I'm sitting in a Border's Bookstore coffee shop, looking out the window at some beautiful mountains, and not getting much work done. My plan is to spend the weekend here, writing. It's a great store, located near a very nice mall east of downtown.

This is a picture of what I see out the window looking north. Tucson is surrounded by five mountain ranges. What a beautiful city this is. If I can't become inspired to write here, then I'm in real trouble.















This is me looking real serious for some reason. I've got my "Harry Potter" glasses on. I saw "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" last night, Halloween night. I am in Arizona, after all, so I figured it makes sense, in a metaphysical and mystical sort of way. I wonder if there is a real Order of the Phoenix in Phoenix, with perhaps a satellite office here in Tucson.






This view of the Border's coffee shop is opposite the window. The guy in the white shirt on the left is an architect and has some drawings spread out on the table. I hope that's his wife sitting near him.







This is my first week in Tucson, so I'm still learning my way around the city. One warning for you, however, if you plan on a visit any time soon. The Tucson traffic is a nightmare because of the road construction all over town. Interstate 10 going through town is being rebuilt, with most of the ramps closed inside the city. Other streets around town are being repaved, too, providing a newcomer like me a huge headache.

I've had to use a map to draw up a plan on getting around the city while avoiding all the construction. So, if you come, bring a good map and a GPS system.

Over the weekend I'll be writing more about the city, my visit to the Visitors Center in downtown, the Casino del Sol, and A Mountain. I'm going to do my best to post something each day, here. There is plenty to write about and see. I've also got to discuss my trip here, along the scenic route from Albuquerque.