Thanksgiving

This year, as usual we had a Happy Turkey day. The turkey was happy (if they can be) because we had a turkey-less dinner. This year we went for the Tofurky. Now for those that haven't had it, and think: yuck! It's not bad. It won't fool anyone into thinking it's turkey. But that's not the point. After all many people eat sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, but no one says that the sweet potatoes are a poor substitute since they do not taste like white potatoes. Instead the sweet potatoes are allowed to stand on their own. Same with the Tofurky. It's a different choice.

Turkey or no, we had a lot to be thankful for. Food on the table. A roof over our head. Clothes to wear. Good health. Far more than what most people on this Earth have. Yes, we had a lot to be thankful for. I bet you do too.

Farmer's Markets

Almost every Saturday we head off to the farmer's market down at Plaza Palimino. Why? you may ask, since we are part of the Tucson CSA where we get fresh produce every week. Simple. The farmer's market adds a few things to our diet that we don't normally get from the Tucson CSA.

Normally, we pick up tomatoes and fruit (if it's available), and the best tortillas in town. There is a lady who shows up most weeks with fresh homemade tortillas. And, wow are the good. We often have quesadillas for lunch made with tomatoes and goat cheese. Mmm.

Now the tomatoes, on the other hand are good, but they are grown in a greenhouse so they don't taste quite like real tomatoes; they are better than the red tennis balls you'll find in the grocer's though.

For fruit, it varies through the season. Right now it's apples. Earlier it was peaches and plums. All have been at least as good (generally better) than that in the store. Best of all, we are supporting something local. Meaning that most of what we spend stays here in Tucson and the local area, helping to boost our community.

Perhaps you'd like to try a farmers market, too. Just click on the title above for a listing of those in AZ.

Have fun,

A whole month

It's hard to believe that a whole month has gone by since i lasted posted anything. A lot has happened: Tucson Meet Yourself, a showing of Twelfth Night, all the October movies at Cinema La Placita (over for the year), several movies at the Fox Theatre, and a bunch of other miscellany.

So you might ask, what about November? What's fun to do in Tucson in November? Well, there's the El Tour. Head out and cheer the riders on, or even ride part of it yourself. There's stuff going on at UAPresents. Stuff at many of the venues around town. Or you could do like we do and make an evening of it with dinner, drinks and a movie.

Here's how it works, we stop in the Public library and pick up a DVD. Perhaps the selection isn't what you'd find at blockbuster. Perhaps they don't even have a movie you wanted to see. That's OK. Pick out one you've never heard of. It won't cost you anything but a little time to watch it. Then, if you are inclined, head out and get some dinner. Tucson is loaded with lots of good restaurants, you'll find something in pretty much every neighborhood, and for every taste. Mexican: perhaps try South Tucson. Greek: try Athens on Fourth. Not sure? Pick a restaurant at random. It's only a meal. It'll set you back a few bucks. Try something new. Order a dish that you've never tried. There's a reason it's on the menu. Someone thinks it's good. Maybe you'll be the next one who likes it. Perhaps it'll be your new fave. Just have fun. That's the main thing. Now head on back home, put the DVD in and watch. Have fun here, too. Make some popcorn. Maybe it's a terrible movie. Groan loudly at the bad parts. Laugh at the forced lines or terrible special effects. Whatever.

Just remember: You life is what you make it.