Old Tucson & Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

It was originally built in 1939 for the movie Arizona.

Old Tucson has hosted over 300 movies 

and television productions. 

Click on the link to see the list and go down memory lane.

 Ronald Reagan acted here in the 1950 film 

The Last Outpost.

California Securities armored wagon is unique. 

Can you image how hot it would be traveling inside this 

metal wagon with little circulation?

Prop cannon used in the film The Alamo

staring John Wayne.

Most of the items were lost during a fire in 1995 

that destroyed three-fourths of the buildings. 

There were still some posters, cameras 

and actual clothing on display.

High Chaparral

A re-enactment of a bank robbery and gun fight.

Train rides around the grounds are included 

in the price of admission.

Reno was a real working engine and in 100 movies 

with many famous stars and presidents.

Grand Palace Saloon is where you can buy refreshments 

and see live performances.

The Three Amigos was filmed here but the mission was 

one of the building that was destroyed in the fire. 

They rebuilt another mission where the Hollywood stunt
demonstration takes place, which is exciting and comical.

This mountain is in several western films. 

 Little House on the Prairie set.

We had a fun day walking in the footsteps of famous 

movie stars and directors. 

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Az

 Originally four stories high and 60 feet long, it is the largest 

known structure of the Ancestral People of the Sonoran Desert.
It was built around 1350 C.E.

 Notice the holes on the west wall. 

The one on the left aligns with the setting sun at the 

summer solstice and the one on the right aligns 

with the sun and moon at specific times. 

The story on how they constructed this house was amazing!

It is made of caliche which is a concrete-like mix 

of sand, clay and calcium carbonate.

A pair of Great Horned Owls have made their home 

in the canopy that protects the "Great House".

Along with the "Great House" there are many structures 

and this is a photo of one of the walled compounds.

Model in the visitor center.

Vandalism and tourist have destroyed the ruins over the years. 

This is a picture depicting what it would have looked like many 

years ago. Originally you had to use ladders to enter, but people 

have chipped away the walls for souvenirs and to make it 

easy to enter. There is so much more to tell you about this 

amazing place. I hope I have peaked your interest to explore 

more about the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. 

"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been."

Rainer Maria Rilke

Christmas in Arizona

Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a neighborhood that 

definitely shines during the holiday season. 

It was amazing how many homes participated.

This event was jam packed with people who rode trolleys, 

party bikes, hayride wagons, cars or walked.

A tradition for 67 years and a must see if you are in 

Tucson during December. 

Another great thing to do is 

Tucson's Parade of Lights downtown.

We have never seen a Camero with gull wing doors.

We stood for two hours and enjoyed the wide variety of 

floats, tricked out cars, marching bands, dancers and
the Wiener dogs with a sign - It's a Wiener Wonderland.

 Yes, the dogs were draped with lights!
Sorry, the pictures were too blurry.

Back at our park they had a Golf Cart & Bike Christmas Parade.

Totally decked out with flashing lights underneath too!

People love to have fun!

It wasn't dark enough for the lights to show.

Dachshunds on the front, top and a real one riding in the back.

A few days later, after it rained most of the morning, 

we attended the bonfire with hot dogs, s'mores and caroling.

For breakfast on Christmas Eve I made pumpkin spice waffles 

with whipped cream and cinnamon. 

I also sprinkled walnuts on top. Yummy! 

We went to Arizona City several miles north and attended the 

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service at a small church.

Christmas dinner was fabulous with tons of food. 

The park provided three different meats and everyone 

brought a side dish. We didn't miss out on any goodies.

We do miss our family and friends 

and honestly, I have shed a few tears. 

All the festivities were cute, fun and shiny but
Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus. 

We all have sinned and need a Savior.
Christ died for us.
Trust in Him.

This is also a time we reflect on the past year,
count our many blessings, remember those we lost
and continue to pray for their families.

and Happy New Year!