Tucson Weather

I am so used to the great weather here in Southern Arizona that I don't think I will even move any place else. The other evening we sat out in our backyard and enjoyed the fantastic sunset which reflected on the lake. I have never seen sunset like this before. I also have not seen a double rainbow until I moved to Tucson. I consider myself lucky to live in such a beautiful area.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona

One advantage of living in a university town is that you can enroll in classes and continue to learn and follow your interests whether you are 20 or 80 years old. In the case of Tucson, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Arizona (www.olli.arizona.edu) gives you many opportunities to study and learn, as well as to teach and share your interests with others. For more information, call (520) 626-9039 or email ollimail@u.arizona.edu

St. Anthonys Monastery in Florence Arizona

A friend of ours told us about a monastery near Tucson. We went there a couple of weeks ago and the visit was very worthwhile. It is the St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, about 9 miles southeast of Florence, and just a little more than an hour from Tucson. Six Greek monks came to Arizona in 1995, what they've built there since then is very impressive. There are several small churches and chapels (some of which visitors are not allowed into), peaceful, flower-lined walkways with many fountains, and large plantings of olives and citrus on portions of the surrounding over 50 acres. The churches have beautiful intricate hand-carvings in wood (actually brought in from Greece), ornate tiling in colorful granites and marbles, and amazing icons lining many of the walls. There are approximately 40 monks currently there full time. They live a life of silence, study, contemplation, and performing life-chores such as cleaning, grounds maintenance, and gardening.

The very serious minded visitor can stay over and partake of the monastic life for a few days, a quiet life, no outside distractions, time for introspection, and simple healthy good food. This food is not offered to the day visitor; but there is a good Greek restaurant in Florence that we liked. We went to have lunch there after our visit to the monastery. Even in the brief time we were at the monastery, we felt the peace and calm of the surroundings. The place continues to develop; additional small churches and housing for guests are being built.

You can spend a good day there. Check out their website: www.stanthonysmonastery.org

Blues Festival at Reid Park

There is a Blues Festival at Reid Park today and it is FREE.
http://azblues.org/Festival.html

Mr. Boogie Woogie from The Netherlands is going to be there performing dueling pianos with Aurther Migliazza.
http://www.mrboogiewoogie.nl/

The weather is great. So bring your blanets and we'll see you there.

JAX KITCHEN

We went to Jaxkitchen for dinner last night and it was just as good as all the previous times that we were there. We highly recommend going there to try it out. It is a pretty small place so I recommend making a reservation. That is one good thing about Tucson. There are so many good restaurants that we can go to. What a Treat!!!

Tidbits on Life in Southern Arizona

We went to the traffic bridge on Campbell, just south of St. Philip's Plaza at dusk last week to watch the bats wake up and begin their nightly hunt for dinner. For some reason, hundreds of bats live under this bridge, even though it is located in a rather busy section of Tucson. If you go there at dusk, all these bats will be taking off in big clouds! There was also a pretty big crowd of people gathered to watch the activities, when we were there, even all the way down into the dry wash. This nightly event is pretty well-known to some but not all Tucsonans.

It really is a small world when one comes to think about it. Our son went to Copenhagen for his college junior year about a month ago now, and the first day at school, he bumped into his middle/high school classmate. This has now happened to both our kids during their time in Tucson. They met school mates from their elementary school on the East Coast here in Tucson, and again where they went to college, respectively, in California and Illinois. Last week, I bumped into my former teacher from a few years ago. I took classes from her in San Francisco to get my realtor's Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. We went out to dinner together that evening and had a great time.

We were in Tubac for a few days this past weekend and enjoyed the peace and quiet in this small town in Southern Arizona. We had some good Mexican food at the redecorated Stables Restaurant at the Tubac Golf Resort. We also met some friends and had another good meal at Soto's Outpost in Nogales. That restaurant is located on the historic Pete Kitchen Ranch, which was established way back in 1854. By the way, Tubac has been written up as one of the coolest small towns in the US in this month's Budget Travel magazine. The article is worth checking out if you're interested in the small town lifestyle.

The weather is getting a little cooler now with the arrival of fall, and we're spending more time outside, for breakfast or dinner or a late afternoon cocktail. We really appreciate that Tucson is one of the sunniest cities in the United States. It helps keep us cheerful even though there are so many things in the world and life that are extremely stressful these days. A nice walk around the block in the early morning fresh air keeps things in a better perspective.

Summer is Over

Summer is practically over now. I am back to my normal schedule. This past summer was very busy and I have neglected my blog. The summer was spent in traveling, doing things with the family, and getting some of the medical issues of the family resolved.

My husband and I were in Las Vegas meeting up with his long-lost elementary school friend and the friend's family. That was a very good trip. It was great reminiscing old times and what they did as children and adolescents. A couple of weeks after that, our family was in Northern California near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just north of Lake Tahoe. We had never been to that region before. It showed us how big and varied the State of California is. We all had a wonderful time.

My husband and I just got back from Denmark after helping our son settled in his Kollegium (dorm) in Copenhagen. He is going to spend his college junior year studying there. My husband had spent some time in Copenhagen after college, years ago. So there again we met up with some of his old friends, whom he has not seen in many many years. We had some very friendly, thoughtful, and joyous times together.

