FRANK’S in Tucson
Posted: February 28, 2014 Filed under: geezerEats, geezerTrips Leave a comment »Frank’s may be out of your comfort zone, but that will change, once you eat there. From the stools at the counter to the breakfast specials, it could be any small town in the mid-west or SouthWest. $1.75 for two eggs, hash browns and toast any week-day morning; and all the coffee you can drink for $1.85. The only place I have been where the coffee is more than the breakfast, but still reasonable, so leave a nice tip.
It is clean, but old and friendly, just like me. Don’t miss it. You can always go to the chains. Look at the photos on the web site and you will see what I mean. And, check out the menu.
Franks Restaurant
3843 E. Pima St
Tucson, AZ 85716
NEW MEXICO – What the geezer plans!!!
Posted: February 25, 2014 Filed under: geezerTrips, Uncategorized Leave a comment »New Mexico in the next few months is full of interesting things to do that you might not otherwise consider; and, which may be out of your comfort zone.
The geezer will hit:
The Gathering of Nations on April 24-26 in Albuquerque. “North America’s Biggest Pow-Wow.”
The Dutch Oven Cook-off in Glenwood, NM on April 5, 2014. I haven’t cooked in a dutch oven in 60 years; besides, Silver City has some great restaurants, art galleries and hotels; not to mention Silver City history and the near-by open-pit mines.
In the late summer you don’t want to miss:
The annual Deming Duck Race on August 22-25. 2014;
and 50 miles away on August 31 to September 1, 2014, The Hatch Chile Festival. Remember, if you are not used to it, Hatch Chile can be very hot.
And, between Hatch, NM and Deming, NM you can see large dairies that have immigrated from Wisconsin and other places plus a big wind farm and a solar farm; both generating electricity for thousands of homes. Around Deming you will find vineyards and wineries not to mention several Border Patrol check-points where they will stop you and take a quick look in your car. Remember we are only a few miles from the Mexican-US Border.
If you can’t make it this year, calendar the dates and web sites. These events will be going for a long time.
BUT, don’t just look at this. Subscribe to the Tourist e-mails for each state that you are going through. And don’t be afraid to participate; and, do find a place to stay in advance.
SPEED DIALING FOR SLOW OLD TRAVELLERS!
Posted: February 7, 2014 Filed under: geezerTrips | Tags: speed dialing, Travel 1 Comment »
Speed dial numbers that you should have on your smart phone while travelling. It wouldn’t hurt to have them there all the time.
1. ICE (in case of emergency numbers) ICE-1 Spouse; ICE-2 Child; etc.
2. Airline rebooking/travel agent (If the flight is cancelled, you don’t want to stand in line.)
3. Your children
4. Personal physician
5. Travel insurance provider
6. Hotel
7. Neighbor
8. Person caring for you pet
9. Pharmacist
10. Tour guide/director
11. American Embassy
Maybe you don’t need these on speed dial, but at least you should have the numbers. Since you may have to rebook a cancelled flight, lose your medicine, forget to do something at home, etc. Have one of your grand-kids program your smart phone and then tape it to the back of your phone. The kid can also show you how to access the speed dial.
You are too old to try to figure out what to do and where to get numbers in a crowded airport; when you have had your possessions stolen, or when you have just discovered that you forgot to bring some pill that you “must have,” probably the Viagra.
You might even want to add a few more numbers, but don’t add too many; you will only get confused.
Make sure that your phone works in the country you are going to. Most of the services provide for access for a few weeks wherever you are. Call them and ask.
TRIPTIKING TO TUCSON – a journey, not a goal.
Posted: January 30, 2014 Filed under: geezerQuests, geezerTrips, New Mexico, Uncategorized | Tags: AAA, no freeway, trip, TripTik 3 Comments »I am still driving; however, I am more and more uncomfortable driving on freeways, especially through unfamiliar cities. And, at my age, the journey is more important than the destination; I am aware of the ultimate destination, and am not quite ready to arrive. I am curious and have exhausted my interest in freeways. I don’t need 70 miles an hour, irritable drivers and large trucks.
I drive frequently to Tucson; grandchildren, you know. I am a member of AAA. Last Saturday I asked for a “TripTik” from Albuquerque to Tucson without driving on freeways. AAA and their skilled staff provided a “TripTik” route with only 14 miles of I-25 or I-10. It tracks the Mexican-US border and takes me to new places. My journey will take 10.3 hours instead of 7.5 and will be 126.9 miles longer. It may require an overnight stay; however, AAA provides a list of motels and restaurants. I also got an electronic version of the “TripTik” which is on my i-Phone.
I can afford the extra time. I can use the stimulation. I need a topic of conversation other than aging.
It’s the journey, not the ultimate goal, even though, I am statistically 20 years away from my “ultimate goal.” I will let you know how the trip turns out.
Another simple way to plan your trip is to go to Google Maps, click on “show options,” check “avoid highways,” and print out a map that avoids freeways.
My Kind of Retirement?
Posted: January 7, 2014 Filed under: geezerAdapts, geezerTrips, Uncategorized | Tags: geezer, Mars, retirement Leave a comment »Are you over 50, retired and bored? AARP has a suggestion: Mars
Today, they suggested Mars. It appears the ideal couple for this trip is over 50 and has been married long enough to get the kinks out. And since the round trip is only 501 days, if done in 2017, it is less time than you would spend with the Peace Corps. There are probably a few risks, but the Geezer, at 73, is already facing a few risks. Old age is the ideal time for new risks, a lot like your late teens and early 20’s.
There are a lot of plusses. Once you went through Mars “training” you would be in great shape. Your grandkids would really think you were “cool.” All social security could be banked/invested. It beats assisted living. You would have a lifetime of stories and could not only hit all the talk shows, but could “eat” off of your experience for the rest of your life. Any dementia, could be explained by the trip. You might run into a few aliens. And, of course, after the initial phases, it could solve the problem of what to do with old people; send them to Mars.
I can’t see a downside; and, at 73, that’s saying a lot. I expect a call from the Mar’s Mission at any moment.