Robyn arrived on Super Bowl Sunday, fresh off visiting her son, her brother, and one of the grandkids in southern California.  Robyn was greeted by a small earthquake upon her arrival there, but I would like to think that the Tucson leg of her trip, featuring me and Lola the pup, along with many fun activities, will constitute the high point. I certainly was looking forward to her arrival in the desert.

We celebrated her arrival with two slabs of barbecue ribs and all the trimmings, including cocktails and dessert! I’ve been mindful of my weight since before I left home for Tucson, but on Superbowl Sunday the gloves came off.  I suspect this week is going to prove to be a 3-4 pounder before all is said and done.  After all, it’s not only Valentine’s Day week, but while Robyn is here, I want to show Tucson off in its best gastronomic light.  This means at least one visit to the fabulous Baja Café for a scrumptious, fattening breakfast. Officially, I don’t plan to cook this week while Robyn is here.

I also plan to take a week’s hiatus from my regular exercise regimen.  I’m sure we’ll hike some, but nothing approaching the six workouts per week that I favor when I’m here on my own. Tuesday we are departing Tucson to spend a few days in Sedona, a destination I have never visited. However, I am informed it’s a hiker’s paradise. I managed to secure dog-friendly accommodation there, as this will also mark Lola’s first visit.

We’ll get back to Tucson Thursday so I’m working on this week’s post a bit earlier than usual. It will not be a complete recitation of our adventures.

However, among the early highlights: Robyn managed to complete a hike in Sedona, high among the red rocks. She was so proud she took a photo upon reaching the end of the trail to prove the accomplishment.  To no one’s surprise, Lola proved to be as popular in Sedona as every other place she visits. Robyn observes that Lola is a “chick magnet,” and worries she’ll be the ruin of us.  Finally, at our dog-friendly motel, each day Lola raided a bowl of complimentary biscuits that management keeps filled near the front desk. She charmed the staff, which awarded her a prize, consisting of a colorful “ball of yarn.”  In turn, Lola gave the place a 3-bone rating on Yelp.

Robyn’s brother lives in Phoenix and should be back from California by the time we return, so perhaps we’ll stop for a visit or another meal before making the final two-hour excursion back home to Tucson. I know that Robyn would like to see him again.

I purchased advance tickets for this coming Friday to visit the University of Arizona’s Sky Center, a tour of the heavens from atop Mt. Lemon, the highest spot in this area. It is entirely weather-dependent, of course, and we won’t know if we’re on before noon Friday. Despite temperatures here in Tucson in the sixties and seventies, Mt. Lemon has gotten a foot of new snow just this past week. We will need our Winter gear if the tour takes place because temperatures are likely to be thirty degrees colder, and it can be windy, high up in the mountains. Great fun for a couple of flatlanders like us.

And, if it doesn’t work out there are still plenty of other civic activities here for us to enjoy. Truth be told, however, the activity I’m most looking forward to is spending time alone with Robyn and helping myself to generous portions of sweet kisses and hugs.

It’s been too long!  I’ll need to make them last until I’m back home with her at the end of March.