Now we are back in sunny Arizona. It was great to see old friends, whom you have not seen for many years, eat different foods, and experience a somewhat different culture, but it is also great to be home. Lots of things have happened in Southern Arizona over the summer. The most regrettable is that so many shops, grocery stores, and restaurants have closed because of the economy. In the area where we live, a solid middle and upper middle class neighborhood, there are many houses that are in short sale or foreclosure. One does not have to be an economist to see what ripple effects all these are having in the county, the state, and the country.

On a happier note, our daughter seems to have decided to return to the Tucson area to work after getting her Masters of Social Work degree next May. Our son is doing well in Copenhagen and is making new friends and learning many new things about Danish history and culture and European economics and literature. We are getting re-acquainted with our friends and neighbors. We started going back to our old haunts for example, Gee's Garden restaurant for dim sum on the weekend. We have also went to Dove Mountain Grill and Jax Kitchen for dinner. We enjoyed our dinners at both restaurants. Next week we are planning to take advantage of Tucson Restaurant Week and go to a few more area restaurants that have special package offers for that week. We are also getting ready to attend some of the events at the Tucson Culinary Festival running from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4. Stay tuned for the latest news and events!!!

More Cool Things to do during the Southern Arizona Summer

Many events in summer here take place either early in the morning or in the evening to take advantage of the cooler temperature. Our company party was held yesterday at 7:00pm outdoors at the Tucson Museum of Art in the historic downtown of Tucson. My husbands and I plus over 700 others (employees and spouses) attended a very nice company party. Sitting outdoors watching the bright colors of sunset, having a before-dinner drink, eating our dinner al fresco, and then dancing under the stars are some of the wonderful perks of Southern Arizonan living. Everyone had a great time; the party was still going at midnight, even though the official closing was supposed to be at 11:30pm.

My husband and I enjoy going downtown to the various museums, walking around 4th Street and attending performances at the University. As in many cities, the Tucson downtown is getting a big face lift. Many attractive things are planned for this development, but it will take awhile for all the projects to be funded and built. In the meantime, there are still things to do downtown.

All through summer and running through October, there is a popular outdoor weekly movie event in a beautiful plaza setting in downtown Tucson. Every Thursday evening at 7:30, you can enjoy a movie in the cool summer evenings. There is no admission charge, and the popcorn is free, but a suggested per person donation of $3 is requested to help cover costs. The movies are shown at La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Ave. What a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your neighbors and friends. For additional info, see: www.cinemaLaPlacita.com

The Tucson Zoological Society presents MonZOOn Movie Magic every Friday night through the end of June. So bring your kids, a blanket and lawn chairs, and head to the Zoo at Reid Park for movie watching under the stars. There are also other activities including face painting, animal encounters, games, crafts, and Leo the Lion mascot appearances.

Besides things mentioned above, you can check out the Twilight Thursdays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, (520) 326-9686. They are going to have live entertainment and food under the stars. You can also go to shows at a number of theaters. Our favorite is The Gaslight Theater; it specializes in funny, campy musicals. It's much easier to get tickets there in summer, now that the snowbirds and tourists have gone for the season.

Hope you are enjoying your summer evenings in Southern Arizona like the natives do.

Some Cool Things to do in the heat of Southern Arizona's Summer

Summer has arrived here in Southern Arizona. Who would want to visit Southern Arizona in this heat? Ah, there are many cool things one can do here, especially when prices are discounted or even free, and you don't have to wait in any lines for most things. It IS worthwhile for the whole family to be in Southern Arizona this time of year.

For example, this Saturday 6/6, you can attend the following musical events.

If you are in the East side of town, you can bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music of The Arizona Symphonic Winds, Southern Arizona's premier community concert band. They are having an outdoor concert featuring young musicians Zoe Sorrell on flute and piccolo and Carissa Powe on violin. It is at 7 pm at Udall Park Amphitheater, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road. For more details you can call 721-2068. This is a music series going through the summer. We always enjoy being outside in the early evening and listening to music.

If you are near the Foothills, you can enjoy the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council's Summer Concert Series at La Encantada, featuring Jazz with vocalist Julie Ann performing classic jazz standards in the style of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Julie London and Peggy Lee. The concert is at 7:30 pm at the La Encantada shopping center at 2905 E. Skyline Drive. Admission is $10, you can call 299-6888. for details.

On Sunday 6/7, you can also attend the following two concerts.

If you are in the Central part of town, you can listen to Music Under the Stars with the Tucson Pops Orchestra, featuring Nancy Davis Booth performing a medley of favorites including Puccini, Mozart, and Gershwin classics. The concert is free at 7 pm at Reid Park's DeMeester Center, 900 S. Randolph Way. For details, call 791-4873.

If you are on the North West side of town, you can hear Music in the Park at Oracle State Park's Kannally Ranch, with the Fiveway Street band performing Woodstock era tunes. The concert is at 7 pm at 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle. Admission is $10, you can call (520) 896-2425 for details.

These are musical venues for this weekend, great evenings when you are winding down and relaxing from a day of sight-seeing or daily life. During the day, when you are sight seeing, the following are highly recommended. You will get out the sun's heat and still experience the wonders of Southern Arizona, both natural and man-made. We have visited all the places below and enjoyed them all.

