tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25260608985119574812024-03-13T22:27:51.529-07:00Tucson SnowbirdGuide to What's Happening in the Old Pueblo for Fulltime RVers and others.StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-16229333752860678762009-05-26T08:35:00.003-07:002009-05-26T08:55:15.108-07:00On Hiatus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/ShwQ3L1prsI/AAAAAAAAFsA/XWvGsYILQNo/s1600-h/made_at_www.txt2pic.com.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/ShwQ3L1prsI/AAAAAAAAFsA/XWvGsYILQNo/s400/made_at_www.txt2pic.com.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340161798411235010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Isn't that what all the really cool people do? Or maybe sabbatical? Anyway, later.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-477703237225067362009-03-13T15:51:00.004-07:002009-03-13T17:19:42.044-07:00Spring and ARt in in the Air!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/Sbr32xn76lI/AAAAAAAADwY/Y6dyI1C12LU/s1600-h/books.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 85px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/Sbr32xn76lI/AAAAAAAADwY/Y6dyI1C12LU/s400/books.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312831230842759762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Finally we're in to more normal spring temperatures. Although those who come here from the northern climes revel in the high 90s, it's a little scary for those of us who will still be here in June.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">This weekend is the University of <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/">Tucson Festival of Books</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and the organizers have drawn some pretty big names. If you're a writer or a reader, you should find something or someone in the lineup to suit you. My pick would be Billy Collins, former US Poet Laureate and if you're one of those people who just doesn't "get" poetry, consider this Collins poem,</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Introduction to Poetry</span> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">I ask them to take a poem<br />and hold it up to the light<br />like a color slide</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">or press an ear against its hive.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">I say drop a mouse into a poem<br />and watch him probe his way out,</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">or walk inside the poem's room<br />and feel the walls for a light switch.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">I want them to waterski<br />across the surface of a poem<br />waving at the author's name on the shore.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">But all they want to do<br />is tie the poem to a chair with rope<br />and torture a confession out of it.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">They begin beating it with a hose<br />to find out what it really means.</p><p style="font-family: arial;">There's too much going on there to list here but you can find it all <a href="http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/">here</a>.</p><p style="font-family: arial;">Tucson artists will be opening their studios this weekend. These are all over the greater Tucson area (a few in my neck of the woods) so your best bet would be to download the map, choose an area and hit the road or look through the listing and visit those that catch your eye. Either way you can't go wrong. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonopenstudios.com/downloadables/TucsonArtistsOpenStudios_March2009.pdf">Tucson Open Studio</a></p><p style="font-family: arial;">Oro Valley on the far NW side of Tucson will be hosting the<a href="http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/events/calendar/index.php?com=detail&eID=27437&year=2009&month=03"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Festival</span> </a>with music, food and art at the PCC Northwest Campus.</p><span style="font-family:arial;"><blockquote>Attendees will be treated to live music and performing arts entertainment including jazz guitarist Dan Griffin, the Amelia Dahl Jazz Quartet, the Tucson Chinese Council performing the Lion Dance, American standards with Joe Bourne, bluegrass and fiddle with Peter 'Doc' Rolland, Latin and Irish music from the Street Minstrels, folk music with Amber Norgaard, flamenco guitar with Jon Banuelos and blues and boogie woogie with internationally acclaimed Mr. Boogie Woogie</blockquote></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Singing Winds Bookstore is having a quilt class on Sunday. Now, the quilt class is probably full or you may not be into quilts but tuck away the name </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bensonvisitorcenter.com/images/Singing%20Wind%20Directions.pdf">Singing Winds Bookstore</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and visit there sometime. If you appreciate unique, this is a place for you.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.patagoniaaz.com/calendar.html#MAR">Patagonia</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is also having an art walk this weekend. The thing about an art walk in Patagonia is, you could actually walk to most of the galleries. And if you've never visited Patagonia, this would be a good excuse and a beautiful drive.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Patagonia is one of my most favorite places in SEAZ, another is Arivaca-and this is the weekend for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arivaca </span>Chili Cook-Off. It's Saturday and the info is </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.arivaca.net/">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Again it's a good excuse for a beautiful drive-if you need that.</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">Whatever you do, have a great weekend.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-49765671917001872722009-03-07T07:02:00.003-07:002009-03-07T08:03:59.157-07:00Wildflowers and other Beauties of Arizona<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SbKMXhi47lI/AAAAAAAADig/KJ42rkTJTfk/s1600-h/poppies2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SbKMXhi47lI/AAAAAAAADig/KJ42rkTJTfk/s400/poppies2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310461246392823378" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/third-annual-fiesta-de-saguaro.htm">Fiesta de Saguaro</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is TODAY at Saguaro National Park East. It's a celebration of Hispanic culture complete with food, music and dance. Looks like a great day to get out and enjoy the park.</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">Another beauty of living in Tucson is our access to the University for many different opportunities. The UA operates telescopes on Mt Lemmon and this month you can take part in one of their </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://uanews.org/node/23205"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sky Nights</span>.</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> Bundle up though, cause it will be chilly up there.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">In Tucson with have the Sweetwater Wetlands, in Sierra Vista there's the EOP which also attracts wildlife. </span><blockquote style="font-family: arial;">The Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP), also known as the<br />waste water treatment plant, is open for bird walks each Sunday morning.<br />The walks take about 2 hours and are led by docents from Southeastern<br />Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO), Huachuca Audubon Society (HAS) and the<br />Friends of the San Pedro River (FSPR). </blockquote> <span style="font-family:arial;">Info </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.visitsierravista.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_events&span=week&cityid=20">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Spring training has begun. If your year starts with the sounds of "Play Ball!" this is the place for you. Cactus League information can be found </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cactus-league.com/">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">But you could just spend the next week to 10 days driving around the desert and enjoying the wildflowers. Wildflowers bloom is such a big deal here that there are wildflower watches and day to day reports. Arizona State Parks provides </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://azstateparks.com/rangercam/index.html">Ranger Cam</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, but I think the best reports come from </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/tucson.html">DesertUSA</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Now, I'm off for a walk.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-86752780546476100062009-02-26T08:54:00.003-07:002009-02-26T09:00:09.872-07:00State Park Closures<span style="font-family:arial;">A sign of the times.