I'm baaaaaack.

Greetings from Queen Creek, San Tan Valley & Pinal County. I've been off the blogging path for quite a while, partly because not much had changed in the area in a while an I just did not think there was much to blog about. Recently there have been a few activities in the area that seem to tell me that we are in growth mode again in the QC area. We have a new freeway extension being built near the Mesa Gateway airport and a new housing development un the same area. I've noticed that the traffic has certainly increased during my morning commute going north on Ironwood. The last time I saw this much traffic and this many trucks was during the fist housing boom here 8 years ago. Much has changed. The area now has it's own little hospital, Banner Ironwood. There are a few more new small businesses popping up. Not too many smoke shops and cash advance stores that I was fearing. A few of the original businesses are still faring well. My favorites of course are Sushi Creek, The Olive Mill, the Pork Shop and Schnepfs Farms. These four staples are the best of the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses that I love. So, there are some new ventures happening around the area that deserve some note and I hope to rev up this blog and talk about them. If you have a favorite you'd like for me to discuss or review, please send me a note. Thanks, QCEVO

Good Life Festival - San Tan Valley

Two weekends ago my husband and I attended the Good Life Festival at Encanterra. The show included Pat Benetar and her husband along with Eddie Money.

I wanted to recommend this venue. We really enjoyed ourselves and if you are like us, we loved the fact that we did not have to drive 30 minutes to an hour to see a show and then drive home. The show was also in the afternoon.

We bought the mid-priced seats at $40. After fees for the two of us we paid $103 to attend. Our seats were in Section 2 in about the middle of the seats with a direct view of the stage. It was not too crowded and the show was very good. The crowd was pretty mellow and the average age of the crowd was about 50 years old. The music was perfect for those of us reliving our 20's as the rockers were also the same age (but still rockin' it).

There is a VIP option and then a lawn option. The lawn option is with blankets. I feel that any of the seats were great but if you are like me I like to sit so the $40 were good for me.

Parking - Parking is $5. You are directed away from the venue and have to walk a bit to get back to the concert area. You are also conveniently walking through the model home area. VIP parking is $25. When we left, we did not have to walk the circuit again as there were buses that took you back to the parking lot.

If you go, be prepared to buy food and drink as you cannot bring this in with you. Also, wear a hat and dress cool. The weather was perfect at the show we attended but if the Arizona weather starts to break it could get crazy hot. No shade.

I would recommend the shows. The next one is going to be March 29th. See this link for more details.

This Changes Nothing

This changes nothing. I make no choices on who I vote for because of their sexuality or lack thereof.

Racing Hearts Charity Car Show & Free Paper Shred Day

Racing Hearts Charity Car Show
Date:
Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

TCH is hosting its first annual Racing Hearts Car Show and free paper shred day.

Check-in for show cars begins at 8:00am.

Where:TCH/The Centers for Habilitation215 Lodge DriveTempe, AZ

Pre-Registration $10.00 per carIncludes goody bag, dash plaque, and food coupon.
Pre-Register On Line at tchcarshow.eventbrite.com
Or mail in Registration Form attached to the bottom of this page.

Registration limited to the first 110 cars

Prizes awarded for show cars

Voting done by donation

Collect donations before the show and increase your chances of winning a prize

Free Admission for the PublicBring the family and enjoy Music, Food, Arts and Crafts, and Raffle

Prizes!Every show car and guest who brings a box of paper to be shredded will get a raffle ticket.

Proceeds Benefit Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs
More Information contact Dawn Hocking:

480-730-4221 or dawnhocking@tch-az.com

Javelina Jundred Run. - Head to Fountain Hills this Weekend!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY this weekend in Fountain hills.

The Javelina Jundred run 11/12-11/13. Proceeds go to the McDowell Mountain Park Trail Fund.

For more detailed information click HERE.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween.

Be careful driving and watch for children.

Halloween Spirit of Giving Gala

If you are looking for a fun adult Halloween Party in the Phoenix area I'd like to recommend a party that benefits a local non-profit organization. The event is the TCH Monster Mash.

The Centers for Habilitation (TCH) has been empowering people with special needs since 1967. TCH is focused on offering services that help their clients live up to their full potential.

The Monster Mas will be held Saturday, October 22, 2011 7-11pm. Location - 4633 E Ray Rd., Phoenix AZ. (Former Stein Mart location)
Tickets are $60 each and reserved tables are available. Guests will enjoy a thrilling evening of costumes, live music, dancing and a spine-tingling Haunted House with food and drink, raffles, prizes and a silent auction. MC'ed by 12 News Anchor Scott Light.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to make your reservation, visit www.tch-az.com or call 480-730-4221.