Kartchner Caverns - If you've never visited Kartchner Caverns near Benson, now's the time to plan a trip. We have been there with our kids, and it's really worth the short drive from Tucson. From June 1 to Sept. 4, the entrance price for Kartchner's 75-minute Rotunda/Throne Room tour is reduced. Adult admission will be $12, a savings of almost $7; for children ages 7-13, it will be $5, about half the regular price. Children 6 and under are always free. The temperatures are much cooler (below 70) in the caverns, so this is a terrific summer excursion. Check out the Park's website - http://www.azparks.gov/Parks/KACA/index.html

Whipple Observatory – The Observatory is located in Amado, at the base of Mt. Hopkins in the Santa Rita Mountains, 35 miles south of Tucson, and just within the boundary of the Coronado National Forest. Southern Arizona is famous for star watching. Guided bus tours for the public are conducted from mid-March through November. The tours originate at the Visitors Center, which opens at 8:30 am A video presentation begins there at 9 am. The tour bus then leaves the Center at 9:30 am. and returns by 3 pm. You need to make an advance reservation by calling (520) 670-5707. The tour participants should dress warmly, bring lunches, and be prepared for some moderate exertion, because of the 8550 foot altitude. http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/facilities/flwo/visit_center.html

Mount Lemmon near Tucson, is another amazing place to go. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Lemmon The weather in Mount Lemmon is totally different than that of Tucson. It is much cooler because of the higher elevation. In the Winter, when it is very mild in Tucson, you can go up to Mount Lemmon and actually ski or snowboard! During the summer time of year, it could be 100 degrees in Tucson, but the temperature in Mount Lemmon could be in the 70's. It's the perfect temperature to go hiking, camping, fishing, or just sit around and read a book in the shade of big evergreen trees. As you drive up the Catalina Highway from Tucson going towards Summerhaven atop Mount Lemmon, you will see definite changes in the surrounding vegetation, as if you were driving north from Arizona to Canada.

So enjoy your stay here and stay cool, be sure to carry water with you everywhere you go.

Special Events: Southern Arizona Music and Wine

Our daughter came home for the week from California last Friday. We had a very enjoyable weekend with her here. We had our favorite Peking duck at the Old Peking restaurant. We met some friends in Tubac (south of Tucson). Then we had a terrific summer wine tasting at The Grill on the Green at Canoa Ranch in Green Valley. We discovered a couple of very good wines at the tasting, and at excellent prices. We always enjoy discovering new wines, and these tastings also have a variety of delicious things to nibble. In this tasting, I was impressed at how descriptive and accurate the write-ups of the wines were; I could almost taste them before I actually sipped them.

We liked the sparkling wine from Saint-Hillaire, France. We ordered several bottles of it; it's so fresh, lively, and crisp, great for summer afternoon sipping. At a fraction of the cost, this to us is a better buy than real champagne. We also liked an Argentine wine Torrontes, from La Linda Mendoza. The following is a great description of the wine (which we ended up ordering also). “Clear yellow-greenish color, has floral aromas related to rose, globeflower, and some lavender. The first impression in the mouth is sweet with balanced acidity; white peaches are perceived and hints of sugar coated orange skin. Excellent balance between floral and fruity characteristics. Pair with white meat and humita pies (Argentinian corn pies).” We agreed and found the wine very well balanced.

In another wine tasting we recently attended at McMahon's Prime Steakhouse, we also ordered a couple of bottles that we especially liked. These are Layer Cake's Primitivo from Puglia, Italy and the Shiraz/Cab blend, Brothers in Arms from Langhorne Creek, Australia. Our friends from England recommended wines from the Bogel Vineyards, California. We have tried a couple of bottles and liked them too. So we have been discovering and tasting new wines for the last few months.

Another Wine Tasting and Music event will be at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch on Sunday May 31, 2009, from 4:30 – 5:30pm. The Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is located at 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, in the Tucson Foothills. This wine tasting features wine provided by the Robertson Winery. It is $10 per person, which includes tasting of wine, or choice of beer or soft drink, and light hors d'oeuvres. If you would like to attend, please call (520) 529-3500 for reservations. We will be there with another friend. So come to learn, taste, and appreciate the featured wines; come also to learn how to listen more deeply and sensitively to the great music of our civilization. Renowned composer Daniel Asia, Professor of Composition and Head of the Composition Department of the U of A, will be there to celebrate music of an intimate sort that was written for the piano

Things to Do In and Around Tubac

There is a Summer Wine Tasting, with complimentary Hors D'oeuvres, tomorrow (Sunday 5/24) at The Grill on the Green. The Grill is located at the Canoa Ranch Golf Club, north of Tubac, or a short drive south from Green Valley. The wine tasting is from 2:00 – 3:30pm and costs only $15 per person. You can make your reservation by calling (520) 393-1933. Barry and I have been to many of The Grill's wine tastings and have enjoyed them all. This is a fun way to stay cool and enjoy the warm afternoons indoors. So instead of having a siesta, we'll be heading to the Grill again, with some of our good friends. Stop by our table and say 'Hello' if you are going.

