Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill

I will never look at a mesquite tree in the same way.




Amazing that I have lived here nearly 23 years and did not know about this very interesting place of business and art. Mesquite trees are probably the most common tree used in landscaping and found naturally grown in southern Arizona. It is interesting that this tree is not really native to North America but was brought in by the cattle of the Conquistadors as they moved north from Mexico. I will let you imagine how this happened. These trees provide a very hard, twisted and gnarly wood with beautiful grains that make for one of a kind pieces. Now the BLM is removing mesquite in an attempt to preserve the grassland east of the Santa Rita Mountains,

on the Empire ranch.

This is providing the Sawmill

with a source of mesquite that they process for

use in the production of numerous crafts and furniture.

Art and Valerie Flores

www.mesquitedesign.com

Stop and look their beautiful crafts and ask for a tour.

520-398-9356

The Flowers of Agua Linda Farm

Agua Linda Farm Onion and Garlic Festival

Agua Linda Farms is just south of Amado. This is the fourth Onion and Garlic Festival at the farm and my first visit. The grounds are beautiful with many flowers. A Petting Zoo that was quite fenced in and not one child was petting the goats. There were pony rides for the little ones and hay rides for all ages. Booths were advertised but there was only one selling bead jewelry and one selling great looking jellies and salsa. Great onion rings and a pretty good garlic burger. Music while we were there was DJ's playing fairly good tunes. Lots of families enjoying the picnic areas.

United Community Health Center - Amado, Az.

Today was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest of United Community Health Center clinics.

Since 1983 these clinics have developed in Pima County to provide health care for rural community adults and children. The first in our area was Dr. Augusto Ortiz providing health care to children out of his van. Now, in addition to the Continental Pediatric clinic there is one in Three Points, Arivaca, Sahaurita and now Amado.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rodolfo Jimenez presents the staff of five: An R.N. Nurse Practitioner and LPN with a Medical assistant and receptionist.

In addition, Victoria Johnson DDS and her assistant bring a mobile Dental office to area clinics and schools. Incidentally, this mobile Dental vehicle was received through a stimulus grant.

Buddy's Canine ACL surgery

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SURGERY

Dog, all sizes and all ages can rupture this ligament in the knee. Sometimes other muscle and ligaments can take over but not so with Buddy.

Surgery next Wednesday

Mourning Dove in my Evergreen

Reid Park Zoo, Tucson

Reid Park Zoo is a great place to visit in the summer. Animals are more available than at the Desert Museum. Yet I found the habitations roomy and clean. Many exotic birds such as the Maribu stork provide amusing viewing for kids and adults.

Large mammals familiar such as the elephant, rhino and polar bear and unfamiliar like the Andean anteater and the panther were in plain view. Special shows such as feeding the giraffe and training the wart hogs amazed the children.

I love the Sonora Desert Museum but don't overlook this charming zoo. Lots of shade, kids and ice cream along with easy viewing of animals and

birds.