Ever Have One of Those Days...

...when you just need a cat nap???

Looking for Horse Property for Sale in Tucson, AZ???

This 1975 ranch has it all.  Three bedroom, two bath property offers custom touches and home comfort.

Sprawling ranch on 4.77 acres provides basics and so much more for your beloved horses.

Imagine driving down the lane of your new home:

Panoramic views of the Catalina & Tucson Mountains on a huge private lot at end of cul-de-sac with natural desert setting.

Two 12 x 16 Stalls with runs in custom Barn with tack room,

5 fenced turnouts w/shades and commercial misting.

Hay and Feed Barns,

2 Arenas, one with Cuttin' Critter training device.

Security gate completes this private residence and ranch.

Stay tuned for more photos and information on this wonderful horse property for sale in Tucson, AZ.  

Minutes from shopping, convenience and more, this listing simply beckons you home!

$357,900 | MLS: 21210828

10000 N Orange Ranch Road, Tucson, AZ 85742

To Search Horse Properties for Sale in Tucson, AZ and throughout Arizona, visit: www.cara.LongRealty.com

To Mound or Not to Mound

To Mound or Not to Mound

Our "builder" landscapes in and around Gladden Farms are pretty boring. Our yards are rock (ok...crushed stone) and a basic slope away from the house. Then the builders endeavored to put several small bushes in too confining of a space so that when they grew, the yard would be overcome. Top that with some kind of fast growing tree filled with thorns. Then, times that by 1000 or so and you have Gladden Farms, Marana, AZ.

Yes, that's "spec" desert landscaping.

We are luckier than many of our neighbors. We don't have the spreading, creeping, all-consuming ground cover that will even grow up walls and posts. And don't get me started on what that looks like when the irrigation system is faulty...

Anyway, for some time, I've been wanting to put my mark on our generic rock yard, in an inexpensive way of course. So, this week, I ordered more gravel to match the crushed stone we have. I asked them to bring some dirt along too, but I didn't ask for enough. It's cooled down to the high 80's and low 90's now so we are able to venture outside.

Well the dirt didn't beGIN to make a "mound" so I went off to Lowes Home Center with my daughter. We picked up 12 bags of the cheapest top soil and some crushed granite that looked like sand. After spreading that all out, I had a small rise going. So, later that evening I went BACK to Lowes Home Center with my husband and picked up another 12 mixed bags.

Well, my "statement" garden just didn't have the height nor the presence to make itself much seen, but I was done buying dirt by the bag. It bothers the farmer deep inside.


The next day I commenced to planting my cactus, arranging my stones, and covering it all with matching gravel. I think I can add another couple of inches of gravel, leaving a well around the cactus for catching rain water the 6 times of year we get rain.

I've learned a few things along the way.

1. It's more fun to plant flowers in dirt.
2. Raking rocks gives me blisters pretty fast.
3. TWO pairs of gloves are not enough to handle barrel cactus.
4. Neighbors are nosy - I've met several this week that I didn't know BEFORE (and I've lived here three years)
5. Even a small mound is better than no mound at all.


I do like gardening. It's just different in the SW. :)

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

Tucson, AZ - It's a Dry Heat - Come See For Yourself!!

It's April in Tucson, Arizona and the weather is fine.  No really, it is.  It's cooled down to 91 degrees already at 10 p.m.!  And remember, little or no humidity...it's a dry heat.  

The weather-folk warned us last week that coming weekend time, we would most likely be hitting triple digits.  Official reports have us at 101 or 102 on Sunday, but my car said it was 106 driving down the freeway at 5 p.m.  Amazing.

Honestly, I love Tucson, AZ.  I feel like I'm on permanent vacation.  (Even though I tend to work 6.5 days a week)  Palm trees, swimming pools, every day is a sunny day - how can you be depressed - it's a SUNNY day!!  

With the low humidity and high temps, also comes low chance of mosquitoes.  Honestly, I don't think I've gotten a single mosquito bite in the last eleven years.

And the wind...WOW!  On a windy summer day, I call that blow dryer weather.  Seriously, I used to have hair way down my back and five minutes was all it took to go from swimming pool to mad pile of frizz.

And trust me, summer is a great time to visit Tucson.  The hotels all have deals.  "Staycations" they call them.  Resorts drop their prices to $99 a night.  NICE resorts.

I moved here in June, 2000, so I'm approaching twelve years in the "Old Pueblo".  I love the rocky hills and mountains.  I love to watch people rake their gravel yards.  I adore the sunsets.  I love the town feel in a city that nears the 1,000,000 mark when school's in session and the snowbirds are here.  (Snow birds are folks that come from snowy locale to enjoy our mild winters.  Summer ducks are those that duck out to milder climates when the temperatures rise.)