On Saturday, May 30 from 10am-5pm, Tubac is celebrating the first Tubac Gala Costume Day. So come to Tubac dressed up as your favorite movie star, sports hero, or historic character. There will be special events between 11am and 1pm at the Tubac Plaza's Main Stage. There will also be free concerts on the main stage, and roving minstrels will be performing all around Tubac. Participating merchants will offer 10%off on Saturday. So please don't miss this most exciting way to explore beautiful Tubac. We do not know what we will be dressed as, yet, but we will definitely be there to enjoy all the fun people who come there to experience Tubac's small town charm.

On the same day (May 30) from 4:00pm to 7:30pm, Tubac will also have the Organic Farming Film Festival. This festival is being held at the Tubac Community Center, 50 Bridge Road. This is the first of a series of information/speaker events to promote a Sustainable Santa Cruz County. Please come and enjoy the films and learn what is being done around the county and the country in general. You will learn where some of the local organic farms are located and where you can do some organic shopping directly from a farmer. Refreshments will be served at the Community Center. We hope to see you there.

Southern Arizona – Desert Living Tips

We were talking to our daughter on the phone two nights ago when all of a sudden she sounded very panicky. She was experiencing the first earthquake in her life, now that she was studying in Los Angeles and away from us in Tucson. Later, she emailed us that they just had another aftershock. She is used to the heat, wildlife, and occasional wild fires in Southern Arizona, but she wasn't prepared for the idea of earth beneath her feet quaking like jello. Very unsettling.

Like many newcomers, when we first arrived in Tucson we were lacking practical knowledge about the surrounding desert and its inhabitants. We saw the desert and the various cacti, but we did not know what else might be living out there among the cacti and in the mountains. We were lucky when friends gave us a book called “Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers” by David Wentworth Lazaroff. We then learned about things newcomers to the high desert should know: javelinas, rattlesnakes, kissing bugs, gila monsters,
tortoises, coyotes, mountain lions, quail, and insightful and interesting facts such as what kind of plants attract humming birds... But still we did not know what the mud tube in the hallway near our kitchen was when we first discovered it. We did not know that living in the relatively upscale Foothills area of Tucson means that sometime in the near future, you'll meet up with termites. And that this is not a reflection on you personally; even the best of houses have them. Fortunately, they are treatable.

Desert living is very different than, for example, life on the East Coast of the United States. We quickly learned to bring water with us if we'd be outdoors for any length of time, especially when we are hiking in our nearby mountains. We learned to keep away from the pretty cacti and prickly pear; everything is thorny or sharp. We learned to respect the desert and admire the ingenious life adaptations of the wildlife and plants. We learned that Spring here is from February to April, the dry Summer is May through June, the Summer Monsoon is from July to mid-September, Fall is from mid-September to November, and Winter is December and January. However, the Winter here is so mild that it can be compared to Spring or Summer in Michigan or New England or Canada.

Of course, there are always exception to the seasonal weather. As I am typing this, the weatherman is predicting rain tomorrow. It's very early in the year for rain. Monsoon season is a couple of months away, but it seems we will be getting a little preview of the thunder, rain, and the wind. When the rain comes in monsoon season, the washes will be filled with lots of water where it was a river of parched sand just hours before. We learned not to drive through any water-filled dip in a road when there is a warning sign “Do Not Cross When Flooded”. If you do, you may very well end up being shown on TV standing on top of your car waiting to be rescued. See picture by Aaron J. Latham/Arizona Daily Star.


When you first move to Southern Arizona, listen to the locals and read about the critters and the plants. Be sure to carry some water with you wherever you go. Don't get dehydrated and don't be fooled by the Dry Heat!

Life in the Tucson Area, in a slow economy

In better economic times when I sold a house to a client, I would feel very happy, satisfied, and fulfilled because I found them the perfect dream home. But yesterday, when I handed my clients the keys to the house that they had just purchased, I had mixed emotions. I was happy for them because they got a very nice home for a very, very good price. If the seller was not in financial trouble, the house would have been sold for more than I estimate $50,000 additional. But this was a short sale, and the lender simply wanted to get one more bad asset off their books. (In a short sale, a distressed homeowner avoids outright foreclosure by selling his home for less than the value of the existing mortgage. The lender loses money on this type of sale, but it is less costly than if the bank forced the homeowner to go into foreclosure.)

As I say, I was happy for my clients because they bought a very nice house that they could afford for a low price. But at the same time, I felt really bad for the seller. He lost his home and now has to rent a place to live. I don't know what his particular financial trouble was, but he is young and single so I suppose he can rebound and start over again. I don't think many of the short sale or foreclosed homeowners are in that same position. It may take them years to get back what they have lost. I don't want to judge or speculate how some of the homeowners get into short sale or foreclosure situations, but it is heartbreaking to see so many people similarly affected.

In just this last week, we have heard from three of our friends, in differing parts of the country, who have been laid off. I just hope things get better soon for the country and the people.

The shops and restaurants in Tucson are very quiet these days for economic reasons but also because the tourists and snowbirds have left for the summer. But the good thing is that in the Tucson area there are still quite a number of retired people who are relatively well off. I think the Tucson area is faring better these days than the rest of Arizona. Restaurants and resorts are offering specials, discounts, and packages. Barry and I like to take advantage of these shopping and dining specials. Like many of our friends and neighbors, from all economic levels, we are trying to cut back on our extra spending and focus on essentials until the financial recovery kicks in.