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.azstateparks.com/press/2009/PR_02-24-09.html">State Parks Closing</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Also, the annual reenactment of the battle at </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/index.html">Picacho Peak</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> has been canceled.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-46152006995639027452009-02-20T09:08:00.006-07:002009-02-20T09:20:21.217-07:00Tiger in Tucson<span style="font-family:arial;">It's official, </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r470/">Tiger</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> will come back off his knee surgery to play in Tucson next week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So if golf is your thing, check it out.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-25747098857800189042009-02-19T08:26:00.003-07:002009-02-20T09:22:01.452-07:00Missed a few!<span style="font-family:arial;">Some other folks enjoying the Baja!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://fautrever.com/">Fautrever</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Lance and Erin</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.jerrysuzylifeonwheels.blogspot.com/">Our Life on Wheels</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Jerry, Suzy and Rocinante</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://gypsyjournal.net/blog/">Nick's Blog</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Nick and Miss Terry are recovering from the Gypsy Journal Rally</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://2-on-the-road.blogspot.com/">2 On the Road</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Hikin' and Bikin' in SoAZ<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mariesthatwhichisgood.blogspot.com/">That Which Is Good</a>-Marie and Honey making art in Arizona<br /></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-77375365801663161182009-02-17T17:32:00.002-07:002009-02-17T17:34:07.741-07:00Ft Lowell Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZtXeBRfaXI/AAAAAAAADGw/1vhORSAzYTo/s1600-h/rickwork+017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZtXeBRfaXI/AAAAAAAADGw/1vhORSAzYTo/s400/rickwork+017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303929159408380274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For a little more about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ft Lowell</span>, go to my other blog, </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://strawcottage.blogspot.com/2009/02/more-plaster.html">Straw Cottage</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-20996129859779251442009-02-14T08:03:00.005-07:002009-02-14T09:07:35.961-07:00Who's Hanging Out in the Baja (Baja Arizona, that is)?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZbqiT0RKII/AAAAAAAADAk/ru5HSEEtkdA/s1600-h/baja.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 172px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZbqiT0RKII/AAAAAAAADAk/ru5HSEEtkdA/s400/baja.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302683486431291522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.bandersnatch.com/bajaz.htm"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;">from Free Baja Arizona</span></span><br /></a></div><span style="font-family:arial;">Check out the fun these folks are having. If you know of RVer/Bloggers who are enjoying this fine southeastern Arizona winter, leave a comment and a link.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://thebayfieldbunch.com/">The Bayfield Bunch</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Kelly and Al Ranch Sit</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://web.me.com/mej4/Site2/Blog/Blog.html">Artful RV Adventures</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Mark and Bobbie are still Artin' Around</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://campingandtravels.blogspot.com/">Camping and Travels</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Adventures with Suzanne and Brad</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://colleenandpierre.wordpress.com/">Are We There Yet?</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Currently in the NE (can you say Brrrr?) but will be back in SEAZ</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://stevecox2go.blogspot.com/">Steve's RV Travelogue</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-He's having way too much fun with the pics to prove it!</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://laurieandodel.blogspot.com/">Semi-True Tales of Our Life on the Road</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Laurie and Odel are back!</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://forestcamping.blogspot.com/">Camping With Suzi</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Suzi's getting a tune-up to be ready for the summer but she's still blogging</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">(Suzi and Laurie both give high marks to the Bisbee Breakfast Club, so it must be great)</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.twoscamps.blogspot.com/">Two Scamps</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-deserted<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bandersnatch.com/bajaz.htm">Baja Arizona</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for the red zone of Phoenix</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://cid69.blogspot.com/">Cid69</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-He's heading this way tomorrow</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://sandcreektravel.blogspot.com/">Sandcreek Travel</a><span style="font-family:arial;">-lotta photos of a lotta fun</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.liveworkdream.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">live.work.dream</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">-Jim and Rene, passing through</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Who else is here-please check in!</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-12058202239033776652009-02-09T09:42:00.004-07:002009-02-09T11:14:51.568-07:00Feb 9-15 Call in the Cavalry!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZBxGMOZRFI/AAAAAAAAC6c/kEPuja-GpHw/s1600-h/ft+lowell.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 243px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SZBxGMOZRFI/AAAAAAAAC6c/kEPuja-GpHw/s400/ft+lowell.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300861112589829202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you've ever driven up Craycroft Rd, north of Grant, you may have looked to the right and seen some old adobe buildings sitting in what otherwise looks like a city park. You may have also noticed the name of the park, </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://oflna.org/fort_lowell_museum/ftlowell.htm">Fort Lowell</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> and wondered who would put a Fort in the middle of the city? Well, Fort Lowell was not always a part of the big, bustling city but rather was miles from the village known as Tucson. They moved the soldiers out there due to the unhealthy conditions in Tucson proper. <span style="font-weight: bold;">This Saturday</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">is Ft Lowell Day</span> and you can find out a bit what it was like to be a soldier in the US Army in the 1870s complete with cavalry drills. Another highlight is the walking tours through the surrounding neighborhood with its many preserved and restored adobe residences. More info </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.oflna.org/la_reunion/2009/Fort%20Lowell%20Day%20Poster_09.pdf">here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonpresidiotrust.org/index.html">Tucson Presidio Trust</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is again <span style="font-weight: bold;">recreating early Tucson </span>through various activities. </span><span id="m_lblLongDescription" class="DETAILEVENTSUMMARY" style="font-family:arial;">Join the soldiers and learn to drill. Cannon fire throughout the day. Docent tours of the Presidio. Listen to a story teller spin yarns about the Spanish West.