Thank you for sharing your day with us and enjoy your special birthday celebration! You look terrific…oh to be 65!!!
Louise, you cannot be a day older than me….you are so energetic and healthy and attractive and vibrant! We have to keep aging well!!Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday Mary! How can you be 65?! You don’t look a day older than when I knew you 30+ plus years ago! I hope you have a wonderful Birthday get away. I enjoy your posts and site as you always make everything look beautiful, very inspiring. xo laura
Laura, SO good to hear from you. I can’t believe that was over 20+ years ago! Time sure flies. Thank you for the birthday wishes and sending hugs to you and your family.
Happy birthday! You sure make 65 look beautiful! Hugs and blessings to you.
Renae, thank you so much for your birthday wishes! Hugs and blessings back to you, my friend.
Happy Birthday and many more!
Thank you, Jackie!
Happy Birthday my friend and you don’t look 65! I love your energy and your photos are amazing!!! Sending big hugs to you and I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Thank you, Chas! Having you in my life is a big benefit of being this age! Can’t wait to see you next week.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYxMany More!! Your photos are “3 dimensional!!” Beautiful! I agree w/you on the “narrator”…I luv’d Peter Coyote on the recent “HEMMINGWAY” production!! EnJOY! franki
Franki, thank you so much for all your comments. I am so appreciative of them. And thanks for the birthday wishes too!I’ll have to check out the Hemingway production. Thanks for sharing.
Happy birthday, Mary!!! I wish you many more years of good health, much love and joy.
Flo, thank you so much for the birthday wishes! Hope all is well your way!
Gosh Mary, you look and have the energy of a 25-year old The happiest of birthdays to you! Thank you for all your beautiful inspiration!
Felicia, thank you so much for your kind comments and birthday wishes. I do feel 25…..waiting to wake up one day and feel my age…ugh.
A very Happy Birthday to you! You have the energy of a 25 yr old (and the face and body, too). Kudos to you for exemplifying the vibrant, gorgeous mature woman!
Hugs,
Barb
Barbara, thank you so much for your birthday wishes and kind comment. Sending hugs back to you!
Wishing you a wonderful birthday!!
Karin, thank you so much!
Happy Birthday you look fabulous, I would never thought you were
over 40.
Thank you so much for the connect to Chic and Country, I’m really enjoying
it I love magazines.
Happy birthday ! Love your garden.
Happy birthday, Mary! Trust me. If everyone looked like you at 65, the world would be a much prettier place!!!
Happy Birthday, Mary! Enjoy Castle Hot Springs – I have heard wonderful things about it and would love to go there myself!
Cindy, it was truly wonderful. A place to just BE. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes!
Wishing you the happiest of days and a year filled with love, laughter, and good health! I also pray that 2021 brings us together at some point. Either a wedding or in the DC area! Enjoy your special day. 65 ain’t so bad!!! Free donuts at KK and DD!!!
Joanne, thank you for the birthday wishes! Ha! I didn’t know I get free donuts…there is a plus to turning the big 6-5! Yes, we will see each other in Charleston in October. Just made my hotel reservations…can’t wait!
Beautiful photos Mary. Happy Saturday!
Thank you, Rachel!