Saturday Morning in Tucson

It was busy downtown.

Yes, this counts as a busy Saturday morning in the heart of downtown Tucson.

Granted, the streets were closed off for the race, but there wasn't that much traffic to be diverted.  I managed to find an unmetered space on the street, right near the Art Museum and this little gem which I discovered as I was walking to the finish line

The arrow points to a little ceramic house that's just sitting there, smiling.

It reminded me of Tucson itself.  Understated, blending in with the scenery, not demanding very much but offering quite a lot if you take the time to notice.

The event was supported by many of Tucson's healers, 

who offered free massages in the sunshine

and in the shade

The Pilates Magic Circles were out in the Stretching Area.

It looks ridiculous but I promise that it feels great.

The fans were everywhere... although not all of them were interested in the race.  

Tucson's Meet Yourself festival was running concurrently.

Maybe this family came downtown for that?

There were low-riders tenderly cared for by their young gentlemen.

The white one turned on its side.... it was quite something to see. 

At least, I thought so.  No one else seemed to move from their positions.

Have we become that jaded that a car on its side doesn't rate a raised eyebrow or two?

There was some nifty entertainment, too.

The Lion Dancers were loud and graceful and kinda almost not really scary once they got started.  Before the performance, the cast members were just hanging out.

The Tucson Pterodactyls, our newly formed wheelchair rugby team, put on a demonstration as the runners were coming in.  They had a valet parking spot nearby, where they changed their regular chairs for ones armored for the challenge. 

It was hard to get a clear shot of them in action.  This was not a peaceful experience.

I tried to link to their website, but I don't think it exists.

As always, the food choices were eclectic.

but the runners were happy.

There were lawyers

PCBA= Pima County bar Association

 and lovely ladies

and people with causes

and lots of achy feet

Notice the left foot out of the shoe... by the arrow

I walked back to my car past the vendors who stalk the outside of all of our festivals.

The merchandise is bright and colorful and made in China.

If I had grandchildren, I'd probably be tempted.

It was a lovely walk on a balmy fall morning, and it renewed my faith in Tucson's ability to have a good time.

I also found a kindred spirit.

NO, that is not she!  That's what grabbed my attention as I came around the corner.
The little dog was yapping and the cobwebs were blowing in the breeze 

and the delightful homeowner, sweeping up the loose pieces in front of her wrap around white porch fence, (another of my someday I'll have one dreams)
 

was all too happy to pause and agree with me that Tucsonans are slackers when it comes to All Hallows Eve.  We chatted about her collection and The Burrow and I found my car.

Driving up to meet Amster and the other PCBA runners for breakfast at Blue Willow.
my progress was impeded by a freight train.

I didn't mind it a bit.
I sat there, snapping pictures and listening to the clickety-clack and feeling pretty good.

It was a lovely morning. 
I wish you could have been there to share it.