Tucson's Savage Wild Kingdom ~ my patio roof!

If I had not seen it with my own eyes I could not have imagined this happening on my patio! My puppy, Abby, was barking and barking and barking in an urgent manner so I went outside to investigate. The top photo shows a snake attacking baby doves in my rafter! Then, as soon as Abby figured that I had that situation under control (HA!), she directed my attention to the other side of the patio where I saw the second huge snake curled near some potted plants.

I had my hands full! First I had to remove the snake from the rafter. Sadly, I was too late to save the little chicks. Then I had to move the other snake off the premises, too. Quite a busy morning! Ewww.

Walking Art ~

I want to share one last photo from my recent NYC trip! When I spotted this man outside of the Guggenheim Museum I can promise you that it was not windy.... but check out his tie! He explained that it is part of his collection. So using his name tag I looked him up and here are more photos of him wearing different versions of this "Tie Caught in a Breeze."  Fun! 

NYC Ghost Bike ~

I hope that you enjoyed the historic Tucson tour that I posted while I was on vacation! Every year I go back to NYC to enjoy friends, theatre, museums, and really good food. I have seen Ghost Bikes around Tucson and have posted several photos of the ones I spotted in the area. Imagine my surprise when I saw this Ghost Bike on NY's 5th Avenue near the Metropolitan Museum! Click here to read about this story. 

Tucson's wild wildlife ~

You've learned alot about Tucson's history this week but I bet you didn't expect to find out that dinosaurs live here. This lifesize beauty was created by local artist Daniel McQuestion and is currently camping out on this friend's porch until it finds a new home. Know anyone who would like to display this fantastic creature in their home or office?

To learn more about Daniel's work, please go to his website: www.dmcquestion.com. There you will learn about his plans and see many other examples of feathered dinosaurs. Let me give a special thank you to the owner of 372 W Franklin for permitting me to photograph this beauty.

Tucson's exclusive men's club ~ The Owl

This magnificent building once housed an exclusive club for Tucson's bachelors ~ the Owl Club. You can see the mascot owl in the facade's porthole. Built in 1901 the club was active for decades. Eventually, the building fell into terrible disrepair and the story of its renovation is incredible: http://www.rwboucher.com/Portfolio02/index.html

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/pick/Content?oid=1080491

Next stop: For the last stop on this downtown tour I'm taking you to a very unusual point of interest ~ guaranteed to not be on any other walking tour you might take! The Owl Club and the Steinfeld Mansion both flank Franklin. Walk west on Franklin to Granada. Stop at 372 West Franklin. See you tomorrow!

More mansions on Main ~

Facing each other on Main at Franklin are two very different homes ~ both beautiful. The Steinfeld Mansion (California Mission Revival style) was built in 1898 and originally housed an exclusive bachelors' club (tomorrow you'll visit the club's later location). Later, the Steinfelds bought it. Even later it was a convent! It is reputedly one of the first homes in Tucson to have running water.
http://www.dotcomtucson.com/tucson_arizona_attractions/steinfeld_mansion.html
 
Across the street The Jules Kruttschnidt House (now a bed and breakfast) blends Mexican adobe construction with a veranda and breezeway. http://www.bbonline.com/az/elpresidio/history.html

Next stop: Keep walking north on Main and on your left you will spot the Owl's Club building - just a few steps from the Steinfeld Mansion.

Have a cool one at this Tucson landmark ~

Probably one of Tucson's most famous restaurants, El Charro, has a fun bar area attached ~ TOMA! You can sit outdoors, enjoy something cool to drink, and rest your feet. Do check out the gift shop for some very interesting food gifts.

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/arizona/tucson/20057/toma/nightlife-detail.html

Next stop: Turn left (west) on Franklin and walk back to Main Street.

From historic home to gas station to art studio ~

The Romero House has had many lives ~ yes, once even a gas station. The Tucson Museum of Art's ceramic classes are held there now. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/romero-house.php

The Casa Cordova is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once enclosed within the Presidio walls. It is the home of the beloved El Nacimiento display from November - March every year. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/la-casa-cordova.php

Next stop: Time for a break! How about a sip of something cool? You're just two blocks away from TOMA, the fun bar area of El Charro Restaurant. Walk east on Washington and make a left on Court.

Tucson houses that can tell wild tales!

The Tucson Museum of Art utilizes these historic homes for gallery space. There are many distinctive homes on this block and two are highlighted here with memorable tales to bring them to life:

The Stevens-Duffield House - The original owner tried to shoot his wife but she was saved by the heavy silver comb she wore in her hair. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/stevens-duffield-house.php

The Corbett House - The owners of this Mission-style home (built in 1907) manufactured gin in their attic during Prohibition. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/j-knox-corbett-house.php

More houses and more stories as we continue tomorrow!
Next stop: Walk north on Main Street and turn right at Washington.

A gem in downtown Tucson's crown ~ the Tucson Museum of Art

The Tucson Museum of Art now occupies a full block within the El Presidio Historic District and maintains several of the historic homes which you will visit on our next stop in tomorrow's post.

The Museum's courtyard houses a lovely restaurant ~ Cafe A La Carte. Click this link to read about the current exhibits at TMA: http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/

Next stop: A stroll from south to north on Main Street, a remarkable block of homes each with its own fascinating history. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/

Tucson History, Charm, and Shopping!

This is the main entrance to Tucson's Old Town Artisans ~ an historical and charming enclave of shops & restaurants. The selection of gift items ranges from remarkable and beautiful fine art to postcards ~ something to fit any budget. The centerpiece is a fun courtyard cantina so if you're tired of walking, here's a spot to relax for a bit.

http://www.oldtownartisans.com/
Next stop: Walk south on Court to Alameda and turn right to reach one of the Tucson of Museum of Art's entrances.