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Visiting <span style="font-weight: bold;">Patagonia</span> is always high on my list of day trips. It's a different landscape and a much different pace. Any excuse to get down there is a good one but this one is exceptional if you are a reader. It's the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.patagoniapubliclibrary.org/2009/01/05/2009-writers-round-up/">Patagonia Writer's Round-Up</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> hosted by the Friends of the Library. There will be writers of everything from children's books, to history, to mystery to poetry. Nancy Turner the author of one of my favortie Arizona books, </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/These-My-Words-Nancy-Turner/dp/0060987510"><span style="font-style: italic;">These is My Words</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> will be there along with 24 other authors including <span style="font-weight: bold;">Philip Caputo, J.P.S. Brown, Susan Lowell, Elizabeth Gunn</span>- so head on down and help support the library! And you might want to try one of the fabulous pizzas at </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.velvetelvispizza.com/menus.htm">Velvet Elvis</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">Also, see some great photos of Patagonia <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://web.me.com/mej4/Site2/Blog/Entries/2009/1/31_Backroad_to_%E2%80%9CPreposterous%E2%80%9D_Beauty_.html">here</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A new event this year is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">American Indian Music Fest</span> at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Casa Grande Ruins </span>near Florence, AZ. This concert is featuring some great musicians such as </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka4nA0QvwhA&feature=related">R. Carlos Nakai</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >, </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.highspirits.com/audio.html">Odell Borg</a> and <a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ayalaguitarist.com/index.html">Gabriel Ayala</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. I'm sure all the musicians are worth seeing and in the setting of the ruins it should be an amazing show. Click </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nps.gov/cagr/planyourvisit/events.htm">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> for the full info.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Forence is often only thought of in terms of the prison facilities located there but it has an interesting history and downtown. This history will be showcased on Satuday with the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.florencemainstreet.com/events_hometour08.htm">24th Annual Tour of Historic Florence</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. <br /><br />On the way to Florence you can also take a short break to stop and see the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tom Mix Memorial on Hwy 79</span>. Mix, famous as a movie cowboy was killed here in 1940 while speeding along in his 1937 yellow Cord Phaeton convertible.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Speaking of movies, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Academy Awards are coming up</span> and if you're like me, you've watched the show and when they get to the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Live Action Shorts</span> you have to ask: Where are these ever shown? Well, this year you can see them </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.loftcinema.com/specialevents">ALL at the Loft</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, both live action and animated.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And, there's still the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gem Show</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-42847323282126143462009-02-08T06:55:00.007-07:002009-02-08T08:29:16.955-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SY75F2T2xpI/AAAAAAAAC3s/JIGkz8iQ7ko/s1600-h/pimacocourthouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 326px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SY75F2T2xpI/AAAAAAAAC3s/JIGkz8iQ7ko/s400/pimacocourthouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300447690335110802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Old Pima Co Courthouse<br /></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;">I had Jury Duty last week. It was great! A jury was seated by 11:30, I was dismissed and had an afternoon to spend, on my own, in downtown Tucson. The </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/exhibitions/index.php">Tucson Museum of Art</a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>is about a block from where I parked (discounted due to jury duty) and I knew the Maynard Dixon exhibit was there until February 15, so off I went. It was a wonderful afternoon and if you love Arizona landscapes, go see this show. As I viewed landscape after landscape the Joni Mitchell song <span style="font-style: italic;">Both Sides Now</span> kept popping into my head: It's clouds illusions I recall, I really don't know clouds, at all. That man could surely paint a cloud. If you miss this show, Medicine Man Gallery here in Tucson has a </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.maynarddixonpaintings.com/images/AdobeTownFinal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.maynarddixonpaintings.com/&usg=___gxysQmLdHRfuFVR-H8wsADLssU=&h=274&w=360&sz=26&hl=en&start=9&sig2=Rp45RJFRZkx1XuhXqnB8zg&um=1&tbnid=k-P2WBw5a1QT1M:&tbnh=92&tbnw=121&ei=vveOSa7QOKX6NKf0zIkL&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmaynard%2Bdixon%2Btucson%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN">Maynard Dixon Museum.</a> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Yesterday I went to the Tucson Electric Park Gem Show to assist in the economic recovery. All told, I spent about $15 and $5 of that was for food. Not bad for 6 hours of entertainment! My sister-in-law and I try to go together at least one day every year. She's a <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.troupeshuvani.com/Troupe.html">bellydancer</a> (scroll down to Chaang) and also makes jewelry so she stocks up on supplies. I just go along for the show. My observations from yesterday: it was a good crowd, prices were great and people were spending. We used the Gem Ride shuttle to get to the Tucson Expo center show and it was hassle-free, the drivers were friendly and it gave us a chance to sit and rest our feet after 4 hours of walking and standing. We had such a good time we're going back on Friday!</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-41047559408366605712009-02-03T18:30:00.005-07:002009-02-03T20:13:09.747-07:00Interesting, Very Interesting...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYkE1H0cqQI/AAAAAAAAC0I/G7qSW-wsZGw/s1600-h/ARTrussellCfullsize.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYkE1H0cqQI/AAAAAAAAC0I/G7qSW-wsZGw/s400/ARTrussellCfullsize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298771747256707330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">CM Russell</span> </div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I like western art. It's so ...romantic and possibly all those depictions of big skies and far horizons is what enticed me to make the move west. I remember as a kid going to the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bbhc.org/wgwa/index.cfm">Whitney Gallery</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and seeing all those Remingtons and Russells. Amazing art for a kid from a little tiny town in southern Ohio.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Just east of Tucson down the Sonoita Hwy sits the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Empire Ranch</span>. The Empire was owned by Walter Vail (where Vail, AZ gets its name) and was once part of a ranching operation comprising one million acres. Today the land still supports cattle and is under the management of the BLM. More history of the Ranch is </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.empireranchfoundation.org/RanchInfo.htm">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. The Empire Ranch Foundation helps to support the preservation of the ranch buildings and every year holds a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Western Art Sale</span>. You can view the works for sale weekdays from 8:30-4:00 through March 13th at Northern Trust. For more info see the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.empireranchfoundation.org/ArtShow/artsale-Wint.htm">Empire Ranch Foundation website</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYkE1Eot3LI/AAAAAAAAC0A/uRpTYhKtU7Y/s1600-h/Russellrodeocowgirlonabuckinghorse.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYkE1Eot3LI/AAAAAAAAC0A/uRpTYhKtU7Y/s400/Russellrodeocowgirlonabuckinghorse.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298771746402196658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">CM Russell</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ted DeGrazia's </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://degrazia.org/Splash.aspx">Gallery in the Sun</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> is celebrating the centennial of Ted's birth with a show entitled </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >DeGrazia: 100 Years, 100 Works</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. If you only know DeGrazia by his works depicting the little children in brightly colored clothing, you owe it to yourself to visit the Gallery to see his other works.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Big doin's in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cochise County</span> this weekend. It's the <span style="font-weight: bold;">17th Annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering</span> featuring lots of cowboy poetry, music and fun times. If you've never been to one of these gatherings, give it a try, especially if you're from the Roy Rogers, Lone Ranger, Gene Autry generation or you know all the words to <span style="font-style: italic;">Ghost Riders in the Sky</span>.