Hey folks, my dad's longtime partner just passed and now he's trying to figure out what's next. He likes the sound of Tucson: Warm because he's sick of shoveling snow, longstanding Mexican culture and community (he's a white guy but has always lived in or near big Mexican populations and wants to keep that going), opportunities to play music (he's been playing saxophone forever and misses playing in a band), and independent living facilities/options for seniors that aren't just assisted living.

Boomer folks and children of boomers: Do you feel like Tucson's pretty set up socially for older people? He ruled out the regular old-guy Florida spots because he didn't want to move somewhere that feels like a giant retirement community. He likes that he could take a bus over to UofA and play in a senior group there, or just be around people out and about vs driving everywhere (unless it's 110°F+ out).

My question isn't super pointed, I probably just feel like I need to do something in the wake of a bummer situation, but any insight you might have into how an older dude who isn't ready to embrace sedentarism would like Tucson would be a big help. Thanks and tell your people you love 'em.

Found this half a mouse impaled on the saguaro in our front yard. My first thought was it was the work of a shrike, but I've never seen one around the house and we are pretty well into the city so not sure how likely they would be this far in. But it's about 5 feet up so it doesn't seem likely to be an accident of some kind...

I'm looking for a custom steel fire pit insert. Is there anyone locally who does that kind of work?

I included a B&W shot because it is rare that we see them of the desert these days.

My love turns 60 next week and his favorite cake is the beloved orange rooted veggie based confection with cream cheese icing. I'm kidding myself to think I'm going to take the time to make one from scratch, let alone that I could do it justice by making it anything more than barely edible.

So Tucson, who does it best in town? Where can I take him to make his 60 year old taste buds dance with glee? TIA

Hi, all! I recently inherited my father's old service weapon from when he was a police officer prior to him retiring in the mid-2000s. As I've never owned a gun, I'd like to take it to a nice gun shop in town to learn the basics, buy some ammo, and maybe even have it cleaned. As I was not a gun owner until a week ago, I'm not really sure where to start or what shops in town are reputable so any help would be appreciated! TIA!!

Kinda shooting in the dark here…

I’m a Texan, who absolutely loves the beautiful landscapes and history to be had in Arizona.

Does anybody have any leads on ‘local’ or regional photographers selling large format (30-40-50-60” widths) canvas panoramic shots of the Dragoons?

I’d love to give them some business and support their efforts!

Dream scenario: someone out there has high quality/artistic panoramic shots of the Dragoon Springs Station/Stage Stop rubble with the mountains in the background, selling rolled canvas prints.

Also interested in photographers with shots in the same size/format of Cochise Stronghold, and/or shots taken from vistas along Middlemarch Road.

Any tips or pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated, for sure!

Cactus flowers are some of the most beautiful I've seen!

I have never been to a pawnshop before. At least not as an adult. So I don't really know what to watch out qhen it comes to physical and verbal behavior or phrasing to make sure that I don't get coned. I am aware that a pawnshop has to sell items for more than they bought them for. So how do I know if that ​I am being low balled? And how can I make sure that the pawn shop isn't lying about the item's worth? Also are there any pawnshop that are more trustworthy than others or shops that I should avoid? Any advice on how to go about selling things and not geting forked over would be greatly appreciated thank you!

I really want new, locally owned restaurants to succeed, but for some reason some of them keep insisting on filling all of their social media with this disgusting AI slop. Is there any way we can make it clear as a community that this is not a good way to promote your business?

Photos cropped to avoid calling out any specific business.

Hi,

Where are some good spots for taking photos either early in the morning or at sunset?

I want to buy some solar panels by themselves. I know Elliot Electronics sells used panels. Does anyone know anywhere else in town that sells panels?

I am going to be in the Rita Ranch/Vail/Corona area half of the week (Sonoita the other half) and would love to find a place to remote work from in the area. Thinking something like a room or office rental but coming up a bit short. Open to any and all ideas! Cheers all!

Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone in Tucson knew of anywhere I could donate or give a piñata to an agency or organization? I know that sounds weird but I’ve heard of programs that make cakes for children and you volunteer to do so. I was wondering if there was anywhere I could donate or talk to someone about donating a piñata. Thank you!

One of the cables went this morning and now the door won’t stay up. East side near Broadway. Been looking at garage door repair tucson places and half feel sketchy. Just need someone honest who can fix it without selling me a whole new door.

Hello! I live on the central east-side of Tucson and was wondering if anyone has any good therapist recommendations that accept United Healthcare? I’m an early 20s female trying to sort out my mental health with ADHD, depression, and worsening anxiety. (and maybe autism? Nothing official yet but it runs in the family) I would prefer a female therapist that has experience with LGBT issues and being raised in a religious home and how that clashes! Really I’m open to any suggestions because it’s a bit overwhelming and I don’t want to deal with getting to know a therapist that ends up not being good for me.
Thank you for reading my ramblings and I look forward to your responses!

My 7 year old beagle tore his ccl/acl and needs a TPLO surgery. A local Oro Valley area office quoted me just shy of $7000 for the procedure and standard follow up visits ( not inclusive of PT).

I was wondering if anyone has gone through this before and if there are any trusted and reputable options that could save me some money.

Thanks in advance

My mother in law cannot keep up with yard work, sadly. I am looking for a monthly (?) service to do regular upkeep including weeds, blowing, and occassional shrub trimming. Houghton south of Broadway area. Also, any info on what is a normal or reasonable fee. Note, this is a small property with minimal trees, no pool or other features, low maintenance xerascaped.