Feb. 22, 2023: Wind Whipped Yuma, Arizona

A monster storm is marching across the US from coast to coast.  People across the country are or will be experiencing strong winds, snow, blizzard conditions, and in some places icy precipitation.

Here's a screenshot from the CNN Storm Tracker

Clouds cover most of the west coast.  Yuma, Arizona is just east of the California border.

Eric and I drove 13 miles west this morning.  The temperature was 57 degrees and winds were blowing steadily at 20-plus miles per hour.  

Hints of whipping winds in Eastern Arizona.

Sand blows across 

North Frontage Road.

Our drive west gets windier and dustier.

Sand obscures piles of old

Orange Trees on East 32nd

Street.

It's hard to read this sign.

Recycle Cans, Batteries,

Copper

The darker color, in the

middle of this picture

is a large Hay Field.

There is no rain, snow, sleet, or freezing rain.  In Yuma, Arizona this week's Monster Storm is redistributing the sand across the city.

And, today is National Margarita Day!  Salud!

Celebrating Mardi Gras @The Wicked Taco in Yuma, Arizona

Eric & I are celebrating

Mardi Gras with lunch

at The Wicked Taco.

There are many choices

here.

I like the vibrant Southwest

colors in the Dining Room.

Mexican Art decorates

the walls.

Eric's Fried Wicked Burrito

made with Carne Asada (Roast

Beef). Camarones (Shrimp), 

Nopales (Prickly Pear Cactus), 

Beans, Rice & Cheese.

My two Tacos

Diners are allowed to bring their Adult Beverages here.  Today's choice is Corona Premier.

He is cutting a piece for me.

It's an amazing mix of flavors.

I'm so glad Eric shared his Burrito with me.

A close-up of my Carne Asada

Taco, on the left & my

Wicked Taco, is on the right.

I chose Flour Tortilla shells.

The Carne Asada Taco is topped with Chopped Cabbage and Pico.  The Wicked Taco is the House Specialty.  It is made with Nopales, Pico, and Cheese.  I added Chopped Cabbage and more Pico.

The Beef is perfectly cooked AND the Nopales has a tart, slightly citrus flavor.  The combination of flavors in each Taco is so yummy...

I found this Wicked Gnome

in the window.

He is creepily adorable.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!  (Let the good times roll!)

Valentine's Day Dinner @ Julieanna's in Yuma, AZ

Eric & I returned to Julieanna's

to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Winds are gusting above 25 miles an hour today, so...

A tent was set up & decorated

for the outdoor diners.

Chef Eddie created a special 

menu for Valentine's Day.

Yuma Jazz Company provides

the dinner music.

We have Shrimp Cocktail

for our appetizer.

Eric's photo of me

Our Wedge Salads are

beautifully constructed.

I selected a bottle of Rodney Strong Pinot Noir for our dinner.

The entree is Filet Mignon 

with a Potato Volcano & 

Butter Roasted Vegetables.

It's obvious that Eric is my favorite photo subject.

Our Red Velvet Cake is served

with a Chocolate Heart.

Eric shows what today

is all about...  Love

The Two Rivers Renaissance Faire in Yuma, Arizona

Eric & I traveled to the mythical 

kingdom of Tamsynbrooke & to 

stroll around their Faire.

A brave Knight strides across

the field to present himself

to Queen Elizabeth I.

Arm Your Children Here

The finest wooden daggers &

 swords are sold here.

The Stocks are open

for common skalliwags.  

Thieves will be drawn

& quartered.

Renaissance clothing is sold

 by the town's merchants.

These Elf Ears are

so colorful!

Belly Dancers perform at

the Banat Tabla Stage.

Faire-goers with their

wee babe

I'm glad the local Dragon

has a handler.

A Pirate & visitor from the

Far East share their tales

of adventure.

A Nobleman juggles.

This lass displays her catch.

They will be added to the

cookpot. 

This Barbarian sells leathergoods

to finance his travels to the

next battle.

A Noblewoman & her

young son.

Eric and I roam through the Food Stalls...

Eric explores the melons.

He likes what he feels...

Roasted Baby Rats are an

interesting food choice.

We make friends with the

Battlewolf Clan.

They are a bawdy bunch...

Huzzah!

The Royal Family...

Barbarians from the far north

traveled to Tamsynbrooke.

Grandmer Orchid, the magical

Mermaid greets Faire goers.

Everyone clears the street

for the Royal Procession.

The Queen & her 

Royal Entourage

This Pirate is happy to spend

his Booty at the Faire.

Eric eats a Turkey Leg.

It's portable & yummy!

We enjoyed our stroll at Tamsynbrooke Faire.  It is a truly wonderous place!