</span><br /><blockquote>An old cowboy went riding out one dark and windy day<br />Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way<br />When all at once a mighty herd of red eyed cows he saw<br />A-plowing through the ragged sky and up the cloudy draw</blockquote><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V1xSYyMDaq4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V1xSYyMDaq4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /> <span style="font-family:arial;">The schedule is </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cowboypoets.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=32">here</a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and all shows will be at the Buena Performing Arts Center in Sierra Vista.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Tomorrow is the first day of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tubac Festival of the Arts</span>. This is a big event in a little village so I would suggest if you would like to go, do it tomorrow. This is a juried show so you will see things you may not see at other Art show and it;s always fun to be in Tubac. There is more info on the Tubac Chamber <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tubacaz.com/festival.asp">site</a>.</span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-76979771036567039612009-02-01T08:01:00.004-07:002009-02-01T08:47:18.083-07:00Are You Ready for Some Football?????<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mP6rEuplQM0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mP6rEuplQM0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Now dated, but that just cracks me up every time I see it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you're into football and parties, it shouldn't be difficult to find a venue for those today in Arizona. Y</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ou do know the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Arizona Cardinals</span> are in the SuperBowl and it is today? Right? And can you believe, I heard Al Roker say he'd never seen a cardinal in Arizona? What a goofball!! Anyway, football is the big story in AZ today and any bar, restaurant, activity center or appliance store with a big screen TV will draw a crowd today. Take your pick.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />For the football-impaired there's always the Gem Show. For the beaders I want to highlight a couple of upcoming shows. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.beadsofcourage.net/index.htm">Beads of Courage</a> is having 2 special events during the Gem Show, more details are <a href="http://www.beadsofcourage.net/events.htm">here</a>. From their website, </span> <div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-family:arial;">Beads of Courage is a resilience-based intervention designed to support and strengthen the protective resources in children coping with serious illness. Through the program children tell their story using colorful beads as meanin</span><span style="font-family:arial;">gful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have achieved along their unique treatment path.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family:arial;">The <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.artinarizona.com/">Gallery 801</a> event will feature glass bead artist Margaret Zinser, glass bead making demonstrations, and a silent auction featuring original artwork by Steven Derks, Carolyn Anne Anderson, Rebecca Thompson, Ann Tracy, Beth Jonquil, and Karen Sobel-Dombroski. Sounds like an opportunity to pick up some unique beads for your unique creations and help a great cause.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">And now, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Go, Cards</span>!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYXCwa1P8iI/AAAAAAAACvo/zrgvQjQAjZw/s1600-h/200px-Cardinal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SYXCwa1P8iI/AAAAAAAACvo/zrgvQjQAjZw/s400/200px-Cardinal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297854673763430946" border="0" /></a><br /></div>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-19380111461280011732009-01-25T19:00:00.003-07:002009-01-25T19:32:33.816-07:00More Gem Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SX0gOWdPG6I/AAAAAAAACnM/TOCyM-jk4vA/s1600-h/180px-Quartz_Crystal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 121px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SX0gOWdPG6I/AAAAAAAACnM/TOCyM-jk4vA/s400/180px-Quartz_Crystal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295424167776033698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you're planning to visit the Gem Shows over the next couple of weeks here are a few suggestions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1) Look at a map of the shows and scope out the sites you're interested in before going. Parking will be scarce and people get pretty particular about their parking lots during the show. You may want to begin at a place that has plenty of parking, such as Tucson Electric Park. and go from there on one of the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.visittucson.org/includes/media/docs/GemRide_08_web.pdf">shuttles</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. Driving in Tucson can be a pain in the best of times but during big events, it's even worse. Taking the shuttle allows someone else to get the headache and the benefit of hand gestures. It looks as though the shuttles have everything covered and believe me, it's so much easier.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">2) Remember where you park your car!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3) Wear comfortable, layered clothing and shoes made for walking.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">4) Take snacks and water to drink. Food and drink will be priced as they usually are at these types of events, ridiculously high! Use the shopping bag you're bringing to carry home your treasures to carry water bottles; as you buy things you can drink the water which will decrease the weight in the bag, or not, depending on how much you buy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5) Be aware, watch your purse or wallet. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">6) If you own a business, bring your business license. More info on that </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.colored-stone.com/tsg/showreg.cfm">here.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">7) If you hate crowds and/or shopping, do your partner a favor and STAY HOME!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">8) Read this article: </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.jewelryartistmagazine.com/feature/tucson08.cfm">5 Reasons to Go to Tucson</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">9) Have fun!</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-40232245809281844522009-01-22T15:42:00.005-07:002009-01-22T18:09:20.613-07:00I Rob Banks fo a Living. What Do You Do?<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Apparently <span style="font-weight: bold;">John Dillinger</span>'s pickup line. While most people think of Tucson bad guys as gun-totin', Stetson wearin' desperados, one of the most famous is the 1930's gangster John Dillinger. Dillinger and his gang were <span style="font-weight: bold;">captured in Tucson in 1934 </span>after a fire at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hotel Congress</span>. This weekend the Hotel Congress and downtown Tucson will be celebrating the capture with a variety of events. In addition to a 1930s-themed gala, re-enactments and historical presentations, the Fox Theatre has scheduled two showings of "The Gay Desperado," a 1936 black-and-white movie filmed Tucson about a Mexican bandit who kidnaps an opera singer and an heiress. The showings will be at 2:45 and 5:45 pm. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Just to make it more interesting, Johnny Depp is starring as Dillinger in a film to be releaseed later this year. For more info on the events go </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hotelcongress.com/2009/01/21/dillinger-days-friday-night-gala-saturday-festival-january-23rd-and-24th/">here</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">There's also a collector car show in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tubac</span> on Saturday, the 15th annual show put on by the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.carnuts.org/">Car Nuts</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SXkYLqJIn4I/AAAAAAAACf8/8TQrjD5Rcgg/s1600-h/dirtyguera.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 100px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SXkYLqJIn4I/AAAAAAAACf8/8TQrjD5Rcgg/s400/dirtyguera.