Life's Little Pleasures This has been an interesting morning so far.  Today is catch-up day on the computer - read the emails, do the home searches, keep in touch with my SOI, etc. So my daughter missed the bus.  I had her make me a pot of coffee (necessary to have a cup for the 20 minute drive) and I got up and did my hair.  Along the way, the sky was incredibly cloudy, and brilliant in its shadows and sunlight peaking through the fluffy masses.  If you look really hard, you can see the Marana Balloon businesses taking flight.  There were two up this morning, which always leaves me with a light-hearted feeling. I came home to my computer, and began my work day. One of my emails from a client contained a link to a YouTube video. She'd sent it a week ago, but I just didn't have time.  I ... 02/17/2011

Neighborhood Pizza Delivery In Marana, AZ So yesterday for Valentine's Day, my daughter dressed up in red and went down to help the local pizza man sell heart shaped pizza's for the "holiday".  I stopped in to get a few photos. It's pretty cool.  If you live in Marana, you might see his bright red "food truck" parked alongside your street or community.  Papa Murphy's delivers to Marana, AZ. Here's his delivery schedule. Mondays - Gladden Farms Tuesday - Red Rock Wednesday - Avra Valley Thursday - Picture Rocks Friday - Parties and functions Coupons seems to be everywhere, and every time you purchase, you get another coupon, so it's an ongoing thing. So far, we've tried the two topping thin crust pizzas,  the Chicken Bacon Artichode deLITE, the supreme, and some desert creations like Smo... 02/15/2011

Please join me at the Marana Can Do - Saturday, February 5, 2011 ! A few weeks back I ran a little story on the Marana Can Do 5K Race and 1 Mile Stroll coming up, and I just want to refresh your memory! I went through my pantry last night to load up my bag of non-perishable items each person must bring for their entry.  I find it amazing how much hot chocolate one can store on their shelves. The Marana Can Do 5K website can be found here. The Marana Can Do 5K list of food items can be found here! If you are athletic, you can register to "race" the officially timed event.  If you're like me, you'll find me near the back of the back strolling the 5K.  We will be walking around the entire "section" surrounding Ora Mae Harn Park, and will have a lovely view of the Mountains to the east and ... 02/03/2011

Ever feel like just taking a drive or doing a little country exploration? Here's a great one - travel west to The Ironwood Forest - Things to Do Near Tucson I took a little drive out west last week for a bit of R and R - and the Ironwood Forest - National Monument is a great place to get away from it all! You can follow Silverbell out to find it - perhaps your most direct route would be to take the Marana Road Exit going north out of Tucson on I-10.  Then, head west.  The road west is called Marana Road, or Trico Marana Road, and it eventually intersects with Silverbell.  (It takes about 20 minutes) All in all, from the Circle K to pavement end, it was just under 16 miles west.  After that, the road gets progressively worse, and isn't the best for a luxury vehicle such as I drove my fir... 01/24/2011

5K and 1 Mile Stroll - Things to do in Marana One of the assets of living in the Marana area, adjacent to Tucson, AZ, is the Marana Parks and Recreation department.  They do an outstanding job of planning and holding community events, and sending out public news announcements so that the events are well-populated. Coming up, is the Marana Can-Do 5K and 1-Mile Stroll. If you've just begun a new fitness program with your 2011 New Year Resolution, this is a good event to get started with a Healthy 2011! The event takes place Saturday, February 5 at 9 a.m. at Ora Mae Harn Park in Marana Entry fee is one bag of non-perishable food for the Marana Community Food Bank You can register through email! Just send an email to MaranaCanDo5K@comcast.net with this information: First and Last Name Age G... 01/18/2011

Setting a Good Example I've posted before about my 15.5 year old driving. The Gift of a Fresh Perspective.  It's a big thing - getting your teen ready and able to sit behind the wheel on their own.  After all, we all want a safe, Healthy 2011. In the Marana School District, driver's training classes are no longer required, and as my daughter's schedule is packed with advanced core classes, drama, music and online courses, the obvious choice was for my husband and I to teach her. My husband is a retired NYPD, so I figured that's helpful.  And if not a perfect driver (I'm trying harder now, really I am) I have logged over 1,000,000 miles in my lifetime. I have this habit of driving down roads just to see what's there, and then coloring in the map... At anyrate, driving is a hobby, as well... 01/16/2011

Happy New Year Rancho Marana, Marana AZ!Rancho Marana and Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ nestle amidst sprawling cotton fields just a few minutes north of Tucson west of the 1-10 corridor. Currently, there are 16 homes on the market in Rancho Marana, Marana, AZ, half of which are new construction, including the Solara GREEN homes. Some of the Green Features include: Energy Efficient, Energy Star Appliances; Energy Star Light Pkg; Energy Star Windows; HERS Rating; Low E DP Windows; Solar Hot Water System; Solar PV System. Water Efficient: Dual-Flush Toilets; Low Flow Faucets and Showerhead, and more. Rancho Marana is an affordable neighborhood, with prices ranging from $112,900 to $250,000. Floor plans include 2 and 3, and 4 bedroom homes with attached 2 car garages. Sizes range from 1246 to ... 01/11/2011