Instead of buying flowers to brighten our home, Barry goes out to the backyard every other day to cut some of our fresh roses and places them in our big dining table crystal vase. We shop at Sprouts now for their reasonably priced produce, and we try to buy mainly sales items from the big chain grocery stores. For entertainment, we are still reading books and watching movies, but we go to the library for our books and rent or borrow the films we watch. In these times, we are reminded that we are lucky that we can still afford the things that we enjoy, and we're very grateful that our kids are growing up cheerful, having what they need overall, and are about to become productive and useful citizens when they shortly leave school.

Southern Arizona Flora

Before I ever visited Tucson, I thought Arizona was in the desert so it would be hot, dry, dusty, barren, have very little plant life, and have absolutely no flowers. I was so wrong. The plants here are certainly a different shade of green than the greenery of the East Coast. However, there are flowers everywhere here, and mostly all through the year. During the desert spring, there are wild flowers everywhere, in the mountains, in the parks, even on the roadsides and median strips. And what surprising shades: yellow, pink, orange, red, lilac, purple, white, and mixes too. Once the spring flowers begin to fade, the the various types of cacti start to bloom. That was about a month ago. There are also types of sweet-smelling flowering trees and brightly-colored shrubs. Now the Saguaro is starting to bloom. Saguaro is the Arizona State Flower.



When we first arrived here, Barry liked to plant all kinds of cacti in our yard. They are very nice and have fascinating shapes, but their thorns and spikes would get on our clothes, and even pierce our leather gardening gloves. The smaller burrs are very hard to get rid of; they're more irritating than painful. You learn quickly how many plants are sharp and prickly. So now we have a different variety of plants, fruits, flowers, and herbs in our yard, not so many cacti, and not where people would walk. We have eight rose bushes, two orange trees, two camellias, two mesquites, one sweet acacia tree, a grapefruit tree, a pomelo, and a fig tree. We've also planted geraniums, petunias, chrysanthemums, oleander, periwinkle, birds of paradise, tomatoes, and some herbs. Last year we really enjoyed eating the figs. This year so far has been great for our roses. And we've been cooking with the herbs. So this hot, barren desert that I imagined before I came to Southern Arizona is actually very colorful and alive throughout the year.

From February to April, we've been eating lots of grapefruits, oranges, kumquats, and lemons. Even if we don't grow them ourselves, our friends always give us their surplus; we could have lemons and kumquats up the gazoo if we wanted. Now our tomato plants are beginning to bear cute cherry tomatoes. I am beginning to see baby figs and little oranges on our trees now too. One thing that we have to make sure of is to keep our plants fenced away from the reach of the javelinas. They will eat everything they can reach overnight while you sleep! In contrast to the East Coast, our geraniums and petunias are not annuals; they come up faithfully each year because our winters are so mild. I can hardly imagine living through the cold, dreary eastern winter now. I definitely feel more cheerful here because it is so nice and sunny nearly every day. It is wonderful here simply to walk around just after a rain; everything smells so fresh and clean and seems reborn. If you are a gardener or just enjoy being outdoors, you will love it here.

Summer is here in Southern Arizona

Being from the Tropics (I was born in Hong Kong), heat does not bother me that much. I love the weather in the Tucson area. For the last few months, we have been able to open our windows at home almost all the time. But now that May has arrived, the heat is also here. We have our air-conditioning on in the daytime; the nights are still pleasantly cool.

Tourist season is pretty much over. Tourists and people from up north wintering here (“snowbirds”) usually stay here from October to April, when our temperatures are really ideal. So about this May time of year there is not much traffic at all, shopping centers are quieter, and you don't need to call for reservations at your favorite restaurants. May is also the time of year when our fabulous resorts start having discounts or special package plans, and restaurants have discounted meals and extended “Happy Hours.” We've been taking advantage of these discounts and are enjoying the more upscale restaurants at a fraction of their usual prices.

There are things I like in the Tucson area every season of the year. This time of year, I enjoy being outside and breathing the early morning air before it gets too hot. Later in the day, I enjoy relaxing in our backyard shade with a glass of wine, watching the sunset. We spent a few days in Tubac last week and enjoyed their cooler temperatures; Tubac, though south of Tucson, is at a higher elevation. The Madeira Canyon, near Green Valley and south of Tucson, is another pleasant destination we will head to, to get cool off during the day. Mt. Lemmon, northeast of Tucson, is usually in the 70's or low 80's, and has very interesting flora because of its high elevation. So, there are quite a few places nearby where we can cool off naturally if we get too warm in Tucson proper.

1000 Places to See in The USA & Canada before You Die

I've just finished reading The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. She writes “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.” The book really got me thinking about my own life and death. This line of thought then led me to Patricia Schultz's book 1000 Places to See in The USA & Canada before You Die. My husband and I have been lucky enough to have traveled to many places, and we plan to continue to make excursions and longer trips. But we certainly have NOT been to all the 1000 Places described by Patricia Schultz.

