Merry Christmas one and all! May the season bring happiness, kindness and more thoughtful living. May we enjoy the family traditions and festivities that we hold dear.
Here on the Ranch (Rancho Takiteze, that is) I’ve continued planning and planting and then watching everything grow. I’m fortunate to have excellent soil and weather that is neither too hot nor too cold.
We had two great parties here this year. The Traditional Fiesta with music, drinks and a great taco bar for our P.E.O, chapter and guests was in June. We have enlarged the parking area and now have excellent driveway lighting to accommodate timid drivers.
The second party was my 90th birthday celebration with 5 days of family activities. For decades our family members have bickered and challenged each other as to who makes the most authentic Hungarian Chicken Paprikas. (Translated means the way Grandma made it) Each family was asked to bring a large platter of “their” paprikas for the impartial judges to taste, savor and awarded a First Place Blue Ribbon. Karen Duvall Potter (cousin) danced away with a silver engraved tray and the Blue Ribbon. The crowd was really the winner because the food was divine. Valerie was in charge of breakfast each morning, prepared on her antique grill (brought from Texas). Badminton, archery, croquet, hiking and day trips to all the tourist attractions (The Wall, Bisbee mine and Tombstone) kept the family entertained. A very large rooster (garden art) made his entrance as a grand finale.
Each time Sharon and Jerry left their ranch for Alaska, Hawaii and Albuquerque I would don the hat of the Ranch Foreman. Up at dawn to feed and water the 6 horses, 2 cats and numerous chickens, with a repeat at 4:30 pm to be sure they were all fed and tucked in for the night.
Even though we received more rain this year we saw fewer deer, javalina and turkeys. Occasionally, we did see the large humming bird, Rivoli, for you bird enthusiasts.
I enjoyed a 5-day Road Trip to Nipomo in California in June to adopt the P.E.O. handmade dolls from Hilde Weintraub. We displayed these dolls at the P.E.O. International Convention in Phoenix where Sharon and I and two of our P.E.O. chapter sisters showcased the dolls in telling the story of the founding of the P.E.O. sisterhood.
Our Christmas plans include a quick trip to Newport Beach to join son Dan and his wife Alicia on a sailboat to view the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
My greatest happiness is sharing my ranch and garden with the family and friends who come to visit. My porch deck is ideal for reliving our fondest memories and taking time to enjoy friendships. I’m expecting more of you to visit in 2026. Two bedrooms, coffee and cookies are always available, shuttle service from the Tucson airport, side trips available to historic sights. Make me happy and come.
I wish all of you much happiness in the coming year. And, I hope you find more adventures and build more memories with those you love.
With love, always,
90th Birthday Bash