Sin Vacas Hacienda: Blog https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog en-us (C) Sin Vacas Hacienda (Sin Vacas Hacienda) Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:09:00 GMT Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:09:00 GMT https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-12/u199016463-o814211609-50.jpg Sin Vacas Hacienda: Blog https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog 120 80 "Dia de Muertos" at Tohono Chul https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/-dia-de-muertos-at-tohono-chul Our October guests visited Tohono Chul one afternoon. The Mexican tradition of the "Day of the Dead" was in full display. Plenty of fun for the kids. There was face painting, food, and gifts. The ornate vibrant artwork is the main theme.

Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October Tohono Chul in OctoberTohono Chul in October

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/-dia-de-muertos-at-tohono-chul Sun, 30 Oct 2016 03:38:21 GMT Gourmet Reunion in September https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/12/gourmet-reunion-in-september September brought a family together from the midwest, Canada, and even here in Tucson.

Several of our guests have elected to use the house in this way….specifically one family member lives here in Tucson and they use the Hacienda to accommodate all the overflow guests, and generally, as a larger gathering place to hang out, eat, swim, and have quality family fun! 

While the Hacienda is well equipped for almost every kind of dining experience--- inside and outside---these guys elevated their meals to a whole new level.

They even brought waffle irons and converted the kitchen island into a WAFFLE BAR…. yum!

(Thanks for sharing these fun photos!)

September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests September 2015 Reunion guestsSeptember 2015 Reunion guests

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/12/gourmet-reunion-in-september Mon, 14 Dec 2015 22:04:47 GMT July Guests visit Tucson Artist's Gallery https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/8/july-guests-visit-tucson-artists-gallery DeGrazia Gallery DeGrazia Gallery

Our July Guests reminded me of an Artist (Ted DeGrazia) and a history I had forgotten…..

DeGrazia was an artist who lived in Tucson and was famous for his paintings of Native American children of the SouthWest. His style was unique and memories of his work still make me smile. (Google him to see it.)
In the 1970's, he donated a painting called "Wanda's Little Boy" to charity. My grandmother knew the woman it was named after, so when they were promoting the auction, my 4 year old sister--- who was sporting a boyish haircut-- got to dress up to look like the little boy in the painting for photo ops with DeGrazia. (I'll have to dig up those photos!)
Our July guests visited his gallery, located less than 10 minutes from the Hacienda, and took this photo and collected some pamphlets for other guests.
The gift shop has several books and cards with his work. 
All in all, they had a nice little visit there and they reminded my of some things I had long since forgotten…. also, in 1976 he burned a stack of his original works to protest an inheritance tax. It was big news back then!
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/8/july-guests-visit-tucson-artists-gallery Tue, 04 Aug 2015 06:04:30 GMT New Flooring May 2015! https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/5/new-flooring-may-2015 May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014) We are so happy to post about the new tile flooring in the Master Suite!

As the travel season to Tucson slows down, we decided to take the opportunity to do some upgrades to the property.

As many of you know, last season was our first offering as a vacation rental. As we geared up for things, we made many, many upgrades-- basically all new large appliances and other odds and ends. All good things!

And since our calendar stayed pretty full, we were able to continue to invest in making the Hacienda the best it can be.

If you go to the www.VRBO.com/612464 website and read our reviews, you can see that we really do take pride in keeping the property clean and try to provide maximum functionality for all of our guests and their friends and family. Great vacations were had by all!  Whew!

Our tile guy, Frank, continues to do great work. We are particularly impressed with what he can do "on the round". Notice the simple steps up to the  master bathroom. A few little steps now look like a show piece! Great job Frank! May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014) May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014) May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014) May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014) May 2015 replaced the carpet with tile in the WHOLE master suite!
(earlier photos of master suite were taken summer 2014)

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) Tucson Hacienda Vacations https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/5/new-flooring-may-2015 Sun, 31 May 2015 21:12:07 GMT Triathletes of the Z3 Team https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/triathletes-of-the-z3-team For Spring break we were fortunate enough to have as our guests part of the "Z3 High Performance Triathlon Team". Their coach organized daily training all over town during their stay----most notably a bike ride up to Mt. Lemmon. 

