Tucson, Az

What is 'home'?  Tucson, Az is where my house is--though presently rented--and where I have lived for over 12 years.  I have many, many friends here and my very best friend, Suzy, has graciously agreed to let me park in her yard for the next 6 to 8 weeks.  But where is home?  More and more I think I am disconnecting from my house, the land, the things I have stored here and am starting to rethink what it takes for me to feel at home.



But for right now all it takes to feel at home is family, friends and a warm day in the sun.

It's a bit hard though to find a Christmas tree amongst the cactus....

The view from Suzy's house is of Pusch Ridge in the Catalina Mountains and the full moon rising over the Ridge was a pretty spectacular welcome for me.

Nights in Tucson are special.  The city has a light ordinance that keeps all outdoor lights covered so that the rays do not escape into the sky causing light pollution.  As a result just about everyone here is into star-gazing.  There are now 11 observatories in the mountains around the city.  Even the Vatican has an observatory.   

There is also something magical about the colors here.  I keep wanting to take out the paint set and try my hand at creating something.  

Sunglasses are a requirement for everyone in this bright desert sun and unusually crystal clear air. Pollution comes in the way of blowing dust instead of auto exhaust.

Tucson will be my stopping place for the next 6 or 8 weeks while I catch up on dentist and doctor visits, car registration, renewing driver's license, Sigh Me's shots, and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. And while I am here I plan to see Tucson from the eyes of a tourist--something I never had enough time for when I lived here.