Tucson, AZ

I’d mostly thought of Tucson Botanical Gardens for the events I’d seen on their marquis as I drove past – butterfly gardens and “weird plant” sales. But I learned there this past weekend that if you’re looking for a relaxing way to get out of the heat for a little while, the Tucson Bonsai Society is happy to provide one!

When I heard that the 20th Annual Waila Festival advertised on our local community radio station, 91.3 FM KXCI, I made a mental note to attend this year. I recalled fond memories when I attended years ago of Tohono O’odham music, food, and dance, so understandably, I was eager to relive the experience. This year, I decided to head out early and to drag my parents along. The festival was held at the Bear Down Field, just south of the University of Arizona Main library. Normally, I avoid navigating the parking garages or meters at the University because it can be such a hassle. This day, however, the parking garage adjacent to the field was free, as was the festival

The tour group meets at 6p.m on a wonderfully shady corner of Alameda and Main Street where Alan Kruse, our guide, hands out an annotated bibliography about Tucson history and the mansions we’re off to see. He starts us off with a quick background on Tucson and how it came to be part of the United States territory. I probably learned some of this in school, but it’s more interesting coming from Alan.

I cringed. The mini-golf course had been around since t, it was inked into my agenda., When the news came out that Magic Carpet Golf had close

Recently, my friend Marybeth was in town from Flagstaff and we attended a book reading by Stella Pope Duarte at Antigone Books on 4th Avenue. I was excited to hear this author speak after having heard her keynote address at the Cesar Chavez Conference in Phoenix in March. Since seating has been limited at the Antigone book readings I have attended in the past, I made a point of showing up a half-hour before the 7:00 p.m. reading. I parked in the big lot located at 7th Street and 5th Ave, as the parking lot directly adjacent to the purple-painted bookstore is cramped, usually packed, and really only suitable for compact cars. The reading was free and seating was set up towards the back of the bookstore.

Farmer’s Markets abound in Tucson, but I prefer this one. Not only because it’s just around the corner, though that’s a definitely plus. Its smallness creates a neighborly feeling that draws me as much as the offerings. Locally grown vegetables, coffee, homemade salsa, soaps, and empanadas are just a few.

One of the cool things about moving into a new house is that you have a great excuse to shop for new furniture, art and other stuff you just simply like. A neighbor suggested I go to Tucson’s Lost Barrio area. Glancing at my Miata, she also suggested I borrow her husband’s pickup truck. “You can’t tell what you will find that you can’t live without, or get home.” she said.

So off to Tucson in my borrowed F-150 pickup in search of the “Lost

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