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294289425520959362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Not a lot shakin' this weekend so, <span style="font-weight: bold;">go have an ale</span>. You might want to check out </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://nimbusbeer.qwestoffice.net/">Nimbus</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, (warning, mute your speakers) a local brewery that's been around since 1996, growing every year. You can now find it in local stores and bars but it's fun to raise a glass right there where it's brewed. Try the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dirty Guera</span> (now, now, I mean the ale but maybe that's what brought Dillenger to Tucson). This weekend talented singer-songwriter </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.myspace.com/ambernorgaard">Amber Norgaard</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> will be performing. </span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-45798891811938795732009-01-19T10:05:00.007-07:002009-01-19T10:46:05.493-07:00Hit the Dusty Trail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.summithut.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 360px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SXS3N5DdJdI/AAAAAAAACak/CSkO1nVtOUA/s400/domore.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293056911348671954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you've been around Tucson much, and are in the least outdoorsy, you've probably found the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.summithut.com/">Summit Hut</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. It's a Tucson institution for <span style="font-weight: bold;">hiking, camping, climbing, biking</span> equipment. The owner and founder of Summit Hut, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dave Baker</span>, has started a helpful blog about Tucson outdoors and things that might improve your outdoor experience. Hey, he sells stuff so he should have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. Bookmark this blog: </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://blog.summithut.com/">Trail Talk</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">No matter where we are, I'm always attracted to these outdoors outfitters type stores. I especially like the home grown kind because they usually have folks working there who actually know about what they're selling and it keeps local money, local. There's a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Babbitt's</span> in Flagstaff, <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Juan Sports</span> in Creede, CO, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Headwaters Outdoor Equipment</span> in Salida, CO and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Manzanita Outdoors</span> in Prescott. You can find cool stuff you didn't know you needed and you can usually pick up a copy of the <a href="http://www.mountaingazette.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mountain Gazette</span> </a>which has interesting writing from those who, <span style="font-weight: bold;">when in doubt, go higher</span>. I could spend hours in those stores but then, shouldn't I really be outside, actually doing something. Anyway, I digress. Check out Dave's blog and then actually get outside and <span style="font-weight: bold;">DO SOMETHING and then DO MORE</span>!</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-41448560457220312412009-01-14T17:06:00.006-07:002009-01-14T18:51:21.576-07:00Wings<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Today was the official start of </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.wingsoverwillcox.com/">Wings Over Willcox</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. If you've never seen migrating birds in large numbers, check out the Sandhill Cranes on the Playa. There are tours, seminars, souvenirs and eve</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SW6FZ7XSHoI/AAAAAAAACNM/hVBoIwfCte4/s1600-h/Mission+Sunset1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 377px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SW6FZ7XSHoI/AAAAAAAACNM/hVBoIwfCte4/s400/Mission+Sunset1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291313292685483650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">rything BIRD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you like quilts or fabric arts, don't miss the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://tucsonquiltersguild.com/">Quilt Fiesta</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> at the TCC. The Tucson Quilters Gu</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">ild puts on this fabulous show every year and it just gets better and better. If you haven't hear</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">d, quilts have gone from just something to keep you warm at night to high art. The Fiesta runs Fri, Sat and Sun so don't dawdle.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />This is also the weekend for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">A</span></span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonstyle.com/events/Default.aspx?affil=tcc">nnual Indian Arts and Crafts Festival</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> at the TCC.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">When I see an interesting home I'm try every way possible to peek in windows just to get a glimpse. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm not a voyeur and don't care to see the people, I just love to see the layout, the colors, the furniture, how it's all put together. If you're like me, get your self down to the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tubacvillager.com/TCA_Hometour_2008.html">Tubac Center of the Arts Home Tour</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. There will be 6 homes open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And those of you searching for the Elegant Trogon, you're not alone. Check out this </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.friendsofmaderacanyon.org/mov/trogon1.wmv"><span style="font-weight: bold;">video</span>.</a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Temps are supposed to hit the 70s all this week, don't tell your friends and family back east</span></span>.StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-78842599388598753842009-01-13T17:49:00.003-07:002009-01-13T18:38:45.557-07:00Track the (not so) Elusive Snowbird in SE Arizona<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SW1BqoeD1fI/AAAAAAAACI4/K-4bE6QGx7k/s1600-h/2081794137_db9414c72e.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SW1BqoeD1fI/AAAAAAAACI4/K-4bE6QGx7k/s400/2081794137_db9414c72e.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290957337904010738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.twoscamps.blogspot.com/">Two Scamps</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://web.me.com/mej4/Site2/Blog/Blog.html">Artful RV Adventures</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://mariesthatwhichisgood.blogspot.com/2009/01/buenos-aires-national-wildlife-refuge.html">That Which Is Good</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.wandrin.us/blog/index.php?/archives/581-San-Xavier-del-Bac-Mission.html">Wandrin</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://colleenandpierre.wordpress.com/2009/01/02/bike-ride-on-mccain-loop-tucson-mountain-park/">Pierre and Colleen</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/2009/01/more-birding-patagonia-az.html">RV Dreams</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://stevecox2go.blogspot.com/2009/01/huge-move.html">Steve's RV Travelogue</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://jerrysuzylifeonwheels.blogspot.com/2009/01/progress-of-two-sorts.html">Our Life on Wheels</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://2-on-the-road.blogspot.com/">2 On the Road</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://fautrever.com/">Fautrever</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">...ummmm it was 70 today with the most beautiful clear blue skies-perfect!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">photo courtesy <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/webbaliah/" title="Link to Webbaliah's photostream"><b>Webbaliah</b></a></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-35688881498348089572009-01-11T07:35:00.004-07:002009-01-11T08:41:11.598-07:00What is this Thing You Call the Gem Show?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWoQ8V2PBxI/AAAAAAAACFw/qqE2mywU6HI/s1600-h/800px-Rainbow_beads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWoQ8V2PBxI/AAAAAAAACFw/qqE2mywU6HI/s400/800px-Rainbow_beads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290059341142886162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This thing called <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Gem Show</span> is actually several shows. There are gems, fossils, rocks, minerals, beads, jewelry findings-if it has anything to do with gems and/or minerals, you can find it somewhere in Tucson during the weeks of The Gem Show.