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Why We Love to Live in Tucson
November 25, 2013
— 3 Comments
Yesterday, 24 November, was Porch Fest in the Dunbar Spring neighborhood of Tucson. This local party includes musical entertainment scattered throughout the hood, food trucks, mesquite bean grinding, and more. I went to attend a food swap with a theme of local food. I went to my garden and harvested herbs, calamondins, and Jerusalem artichokes to make trade baskets. Since this was my first time to attend the food swap I was not sure what to expect..but it was better than I might have expected if I had had expectations. We set out our trade items and used a paper bidding system to indicate interest in swapping. I scored some spicy dill pickles, jalapeño prickly pear jelly, cranberry curd, rosemary focaccia, and delicious chive dip that was perfect on the focaccia. Best of all I am now an official swapper, with the chance to join in future swaps with my new friends. Everyone was super helpful and informative. I learned about new products and tasted some great items. I packed up my excellent swap and partied with friends for a while before sunset. Please note if you live somewhere else, it is sunny, and although for us it was a bit chilly in the shade, we are able to go outside and celebrate our neighbors, our talents, and our supreme good fortune almost all year. We have a diverse culture and a growing interest in sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and eating local. Our local music scene is diverse and sustainable too because our citizens come out to support local artists and musicians in an effort to make this a more artful place to live.
pomegranate swapper
as in, NOT Phoenix
my fellow swappers
good times
squash
bread swapper
food hippies
good friends
my trade basket
swap table
swap explained
painting mural
out to celebrate
Mercado San Augustin in Tucson
November 7, 2013
— 3 Comments
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- Mercado
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- tacos
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- cakes
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- La Catarina
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- cafe
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- sno cones
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- new brasserie
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- local products
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- Maria Elena
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- Maria Elena
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- skull
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- surfer
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- skull
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- Dead
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- display at La Estrella
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- Mexican cookies
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- All Souls
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- skull
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- skelton
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- skull
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- altar
I was told that Tucson’s Iron Chef had left Lodge on the Desert to be the chef at a new brasserie opening west of downtown Tucson at the Mercado San Augustin. The space will be renovated before opening, but I decided it was time for me to investigate what is happening at the end of the trolley line. For years Tucson has poured tax dollars into urban renewal known as Rio Nuevo to update and improve downtown. This often stalled project is finally showing some signs of progress. Next year we will have a short, but very cute tram that will run through the University, downtown, and end on the west side of the freeway exactly at Mercado San Augustin. There is building like crazy at the end of the trolley line; Residential condo lofts are being erected. The area is showing obvious signs of growth. The Mercado is part of that development. New and highly desirable businesses are springing up along what will be the route of the trolley. I am encouraged by what I found at the last stop.
Mercado San Augustin is modeled very much on the open markets of Mexico. In fact, on Thursday afternoons there is a farmers market held in the courtyard. The small stands and store fronts offer unique food choices along with clothing, art, and jewelry. There is a communal kitchen available for rent to producers of food products who need reasonably priced access to a professional facility in order to create small batches cost effectively. I sampled two kinds of cake at the Dolce Pastello Cake stand. Both the caramel and the chocolate were rich, delicious, and reminded me of Mexico. In fact, the whole open mercado with snow cones, coffee specialties, and a cake stand reminded me of Mexico when I was a kid and visited open markets with my parents. I used to be crazy about the markets in Guadalajara and Mazatlán in the 1960’s. So in a certain way my trip west of the freeway was a flashback. You might also say that I have seen some good news for the future of business development of downtown by using a sense of history and place.
I talked with María Elena about Day of the Dead, which was just last week. The altar is still up at La Estrella Bakery where she works. There are still sugar skulls in the case for sale. We talked about how the holiday is celebrated and why it is a chance to teach children that death is not something to fear. Business is good at the bakery for this holiday because pan de muertos is featured on home altars, and sugar skulls are not found in the regular bakeries around town. La Estrella has wrapped up a very busy Day of the Dead season, but customers stream in for hot tamales, baked goods, and basic grocery items from around the neighborhood.
