Phoenix Metblogs » pho_karin

Butterflies and Plants

pho_karin — Sat, 08 Oct 2005 02:10:55 +0000

We spent an enjoyable morning at the Desert Botanical Garden’s annual Fall Plant Sale. If my hubby hadn’t been there to control me, I would have purchased a lot more than the three Texas Ebony trees, the Creosote, and the two flowering plants we bought. If you want to stock up on desert plants, there’s no better place to go. The sale runs like a well-oiled machine and there are plenty of knowledgeable and helpful staff members there to help you out. Today was member’s only day, but the sale is open to the public Saturday (tomorrow) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

There is no charge to enter the plant sale, but if you do venture inside the garden this weekend through November 6, you can see the Monarch Butterfly Exhibit. We didn’t get a chance to check it out today, but we hope to go back before they are gone. The butterfly exhibit is free to members and $2.00 with a paid admission for non-members.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway

Free Puppies

pho_karin — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 23:15:36 +0000

Driving around doing errands with my family today, we saw no less than four street corners at major intersections with puppies being given away. I’ve seen this before on occasion, so the fact that they were there was nothing unusual, but the number of people doing it on this beautiful Saturday afternoon was what caught my attention.

Our two dogs are 13 1/2 years old and their health is unfortunately deteriorating quickly, so it was almost tempting to stop and scoop up a couple of those adorable pups, but we know it wouldn’t be fair to our old girls to bring new young un’s in just yet.

Anyone else seeing a rise in the number of free puppies out there?

Back in the Heat

pho_karin — Sat, 10 Sep 2005 15:54:47 +0000

We spent the last few days in San Diego, and let me tell you, it was so nice to get a break from the heat. Our little one is nine months old and had her first experience with the beach and the ocean. The drive was worth it just for the look on her face. We did a behind-the-scenes tour at Sea World and the tour guide said they almost ALWAYS have Arizonans in their groups. Well, why not? It’s 30-40 degrees cooler there. The Phoenix low temperature this time of year is higher than their high!

One thing we did find out is that if you go to theme parks in “anti-tourist” season, as in after Labor Day, there are no lines and it’s much MUCH less crowded. It was a pleasant diversion for a few days, but now back to real life and the heat. At least it looks like we’ve finally hit the double digits pretty much for good. Bring on the Fall weather!

How to Find Cheap(er) Gas

pho_karin — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 01:02:12 +0000

There’s a website for everything. Including one to help you find the lowest gas prices in the Valley. You can share any stations that you’ve found and see the reports from other people on gas prices all over the Valley. Check it out and let me know if it helps!

http://www.phoenixgasprices.com

First Britney now Cher

pho_karin — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 16:59:51 +0000

The latest rumor has Cher moving to the Valley. Her mom and sister live here already, though, so that makes a little more sense than some of the other people *cough* Britney *cough* rumored to be buying property here. At least Cher has earned her diva status. And she already knows how to dress for the heat. Or something.

You Can Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina

pho_karin — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 20:29:31 +0000

Even though most of us are not directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, we can still help those that are. Here are just a few of the places where you can donate:

Red Cross
Adventist Community Services
America’s Second Harvest
American Humane Society
ASPCA
Church World Service
Convoy of Hope
Episcopal Relief and Development
Humane Society of the United States
Mennonite Disaster Service
Operation Blessing
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Salvation Army
Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief
United Methodist Committee on Relief

Scuba Diving in Phoenix?

pho_karin — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 14:47:20 +0000

Have you always wanted to learn to scuba dive? Well, I haven’t but that’s mostly because I’m still working on the whole learning to swim thing. But, if you have and you’re worried because the last time you checked there was no ocean in the desert, never fear. The Valley has a whole variety of places that teach scuba diving classes at all levels and also lead diving trips to California, Mexico and even more exotic places like the Bahamas or Belize. A friend of mine had always wanted to do this, took the classes, and then was off on diving trips to live out her dreams. She always came back with awesome stories and pictures of the things she had done and seen. So never fear, you really can learn to scuba dive in the desert!

There are too many places to list, but here are a couple of links to get you started on your adventure.

Staying on the Nun Theme for One More Post

pho_karin — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 17:04:45 +0000

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Late Night Catechism or Late Night Catechism II by now, where on earth have you been the past few years? I haven’t seen Catechism II yet, and it’s been awhile since I’ve seen the original, but it was certainly an enjoyable evening even for someone like me who did not attend Catholic school. The seats were appropriately uncomfortable because falling asleep is definitely not advised. Go prepared to laugh, but a word of warning – if you don’t want to be picked on, don’t sit near the front.

Thanks Marc for jogging my memory!

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E. 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 994-ARTS

The Good News and The Bad News?

pho_karin — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 20:04:56 +0000

Apparently, Muhammad Ali has purchased a home near Camelback Golf Club only about two miles from Mike Tyson’s new digs. That would certainly be an interesting meeting to witness.

There are also rumors swirling that expectant mom Britney Spears is looking for a nest here as well. If that’s so, look out for the paparazzi to take up residence in the Valley. Just what we always wanted.

As an aside about Ali, I remember going to a Suns/Bulls game a few years back where he made an appearance riding around the court on a cart. Didn’t matter that he didn’t speak or really do anything but smile and wave. You could just feel the electricity in the air. That man has something that not many people do. Welcome to the Valley, Mr. & Mrs. Ali. As for Mr. and Mrs. Spears? I’d be just as happy if they stayed in Hollyweird.

Congrats Gorilla

pho_karin — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 20:19:59 +0000

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things about going to see the Phoenix Suns was the antics of the Gorilla. I’ve always thought we had one of the better mascots in sports, because he’s always been very entertaining and not overly obnoxious. And who doesn’t love a Cindergorilla story? The Gorilla was “discovered” while delivering a telegram during a Suns game. Bet the Philly Phanatic doesn’t have that kind of backstory!

Well, now comes news the Gorilla has been afforded a very special honor. He’s one of the inaugural inductees into the Mascot Hall of Fame. And rightly so. Congrats Gorilla. Keep on dunkin’!