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This all started back in 1955 at a school where local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rockhounds</span> displayed their best finds. An immediate success due to the quality of specimens, the show has grown every year and is now held at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TCC</span> Arena. Dealers from across the world bring their best to the show. A different mineral is showcased each year, this year being devoted to </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tgms.org/">Mineral Oddities</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. The dates for this show are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Feb 12-15</span>. Most of the satellite show run from Jan 31-Feb 15.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Due to the success of the official Gem Show, small shows sprung up around the main show and for me that's the real fun. Driving around Tucson last weekend, I could see the tents going up and the signs of vendors coming to town. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">It's</span> like a world flea market with the most interesting things at really great prices. Besides the gems, minerals and fossils, you can find rugs, furniture, clothing, jewelry, statuary, junk, junk and more junk. It's all here!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the most popular shows in recent years </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.wholebead.com/shows_tucson_2009.html">The Whole Bead Show</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> at the Windmill Inn. This show boggles the mind at the variety of beads available. Here you will also find artists selling their wares as well as all the supplies needed to make your own art. This is a do not miss for the beading crowd. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And there are also beads available at the other shows so don't think this is the only venue with beads in town. Almost every show will have some beads; here's how to </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.stepbystepbeads.com/sbsbeads/2009_tucson_bead_shows.cfm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">get a bead on beads</span> </a><span style="font-family: arial;">during the show.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Strategy</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">ALERT-THERE IS CONSTRUCTION ALL ALONG I-10 THROUGH TUCSON</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyone who's been to an event like this knows you must have a strategy or you will be easily overwhelmed. Let's face facts, this is major sensory overload. Study a map of the venues-here's </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonshowguide.com/tsg/tucsonmap.cfm">one</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> that may help. Some shows are only open to wholesale buyers and require credentials in order to enter. Registration for these shows can usually be done before or at the shows, but needs to be done separately with each show promoter. Bring your business license and some business cards.</span><br /><img style="font-family: arial;" src="http://www.xpopress.com/images/spacer.gif" width="1" border="0" height="9" /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Most of the gem and mineral shows around Tucson are free and hours vary. Google Tucson gem show or go to your favorite vendor's web site and you will get lots of info.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Parking can be a problem</span>, so again know where you are going and where to park. In the downtown area there is a </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://emol.org/tucson/downtown/shuttles.html">Gem Show Shuttle</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> which is handy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take snacks, lots of water</span>, maybe even pack a lunch but remember to pace yourself. Wear <span style="font-weight: bold;">comfortable shoes and layer you clothing</span>, it can be 35 degrees in the morning and 70 at 2pm; it could even rain. Bring a collapsible bag to carry your treasures home. Be careful with your money/purse, this is a perfect opportunity for opportunists.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Above all, <span style="font-weight: bold;">have fun</span>!</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-46522497302304946542009-01-11T06:42:00.002-07:002009-01-11T06:49:40.066-07:00Volunteer Camp Host, Anyone??<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Suzi at </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">Camping With Suzi</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> has a post about volunteer positions in the National Forests of Arizona. If you think you might like to spend more time in our lovely and diverse state and get a free site in exchange for some work, check it out.</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" href="http://forestcamping.blogspot.com/2009/01/volunteer-campground-hosts-needed.html">Volunteer Campground Hosts Needed</a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">That post will link you to their other site with great information on </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;">National Forest Campgrounds</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-90982036130718967062009-01-06T08:28:00.008-07:002009-01-06T10:16:09.423-07:00Jan 5-Jan12 2009 Tucson Gem Show is Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tucsonpresidiotrust.org/index.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 50px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWONWYMtLxI/AAAAAAAACCY/ZwNk5OLg_zw/s320/presidio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288225803055476498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">OK, it's the after-holiday lull... but there's still plenty to do. On January 10th you can find out what it might have been like to live in Tucson in the 1700s at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tucsonpresidiotrust.org/">Presidio San Augustin de Tucson</a>. There will be cannons firing-how can you resist? This is a free event and gets you into downtown Tucson, take one of the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.visittucson.org/includes/media/docs/DowntownTour.pdf">walking tours</a> while you're there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Both units (Rincon-east and Tucson Mtn-west) of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Saguaro National Park</span> are taking advantage of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">full moon</span> this week and leading evening walks. The desert looks much different in the dark and you can see animals and insects that only come out at night. And a brisk evening is always a good excuse to stop for coffee and pie on the way home (on the east side check out </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://tucsontruckterminal.com/omar.htm">TTT Truck Stop</a><span style="font-family:arial;">). It looks like reservations are required for the walks, so get more information at the web sites: </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rmd_programs.htm">Rincon</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/tmd_programs.htm">Tucson Mtn</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If indoor evening activities are more to your liking, there are a couple of movie events coming up.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >The <span style="font-weight: bold;">18th Annual Tucson Jewish Film Festival</span> begins Jan 10th. This has grown to be a huge event screening films from around the world. See the schedule <a href="http://tucsonjewishfilmfestival.org/schedule.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here</span>.</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> The Loft will present, </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.loftcinema.com/specialevents">Gentlemen Prefer Marilyn</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">As the add says, unbottle your inner blonde and speak to me Harry Winston!</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span><h3 style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span></h3><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://rinconinstitute.org/content/view/54/63/">Rincon Valley Farmer's Market</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> happens every Saturday. Here you can find arts, crafts, dog food, produce, beef, coffee, plants. It makes for a fun morning with a drive through beautiful (but disappearing) desert.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Don't forget this is prime </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Sandhill crane and snow geese</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> veiwing time. Get out to Whitewater Draw or check with Wings Over Willcox to find the best viewing areas. Also, check out the </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;" href="http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/birding/sweetwater.htm">Sweetwater Wetlands</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, constructed from effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (gotta love the name). This is a place that you would never know was there but is worth the drive. Here's a </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://flickr.com/photos/lance_mountain/sets/72157603493555302/show/">flikr photo set</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> by </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://fautrever.com/">Lance and Erin (fulltime RVers)</a><span style="font-family:arial;">, just to prove it. Also see their post about the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://fautrever.com/2008/12/sweetwater-preserve/">Sweetwater Preserve</a> and hiking there.