Cops and Rodders Car Show
November 6, 2013
— 2 Comments
trucks
classic
classic
VW camper
Woody
Woody
T Bird
T Bird
T Bird
TPD Bomb Squad
bomb squad gear
bomb robot
bomb dude
TPD SWAT
trucks
cop-o copter
cop truck
Ford
Ford
the dude
baterior
batmobile
Bat guy
Karmann Ghia
Karmann Ghia
electric Karmann Ghia
electric
cute
hot rod
vintage
racer
Pontiac
fun
kids enjoy
fire engine
fire engine
fire engine
pick up
VW club
classy
logo
The Tucson Police Foundation produces a great car show at Reid Park every year. This year was no exception. The Cops and Rodders show provided entertainment and a fabulous social setting for meeting enthusiasts who share a love for vehicles. I enjoy seeing all the variety and the extreme care that has gone into restoring and decorating the vehicles. I sometimes go to the Volkswagon show, but this one is my favorite because they have everything from old panel trucks and fire engines, to low riders. The paint jobs impress, and the creativity amuses. If you live in Arizona you might like to attend next year. It is always free to the public. The Police Foundation raises money through raffles and entry fees. It is almost always perfect sunny weather here in November, so the paint jobs shine and glow. To me it is like an art gallery, curated by the individual car clubs. I love it.
Vegrandis, Lucky Rake Gala
November 5, 2013
— 3 Comments
We went to the second Vegrandis this weekend at The Mini Time Machine Museum. Our first Vegrandis experience was a blast, commemorating the Arizona Centennial. Both my partner and I enjoy looking at all the miniatures in the museum, but there is an added layer of fun at the special fund raising event. Musicians are stationed throughout the museum; Bars, and food tables offer guests the chance to try delicious preparations while taking in the exhibits. The theme this time was Lucky Rake Festival, or Day of the Rooster. In Japanese culture this celebration symbolizes prosperity in the year to come with special food booths and paper lanterns for the occasion. In Japan it lasts for 13 days, but we fit it all into one evening. The museum staff and caterers did a superb job of producing a seamless and sumptuous party.
The entrance was beautifully decorated with rakes, lanterns, and a bar introducing the signature cocktail created for the event, the Lucky Rake. It was a tasty mix of Oriental Apple vodka, ginger ale, & cranberry. I spent my 2 drink tickets ordering two more of those because it was just perfect. Odaiko Sonora Taiko Drummers welcomed the guests as we entered the building, and the tone was set for a lovely evening.
entrance
Taiko drummers
All of the food was tasty and innovative from spring rolls to desserts. Bob enjoyed all the porky bites, but I got full on my two cocktails and the vegetarian fare. Six caterers participated, each with a twist on the Lucky Rake theme. I really enjoy the idea of exploring the museum without knowing what treats will be next in store. I don’t read the program until I get home. Somehow the acoustics work well so the musicians fill one space and do not interfere with each other.
rake decore
spring rolls
slaw and cucumber roll
musicians
auction room
The games were set up for gambling, inviting guests to spend tickets. The funds raised during the evening go toward supporting a field trip or school outreach classroom experience for very second grader in Pima County. I dare say there are many of those kids who have never been to a museum, and this one would capture their attention and imagination. Although I support the mission I am not into the games, and was up way past my bed time, so we said good night to the party goers before we became pumpkins. This is our favorite local museum (accent on the local, since it is about 3 miles from home), and our favorite way to party. We love the opportunity to enjoy ourselves and support a cause t the same time. This gala was exactly our style. I am not able to show you pictures of the special Japanese collection on display until December because these special pieces are on loan and photos were not permitted. I can tell you they are amazing and exquisite.
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- party decor
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- party guests
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- miniatures
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- miniature exhibit
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- dancers
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- party
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- 20s party
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- golden rakes
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- miniatures
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- game table
Tucson’s Market on the Move
November 2, 2013
— 2 Comments
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- check in
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- pop up market
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- volunteer
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- UA Nutrition majors
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- nutrition major volunteer
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- watermelon
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- squash
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- my box
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- gold peppers
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- cucumbers
The port of Nogales, AZ is the main entry point for Mexican produce to enter the United States. There are tons of fruits and vegetables traded daily at the peak of the season. Each winter the wholesale warehouses hum with activity. The nature of the wholesale produce business requires that losses must be accepted when the goods can’t be sold or moved quickly. The 3000 Club in Santa Cruz County has created a wonderful program to stem waste at the border, and provide fresh healthy foods in neighborhoods that need more access to fruits and vegetables. They partner with churches and other facilities that have large parking lots in Tucson. The volunteer crews load semi trucks full of produce that is at peak ripe condition and send them to the parking lots where anyone can buy 60 pounds of produce for $10. This Market on the Move is saving people money, but what I like best is the distribution of fresh foods to those who might not otherwise buy or try it.
