San Francisco

We celebrated an early Thanksgiving in the Bay Area. This is something of a normal occurrence in my family, marking holidays earlier or later than most.  

But first, Eric and spent a few days of exploring San Francisco--- first on the colorful and comfortable "Public"  Harbor Court loaner bikes from our hotel, Harbor Court.
Our route took us along the Embarcadero and the Marina Green to the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, where we turned around at Hopper's Hands (Google this for the story:).

Along the Embarcadero, near the Exploratorium at the Ferry Building, there was a playful installation of round-the-rosey monkeys.  Passersby could put the monkeys in motion by creating a common rhythm on the steel drums surrounding the huge metal tree.

Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2

For those of you planning a visit to the SW, a trip out to Biosphere 2* is highly recommended.  You'll learn about its origins, which are a bit idealistic and at times downright soap-operish, to its new "purpose" as a location for the University of Arizona to run all sorts of experiments related to climate change and various earthly environments, all closely monitored from the main campus in Tucson.

I might not have followed all the science very closely, but I was duly impressed by the giant lung--- forcing my claustrophobia to take a backseat as we were ushered deep into the inner workings of the biosphere.

*Earth is Biosphere 1.

Redington Pass

Canyons in Redington Pass, east of Tucson Valley

View of Tucson, facing west towards the Tucson Mountains.

Last weekend, we decided to venture east on Redington Road,--not too far from our casita --- where the pavement ends and off-road bikers and such kick up some dust.  It was a gorgeous clear day, as you can see by the photos.  The scenery changed from saguaros to juniper trees, and the temperature dropped from 70 to a cool 64 degrees!  Didn't make it to the end of the road--- to the ghost town of Redington (formally known as Tres Alamos, if I remember correctly). 

MeetPlayLoveTennis

It's been lots of fun running from tennis match to tennis tournament to tennis clinics.  In the beginning of November, I played in a ladies only, 45+, tennis tournie that lasted 3 days.  This event attracts women from across the country.  We met New Yorkers in our first round, and a team from Napa Valley (all dressed in grape purple) in one of our last rounds.

Gorgeous setting at El Conquistador with the Catalina Mountains to the north.  Above, I am pictured with our charming team captain, Annie Stussie.

J'Adore le Cinema

Speaking of The French Connection, I have to include a post about my favorite movie theater in town, The Loft.  I became a member on my reconnaissance trip to Tucson back in spring.  They mainly show indie and foreign flics, and  it's great that the movie line-up changes frequently.

Last week I saw Haute Cuisine, based on the true story of François Mitterand's female personal chef---sacre bleu!  A fairly entertaining docudrama for foodies and francophiles.  Oh, and Eric and I really enjoyed the charming documentary about the Beatles's longtime secretary,  Good Ol' Freda (both seen on the marquee below).

Some of the movies playing at The Loft in early November '13.

Tohono Chul Park

As a newcomer to Tucson, I decided to sign up for several MeetUp groups, one of which is The French Connection.  For our first encounter, Ben, the leader, arranged for us to have a pleasant lunch at the Tea Room in Tohono Chul Park. 

But beforehand, I did a quick visit of the park grounds.  It is full of native plants and interesting sculptures...and from far away, I mistook this one for local wildlife.