The Hacienda sits at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. Mt. Lemmon is at 9,000 feet!
It takes about 90 min to drive the 40 miles up to visit, but riding a bike the distance of the Catalina Highway, is about 30 miles, each way, of traversing a vertical 6,000 feet. Whew!
That's stamina!
 
When I asked the coach what Z3 meant, this is what she wrote:
"The 3 is for the three disciplines of the sport: swim, bike and run. Z is just because even though we aspire to be the best, we will humbly stand behind all the other letters that support us."
"We have 7 pillars of character we teach, and humility is the most important."
 
What an inspiring group!
 
The group converges upon Tucson every year and hail from about 5 other states. 
Here are a few pictures Jenny sent of their training sessions around Tucson.
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/triathletes-of-the-z3-team Sat, 21 Mar 2015 07:30:53 GMT Escapees from the "ice-box" of a Minnesota winter https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/escapees-from-the-ice-box-of-a-minnesota-winter Feb 2015 guests from MinnesotaFeb 2015 guests from Minnesota Feb 2015 guests from MinnesotaFeb 2015 guests from Minnesota Feb 2015 guests from MinnesotaFeb 2015 guests from Minnesota
This crowd wanted to just "defrost their bones on a rock by the pool".
That is what K.V.'s family had as their goal when they planned their trip to visit Tucson.
Luckily, they were not disappointed. While Minnesota was feeling -30 degrees, these guys were soaking up the rays with perfect 75 degree days.
 
They sent me these pictures. 
They even played cards out in the sun at early morning daybreak to enjoy every minute of sunshine.
 
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/escapees-from-the-ice-box-of-a-minnesota-winter Sat, 21 Mar 2015 07:22:15 GMT Got Meat, will Travel! https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/got-meat-will-travel

These guys know how to travel!

They brought a suitcase full of beautiful Iowa beef, and Wisconsin cheese.
 
C.H.'s only request when he inquired about the house was if there was a good grill and pool. Now I know why. They evidently ate like kings, and enjoyed some beautiful evenings grilling outside after long days at a convention in town.
 
My Dad has always said that there's nothing like that Mid-western Beef. Thanks guys for bringing some steaks for Dad. It sure put a smile on his face!
 
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/got-meat-will-travel Sun, 15 Mar 2015 02:18:25 GMT Montana or Bust https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/montana-or-bust An ammonite: Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
J.G. and his crew were the most organized guests we've had so far.
These guys meant business! 
Designers, Jewelers, gemologist and collectors of all things fossilized or crystallized. 
They spent most of their time at the Hacienda cataloging and packing all the treasures they collected at the many venues of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
We had a beautiful full moon during their stay, and they enjoyed their evenings star gazing from the jacuzzi.
The day they left, they sent me this picture.
Their van was packed completely full!
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/3/montana-or-bust Fri, 13 Mar 2015 06:15:27 GMT February Highlights https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/2/february-highlights The Gem and Mineral show and the desert blooming with poppies!

Two completely different annual events, but both are such a treat...for me...and our guests.
The earth's bounty of old and new.
 
Early in February, our guests attended the world's largest gem and mineral show here in Tucson. And from what they tell me, they found amazing show pieces and fine gems. I go every year and I never seem to have enough time to see everything. So, I lived vicariously hearing of all that our guests saw. (Hoping to receive a few photos from them soon.)
 

This week, the poppies started emerging in all their spritely splendor on Picacho Peak. (It is a mountainous outcrop just off I-10, about 30min north of town.) We hiked up there and took the photos I've included in the gallery. Our current guests made the stop for a quick hike as they drove from the Phoenix airport to Tucson. As the Midwest and east coast are having record freezes and snow, I think we won them over with our 80 degree sunny days. They have been hiking and swimming everyday. From what they've said, I think they are spending about every waking moment outside soaking up the sun.....just like those happy poppies!

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/2/february-highlights Fri, 20 Feb 2015 07:27:31 GMT New Year's Day 2015 https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/1/new-years-day-2015 Desert Oasis AND Winter Wonderland in the same place?

Well, yes, ....on this 2015 New Year's Day our guests awakened to a light blanket of snow.
Deb M. snapped this morning photo from the patio off of the master bedroom. 
Framed by the archway, she captured a beautiful view of the Tucson mountains, with low clouds covering the sleeping city below, and steam emerging from the perfectly calm pool in the foreground. Gorgeous! Such serenity.
 