Tucson in 1775 ~

Here we are in the heart of downtown Tucson ~ with modern skyscrapers looming over this adobe structure. El Presidio marks the beginning of the modern settlement of Tucson. It was built as necessary protection from Apache attacks. Walking around inside the Presidio is a great way to get a glimpse into Tucson's Spanish past. The lifesize mural depicting daily activities really brought the adobe structure to life for me. The building's interiors also have historical displays.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/history/dig
Next stop: Walk west on Washington Street to Court and we're going to visit the famous Old Town Artisans compound.

Put on your walking shoes!

This week I would love to take you on an actual walking tour! Many of you are familiar with Tucson's rich history, but for those of you who aren't... join me as we go back a few hundred years.

First stop is the Arizona Historical Society Museum. Tucked in the Wells Fargo building right across from the main library, this gem of a museum will set the stage for what we are going to see in our stroll.

Our first stop will be El Presidio, a partial reconstruction of the Spanish fort built in 1775. Let's head west across the library plaza and turn right on Church Street. You will see the fort's adobe walls on the corner of Church & Washington.

140 N. Stone Avenue (in Wells Fargo bldg)
(520)770-1473
Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free admission the first Friday of the month.

The AHS Downtown Museum exhibits depict early Tucson businesses and homes, including drugstores, police and fire departments, and the Romero barbershop.
http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/

Definitely a dog resort!

Here's more of the mural that you saw yesterday. More eating and drinking! Nice vacay for the pups!

Happy Yappee Hour!

This is one part of the great wall mural at my favorite dog kennel. I don't think they actually serve their guests cocktails, but the truth is, I really don't know! My pups are mum on the subject. (:

Gone fishin' - sort of!

Yes, the conscientious daily poster of "All Things Tucson" has taken a small break! Let's have a little guessing game. Instead of our regular contest feature of "Where is this?" in Tucson, can you guess where I am this weekend?

Throwback Thursday ~ Lizards on the Loose!

So many times when I dig back into the TDP files for a "Throwback Thursday" the featured item is no longer part of the Tucson landscape. Happily, these leaping lizards are still as wonderful as ever! And click this link to learn more about the artists and students who created this mural. 
Here is the original posting: 
This gorgeous tile mural is easy to miss and that is definitely a shame! As you head west on Wrightstown Road these lizards decorate part of the overpass where Wrightstown turns into Tanque Verde Road. You get a glimpse of them and whoosh - you're past them before you can even blink. The work is beautiful and the lizards are 3-D!

Thought for the Day!

I have a long list of things that I am grateful for! What's on your list? 

Amalour is Evolving ~

One of my favorite bars, Amalour Lounge, was recently closed and when I heard that news I was worried that they were going to change out the interior decor. Happily, the quasi-European vibe has stayed the same. Only the menu was changed. 

Soccer Tortoise ~

On the Harrison Road median there are a number of metal sculptures and this life-size tortoise is the most fun. Local residents dress him up from time to time and today I noticed he is wearing a pink ball cap and has a little soccer ball in his mouth. Now that I think about it and look at that pink ball cap, maybe "he" is a "she" after all.....

A Tucson Bouquet ~

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day and sending you this unique "Tucson Bouquet," a lovely bunch of blooming saguaro blossoms. Did you know that the saguaro flower is Arizona's state flower? Happy day today, everyone! 

VERY Close Encounters!

 

I had to take my pups to the vet today for some shots and Abby had her first direct contact with a kitty! This wee feline is just 3 weeks old and Abby was very very curious and very very gentle with this tiny and mysterious creature. She tentatively sniffed the kitty and then began to groom her. Sweet!

Friday Favorites ~

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am going to re-post site favorites (yours or mine!) from time to time on Fridays. We got to see the Tucson flower shop which had a former life as a pharmacy thanks to Kathy's request and her memories of that particular place. Today we are looking at a favorite photo of mine. I just love that this looks, at first glance, like a black and white photo of storm clouds until you spot that tiny patch of blue. Such a typical Tucson storm sky! I actually had this photo enlarged and framed for my dining room.

Is there any place or thing you would like to revisit? Just post a comment here or send me a note at Tucsondailyphoto@gmail.com 

Throwback Thursday ~ Rural Arizona

Here is the site's posting from 5 years ago..... 5 May 2011.
On my way home from a conference in Nogales I stopped for a tranquil moment at Mission San Xavier ("White Dove of the Desert"). The large plaza in front of the church is filled with vendors who sell Indian fry bread. As relief from the intense sun they use ocotillo cacti branches to create a bit of shade. In the background is the grotto hill.
www.sanxaviermission.org

Curious Creature ~

This beautiful fellow was certainly curious about what was happening on the patio! Yes, I hear that everyone is very neighborly in Oro Valley. Hello, neighbor!
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

Rock on, rock on!

If you love classic rock, the Moody Blues were in the stratosphere in the 60's and 70's. If you would like to travel down the memory lane of rock and roll, click here. Rock on! 

The Birthday Graduate!

My puppy Abby has turned 1! See her now with her grown up Kong -- she has graduated to the big size. Oh boy! The photo below is Abby with her baby girl Kong - just 6 months ago. She has tripled in size from her 3-month-old self. She is still very puppy-like and super super sweet. Happy Birthday, Abby!

Tucson Premiere ~

It was a big thrill to attend an official screening of my friend's film at Tucson's Screening Room. Lucky U Ranch is a tender and funny coming of age story set in 1950s Arizona. This movie is just charming. Click the link to watch the trailer!