Happy New Year San Lucas, Marana AZ! San Lucas, Marana, AZ is a master-planned community just a few minutes north of Tucson along the 1-10 corridor. Mountain views and sprawling parks surround neighborhoods of contemporary 1 and 2-story homes with low-care desert landscaping. Currently, there are 14 homes on the market, half of which are new construction.  It's an affordable neighborhood, with prices ranging from $100,000 to just over $200,000. Floor plans include 3 and 4, even 5 bedroom homes for sale with attached 2 and 3 car garages. Sizes range from 1448 to 2728 sq. feet. For a list of available homes, click on the link to see the mls listing of homes for sale in San Lucas, Marana, AZ.  If you are living in the area and would like a market analysis of your home's value, or wish to s... 01/10/2011

Marana's Beat Back Buffelgrass Day is February 5, 2011 Who:  You!  All ages, children must be 12 and older, accompanied by an adult. What:  Volunteers needed for Fourth Annual Buffelgrass Day When: February 5, 2011, 8 a.m. to noon Where:  Near Continental Ranch.  Take the Twin Peaks Road exit from I-10, go west.  Turn north on Coachline Road.  Follow signs to a dirt road - you'll see the Buffelgrass Day sign on the north Side of the road. Why:  Buffelgrass is an invasive plant, growing very densely, crowding out vegetation and raising the risk of fire. Native trees and shrubs will be planted after the buffelgrass removal.  Marana needs your help!  Participants are asked to bring their own work gloves and snacks, shovels, etc.  Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.  Bring sunscreen! For ... 01/08/2011

Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ - 4th Quarter Market Statistics - Homes for SaleHere's a look back on the last quarter of 2010 and a market report for activity in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZIt involves the months October 2010 through December 2010. 86 homes are listed on the Tucson Area MLS38 homes are ACTIVE listings and for saleOf those ACTIVE listings, 6 are NEW CONSTRUCTION3 homes are ACTIVE Capa and hoping to receive a better offer9 homes are ACTIVE Contingent and have accepted contracts12 are PENDING and just awaiting close of escrow with all contingencies fulfilled24 homes have SOLD in the past three monthsThere are many builders in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ including Miramonte, Lennar, Richmond American, Hillcraft, and Pulte.  Most homes were built in 2005 or later, so it is an area of ... 01/08/2011

San Lucas, Marana AZ - Concert Series in the Park - Things to Do in Marana I received an email notification that I was real excited to share with the residents and neighbors of the beautiful San Lucas Subdivision of Marana, AZ. San Lucas is located just off I-10, about 12-13 minutes north of the intersection of Cortaro Farms and I-10, north of Tucson, AZ.  It's a rapidly-growing master-planned community filled with beautiful homes, parks, walking trails, and gorgeous views.  Looking for things to do in Marana AZ? A recent partnership between the San Lucas Community in Marana, AZ and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance will allow a wonderful concert series.  From this weekend through May 2011, the second Sunday of each month will feature a different musical experience!  Admissi... 01/07/2011

Happy New Year Marana, AZ - Homes for Sale in Gladden Farms Happy New Year Marana, AZ ! Taking a moment to wish the residents of Marana, AZ a most prosperous new year filled with health and happiness. If you are not a resident of the area, I invite you to explore the homes of the Gladden Farms Subdivision.  Gladden Farms is a master-planned community just north of Tucson, along I-10.  These beautiful neighborhoods took a hard hit during the recession and property values dropped due to FEMA flood plain changes, (now resolved) lack of businesses, and other economic factors. But things are looking up for Marana.  Walgreens and Fry's have development plans, and the beautiful Marana Health Center is nearing completion nearby.  New construction neighborhoods are working long hours, and Pulte ... 01/05/2011

Christmas Lights in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ I've read quite a few posts and enjoyed some truly terrific photography this December on Active Rain.   I mentioned in a few comments left behind that in Tucson, folks tend to decorate...the ground.  Folks asked for photos, so here's the best my little Canon can do! It's challenging to decorate a cactus. It's also challenging to affix light strings to tile roofs and stucco walls. And then there's the thorny yard landscaping. And the high "winter" winds we can experience. So, the ground I found, made perfect sense in Tucson and the surrounding cities. Hats off to those that go all "Christmas Vacation" on us with elaborate Christmas lights in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ. No matter how you light it, it's great that the "Light of the Season" is st... 12/21/2010

