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Thankful This November
November 3, 2015
— 3 Comments
apples and pumpkin
The month of November is a gateway to winter and festivities. In Tucson we have had a very mild warm fall season with generous amounts of rain. It is predicted to be an El Nino winter which will bring additional rain to the dessert. Our desert is green and lush right now and the weather has been superb for a string of lovely outdoor parties and events. We look forward to a neighborhood pot luck gathering this weekend to savor the place and the people where we live. This is the season to be jolly outside in Arizona. It is perfect for bike riding grilling or hiking.
At this time of year we switch wardrobes and perhaps change our activities. I began a tradition of cleaning and clearing for the holiday season last year. The big purge of wardrobe items was by far the best gift I gave myself because it keeps on giving in the form of a happy closet. This year I have fewer things to discard, but am taking a look at using and appreciating absolutely everything I own. There is no reason to store and care for stuff that no longer is useful. I also need to be aware of all the memberships and subscriptions I have that need to be rationalized. I need to evaluate to be sure I am not over cluttering my membership reality. Like clothing in the closet, if subscriptions are crammed in and too crowded they will not be noticed or appreciated.
This Thanksgiving I want to feel grateful for my extreme good fortune without creating too much waste. I want to prepare highly gourmet cuisine for the whole month that thrills, satisfies, and does not end up in the compost bin. I have improved my food prep skills to avoid waste but can still step up my game. I still need to cut down on portion size for the two of us. I believe that pulling off a month of healthy tasty meals we both enjoy will be a better use of my talents than making one big meal with too many leftovers. We like to go to Govinda’s vegetarian buffet for the Thanksgiving meal because it is good and you can usually have a photo shoot with a live turkey on the patio. That sets me free to find ways to make the rest of the month delicious. If you have any seasonal recipes you want to share, please send them this way. I will be cooking up a storm, just not an excess. Stay grateful, gentle reader.
blood oranges
squash and tomatoes
Tumacacori National Historical Park
October 28, 2015
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Padre Kino
Padre Kino
I initiated my new fabulous senior pass for the national parks yesterday at Tumacacori. It was a full moon night and a special program was presented. The park reopens a few times a year to let the public experience the place after dark. The ranger was a wonderfully knowledgeable presenter who showed a lot of pride in her position. This is a unique park because it preserves history of a mission that was abandoned. The original mission was founded by Padre Kino, who visited a couple of times before he died, but had little contact with the locals. He became popular by gifting the natives with seeds, animals and trees. Mission land was granted for the natives to use, but not trade or sell. Success through new agriculture was the main selling point used by the missionaries. By farming within the mission walls the crops were protected from wildlife and livestock grazing in the area. Crops and animals were introduced that provided food in seasons when native plant harvests were scarce.
Kino was a member of the Jesuit order, which would eventually be banished from New Spain by the king. The Franciscans took over the place, but when Mexico won independence the funds no longer flowed from Spain. The missionaries moved north to Mission San Javier del Bac, which is still in use today as a Catholic church. The abandoned site sat empty until the National Park Service took over.
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- mission church
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- Franciscan church
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- mission church
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- mission church
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- altar
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- church door
The full moon tour was an exciting and authentic way to honor this historic place by learning about the past. I learned many new facts that make me curious to learn more and return in the future to take in this very special atmosphere. I plan to make the most of my senior pass by checking out all the national parks in Arizona. I will have many happy travels in the future by tuning into programs and events such as the one we enjoyed yesterday as a day trip . If you know a senior (62 or over) who does not yet have a pass, this would make the very best of holiday gifts. It works for a whole car load of visitors. You only need one senior pass per car for free entry for all passengers. Maybe it is time to start traveling with a senior on board.
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- native dwelling
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- native dwelling
Arizona is full of scenic places with ancient civilizations. We are privileged to have such a rich cultural and natural tradition surrounding us. Now that I am loaded with my lifetime park pass I will be taking full advantage of it.