However, we HAVE been to all the sites in Arizona she's mentioned. We are fortunate enough to live in Southern Arizona, near three of her prime locations. We have homes in Tubac and Tucson, and whenever we have a chance, we also visit Cochise County where Tombstone and Bisbee are located. We love going to Rex Ranch to have dinner when we are in Tubac. We are active in the Tubac Center for the Arts. We enjoy the special and traditional events and the diversity of people in Tucson. We strongly recommend that you spend some time in Southern Arizona to experience the people, the cultures, the foods, the weather, the land, the flora, the history, and the arts.

Wining & Dining in Tucson

My husband and I enjoy eating out and going to wine tastings. So we will be going to McMahon's Prime Steakhouse this Sunday. They're having their monthly Wine Tasting, this time showcasing 15 wines and featuring their usual yummy appetizers. The sampling wines will be available for purchase at wholesale prices (by the bottle or case). They also usually have a Chef Demonstration on how to prepare the appetizers. Admission is $20, and $10 of the admission fee can be applied towards your wine purchases. McMahon's Prime Steakhouse is at 2959 N. Swan Road (at Ft. Lowell). Call (520) 327-7463 for reservations. See you there!

We also like eating Chinese dim sum at Gee's Garden (1145 N Alvernon Way(520)325-5353) on Saturdays or Sundays. They have dim sum every day but on the weekend, the dishes are pushed around the restaurant fresh to your table on carts. In Hong Kong, one of the traditional methods of food preparation is to use one chicken or one duck to make several dishes. The Old Peking restaurant has recently changed owners. We started going there after the new chef bought the restaurant, and the word on the street was that the restaurant really improved. They serve a Peking duck in three dishes. For the first dish, the duck skin is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and Peking duck sauce. For the second dish, the chef uses the duck meat and chopped veggies such as water chestnut to make a fresh tasting lettuce wrap. Finally, the bones are used to make a nice soup with tofu and Napa cabbage. The cost for all three dishes is $29, and it is easily enough to feed four people, although we augment these dishes with a veggie dish such as Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce. Maybe we'll bump into you one day there. Please note: be sure to call ahead if you're going to order the Peking duck or the roast pork; it takes a few hours to prepare them. The Old Peking Chinese Restaurant is located at 2522 E. Speedway Blvd. Phone is (520) 795-9811. Tell them Mei-Ling sent you!

Retire to Tucson and Southern Arizona

I wrote yesterday describing why my family and I moved to Tucson. I would like to expand on that today as to why I think people, and especially baby boomers, should consider retiring to Tucson and Southern Arizona.

As Americans live longer and are generally in better health, people have different ways of living in their retirement years. Some people prefer being outdoors (doing activities like golfing, biking, or swimming), some enjoy the arts and theater, some like social activities (meeting new people, performing social service and volunteer activities, dancing or joining a choir, and going to restaurants with friends).

The following are some factors each of us should consider before choosing a place for retirement.
1).Will I be able to afford living in that region?
2).Will I have access to good and sufficient medical care?
3).Will it be convenient for my friends and relatives to come for a visit to that area?
4).Will I be able to meet people of my peer group and to make friends?
5).Are there things for me to do? Can my current interests be met? Will I be able to develop new interests?

By all accounts and for all these factors, the Tucson area is one of the nation's best places to be. Because of the climate, the housing and living costs, and all the varied activities available, this should be no surprise.

Tucson is a college town. So live theater and dance, concerts of all sorts, sports of all types are all available throughout the year and at reasonable prices. Seniors frequently receive discounts at many events in the Tucson area. Additionally there are cultural events, classes, and many activities to stimulate the brain. Retirees can enjoy a very active lifestyle, and many of them work part-time, do volunteer work, or enroll in classes at the University of Arizona. Pima County Community College also offers many free or low cost classes and workshops.

Tucson's altitude and relatively low humidity make the summer's high daytime temperatures tolerable. The weather in the fall, winter, and spring is fantastic. Those who appreciate the dry air and mountains of the Southwest should enjoy the Tucson area. The high Sonoran Desert, which surrounds the town, is home to a fascinating diversity of plants and wildlife, many not seen elsewhere in the world. The sun shines almost 350 days per year. That certainly is something people coming from the East Coast, the Northern Plains, and the Pacific Northwest appreciate.

I believe there are things for everyone and every age group to do, and you will enjoy something special and “particularly Tucson” in every season of the year. Feel free to contact me if you need more information or would like to visit some retirement communities, cultural centers, or attend some local events, or are wondering what might be the best time of year to visit. I think you will love it here.

Tucson – Retirement & Relocation Destination

Around this time 10 years ago, my family was debating whether to relocate to Tucson because of my husband's probable job transfer. The kids made a list of Pros and Cons, and of course, there were more Cons than Pros. They didn't want to leave their friends and the life they knew. We parents also made a list of our Pros and Cons, with our eventual retirement in mind. Long story short, we did relocate to Tucson and we've been enjoying all the amenities that Tucson and Southern Arizona have to offer ever since.

Besides the obvious pluses Tucson would provide us: continued employment for my husband, good schools for the kids, general way of life for all of us, and the attractive weather, we debated whether the Tucson area would be a good place for the kids to grow and ultimately for us to retire. We added several factors to our investigation lists.

