Music on the Horizon, a Travel Blog by Tracy

Mom and Dad are pretty different. Mom loves to travel, while my dad no longer finds it very enjoyable. This is because before he retired, he spent a lot of time traveling for work: flying, driving, and spending nights in hotels. Since he moved to Arizona, I don’t see him much. So, when my boyfriend, Brian, offered to take me to Sun City for a Christmas visit, I accepted.

Dad has always been a homebody. He likes to work around the house, play with his dogs, and he looks forward to dinner at home. So, I knew our visit would be peaceful, restful, and enjoyable, especially since it was during the holiday. It isn’t like he is always at home, though. He is very social. One of the most beautiful things in the world is my dad’s smile. Like his own father, he is one of those individuals who lights up a room as soon as he enters there. When they see him at the grocery store, the cashiers shout, “Hey, Larry!” The greeters at Sam’s Club know him by name. When he performs music, you can see the joy in his eyes. He used to play cordless, strolling through the crowds, serenading the lovely women in the audience, and getting the people involved in the show. That’s his passion—music. This is one reason why music has always been a big part of my life. And I knew there would be music on the horizon of this vacation.

Music has made me happy since the day I was born. All through my childhood, Dad played his acoustic Alvarez guitar for my sister and me. And, he gave me a few bass guitar lessons during high school. I wanted to learn Metallica songs, but I ended up jamming a good “Wolly Bully.” I’ve played a few instruments throughout the years, but my passion is more in the lyrics than the playing.

Some families watch sports on TV, put on plays together, or do something else. We danced. Dad’s homemade speakers were pumping through the house while we rocked and rolled in our living room. When he had band practice, I would occasionally invite a friend over to watch. When his band, Hat Trick, played out, I started many conga lines, dancing with the crowd of fans.

Most recently, during our first night in Arizona, I joined him for a couple of songs by playing the washboard. I am blessed to have had such fun times with him and look forward to many more. Check out the gig at The Hideaway in Youngtown, Arizona, which is located behind Father Saducci’s Pizza: LINK HERE. The audience adored it!

Our vacation was wonderful. Temperatures in Arizona reached eighty degrees while it snowed and snowed back home in Wisconsin. This made for a wonderful December! We spent the following evening playing with the dogs and enjoying the sunset on Dad and Paula’s patio. Paula, my dad’s wife, my friend, and I, closed our eyes, feeling the melody, while we listened to Brian play five or six of his original songs on one of Dad’s guitars, the same acoustic guitar I grew up enjoying. Beautiful!

Brian and I drove to Oro Valley (Tucson) the next morning, Saturday, to see my aunt and uncle. It was fantastic! Brian and Uncle Bob clicked because they are both talkers! Uncle Bob took Brian for a ride in his convertible while Auntie Pam and I followed. After a late lunch, we returned to their home. I took a stroll through the wash with my aunt. When it rains, a dry riverbed, known as a wash, momentarily fills with water. Beautiful desert vegetation abounds there. We also took in the Christmas lights as we strolled around the community. At night, their neighbor put on a spectacular display of dancing lights, music, and video. Cars lined up on the street and neighbors crowded around to see the show.

After that, Uncle Bob cooked up some yummy halibut, and we had plenty of cookies—mostly Greek ones Auntie Pam had baked. We had drinks and hors d’oeuvres while unwinding on their terrace. The following morning the four of us took a walk through the wash before heading out for a delicious breakfast. Then it was time to head back to Sun City. I had driven out there, but I let Brian drive us back. The worst drivers are found in Arizona!

On Sunday, I went shopping with Dad, and we made pizzelle cookies. Brian soaked up the vitamin D while lying in the sun. We went to Fountain Hills the next day for lunch and to see the 500-foot water fountain. The sunshine and mountains, the birds and the sculptures, the artwork and the playland all made for a beautiful walk around the lake.

Christmas was fantastic! Oh, Christmas in the desert! My first holiday away from home. I wore shorts every day except this one because we had plans to go to the movies. We watched the new Bob Dylan movie, “A Complete Unknown.” I had no idea that before The Beatles, Bob Dylan was my dad's favorite! Great movie! I highly recommend it.

That evening, Paula air-fried a delicious turkey for dinner, and we opened presents on the patio. After waiting six days to give them their gifts, I was so excited! In addition to a blanket I had designed, inspired by their dogs, I created a couple of shirts for Paula and several Ol Porch Dog T-shirts for Dad. And, of course, we danced! Dad introduced me to some new music: Keb’ Mo’. Awesome musician.

If you are interested in purchasing a blanket, you can do so HERE.

We flew home the day after Christmas. I was right; it was a peaceful, restful, and enjoyable vacation. I loved every minute of it and am very grateful.

Love,

Tracy

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