san xavier

 

Another favorite image converted to black and white. Tomorrow, on to new adventures!

 

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Tucson, AZ

2.27.2014



loose gravel

 

Sometimes the juxtaposition of signs and reality tickles me so much I have to stop and take a picture!  In my next life I'm wishing for good bronchial tubes that don't catch every bug and render me voiceless and supine on the couch-- like the last two days!

 

Somewhere in Tucson, Arizona

2.28.2014

door series #3

ollas azul

 

Old Town

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

door series #2

casa azul

 

By definition, a series is "a number of things of a related nature coming one after another."  So by posting a second image of a door from Old Town Tucson, I've created a series!

El Presidio
Tucson, Arizona
2.27.2014

puerta azul

 

As a photographic subject, doors catch my eye.  I have a folder full of images from many different places that "some day" I going to do something with.  Evidently I am not alone in this interest.  There is a blog Legion of Door Whores for "those who appreciate doors."  It has thousands of images posted from all over the world.  This door is in the El Presido, the first neighborhood in Tucson, which is also on the National Register of Historical Places.

 

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

walkin' in the rain - head down in shame

 

The past few days of clouds and rain reminded me of this photo.  It appeared this pooch was embarrassed to be seen -- either because of the owner's get-up or that awful pink doggie raincoat.

 

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

intercession

Near the San Xavier, a path winds up a hill to a holy place. The shrine was originally set up by Bishop Granjon in 1908 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary who is an intercessor of prayers to God. The shrine is a replica of the famous grotto in Lourdes, France. On the wrought iron "prayer fence" candles, ribbons, photos and hand written notes are attached.  It is a touching sight, representing human hopes, fears, sorrows - and reportedly, a few miracles.

 

Grotto Hill

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

courtyard reflections 3

 

Las Placitas Village

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

courtyard reflections 2

 

On a sunny afternoon in late February, the weather is nice enough in Tucson for this couple to enjoy lunch in the courtyard.

 

Las Placitas Village

110 S. Church Street

Tucson, Arizona
2.27.2014

courtyard reflections

 

La Placita Village in downtown Tucson is a building complex built on three levels featuring bright colors, courtyards and interesting angles to shoot. 

 

La Placita Village

110 S. Church Street

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014



our lady of good remedy

 

DEAR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY, source of unfailing help,

thy compassionate heart knows a remedy

for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. 

Help me with thy prayers and intercession

to find a remedy for my problems and needs.

 

Mortuary Chapel dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows

San Xavier Del Bac Mission

Tucson, Arizona

2.27.2014

night terrorz

 

Pay money to experience extreme panic, screaming, flailing, fast breathing, and sweating? No thanks.  I'm not one for horror movies either.  This barn of a restaurant, formerly known as the Bum Steer, was home for a few years to Scared Stiff Entertainment.  They produced Halloween haunted experiences, zombie balls and other horror-themed events. Evidently business was dead and people weren't dying to be scared because the place is closed.

Scared Stiff Entertainment
1910 N. Stone
Tucson, Arizona

3.1.2014

neon cactus

Tucson is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west and 5he saguaro blossom is the state flower of Arizona.   To view the saguaros in their natural habitat, drive the scenic loop in the Saguaro National Park ( I used my national park senior pass and entered for free).  Or you could drive down Drachman Street and see the 30-foot neon saguaro.  It was erected in 2010 as a tribute to the neon signs of yore. The southbound side reads "Tucson," the northbound "Miracle Mile." The road on which it stands was the first divided highway in Arizona, and was called "The Miracle Mile of Safety" when it opened in 1937.

Tucson, Arizona
3.1.2014

sign of the time

Back in the 1950′s and 60′s when the automobile was king, Tucson’s  Miracle Mile was a passage aglow with the neon signs of motor courts beckoning tourists with promises of swimming pools, lush courtyards, desert gardens and names like  La Siesta, El Rey, Frontier, and El Rancho.. Today, some of these  old establishments are still in business while others stand abandoned and deteriorating signs.  Preserve Tucson restored and reinstalled a series of historic neon signs along Drachman (between Stone Avenue and Oracle Road) along the alignment of Tucson's Historic Route 80 & 89 and State Route 84.  Click here neon signs to see a photo essay of the old signs.  (This blue sky is in contrast with the dreary clouds and 20 degrees welcoming me back home!)

Tucson Inn
Tucson, Arizona
2.28.2014

san xavier

 

Mission San Xavier is known as the "white dove of the desert."  It shines in the early morning light. A National Historic Landmark, San Xavier Mission was founded as a Catholic mission 1692. Construction of the current church began in 1783 and was completed in 1797.

 

Mission San Xavier
Tucson, Arizona

best buds

 

This pot-bellied pig has been a resident on the Tohono-O'odham Nation Reservation for at least 15 years (he was much smaller back then).  His best bud is the dog.  They share the shade and also the dog house in the rear.  Every time we've driven by this house, the pig and the dog are side-by-side.

 

Tohono-O'odham Tribal Nation

Tucson, Arizona

 



sonora dog

 

  The lunch spot recommended today was BK's known for the Sonoran hot dog, featured on Food Wars.  The hot dog is grilled on the stainless steel grill located in the corner of the shaded dining area.  The dogs are wrapped in a layer of bacon that tends to melt off during cooking to leave behind only a slight smoky flavor. Sonoran hot dogs are also differentiated by their bread—dense bakery-style rolls slit down the length of the bun to form a pocket of sorts. The chunky toppings that threaten to spill from the bun are chopped tomatoes, pinto beans, onions, cheese, and hot peppers. Top all of that off with a few squirts of condiments designed to replicate the Mexican flag (ketchup, mayonnaise, and either tomatillo or jalapeño salsa).  I ate the whole thing.

 

BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs

2680 North First

Tucson, AZ



homebound

 

Pie Allen is one of 34 National Register Historic Districts in Tucson and is named after a former  mayor who sold dried apple pies to the Calvary.  The neighborhood is eclectic with tattoo parlors about every third business.  "Keep Austin Weird" might takes notes here.  I don't if the leaves this guy is carrying home are to eat or smoke.