Beat the heat: Sleep all day, then do business overnight

Dog days of summer here in the Old Pueblo have hit with a vengeance. As if part of some masochistic ritual, we obsessively listen to the daily weather report in the hope of hearing a news flash about an upcoming cold snap.

Some Tucsonans share their restaurant faves

Choosing a restaurant reminds me of the first few lines of the old Girl Scout song: make new friends but keep the old. New friends (i.e., places to dine) can easily be made with the help of various Tucson's polls, reviews in the paper and the best advertisement of all - word of mouth.

Gratitude one of many Mother's Day blessings

Many of us look forward to this Sunday as a day to celebrate Mother and honor connection. For others, however, it's a day to accept Mother as she is and honor reconciliation.

Soul-searching, stumbles led me to a new passion

I'm an arts-and-crafts-fair junkie. But at the most recent fair I attended, I got something much more valuable than a piece of pottery or turquoise jewelry.

Getting to know your neighbors - a step toward fostering community

Tucson is still healing from the Jan. 8, 2011, mass shooting and one of the lingering topics is: Is there anything we can do to help prevent another such tragedy in our city?

Unlike in Midwest, February is lively time here for a birthday

Growing up in the Midwest I always thought of early February as a rather blah time for my birthday. It was just another gray day in the middle of a cold, damp winter - way too late to take its place in the festive world of December holidays. Mother tried her best to give my birthday parties …

Inauguration framed many inspiring American stories

I got a few shivers while watching President Obama's second inauguration, but they had nothing to do with the weather - it was a beautiful day in Tucson and Washington, D.C.

Thank-you note: Still good manners

Santa's back at the North Pole with an empty sleigh. Gifts have been used, enjoyed, or maybe exchanged. Wrapping paper and ribbon have been tossed or added to the stash. There is one thing that may be left to do - acknowledge those gifts.

Words, however simple, hold power to keep one going

One day some years ago while substitute-teaching in public schools, I noticed a poster taped to the wall of a middle school classroom. It said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may break my heart."

Notable locals talk Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Nothing makes folks feel more like family - even an extended family of 314 million - than partaking of a festive meal on the same day.

Most. Nov. 6 winners not on ballot

My emotions ran the gamut on Nov. 6, but they had nothing to do with what propositions won or who lost. Feelings of pride, sorrow, appreciation and intense gratitude filled my heart that sunny autumn day, one that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Nobody is great at everything; everyone has talent

Recently while hanging out in the Phoenix airport, waiting for my connecting flight to Tucson, I had time to observe folks around me. Most were huddled over some type of computerized gizmo that started with the letter "i."

Bright yellow car offers ray of hope on hot, stormy day

Do you believe in guardian angels? After a recent experience, I'm definitely open to the possibility.

Pacific Grove is magical place to visit

Pacific Grove, Calif., was my home for much of this past summer. The city, called "PG" by locals, is also known by other endearing names, such as:

Tucson's early birds enjoy refreshing summer treat

I have medical heat sensitivity. Don't look for a disorder by that name in the Merck Manual, as I recently coined the term myself. In years gone by, when I explained to folks my need to be indoors from about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. four months a year due to heat sensitivity, they would shrug their…

Car incident takes unexpected turn

is a foothills resident and former French teacher

Car incident takes unexpected turn

When does a fender-bender or other minor automobile mishap involving drivers end in a friendly interchange?

Prominent foothills denizens talk about their moms

While waiting for my lunch recently at a neighborhood café I read the messages on a few Mother's Day cards in the adjoining gift shop. The cards spoke of Mom's many inspirational qualities. But could I express these sentiments as easily as a greeting card, whose writers always seem to find l…

Airline travel is too often taken for granted

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Super - no it really is a plane! Cool! I'm ready to board.

Making friends: Get those conversation sparks to ignite

While attending a meeting recently, I found myself sitting across the table from a woman I had met at a holiday party this past December. To start the conversational ball rolling, I asked her how she had enjoyed the party. "Not so much," was her reply. In a word, she'd felt neglected.