Veronica's Desert Garden

    My friend Veronica has a spectacular cactus garden. The harsh environment of a Tucson garden cultivates her creativity. Veronica fills the spaces with form and texture like a piece of artwork. The combination of rough textures and fragile flowers is dramatic. She is a passionate desert gardener and has shared her love of the desert with me. I have had the opportunity to view Veronica's garden during the height of the season. I wanted to share images of this quiet gem of a garden with you as an inspiration to what is possible in a desert garden. Enjoy the cactus blooms!

Little Free Library

 The Little Free Library is growing in Tucson neighborhoods. One of  my kindhearted neighbors has finished building one. The Little Free Library looks like a miniature playhouse on a post and is installed in the front yard. It has a large see through plexiglass window and is filled with books. Underneath the words Little Free Library the sign states building a stronger community. You are encouraged to take a book or leave a book to share with your neighbors. It is simple concept with great response from our neighborhood.
 Thank you to my neighbors for building The Little Free Library. I was first introduced to the concept by your efforts and I have noticed them popping up in other Tucson neighborhoods. I am impressed every time I see one I hadn't noticed before. Keep the concept going Tucson!

My Sonoran Dog Infatuation

                                                                                                       
                                                   
   What is a Sonoran Dog? I'm so glad you asked. It is a bacon wrapped hot dog cooked on a grill, gently placed in a Mexican bun. These are homemade buns that are made in local Tucson Mexican bakeries. The bun is soft, fresh and has a slight sweetness. This is one of the secrets of the Sonoran dog. The hot dog is topped with pinto beans, cheese, chopped tomatoes, mayo mixed with lemon juice and water, onions and jalapeno sauce. Many times it is served with a grilled chile pepper on the side. I beg you to get it loaded.
 The local food trucks around town sell these for about $2.50. If you try it and don't like it your investment is nominal. I have never had anyone ever wish they had tried it any other way. I've had my share of skeptics wondering why they agreed to try a  hot dog dressed in this manner. They did and yes, they ate the whole thing!
 I have had guests leave Tucson and write to me about Sonoran dogs after their visit. I have had requests for returning guests to please stop at the nearest Sonoran dog stand upon their arrival in Tucson and again before their departure.
  If you enjoy trying new foods and find yourself in Tucson. Go for the Sonoran dog, you'll be glad you did.