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- mission garden
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- mission garden
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- mission garden
candle lanterns
altar in the church
park ranger and Padre Kino
Stay Calm, Restore Balance
October 26, 2015
— 2 Comments
look up
Life can throw challenging circumstances and people into the mix at any time. Our own composure and resilience is our biggest investment because the quality of our time is tied to it. The sayings on tee shirts about keeping calm then doing something are not only comical but are also practical. We can hardly accomplish our best work if we are flipping out about something. Remaining calm in the face of tense situations is an accomplishment. We need personal tool boxes ready to employ when stress becomes hard to handle. Although many practices work, the tools must be tailored to the individual. What lifts my mood might not be fun for you, so this takes some discernment. Packing the right tools for the job requires concentration as well as honesty. You need to know not only what will work for you but also what you will actually practice.
Meditation takes many forms, not all of which require sitting still. Walking meditation and mindfulness training are both active ways to keep moving while training the mind to focus and stay clear. Mantras, chanting and other sounds are excellent tools to anchor the mind. Formal training is wonderful, but we don’t need to wait to start a practice. Artistic expression provides simple straightforward access to the unconscious. Making art requires a special sensibility, a focus on creativity that is strong. Tapping into the inner artist is a way to train the mind and liberate the soul.
look up
Here are a few ways I find inner peace and concentration through art:
- Visits to museums and gardens
- Photography
- Digital drawing and art
- Freestyle freehand doodling on paper
- Dancing at home by myself
- Singing while dancing at home by myself
- Poetry writing
- Cooking
- Gardening
look up
I have no professional aspirations as an artist, yet I consider myself artistic. I am not meditative 100% of the time I engage in the above activities, but frequently they lead to a calmer happier state of mind. I believe each of us has essential creative gifts to offer which we have the option to develop. Finding time to immerse ourselves in our own creative juices can be a path to peace and happiness.
look up
Mission Gardens in Tucson
October 19, 2015
— 1 Comment
Half Moon Beer
Mission Garden
gourd crop
adobe ramada
irrigation system
Regina Romero, City Council
historic crops
A Mountain
Missy the party cow
Bob dining in the garden
sunset dining in the garden
sunset dining in the garden
The Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace held a fine dinner party in the garden yesterday. Our historic Mission Garden has been rebuilt in the original site close to the Santa Cruz River. The agricultural heritage of the location is ancient. The garden is being developed as a living museum preserving original species grown by the Spanish colonial conquistadors who built the San Augustin Mission. The orchard of stone fruits, citrus, quince and figs is growing strong and bearing fruit. Gardens of okra, corn, chiles and other native crops thrive within the walls of the preserved site.
Local chefs were invited to create specialties for the Farm to Table event. We were excited to taste the food and also to get to tour the gardens. Musicians were hired to play throughout the space, which added an artistic note to the already splendid surroundings. The city councilwoman from that ward spoke briefly about the importance of agricultural history and her own family’s collection of historic recipes. All the food was over the top creative and fresh. My partner Bob enjoyed the grass fed beef and the buffalo chile, but most of the dishes served were vegetarian. Drinks were served with dinner, but for an extra fee we enjoyed a specialty beer brewed from organic wheat grown from preserved species. The beer tasted fantastic, and sold out quickly.
The event was a success for all involved. The chefs, no doubt, won some new fans with their creative concoctions. The garden certainly is a place we will plan to visit again in the future. In fact we may go to the quince festival next weekend at which we would have chance to win a special antique Spanish heirloom variety quince tree. The quince crop is ripe and abundant in the orchard, looking very pretty. The beauty and history preserved in this spot is a great asset to the city, and will only improve with time.