Serenity probably wasn't the theme of their week though. As a family of 12, they planned daily adventures out exploring Tucson. And when they got back to the Hacienda every night the family swam and they prepared meals together. 
Deb also provided this photo of nighttime swimming in the heated pool, even as it snowed on New Year's Eve!
 
This holiday week has seen temperatures in the 70's Monday, snow Wednesday, and back to the sunshine we know and love by week's end. 
Deb and Den's family rolled with it all and enjoyed the Hacienda as a poolside oasis and as a mountain getaway! 

Thanks Deb for letting me post your photos. We love to hear that you could enjoy your family time in this special place!

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2015/1/new-years-day-2015 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 02:58:07 GMT Christmas "Game Night" by the fire https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/12/christmas-game-night-by-the-fire According to our guests who stayed with us over Christmas, this was a typical day: they swam in the afternoon, and enjoyed assorted family games in the evening.

This Christmas Day in Tucson, midday was beautiful swimming weather.....later that night there was a light rain, so they enjoyed building a fire in the fireplace for a cozy, but obviously intense game night.

Thanks for spending your Holidays with us at the Hacienda. Safe travels!

Visit us anytime! Christmas "game night"

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/12/christmas-game-night-by-the-fire Mon, 29 Dec 2014 09:20:37 GMT A Deer….during a private moment https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/12/a-deer-during-a-private-moment Today, as I was preparing for our New Year's Guests to arrive, I looked up to see this beautiful doe standing just outside the Gallery window. As I was admiring her, she casually walked over to the planter that used to be a fountain…..stepped in…..and relieved herself!  Not very dignified at that moment…. But as she continued walking down the pathway, she was once again more graceful.

A family with 5 teens/young adults arrived today to stay through New Year's. They will be sleeping in the Gallery. I hope this beauty visits them too! These are actually my photos. I took them just minutes before our New Year's Guests arrived. See our Blog for the story. These are actually my photos. I took them just minutes before our New Year's Guests arrived. See our Blog for the story. These are actually my photos. I took them just minutes before our New Year's Guests arrived. See our Blog for the story. These are actually my photos. I took them just minutes before our New Year's Guests arrived. See our Blog for the story.

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/12/a-deer-during-a-private-moment Mon, 29 Dec 2014 01:00:45 GMT Preparing for an October Wedding https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/10/preparing-for-an-october-wedding J.L.H. and her family visited for her son's wedding the end of October.
 
Upon her arrival, she expressed to me that she really wanted to see a beautiful sunset.....
I love it when a plan comes together! The first night of their stay a beautiful glow in the western sky delivered an impressive show.
 
After traversing 3 time zones, she got her wish while relaxing at the Hacienda. She supplied the photo.
 
As for impressive shows, I don't know the back story here as her son-in-law appears to be defying the laws of physics......
 
Elegant in his approach, I'm sure his young daughter is cheering him on!
 
On their last day at the Hacienda, as they were getting ready to go, they told me about their stay. Wow, they did a lot! 
 
They functioned here much like we did as our whole family prepared for my sister's wedding many years ago.......
Grandmothers telling stories, while flower arrangements got their finishing touches, and everybody's favorite foods made the whole house smell wonderful.
 
So far, we've met very nice people as we have entrusted them with our home. And we have been rewarded by knowing they have built some fun memories here.
 

Thanks for the pictures and thanks for staying!

]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/10/preparing-for-an-october-wedding Wed, 29 Oct 2014 03:03:21 GMT October guests https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/10/october-guests October guests.....Read our blog for the inside story. Since this is the first season we have undertaken this VRBO thing, we thought it would be fun to ask our guests to send pictures of themselves having a good time vacationing......this is what we got from Brian's family:
 
They said their kids seem to have taken full advantage of the indoor and outdoor spaces. The Lovesac rocker seems to be a hit!
 
They visited Tucson to attend their 20th high school reunion. The kids spent most of their time being entertained by their grandparents at the hacienda and found that they rarely wanted to leave. (We thought it might be that way.)
 
*They chose not to heat the pool, but they said the temp was just fine without it. 
Nice canon ball flip!!
 
Happy Trails!
Have a safe drive home today.
We hope you'll come back and visit again soon.
 
]]> (Sin Vacas Hacienda) https://sinvacashacienda.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/10/october-guests Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:46:45 GMT