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Wow, from Marilyn to effluent, to Jewish films to TTT Truck stop, now that's variety. I'm going to run a few posts on the upcoming Gem and Mineral Show from a Tucsonan perspective. In the meantime, have a great week</span></span>.<br /></p><p><br /></p>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-2183227844515695102009-01-04T06:12:00.008-07:002009-01-04T08:07:17.495-07:00Picacho Peak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWC6lcSFOHI/AAAAAAAACCQ/P6jusslkB_E/s1600-h/IMG_2001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWC6lcSFOHI/AAAAAAAACCQ/P6jusslkB_E/s320/IMG_2001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287431114942920818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">We attended our first camping rally! We have a 1987 23' Airstream Sovereign and belong to the WBCCI, (Wally Byam yadda-yadda). The rally was organized by the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://fourcorners.wbcci.net/">4 Corners Unit</a>. The event was fun and we met great people, but the real star was the campground at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/index.html">Picacho Peak State Park</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We've lived in Tucson over 20 years and have visited the park on day trips several times. We even drove through the campground one time and thought we'd be back, we just didn't know it would take so long. The Park has been undergoing improvements and currently a new visitor center is being built. The camper <span style="font-weight: bold;">restrooms are large and very clean</span>. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">showers are huge</span> with plenty of room for all the shower necessities and to keep your clothes dry. There was also plenty of hot water. Sites are large with both back-in and pull-through sites. Electric sites are $20/night, no h/u, $12. There is a pull-through dump station with water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">beautiful views</span> are the best thing about the park but there are also hiking trails and plenty of opportunity to just sit in your chair and watch the changing light on the volcanic rock that is Picacho.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The most unfortunate thing about the Park: I-10 is just a couple of miles away so there is freeway noise but not so much that it marred our stay. The railroad also runs along I-10 so occasionally the you can hear the train horns but I kinda like that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Picacho Peak was the site of the most significant <span style="font-weight: bold;">Civil War battle </span>to take place in Arizona. This is re-enacted annually in March. Picacho is also one of the best places to see our <span style="font-weight: bold;">beautiful wildflowers in the spring</span>.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWC6JODtSXI/AAAAAAAACCI/2FtdGd4wgW4/s1600-h/IMG_2002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SWC6JODtSXI/AAAAAAAACCI/2FtdGd4wgW4/s400/IMG_2002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287430630088198514" border="0" /></a>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-28366833676995654562008-12-29T07:23:00.006-07:002008-12-29T08:57:08.595-07:00Dec 29-Jan 8 2009! Wow, 2009!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVjwhjkfL6I/AAAAAAAAB_M/elyGIZiSwcE/s1600-h/FN_button_purple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 205px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVjwhjkfL6I/AAAAAAAAB_M/elyGIZiSwcE/s400/FN_button_purple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285238621993906082" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Do'ins</span> downtown for New Years Eve. First Night is being coordinated by the Downtown Tucson Partnership and looks to be the makings of a fun time.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span> </span> <div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">FIRST NIGHT takes place at seven locations in Downtown Tucson; Leo Rich Theatre at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TCC</span>, Scottish Rite Temple, Beowulf Alley Theatre and Tucson Children’s Museum are ticketed venues featuring varied entertainment including Hispanic roots music and dance, bluegrass, jazz and world music, comedy, interactive fun for kids and more.</span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">See the schedule <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.downtowntucson.org/first_night/">here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br />Some of the acts:<br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/leilasongs">Leila Lopez</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.myspace.com/ambernorgaard">Amber <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Norgaard</span></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/otey3">Lisa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Otey</span></a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.degraziamusic.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DeGrazia</span> Spanish Guitar</a><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=407697777">Mirror Image</a><br /></span> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=173112583">Silver Thread Trio</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.myspace.com/timwiedenkeller">Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wiedenkeller</span></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.namolibrennet.com/?mpf=frame"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Namoli</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Brennet</span></a></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" ><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.los4vientos.com/Discography.htm">Los <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cuatro</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Vientos</span></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=148674919">La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Mezcla</span></a><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" >Something for Everyone!<br />Looks to be a fun time and I hope it becomes an annual event.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Every restaurant and bar in Tucson will have some kind of New Years event. Even my fave, Feast, is having a "<a href="http://www.eatatfeast.com/feast/index.jsp?page=news&article=32">fancy-pants, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">prix</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fixe</span> menu</a>" (most likely booked up by now). So if you like to go out and have a big time on NYE, call your favorite place and see what's the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">haps</span>.</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm kind of in the "let's stay home and play a game or watch an old movie" crowd.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">As a kid, I can remember my parents and grandparents talking about the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">CCC</span> (Civilian Conservation Corps)</span> and what a boost it had been for the country in very trying economic times (sound familiar?). When traveling, we saw so many public works made possible by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">CCC</span> and I love searching out th</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">ese pieces of history today. Saguaro West will have a slide show about this lasting legacy on Jan 2-details are </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/tmd_programs.htm">here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" > <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />On Jan 3 at 3pm Saguaro East presents a talk on <span style="font-weight: bold;">A Taste of the Desert</span> and the uses of desert plants for food.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />On Sunday in <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Tubac</span></span>, you can get a bit of the early history of the Valley presented by <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">los</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Tubaquenos</span></span>. Come join the lives of the men, women and children who worked and played on the Spanish Frontier.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sample foods, see weavers in action, and learn about fashions and woodworking. </span>These presentations continue through March.