We wanted to know:
1).Whether our retirement savings would go a long way in Tucson (reasonable cost of living).
2).Whether there is good medical care conveniently available.
3).Whether Tucson is an attractive destination for our friends and relatives to visit.

Well, we have been here for almost 10 years now, and we have decided that it was a very good move for us when we relocated to Tucson. We met many friendly, nice people, both transplants and native Arizonans, who share our interests and hobbies. We spend a lot of time outdoors, both in our own backyard and in nearby hiking areas. My husband has retired now and has more time to explore the surprising variety of activities & cultural events offered by Southern Arizona.

Of course, it is human nature to think WHAT IF we did not move from Maryland to Arizona... would our kids be in different colleges, would we have a different lifestyle? But in the end, we both think we made the right move.

Tubac Center of the Arts

My husband and I attended a lecture at the Tubac Center of the Arts last evening. Kaye and Francis YourStarShining (both self-taught artists) of YourStarShining Studio presented their work. Kaye began the talk to our group and explained all the steps in making a bronze sculpture, using the lost-wax process. In addition to being a sculptor, Kaye is a painter. Francis, born and raised in the Sioux Nation of South Dakota, brings a fresh and natural look to his stone sculpture. He told us how he first started sculpture work and how he tries to capture the essence and spirit of real-life animals in motion. Francis made jewelry in silver with inlays of semi-precious stones and shells before becoming a stone sculptor. Kaye and Francis maintain a winter studio near Tucson, and in the summers, they return to Francis' grandfather's home at Buffalo Lake, South Dakota. They say they find inspiration in the land and the nature for their creations at both their summer and winter residences.

My husband and I learned a great deal from this lecture. It was fun and interesting. We modeled in clay while the artists spoke. You can reach the YourStarShinings at 520-908-2341. Their website is www.yourstarshining.com.

You might be surprised at the active and vital art scene in Southern Arizona. The Tubac Center of the Arts has informal lectures by local artists nearly every week and frequent formal shows. To find out what is happening in the arts in Tubac, please check out the website: www.tubacartcenter.org

Hidden Treasures of Santa Cruz Valley – Active Artist Studio Tour of 2009

If you missed the Hidden Treasures of Santa Cruz Valley OPEN STUDIO TOUR 2009 this weekend, it is not too late, you still have another chance next weekend (4/25 & 4/26).

This event offers you an opportunity to see and experience the creative process at work in the studios of participating artists throughout the Santa Cruz River Valley. You can enjoy the back roads of Santa Cruz County with its magnificent landscape and enjoy the hospitality of the artists who open their doors to you.

My husband and I attended the Opening Reception on 3/27 at the the Tubac Center of the Arts. We saw some of the works of the artists active in the Santa Cruz Valley. We also heard a fascinating talk by the sculptor David Voisard, who has a studio just north of Tubac in Amado. It was an amazing and very enjoyable evening. We immediately became members of the Tubac Center of the Arts.

Let's talk about the Open Studio Tour again. My husband and I went to several working studios (painting, jewelry, and metal sculpture) this past Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits and the demos. We learned a lot about the artists and the creative process, and discovered that Santa Cruz County is home to many artists, creating fantastic, inspiring, and thought-provoking pieces of art.

This coming Saturday, 4/25, from 2:00- 4:00PM at the Michael Arthur Jayme Studio & Gallery, R. Carlos Nakai will be performing live on the flute, free admission. Michael's Studio & Gallery is at the Amado Territory Ranch. Nakai is of Navajo-Ute heritage, and he is the world's premier performer of Native American flute music. It will be an honor and a treat to hear him.

Go to www.tubacartcenter.org to get additional information and the detail map for the Tour. You will discover a vibrant world that you might not have known existed in Southern Arizona. Call me if you need more information or have questions. I will be at Michael's Studio in Amado again this Saturday, this time to listen to Nakai's performance. SEE YOU THERE !!!

Tubac - where art meets history

The historic village of Tubac is located in the Santa Cruz River Valley of Southern Arizona, about a 40 minutes' drive south of Tucson and 20 minutes north of Nogales, Mexico, in the Sonoran high desert. The town and the river valley are lush with many varieties of agave and cactus, cottonwood trees, and mesquite bosque. The beautifully preserved Mission de Tumacacori is only a few minutes away from the Tubac village center. Tubac was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort). It is now an active artist community and several working artists' studios surround the grounds which once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison.

Scenic high desert vistas surround Tubac, and the village enjoys a year-around economy that benefits from summer temperatures notably cooler than Tucson or Phoenix, because of it higher altitude. More than ninety businesses now line Tubac's meandering streets. Come spend the day wandering through the art galleries, working studios, jewelry and craft stores, and quirky gift shops. The Tubac Center of the Arts provides a full range of arts programming, and its seasonal exhibitions should not be missed. A variety of locally-owned restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tubac is also the gateway to the great birding, hiking, off-roading, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Tubac is a gentle breath of fresh air in an otherwise hurried world.

The Tubac Golf Resort is a few minutes from the original village. Barrio de Tubac, an upscale master-planned community, is adjacent to the historic Presidio. Come and experience Tubac. Be sure to email me or call me if you would like me to show you around the area. Let me know if you'd want to spend a month or two in Tubac to explore the area. I will be glad to show you some vacation rentals.