No Place Like Home Wellness Plan
September 23, 2015
— 2 Comments
pure intention
My recent odyssey was perfect for my taste as well as my health. Winding up the last three days and nights in Desert Hot Springs gave me every chance to relax, release and renew in the water. The drinking water there is also excellent, so I came home hydrated and healthy. Taking a mineral water cure is always my favorite way to retreat to center and focus. Leaving home is a great way to assess which best and healthy practices to nurture, and which habits to eliminate. I was very lenient with my diet on holiday but did not suffer ill effects from a few days of extra alcohol and taste treats. We did not go overboard very much on the trip, and a little splurge is good for the attitude.
The first day of fall beckons to holiday celebrants to begin planning, singing, and collecting recipes. The Pumpkin Spice lifestyle is propagated everywhere, and obligatory holiday consumerism is praised as virtue. I am not opposed to merriment, gifting, or parties, but think it can all be done with less waste, more true spirit of giving, and some refined restraint. I plan to use this season of harvest and thanksgiving to clean up my act, my house, and my lifestyle choices. I am the only one who can give myself these gifts.
Now that I am home I have the chance to create positive new change:
- This fall I will limit myself to 3 alcoholic drinks a week
- I will go through my books and office to reduce clutter/clear space
- I will try at least 3 classes a week at the Racquet Club
- I will have acupuncture or body work every week
- I will write poetry and mine my dreams for self-expression
When the winter solstice arrives in December I want to feel happier, lighter, and more free. Three months of concentration on my wellbeing is an investment that will pay big dividends long into the future. This holiday present I am giving to myself is more valuable than anything I could be given by another person.
shadow selfie
California Heals
September 18, 2015
— 1 Comment
Mark 6:31
super staff
Miracle Springs Resort
Hot springs around the world have been used for healing purposes for centuries. The word spa is derived from a backronym (created in later times) in Latin, Salus per aquam, health through water. The meaning has been broadened to such an extent that today it is hard to know what it means. To me it still means drinking and soaking in mineral spring water. I have visited many spots around the world to enjoy balneotherapy and the benefits of drinking specialty water. On our road trip I am introducing my friend to the concept. We are staying 3 nights in Desert Hot Springs at the Miracle Springs Resort. This is the best deal I know for a mineral hot spring stay in the United States. There are small hotels and inns all around town with the water, but only this one, and the sister spa next door, to which guests also have access, offer so much space and so many different water temperatures available 24 hours daily. Nights under the stars are particularly wonderful in the pools.
My friend has just retired from work and had never experienced body work. I encouraged him to try it. He enjoyed his first massage tremendously. His therapist was excellent, according to him. Prices for services here are very reasonable, and I have always had good results. The hotel has upgraded some of the amenities since my last visit, and changed managers. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The initiation of my friend has been very successful. He is quickly turning into a spa bunny.
If you think spa means nail salon, jacuzzi, or an all-inclusive week-long excercise program I urge you to think again. Health is our only real wealth. A few days of mineral water hot spring soaking and drinking can make a world of difference to your wellbeing.
Miracle Springs Resort
California Hip
September 17, 2015
— 1 Comment
Buddha waterfall
I can adopt a prejudice and keep it forever for no particular reason. I decided long ago I have no use for Los Angeles, California, although it has much to offer. I wrote it off my list completely because I just did not like to drive around in it. My friend and I came to Topanga Canyon, which is in, but not of LA, to visit a friend of ours who lives here. I have had a change of heart about this entire region. We easily avoided traffic and experienced an exceptional day in Topanga Canyon with an old friend who lives there. I love the place much more than I had expected.
Topanga is rugged steep, and somewhat primitive in some places. The main road is narrow and curvy, which makes it treacherous to drive. It was all worth the trip for the atmosphere. The people I met all seemed to be in extreme chill mode. The retail and restaurant scene is completely to my liking. The merchandise and menus all seem to be created for my personal taste. I might eventually tire of the selections if I lived there, but that would take a long time.
