Wearing the colors

Proudly wearing the neighborhood jerseys on El Tour.

Sick Sycamores Update

I spoke with some folks at Silverbelle Nursery and showed them a few leaves with insects. Their take was that the very hot, windy and dry summer has stressed everything, us included (well, you guys anyway). Even if the trees had ample water, their leaves would have looked bad. The stress then allows insects to take hold, like the mites our trees have, further stressing them. They suggest doing nothing now as the trees will go dormant (if it ever gets cool) and lose their leaves; but come spring, be vigilant about watering and watch for the critters and if they show, take action by spraying with soapy water followed by a rinse. Repeat as necessary. The ground's crew had found and fixed a drip valve that was hampering water delivery, so that should be less of an issue, but I think ancillary, deep hand watering, as it becomes hot and dry, will help them get established, finding their way down to more reliable water and so become much healthier trees.

Garden Treasury Report

Our wildly productive garden (wink/smile) has new membership. The Walz family has joined, bringing our treasury pot to $200. You can see the original roster on a May 16 posting.

The pot is draining, slowly.

• $50 on soil testing at Turner Labs
• $100 for compost from Arbico
• $13.22 to the Lunds for two months of water usage.
• And pending, the cost of Dave's magnificent plumbing job

If I've left any expenses out that need to be accounted for, please let me know via email.

VP

Dia de los Muertos

Our Dia de los Muertos was a killer community event. No one was harmed in the making of these photos. Moon over Tucson at our celebration.

We had beautiful shrines, beautiful food, beautiful people and a beautiful moon. This year didn't disappoint. I hope this grows over the years.

Thanks to all you Mercadoans who took part!

BLESSING OF PADRE KINO SHRINE @ MISSION GARDENS

Come and Join us for this Truly Special Ceremony! Blessing of Padre Kino Shrine Saturday, November 7, 2009 ~ 9:00 to 10:30 am At: 930 W. Mission Lane O’Odham Blessing by Chairman Austin Nunez San Xavier District, Tohono O’Odham Nation ♦ Jesuit Blessing by Fr. Chris Corbally, S.J. Vatican Observatory ♦ Welcoming Remarks by Vice Mayor Regina Romero City of Tucson, Council Member Ward One ♦ Story of First Shrine by Steve Leal City of Tucson, Council Member Ward Five ♦ Future of the Mission Garden by Diana Hadley Ethnohistorian at Arizona State Museum ♦ Sponsors : Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace, Kino Heritage Society, Neighborhood Associations

Some more Halloween. Great costumes!

Halloween at the Mercado

I know Roger has more photos, of course! Fun evening.