Southern Arizona Vineyards

Retire to the Tucson area, and you could be busy every day, even though you're no longer working. You might start wondering how you ever had time to work before your retirement. You will start telling your friends back home that you are too busy to email them. The Tucson area has so much to do that you'll need to develop special time management skills. There are many cultural events, music performances, interesting classes, volunteer work, day trips, and believe it or not, snow skiing on Mount Lemmon in the winter, the southernmost skiing in the Continental US. And, of course, you have to tour the Arizona wine country and sample the local product.

When considering the world's great wine grape growing regions, Arizona probably doesn't make your top ten list. But you might be surprised to know that there are several varieties of wine grapes that do very well here in Arizona. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Vineyards were first planted in Arizona in the 17th century by Franciscan missionaries. Today there are thirteen active wineries in the state, with over 650 acres of grapes being grown for the purpose of wine production. Situated in the mile-high rolling grasslands of Southeastern Arizona, surrounded by the Huachuca, Whetstone, and Santa Rita Mountains, is an active and developing wine-growing region with soil so rich, its proponents claim it rivals that of Burgundy, France. The rows of vineyards that produce award-winning red, white, and blush wines interrupt the oak glades and yucca patches native to the area, creating breathtaking views that will make this a one-of-a kind wine tasting experience for you and your friends.

And all this is a comfortable day trip just South East of Tucson. BE SURE YOU HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER for your trip home!

Wine Tasting Anyone!!

Today, April 5th from 2pm to 4pm, a Wine Tasting featuring 15 different wines (available to taste and purchase by the case) is at McMahon's Prime Steakhouse. There is complimentary Hors D'oeuvres, Chef Demonstration at 3pm and Wine education at 3:30pm. McMahon's Prime Steakhouse is at 2959 N. Swan Road (at Ft. Lowell). Call (5220) 327-7463 for more information and for reservation. I will see you there.

Tomorrow, I will be telling you about the wine region of Southern Arizona. Stay tune.

As always, please email me or call me if you have any questions about real estates market in Southern Arizona or if you need any information about relocation, things to do in Southern Arizona, or future events.

Dove Mountain

Dove Mountain is about 40 minutes from the Tucson International Airport, and one hour and 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Dove Mountain is a master planned community with retail centers and has an emphasis on low-density. Almost a third of Dove Mountain's nearly 9 square miles is dedicated to open space. The elevations range from 2,700 to 4,300 feet. Dove Mountain has over 10 miles of boundary with Arizona State Trust-owned mountains and formal preserves. There are spectacular open views in nearly every direction.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club opened in January and was the site of the World Golf Championship's Accenture Match Play in February. The golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and is available for use by the residents in The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton and also for the general public for a short time (until the resort has completed construction). The Ritz-Carlton luxury resort is targeted to open by the end of this year.

Three new restaurants opened this winter in Dove Mountain, providing residents with a few more interesting dining options. Cayton's, with its American comfort cuisine with a Southwestern flair, is at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. The Dove Mountain Grill, a step up from bistro style, opened in January at the Dove Mountain Center. Vero Amore, a Neapolitan pizza venue, is also located at the Dove Mountain Center.

The Ritz-Carlton will begin hiring for its hotel and spa in July and August. For information, check out the company's web site at http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/careers/default.htm.
The houses of the subdivisions in Dove Mountain have a range of prices. There is also an active adult community in Dove Mountain. Please email me if you plan to come to visit this area and would like to preview some housing possibilities or to see some very attractive lots for your custom home.

Tucson

Southern Arizona is a great place to be if you are tired of the long, cold winters up North. Tucson is located in the heart of Southern Arizona, about 100 miles south of the state capital, Phoenix, and 60 miles north of the Mexican border. The Tucson area boasts more then 350 days of sunshine each year, and claims to be the sunniest city in the country. Thousands of snowbirds (people who come here to escape the winter in their home towns) flock to Tucson and its surroundings each winter. After enjoying a couple of pleasant winters here, many snowbirds eventually decide to relocate to sunny Tucson. Tucson sits at 2389 feet above sea level, and usually has milder summers and is less congested than Phoenix. About one million people live in the Greater Tucson Area.

I moved to Tucson with my family about 10 years ago. We are always commenting how lucky we are that we can be outdoors most of the year. We are very happy to have left the pollen filled air of the East Coast each spring, and their hot and humid summers, and their dreary winter. Of course we missed the crisp air and the beautiful colors of autumn. But that feeling really only lasts a few weeks. We are also glad that we do not have to fight the ever growing beltway traffic near Washington, DC.

Housing costs in Arizona are relatively lower than most states, especially in this current market. If you want to be a snowbird for awhile, and want to know what area or town to stay in, by all means email me. I will be glad to point you to your right area, based on your expressed needs, interests and preferred activities.

New blog!

Hello visitors, welcome to my new blog. I have set this up so individuals interested in visiting or relocating to Tucson, Dove Mountain, Tubac, or Southern Arizona in general can find more information about the area, the real estate market, and its "goings on." Enjoy & Experience Southern Arizona Living!