Last strands hanging ~

All around Tucson the "seasonal decoration" tents popped up right before Halloween. They did a great business selling tons of pumpkins and some bunches of colorful Indian corn. Today it seems like the only thing left was a few chile ristras. The whole tent was empty except for a few strands of these chiles! I'm sure that by Friday the tent will be full again - this time with Christmas trees. Curious to learn more about this tradition? Click here.

Almost time for fire pits ~

It's definitely getting cooler. And since we do try and use our patios 12 months a year, it's good to have a source for warmth. If you don't have a fireplace or kiva outside, here's a solution - a metal fire pit. And check out the nice metal privacy screens topping the fence - decorative and practical. 

Cactus cobras ~

Check out the way these crazy cacti are growing along the ground. To me this looks like a quiver of cobras!

Ah - a kick back Sunday ~

For all 9,000 participants in yesterday's El Tour de Tucson, I offer my heartiest congratulations on a job well done! So today - I suggest that you relax and kick back with a nice cool drink to reward yourself.

Honoring Tucson bicyclists ~

In honor of today's world famous El Tour de Tucson bicycle race, I'm posting one of Tucson's ghost bikes. The ghost bikes honor bicyclists who have been killed by motorists. This one is for Kevin Robinson. For more information on both the race and the world-wide Ghost Bike project, click the links below.
http://www1.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/
http://ghostbikes.org/tucson

Parking lot wisdom ~

I have been walking past this license plate for months and just happened to run into the car's owner and got to ask her about it. Pat rescues "mutt-letts" and has a big heart for dogs. And, as far as MY house goes, yes, canines rule!

Cactus - big and little

The stout little barrel cactus is an interesting contrast beside this mighty saguaro. And I noticed that the doorway's wood slabs are slightly curved... makes me wonder what they were salvaged from.