Since it was a reunion of friends after many years it was the right time to celebrate with a fancy dinner. Inn of the Seventh Ray was the perfect place to go for the occasion. Our server Rudy did a superb job of detailed descriptions of the menu. The creative and colorful combinations the chef used were a delight to the senses. Fresh ingredients transformed into unique and exciting flavor thrills. We shared dishes in order to try more items on the menu. Portions were not large, but the flavor and satisfaction in each and every bite was enormous. All of the salads, entrees and desserts we tried made us very happy. Service was attentive, but the creekside setting is the icing on the cake. Between courses we spotted a family of deer having dinner across the creek in the grass.
deer dining
The setting, the cuisine, and the company made the evening memorable and special. For out of the ordinary fine dining I can’t think of a better place.
charm and style
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- deconstructed desserts
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- delightful dining
reunion of friends
California Hot
September 15, 2015
— 2 Comments
Swami’s
Southern California is a wonderful place to visit. I am lucky enough to be on a road trip with a friend who is doing all the driving. We are exploring some places that are new to both of us, then going to a hot spring to spa down before returning to Tucson. I have some aversion to driving here, but since I have been freed from the task I am really enjoying the trip. There are still hippies here. It is much hotter than I have ever known it to be, so many of the Californians are freaking out. I am used to hot weather, but this is the strongest evidence I have experienced for global warming. The beach sand burns your feet, and the ocean is amazingly warm. The drought is obvious everywhere. If any group of smarties can solve the water problem with science and technology I suspect that group would be in California. I hope science will save the day so we can all continue to eat produce, drink wine and come out here to the beach.
sunset
woody
bird of paradise
Legos in the Garden
September 10, 2015
— 4 Comments
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- Lego dragonfly
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- Lego dragonfly
Tucson Botanical Gardens has been a favorite place close to home where I enjoy nature. A recent building project has enhanced the garden’s entrance and gift shop space significantly. Tomorrow a special exhibit will open called Nature Connects, Art with Lego Bricks. Sculptural designs made completely with Legos are on display in the gardens. The pieces came assembled and will stay in Tucson until Jan. 3. They depict animals and a flower.
Lego spider
To pay for the exhibit the plan is to charge all members $5 every time we visit during the nearly 4 months that the Legos are installed. We have maintained a couple’s membership for many years. If I decide to renew when my membership comes due in February I will only buy a single. I have in the past felt generous toward the gardens, but now that they are throwing the members out for almost a third of the year that feeling has passed. I have started to think about where I will go to take a walk in nature without any membership fees. I can think of plenty. Nature without Legos works best for me, so perhaps our taste in botany has simply diverged. In my opinion the plastic animals are tacky and belong elsewhere. Poetry in the Gardens has moved to the U of A arboretum this year, yet another reason to drop my membership. The garden is an asset to the neighborhood that I will miss…at least for the next four months. I think they could have thought of a more respectful way to treat loyal members.
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- Lego deer
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- Lego deer eye
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- Lego deer
plastic pansy
Lego peacock
Lego turtle
Dine Out for No Kid Hungry in September
September 4, 2015
— 3 Comments
Dine Out
During the month of September No Kid Hungry is sponsoring a drive with participating restaurants in the US. Each restaurant decides how to reward the customer for donating. Since we are regular restaurant patrons we like to enjoy a good deal and contribute to a group effort to feed the children of America when this opportunity presents itself. Some places offer gift cards for future visits, others match the patron’s donation. To find restaurants near you, and learn what the special offers are go to No Kid Hungry.
This year the restaurant most appealing to our palettes near home is Romano’s Macaroni Grill. We have enjoyed meals at this well run chain very much in the past. Both my carnivore craft beer drinking partner and my vegetarian cocktail drinking self have plenty of choices on the menu. They make fresh pasta, and I remember the pizza is good too. The offer they are making for the entire month is excellent. What is not to like? Take your friends out to eat this month. Every dollar raised helps feed a kid up to ten meals. Everyone needs to eat. For some of us it is much easier than it is for others. Please help end childhood hunger in America by patronizing great restaurants this month.
No Kid Hungry Dine Out
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