Christmas Activities in Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ On Saturday, December 18, 2010 a new holiday tradition begins in Gladden Farms.  Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is located just about 20 miles north of downtown Tucson, less than five minutes' trip west of I-10 on Tangerine Farms Road.  The drive is lovely, meandering along beautifully maintained medians, roomy bike lanes, and cultivated walking paths.Gladden Farms, Marana AZ, is a master-planned community -- a development built according to plan specifications that includes homes, apartments, commercial buildings, educational facilities, and community parks, etcThe entire community is geared toward outdoor living with parks, pathways, access to the river wash all moments away. The busy HOA helps to provide many events and get-togethers for t... 12/07/2010

Marana Offers "Free" Car Care Day on Saturday, December 11, 2010 I don't know about you, but I love "free".  Especially the kind of free that means I don't have to sit through an intense 2 hour "Time Share" speech, or vacuum cleaner informercial! This Saturday, the Town of Marana's fleet department is checking cars.  Do you wonder if you're getting a sales spheel or if you really need new hoses or plugs?  Stop on by!  The fleet staff will be checking auto basics, like fluid levels and tire pressure, but as an added bonus, vendors will be at the event to offer their services.  Professionals will also be on hand to discuss your vehicle maintenance questions and while you're there, feel free to visit the new community room at the operations center. The Free Car Care Day on Saturday, Decemb... 12/06/2010

In the foothills of the Arizona Tortolita Mountains sits the lovely active adult community known as Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain. This intimate sized community of just 1,297 homes is much smaller than other nearby active adult communities which is one reason residents have been drawn to this elite community. Heritage Highlands is part of the larger master planned community, Dove Mountain. Overall, Dove Mountain is a 6,200 acre community made up of 9 square miles of open spaces within the community in addition to 10 miles of protected boundaries surrounding the community to ensure gorgeous views to last a lifetime. Located in Marana, Arizona at an elevation of 3,000 feet means residents of this Arizona active adult community enjoy summer temperatures slightly cooler than neighbori... 10/31/2010

Lost Cat - White with Grey Spots - Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ We seem to have lost our kitty! We have three cats, and at any time, one is often hiding, so hours can go by and we don't realized we don't have the three stooges fighting in our midst.  Last night, just after dark, my husband asked.... "Have you seen Cali today?" We've had Cali the longest of our kittens - she is about 6.  We got her on Mother's Day in 2004.  She sheds an awful lot so we tend not to overpet her. We were gone most of the day, so worry that with so much time, she may have traveled.  She's not an outside cat, we never purposely open the door to her, and normally if she happens to sneak out, she waits by the door to get back in. She's only been outside by accident twice in the past three years here in Gladden Far... 10/31/2010

Walk and Ride at Twin Peaks In Marana, AZ - Interchange to Open As a professional who helps their clients to buy and sell houses in the Tucson, Marana, Vail and Oro Valley neighborhoods, I put a lot of miles on my car.  Traffic in Tucson is challenging to me; I lived 23 years in rural Wisconsin, in and around the area of Green Bay.  I can see more cars between two and three AM than I did all day in Luxemburg, WI, not that I'm up at 2 AM very often! So, roads are important.  Also the fact that we have ONE interstate slashing diagonally through Tucson metropolis also makes me dependent upon getting through town.  When a new exit or through-way opens up, it's news!  When road construction began in Marana last year, I was pretty thrilled there'd be a new way to cut 15 minutes off a familiar... 10/28/2010

Fall Harvest Festival at Heritage Park in Marana, AZ with the National Park Service This weekend, the Fall Harvest Festival at Heritage Park in Marana, AZ with the National Park Service will be taking place in our little corner of Marana, AZ. 235 years ago, Juan Bautista de Anza passed through the Marana and Tucson area along the Santa Cruz river.  (looking towards the Santa Cruz River Bed with Tucson Mountains in Background) On Saturday, October 23, 2010, the National Park Service will officially recognize our portion of the Anza Trail at the Heritage House, 12375 N. Heritage Park Drive, Marana.  (Right next to Gladden Farms, West on Tangerine Farms Road from 1-10) The National Park Recognition presentation kicks off with Mr. Steve Ross speaking at 11:00, to end with a ribbon cutting c... 10/21/2010

Real Estate is Blooming In Marana! I came home from a day of real estate travels and came across this little breath of sunshine! Just this past week I finished and posted a story about our new front garden, To Mound or Not to Mound,  that my husband and I completed to "dress up" our front yard. And look!  It's happy!  My little cactus is sharing it's glory for all the passers-by! It made me think of the current market statistics in Gladden Farms, Marana.  Things may look rocky overall, with the huge inventory of distressed sales, but it's a blooming opportunity for others! Want to plant yourself in a growing community?  Want to find the bloom amongst thorns?  Call me, I'm well-versed in the neighborhood and happy to show you around! If you're thinking to sell your current home in Marana... 10/13/2010