The Luminarias were great!

This picture doesn't do the evening justice, but I just loved the look, and the neighborhood participation of the luminarias last night. We had guests in, and didn't get around much, but all I could see of Park and Linda were lit up.

Special thanks to Lisa and Ken McWilliams for organizing and delivering bags and candles to Higley Groves West. Likewise to Susan Fleisher for her work in Higley Estates. I would love to have a picture of Higley Estates luminarias or Santa, who I understand was visiting. Let me know if you have one.

Luminarias tonight!

Volunteers have put together luminaria sets for all the house in Higley Groves West and Higley Estates. Tonight is the night to light them up, at 7pm.

This is an example of the impact of a few volunteers. I expect to have pictures tomorrow. So "west of Higley" is ahead in the contest. Next year will be time for "east of Higley"'s comeback.

By the way, Santa will be at a Ramada in Higley Estates tonight at 7pm for an hour. I don't know which one, but it won't be that hard to find. I am pretty sure it is the one on Prairie.

White Christmas

Well, Sunrise Ski Resort is open. And besides all the fun people will be having over the next weeks, you are looking at next summer's drinking water! I am grateful for the snow, even if Thanksgiving is a few weeks behind us.

Rain in the Ranch

It has been clear for a day, but in case you are keeping track, the storm total since last Friday when it started raining is 1.68 inches. We are right at 3 inches in the last 2 weeks or a bit. Wow!

Make sure your yard sprinklers are off. They can probably stay that way for a week. We want the great look of the winter rye, but let's not waste water that is not needed.

The ski areas in AZ are opening today and tomorrow. That is great for those who want to ski and snowboard, and equally great that all that snow will end up in our lakes, at least by next spring.

Jazz in the Oasis

The jazz event at In the Raw got rained out last Saturday, but is rescheduled for December 29th. More details will be available soon.

Ambiance

There's nothing quite like a little fog to put you in the mood for watching movies about The Grinch or Scrooge and Marley; or maybe wrapping presents with some carols playing. Some folks think that we don't get to experience winter, but I have to say that I love our winters. Of course, I love our summers, too, so it's obvious that I am a little strange. But isn't it nice to have cool weather, and ambiance - without having to shovel snow or scrape a layer of ice off your windshield?

By the way, the prediction is for a freeze tonight in Morrison Ranch; so cover your plants and young trees, especially if they are ficus replacing the ones lost in last winter's freezes!

Rain in the Ranch

Yes, and MORE rain in the Ranch!

Yesterday, .26
Today, as of 4:30 pm, .12, and still raining.

About noon I thought it was all over. Didn't you? But here it is again.

And, by the way, I am grateful for every drop.

Rain in the Ranch

The current storm has dropped 1.24 inches of rain on Morrison Ranch, as of about 7 am this morning. It doesn't look like we are finished, either. Don't turn your sprinklers back on yet! It makes it seem more wintery, good for holiday decorating, doesn't it?

Rain in the Ranch

This storm, as of 6am Saturday morning, has dropped 1.17 inches of rain at the Morrison Ranch weather station. That is 2 1/2 inches in a little over a week! And perhaps more to come.

Batten down the hatches!

Bulk Trash Week is coming up

Not next week, but the week after:

Dec 17-22 is the week for bulk trash pickup.

After having been behind, last month they came on the first morning of the week! So be ready.

Can you see your house?

Here are a couple of aerials, which probably show your house, if you live in the Ranch. We took these Monday, after the rain.

There is quite a lot to see. Click on the image to get the big version. There is a prize for the first person who emails the location of Waldo. OK, just kidding.

Jazz in the Oasis

Note that In The Raw is now collecting for Gilbert food banks. A worthy cause and a good time. Hope you can all come out.

Breakfast with Santa was a success

At about 10:30 am there were lots of kids out, hot chocolate was being drunk, and crafts were being crafted. Oh, and Santa was there, in the little house at the right, if I am not mistaken.

Look for news on the next event, Jazz at In the Raw, tomorrow. The event is on Saturday.

Rain in the Ranch

OK, the storm total is 1.40 inches! That's a lot! There is snow in the high county. And there is the forecast of more rain (40%) this coming weekend. Stand by!

Rain in the Rach

As of midnight Friday night, we had reached 1.05 inches. More to come!