We try really hard to stay busy, and this week was no exception—pickleball almost everyday, golf on Monday, and a try at tennis (after 43 years) on Tuesday—bedtime could not come early enough most evenings. The weather in southern Arizona has been spectacular this week, though more winds were present than we observed last year. Playing pickleball into or against the wind is comical, as the ball may go several different directions, seemingly at once!

Kay’s golf game is ascending to new heights with every game she plays. Fortunately, we don’t compete because she is hitting one great shot after another, and outscoring this poor duffer. In a scramble last Sunday, we used her drive 7 out of 9 holes, and she carried us in a scramble this Saturday, starting with a birdie on Hole #1! It is a delight to the both of us as she improves her golf game.

With pickleball finishing early on Wednesday, the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert beckoned. In terms of birding and photography, it was even better than remembered. However this photographer discovered how absence from making photos takes a big toll on quality of photographs. Several birds were kind enough to stay put and pose, including the much photographed Roseate Spoonbill. Though I spent just over two hours walking the trails, it was a refreshing break from our otherwise “groundhog day” existence; and, getting back to making pictures provided a welcome change of pace.