Leslie Keller Books

You might not think there are squirrels in the desert but don't tell that to this guy.  The Sonoran Desert is home to Rock Squirrels who dwell in the rocky arid canyons in boulder piles. Some find them disruptive as they will happily eat all of your flowering plants as well as some cacti. If you look closely you can see that the front half of his body is gray whereas the back half is golden. Like their counterparts, Rock Squirrels will stuff their faces until you are sure they will explode and run off to bury the treasure.  They are fast and have a keen sense of hearing. In my yard and beyond in the preserve they are welcome guests, along with the rabbits and Antelope Squirrels (which resemble a chipmunk). Happy Trails, Leslie Leslie's Website       Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

If I could live on cupcakes and diet soda I probably would - unless someone else is cooking. So I'm always very happy to try a different restaurant and see what the competition is up to.  This review is about a relative newcomer to the Desert Ridge area, the Barrio Queen Restaurante Y Tequileria. I dined inside the restaurant with three friends on a busy Thursday night at 5 pm. The outside seating is very nice and would have been my first pick, however the inside is lovely. The artwork is fun and colorful, taking you right into the heart of the culture. I loved the gas fireplace which was lit with miniature skull lights and the gorgeous prints on the walls. I was greeted immediately by four hosts who were very accommodating and patient - since my friends were late. Seated in the side room, with a great view of the restaurant and back bar, the table was comfortable and the server always present, even if slightly inexperienced. Three of us ordered tacos and one ordered t

You can't have a love of all things western and cowboy without including the artists who liven our imaginations with their craft. In 1964, three artists, Charlie Dye, John Hampton and Joe Beeler while at a roundup considered the idea that other artists would enjoy the camaraderie of being together.  The next year with George Phippen the four men met in Sedona Arizona and decided to establish the Cowboy Artists of America to promote artists and have a bit of fun along the way. The first annual exhibition was held in 1965 and continues to this day. The objectives, as stated on the website are: To perpetuate the memory and culture of the Old West as typified by the late Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and others; To insure authentic representations of the life of the West, as it was and is; To maintain standards of quality in contemporary Western art; To help guide collectors of Western art; To give mutual assistance in protection of artist’ rights; To conduct a trail ride

If you read the Jayne Stanford series you know she is a Diet Mountain Dew addict. If you know me then you also know that I am as well. I've never been a fan of coffee and it's too hot to drink tea for most of the year in Arizona so I'm a Dew junky. I found this cocktail which seems like the perfect concoction the next time I want Jayne to overindulge.  There's not enough Dew in this recipe to keep you awake at night. Mountain Dew Me 2 oz. Midori melon liqueur 1 oz. triple sec 4 oz. pineapple juice 1 splash Mountain Dew soda Add all the ingredients except the Mountain Dew in a glass filled with ice. Stir and then add the soda. Garnish with lime if you want before serving. Happy Trails, Leslie Visit my website Twitter       Instagram       Facebook       Menu for Murder       Cocktails at Sunset

I'm not sure what motivated me to select this book which is not a mystery but rather a story about a family in a small Washington State town during World War II. We meet Jonathan Bleecher, who has just buried his wife after a two year battle with cancer, his daughter Mary and sons Matthew and Luke. Jonathan is a very religious man who runs a small hardware store and has lived his life by a strict standard of behavior. His son Matthew heads off to work for a civilian contractor in the south Pacific and shortly thereafter Luke, a popular but lazy young man, joins the army. The story jumps between the father and two son's perspective from chapter to chapter. There are some disturbing war scenes and much sadness in their lives. It deals with their fears, insecurities and commitment to God and country. There were moments when I wanted to throw the book across the room in frustration with their behavior - how long does it take someone to learn life's lessons?  Without givin