Fast forward a week.
I have jumped onto massive doses of Vitamin D at my doctor’s direction – 100,000 mg/week! My bones should be much happier in a couple of months, but that sure seems like a lot of ‘D’!!
On Thursday, we took in two tours in between downpours. The first was the tiny Chadbourne Community Church which sits at the south end of America the Beautiful Park. At one point it was a grocery store, but was converted to a church in the 1920’s for this poor Hispanic community.
The second place, the Carter Payne Center, demonstrated just the reverse – a church repurposed for secular uses. Overall a very good tour.
I’m getting close to my 50th high school reunion, so the frequency of meetings (one on Friday at the Elk’s Club) has increased as well as my behind-the-scenes activity. On Friday, we also had the Logan’s and Little’s over for dinner. Tomorrow, Craig and Kathy return to Tucson and 105° temps. We had a great time out on the deck yakking until almost midnight!
On Saturday, we took another tour up Ute Pass to the Marigreen Estate which used to be the Chicago Billboard Baron’s estate, but was subsequently deeded to the Holy Cross Novitiate. The Order opens the estate up to the public only one day every three years according to the terms of the will. Several of the grandchildren were acting as docents this year. Kudos to Cathy for spotting this tour and quickly getting us on the list. I’ve driven by this place hundreds of times since 1957 and never pondered what was beyond the stone and iron gateway.
Crystal chandelier and coffered ceiling.
Fireplaces sculpted from Carrera marble.
Later we visited the large chapel across Hwy. 24 in Cascade. This was a HUGE estate, and in this southern corner, the children of the original commissioned this large structure. Shown above is a subterranean grotto just large enough for maybe two pilgrims.
It’s just a grab shot, but I had to share a photo of the scruffy dude who was our guide on the bus. Dress him a little differently, and he’s a silver medal contender for Santa.
To finish off the week, we attended Babette’s Cabaret at the Millibo Theater. Great fun as always.
