PFChangs rock and Roll attitude

PFChangs rock and Roll attitude

Originally uploaded by IreneHammond

I wish I could get out to the festivities this weekend. I have clients in from out of state and will be missing it.

The PF Changs Rock and Roll Marathon is always fun to participate in as well as encouraging the athletes. With the same 6 bands returning again this year, the course will keep you moving. The post race concert is featuring Everclear and should finish out the afternoon with a splash.

Come out and cheer these amazing athletes on! Check out the spectator info, and there may still be time for you to volunteer and help out. It takes a ton of volunteers to make an event like this one come together.

Have fun!

Happy New Years!

Welcoming in 2010, there are a few big events to consider bringing in the New Year!

• Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party - This is the block party to be at.  Live music, lots of dancing and 7000 people
• Fiesta Bowl Block Party - not just for the football crowd - Rated as a top 10 event by USA Today be sure to consider this Tempe town spectacular for New Years Eve

Besides these events there are many, much more intimate gatherings.  Check with your favorite restaurant or club to see what they have planned.

And have a very Happy New Year!

Mighty Mud Mania

I missed it.  I forgot to add it to my calendar and totally missed the Might Mud Mania in Chaparral Park.  The event initially was created by "Shout It Out" stain remover.  When the Arizona mud was too much for the spot remover, SC Johnson who makes Shout, never returned.  The City of Scottsdale found the event to be very successful and incorporated it into their summer activity program. The event is for the kids, but looks like the adults are having just as much fun. 

The Camelback Walk

The Camelback Walk is a multi-use path that is available to anyone.  It meanders behind the communities, along the parks, golf courses, lakes and commercial areas.  It is one added bonus of living in McCormick Ranch.

 

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So easy to get almost everywhere

 It is so easy to get to so many places from Arizona and Scottsdale.  It is one of the many things I love about this area.  With a relatively easy drive of under 7 hrs you can get to San Diego, Las Vegas, Sedona, Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon, Rocky Point Mexico, or  Disneyland, to name a few.  With a few more hours in the car, or better yet, a quick flight you can get to New Mexico, Salt Lake City, Colorado, Dallas and San Francisco.  Yes, the east coast is a bit of a haul, I like the west it has so much to offer, see & do. 

 

 

 

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Night Blooming Desert Beauty

The desert has many beautiful flowers.  Sometimes you have to look carefully and at the right time.   This is a photo of my neighbors Night Blooming Cereus.  By morning the bloom is closed, and will fall off in a few days.  To view some amazing studio photos of this flower check out Robert Fovell’s photos. 

There is more going on at night in the desert, and you can check it out at the Desert Botanical Gardens, evening program; Flashlight Tours.

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Keeping it clean

My brother lives in Alaska, a big difference from Arizona.  (we only visit him in August!) He has come out this way a few times, in January of course

.  His observation was that we sure do have clean cars in these parts.  He is right.  With average rainfall in Arizona at under 8 inches a year, we don’t exactly have to be worried about cleaning of the mud and muck.  We Arizonians do like our pretty cars.  Most full service car washes even come with a guarantee.  Two days, if it rains bring it back and get the outside washed for free at Arizona Auto Wash.  Be sure to print off your coupons before you head out and sign up on their contact page to get a free wash on your Birthday.  Lets keep it clean!  

  (that’s my CRV getting all shiny)

A great Race in Old Town Scottsdale

It was a great day in Old Town Scottsdale for a bike race. That’s my sweetie in the front of the pack. The temps were perfect, it was delightful sitting outside Fine’s Cellar in the shade and watch the racers fly by. The course was fast and demanding and the racers had a great day. Good news, no injuries. I like that! This was the second annual Cyclo de Mayo , a big thanks to Scott Delaune who worked so very hard putting this race on the past 2 years.

Cyclo de Mayo - Bicycle Race in downtown Scottsdale

My husband is a dedicated cyclist. You know, they guys out riding, even in the summer when it is over 110. He belongs to a team, Procon and this weekend they are having the second annual Cyclo de Mayo . It is a crit, meaning they ride multiple laps along the course. They will be in Old Town Scottsdale, riding a 1/2 mile course, with groups heading out to ride from 7am to 5pm. There will be a Kids Zone, with "moonbounce", Bike Rodeo, and Pinata party. Come out to join the riders, or watch the excitement. (these guys get moving, about 35mph on a bike). Register to ride with bikereg.com .

Scottsdale Public Library

I love the Library.  I know, it is a bit ‘old school’, all those dusty books and all; but the library is embracing technology and is a whole new place.  The Scottsdale Library has way more than just books these days.  You can check out Movies (lessening your dependence on Netflix and Blockbuster), books on tape/cd, music, language programs, down-loadable books (as part of the Greater Phoenix Digital Library) and so much more.  Come and use their computers and Internet, or bring your own computer and access the web using their free WiFi.  There are several different sizes of rooms available for meetings for residence and non residences as well.  They also offer lots of Computer Classes.  Oh, and they still have books you can check out as well!With 4 branches of the 

Scottsdale Public Library, the closest to McCormick Ranch is the Mustang Branch, on 90th Street.  Be sure to get your card, and log into the site, request your media and get an email when it has arrived to the branch of your choosing, also get email alerts when your materials are due back, or subscribe to their feeds on new items of interest.  See the library does has a new look.  They are still offering

youth programs, story times, after school homework help, literacy programs, and Arts and Culture programs.  Be sure to check it out!

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