I enjoy the challenge of filling my box (Since there are only two of us at home, I do not overfill it.) with the selections of the week, then making tasty dishes with them. This week I went too late to score any tomatoes, which are always popular. Tiny watermelons were limited to two each. They look precious, and are fun to have in November. Zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, and golden bell peppers were the featured crops on special. I decided to juice the cucumbers, roast or grill the peppers, and make soup with the squash. The Market on the Move is like the show Chopped on Food Network, in which you prepare dishes from what you find in the basket. I try to recruit some help from my neighbors as soon as I get home. My friend Mindy has just returned from Philadelphia where her son in law is a fancy chef. She passed along a roasted bell pepper soup recipe while I convinced her to take some home. The chef makes his soup with roasted peppers, a tiny bit of stock and cream cheese. Mindy and I decided that this was very fine, but we are going to use mascarpone since we have no allegiance to Philadelphia. If you have some good ideas that relate to bell peppers or squash I am very interested right now. If you live in a city that offers this sport, the ingredient challenge, I urge you to try it. For $10 you have little to loose.
Tucson Firefighters Chili Cook-off
November 1, 2013
— 2 Comments
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- Seth, Mr. August
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- Seth autographs my calendar
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- Matt signs February
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- cowboy firefighter
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- riding around
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- crowd
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- mounted firefighter
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- Duck wing
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- Duck booth
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- Duck Dynasty
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- Drexel Heights
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- The Duck
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- Duck beard
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- chili booths
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- House of Love
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- Mariachi
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- Presidio Park
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- Pueblo High Mariachi
I attended the anual chili cook off to support our local firefighters union. Each station designs a booth and makes a chili dish. The chili is judged by a panel, and the booth design is judged by popular Facebook vote. The annual event is a really fun way to meet locals and enjoy time downtown. The creativity of the booth design and the costumes always amuse. This year the Drexel Heights Station outdid themselves with a Duck Dynasty theme. I took my calendar with me and was able to find four of the guys to give me autographs on their pictures. They serve beer and play live music, but it differs from other community events in that the firefighters union uses all the proceeds to adopt families in need to help them. We don’t have the opportunity to see our firefighters all together at the same time very often. Seeing them enjoy themselves so much and serve the community too is a blast. We love our firefighters in Tucson. They keep us safe and represent the spirit of the town in a friendly and creative way. I bought a tee shirt for Bob which he will like a lot, and an apron for myself, to remind me not to burn down the house.
I Endorse Michael Ray
October 1, 2013
— 2 Comments
Michael Ray is a friend and colleague I met in a business development forum offered by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Tucson. A small group of us continue to meet once a month to focus on the model we learned and the progress being made by individuals. Michael’s project is interesting to me because I garden in the desert with more and more difficulty myself. I also like to watch the way he solves his design problems because I too am an inventor. Some serendipity and some failure accompany all inventors.
Initially one may not even plan to invent a product, but an issue or problem starts to fascinate the inventor. Failing fast has a lot of merit when you don’t know where you are going anyhow. Eventually the prototype will show/teach the creator new ways to remedy design problems. I endorse Michael because his core concept is strong, and his creative spirit is guiding him to keep experimenting until he finds solutions. I know the long and winding road through “one size does not fit all” from my own work. I believe when the Nursetree Arch comes on the market it will benefit many gardeners, both new and experienced. I know I want one.
shade
Environmental Creativity #DooFrudumpsdogdoo
September 29, 2013
— 4 Comments
message for dog owners
practical design
Our midtown Tucson neighborhood has pride of ownership issues. The landlords are not prone to take care of rental properties and the residents have become used to a very low level of environmental pride. Tagging of gang signs is chronic and dog owners leave waste behind everywhere. Doolen-Fruitvale Neighborhood, or DooFru for short, has an elementary school, an art college, and a Boys and Girls Club all adjacent to each other. I am asking the kids interested in art and design to enter a competition. The DooFru Design Derby will be an annual competition to design the best small enhancement to our neighborhood environment. We want to create a positive artful outlet that says we care about the space in which we live. We don’t have a place for mural art or sculpture, but we can do small, individual projects that make a difference.