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Something to think about:</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">Love those little hummers? Can't wait to get your feeders out whenever you set-up somewhere new? Donate some time and/or money to <span style="font-weight: bold;">hummingbird monitoring</span> and learn more about the little critters. Coming up in March are banding days which you can find out more about at </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hummonnet.org/how_to_help/index.html">Hummingbird Monitoring Network</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" > or </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.birchsidestudios.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Birchside</span> Studios.</a><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" > </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVjzCur0gEI/AAAAAAAAB_U/-H5G0JbmZ4Q/s1600-h/hny2a.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 115px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVjzCur0gEI/AAAAAAAAB_U/-H5G0JbmZ4Q/s400/hny2a.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285241390936391746" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://www.birchsidestudios.com/"><br /></a><br /><br /></div> </div>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-42537069084090148512008-12-27T07:33:00.002-07:002008-12-27T07:39:45.547-07:00Snowbirds Flocking!<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ideas for hikes, food for thought and candy for the eye can all be found in these blogs.</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://web.me.com/mej4/Site2/Blog/Blog.html">Artful RV Adventures</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.wandrin.us/blog/index.php?/archives/569-Ironwood-Trail-Hike.html">Wandrin</a><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://colleenandpierre.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/brown-mountain-trail-and-aztec-dancers-tucson-az/">Are We There Yet?</a></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-73197552949754803772008-12-24T05:34:00.004-07:002008-12-24T06:30:43.088-07:00More on the San Pedro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.arizonan.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVI4uhnpqcI/AAAAAAAAB9s/D5cjCRkMmoQ/s400/poppies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283347684808829378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Our 2 weeks of winter is here and there should be a white Christmas on Mt Lemmon! I read the forecast on azstarnet this morning and there were 3 comments: "Still beats Chicago!" "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" and "Ahhhhh - when are we gonna hit 80 again?" That pretty much sums it up. If you plan to be in Tucson during the spring, this rain will help to provide you a fantastic desert wildflower display. </span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />On Monday, Howard from </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/2008/12/dont-shoot-the-rock-art-benson-az.html">RV-Dreams</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> posted about his hike along the San Pedro. His group visited Charleston, another ghost town a bit south of Fairbank and he has pictures posted. I also found an interesting site related to the Clantons (of OK Corral fame) that has maps and a short history of </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.clantongang.com/oldwest/charles2.htm">Charleston</a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As I look at the map and try to imagine a whole town that once existed but is no longer there, it causes me to wonder how the residents of Charleston or Fairbank celebrated Christmas.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Hope yours is Merry!</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2526060898511957481.post-62256200590399253482008-12-22T20:17:00.008-07:002008-12-22T21:56:32.342-07:00December 22-29<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">I don't know about you, but after Christmas day I'm ready to get outside. All the extra food and time spent inside for various events makes me crave a hike in the fresh air. Luckily in Tucson, that's not difficult.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">How about participating in the annual </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://app.audubon.org/cbcapp/findCircles.jsp?state=US-AZ&start=2">Christmas Bird Count</a><span style="font-family:arial;">? The first Christmas Bird Count was held on December 25th, 1900 and the long-term data collected through t</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">he years provides information on bird population trends. This i</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">n turn informs decisions made on protecting our feathered friends.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.sanpedroriver.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Pedro River</span></a> is named by the Nature Conservancy as one of the </span><em style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Last Great Places</em><span style="font-family:arial;">. Walking along the river you may see coatimundi, javelina, beaver or over 100 bird species. The San Pedro flows north, out of Mexico. A river running north is not something you see every day, unless of course you live on the San Pedro. But, go see it for yourself. There are docent led walks this weekend or take a walk on your own. My kids and I have spent many happy hours on the banks of the San Pedro. While there be sure to visit the </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.sanpedroriver.org/fairbank.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fairbank</span> </a><span style="font-family:arial;">townsite the remnants of a once thriving railroad town.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />You might like to spend some time just wandering the </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1972.html">Patagonia-Son</a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/arizona/preserves/art1972.html">oita Creek Nature Conservancy Preserve</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. This is another riparian area that is counter to th</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">e desert environment most people associate with Arizona. The conservancy does great work protecting the fragile biodiversity of the watershed.</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVBo_qICCXI/AAAAAAAAB9M/EMbm3JgFfz0/s1600-h/90px-Unidentified_white_wine_in_glass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 120px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVBo_qICCXI/AAAAAAAAB9M/EMbm3JgFfz0/s400/90px-Unidentified_white_wine_in_glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282837805754616178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-family:arial;">Did you know <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arizona</span> is becoming a respected <span style="font-weight: bold;">wine region</span>? There are man</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">y</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">wineries scattered in the grassy hills of the Sonoita-Elgin area. A </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">drive through wine country may be just the post-holiday respite you crave. A few years ago my family took part in the grape harvest at </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://charronvineyards.com/">Charron Vineyards</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> a little closer to Tucson. Leo produces a very fine white Merlot and tastings are held every weekend. You might also like to try </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.callaghanvineyards.com/in_the_news.html">Callaghan Vineyards</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> producers of award winning wines which have been ser</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">ved at the White House. More information on area winer</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">ies can be found </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://arizonawines.com/vineyards.html">here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVBnCK_UfHI/AAAAAAAAB9E/4rAxMCRiHbU/s1600-h/120px-Monte_Vista_3_16_06.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 90px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bU0FclkPfr8/SVBnCK_UfHI/AAAAAAAAB9E/4rAxMCRiHbU/s400/120px-Monte_Vista_3_16_06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282835649912929394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">S</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">andh</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ill cranes</span> are reaching peak numbers of their migration and will be heading north in a couple of months. </span><a style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.wingsoverwillcox.com/festivalDocuments.asp">Wings Over Willcox</a><span style="font-family:arial;"> provides information on spots that are favored by the cranes.</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />That's quite of varie</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">ty to bring you our of your post-holiday stupor. Get up and get out!</span></span>StrawBosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14341894443882724080noreply@blogger.com0