St. Anthony's Monastery, Florence, AZ

This Greek Orthodox Monastery was started in the Arizona desert by 6 monks in 1995. Several chapels, orchards of citrus and olive and flower gardens are tended by around 40 monks today.

It is a delightful place to visit and is a photographers dream. Interior of the chapels are decorated in the Greek style with many beautiful religious icons. Note the use of exquisite lace and wood carving. Exteriors are also in the Greek architecture in stone and wood. Palms and pine trees line the walkways.

Check their website for visiting hours, rules and directions.

Tucson's Festival of Books

The fourth annual Festival of Books had nearly 100,000 visitors and filled the malls and halls of the University of Arizona. There was something for everyone; adults, kids, book buyers and book sellers. And dogs. It now ranks among the top five book festivals in the nation. Way to go U of A and Tucson!

I enjoyed poets, women mystery writers and well known Borderland authors including my favorite Luis Alberto Urrea.

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.

Inside of a dog, it is too

dark to read." Groucho Marks.

Chico and Rita - movie

This adult animation film was nominated for Best Animation Feature film at this years Oscars.

It also could have been nominated for best Foreign Language Film -Spain. The story starts in 1948 Cuba. Chico, a piano player hears Rita a singer with a bluesy style that enhances his music and captures his heart.

Although they make great music together, their love affair has complications as an American entices Rita to New York. Meanwhile Chico makes his music in Paris. Will they cross paths? Will they love again?

Beautiful animation, great jazz music and a wonderful love story make this a movie to top your rent list. We were fortunate to see it on its last day at the Loft.

Silver Mine tour in Tombstone, Az

This tour is worth the time if you are already visiting Tombstone. But not worth the drive over.

Good guide with lots of information about mining in the late 19th Century and the various rocks and formations in the mine.

Tombstone, Az

We haven't been there for years but it does offer some interesting sights. It is a true tourist trap.

We ate at our favorite place, the "Crystal Palace" that has a great buffalo burger. Walking the streets is interesting. We did tour the silver mine. Interesting geological experience. Photos on next blog.

Boot Hill, Tombstone

Babette's Feast

In this 1987 film, Babette, a French refugee from the Franco Prussian War has lived with two Danish sisters for 14 years. Having won the French Lottery she wants to put on a feast to honor the father of these women. The straight laced Danish community questions the feast by a foreigner and a French woman. Although they vow not to comment on the food, during the many courses with wine they warm up to the meal, the French woman and more importantly to each other. Winner of the 1988 beat foreign language film at the Oscars.

We had a very entertaining event when we viewed the film in the afternoon and in the evening enjoyed a fabulous evening of food very closely adapted from Babbette's feast. Thanks to Mary for a great French multi coursed meal.

There are many films centered on great food.

It is a great idea to show the film and then enjoy the meal.