This year we are designing dog doo bag dispensers out of used plastic containers. When filled with plastic bags, they not only remind dog owners to do the right thing, but provide the means with which to do it. Some other neighborhoods have employed the bag dispensers with great success. I walk my dog in one of these adjoining areas and have noticed a big improvement in the waste problem since they put up the bag dispensers. We hope by involving kids and art we will have an even bigger impact to create a cleaner and more well cared for environment. The kids from Boys and Girls Club have joined in many neighborhood clean up efforts, only to see the same trashy behavior arise. I believe they can have a bigger influence than adults if they sincerely take on the #DooFrudumpsdogdoo initiative. They can shame the adults and set a standard of awareness simply by making art for the good of the neighborhood. My own design is designed to give the idea to the kids, but definitely not to win the derby. My #DooFrudumpsdogdoo lady is a neighborhood spokesperson in need of kids’ art.
Tori-no-Ichi in Tucson November 2, 2013
September 27, 2013
— 3 Comments
We are fortunate to have an excellent specialty museum in our neighborhood, The Mini Time Machine. Because the miniature art requires great concentration to appreciate the work, it is a perfect place to have a party. While enjoying food and music one can also study the museum’s well protected displays. I am a very slow and detail oriented museum patron, but really prefer the membership arrangement so I can come an go all year at my whim. I adore the doll houses with all manner of intricate trim and realistic design elements. Like other art, it is possible to discover new aspects of the work each time you observe it. Unlike most pieces, the minis always draw you in to examine the tiny achievements of scale and artistry. My museum membership is shared with my neighbor Heidi for maximum pleasure. It is a short ride from our homes, and enhances our ‘hood in a special way. We can drop in or stay all day if we feel like it.
On November 2, 2013 at 6:30 pm Vergrandis will celebrate a traditional Japanese day of the rooster known as Turi-no-Ichi with a lucky rake festival. This coincides with the fall exhibit of Netsuke and diminutive carvings from Japan. We will have a chance to enjoy foods from east and west, musical entertainment, and a silent auction that includes some desirable items. The whole museum will be lit with lanterns for the evening. I hope we will get to clap and make lucky rooster baskets like the Japanese people above, but that remains to be seen. We do have a great troop of traditional taiko drummers who will be on the scene.
The proceeds will be used to provide outreach and museum field trips for every second grade student in Pima County. I imagine there are plenty of kids in Pima County who have never been to a museum, so this one would be a really good starter experience. The $60 tickets are not tax deductible, but one can add an extra $40 which is deductible, to be a Lantern Luminary. The Luminaries are given a choice to designate their donation to a particular school or teacher if they like. It might seem like a miniature donation to give $40 toward a field trip for kids, but you will not know how big the impact might be.
I Endorse Julia Keller
September 14, 2013
— 3 Comments
Julia Keller is a skilled and talented bodyworker with a specialty not often found. She is a licensed aesthetician and massage therapist, but her passion is Ayurvedic medicine. I enjoyed a beautiful 90 minutes of bliss on her table yesterday during my shirodara treatment. Her office space is quiet, spacious, and inviting. The feeling in the body after the treatment is spacious and free. I left the sesame oil in my long hair until bed time, which was a very healthy drink for my hair and scalp. A day after I enjoyed the lovely feelings of being on the table I still notice a mental peace and a revived sense of energy in my thoughts and body. The only part of shirodara that is difficult is the end. Eventually all the oil runs out of the vessel, just when the only thing you want for the rest of your life is to have the stream flow on your forehead. It is like the end of a fireworks show; it has to end. Lucky for me, Julia practices near my home in Tucson. This treatment is very beneficial after a cleanse or a trauma, jet lag, or a shock. It has a very balancing and stress reducing effect. You can find Julia’s business, A Glowing You, near River Road and First Avenue in Tucson.
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- Julia Keller
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- reception
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- office
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- shirodara table
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