If you have had one rainy spring (summer, fall, winter) in the Pacific Northwest too many; Or one record setting frigid winter in the Midwestern States more than you can bear; Or, would just like to avoid working up a sweat drying off from your shower along most the Southern and Eastern United States in summer - give us a call. 

We're here with our sun tan lotion, our aloe vera for our hands and feet, and our Ray-bans firmly seated on our nose.  We're here ready to welcome you to our town, and hope it becomes your town too.

Buying an Active Adult Community Home in Marana, AZ: Sunflower

Buying an Active Adult Community Home in Marana, AZ: Sunflower

Nestled under the tip of the Tucson Mountains near Saguaro National Park, you'll find the quiet community of Sunflower. This active adult community includes ten different floor plans within its 967 homes. Driving into Sunflower, you immediately notice the immaculate yards, well-maintained native landscaping and common grounds. Lush grass and desert gardens are framed by the views of nearby Safford Peak.

What is an Active Adult Community? Well, it's a home setting with maintenance-free living, desirable attractions such as a pool, tennis, golf, etc. and is often targeting towards people aged 55 or older. The setting allows easy access to social, recreational, and education pursuits close to your own door. Residents are responsible for their own medical, dietary, laundry and housecleaning responsibilities. HOA rules require that at least 80% of the households include a resident 55 or older, with permanent residents 19 or older.

The Master-planned community of Continental Ranch encompasses Sunflower, and has enjoyed tremendous growth and progress in the past decade. Community parks, Pima County library, shopping complexes, cinema theater -- all within minutes of your home in Sunflower Community. Other Continental Ranch amenities include office buildings, several large chain grocery stores, Urgent Care center, restaurants, and skate park. The Tucson International Airport is 30 minutes from your door. With the recently completed Twin Peaks Interchange, freeway access is 2 minutes away.

Some of the amenities at Sunflower Community include fitness center, lighted tennis courts, a heated pool, spa, clubhouse which includes computer, billiards, and rooms to enjoy games or crafts at your leisure. The Sunflower Community offers so many activities – from biking and book clubs, Card clubs like Euchre, Bridge, Pinochle, and Canasta, Golf, needlework and quilting – to hiking and travel clubs.

You can search for current homes for sale for Sunflower Community by clicking on the underlined text or visit my webpage and the search engine provided for all of Marana, Oro Valley, and Tucson Homes for Sale.

If you are relocating or retiring to the Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, or Vail area and would like a visitor’s packet, I’d be happy to send one!

Sunflower Community in Marana, AZ is just one of the many beautiful and affordable locations to live in the Grand Canyon State. Give us a visit – you’ll be glad you did.

It's About that Rattlesnake Time Again!

Temperatures are rising and the birds and bugs are waking up. Along with those familiar critters are the species no one wants to get too up close and personal with....Rattlesnakes.

Rattlesnakes in the Tucson, AZ desert can be as close as your back yard. Did you know they can climb walls? Paints a freaky picture, doesn't it.

Here's the thing...unlike on SCI/FI cable, rattlesnakes don't stalk you. They like to be left alone. More rattlesnake bites happen because they've felt threatened than through any other way. So...if you see one, keep your distance and leave them alone!

Here in the Tucson, AZ desert areas, we can expect snakes to be around until the cold weather days appear, generally late October.

With a little more research on snake bites, I've discovered that the AVERAGE snake bite "victim" is not from Arizona, and the majority of those people have actually “stepped” on the snake. So, visitors, beware!

Here's a few preventative tips:

1. Trim the brush around your property and keep it free from debris.

2. Be aware of your surroundings. I tend to be looking up at the mountains or down at the vistas when hiking...I have to remind myself to watch where I step as well!

3. Snakes love the shade on a summer day. Keep your eyes open and stay on designated pathways.

4. Sturdy, high top boots are helpful. So is a walking stick of sorts.

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5. What to do if you come across a snake? SLOWLY back away, or stay still. Most snake bites, again, are defensive.

6. Dog walkers/owners - attend Rattlesnake Classes at your local pet stores. Keep them leashed. (the dogs...., not the rattlesnake)

What to do if you’re bitten by a Tucson, AZ desert Rattlenake:

Call 911 or get urgent care within 2 hours

Remain as calm as possible to keep your pulse rate down. Keep the bite below heart level if possible

Cleanse the wound but do not flush with water. Cover lightly.

Don't use a tourniquet or ice.

Don't attempt to remove the venom.

Stay away from sodas, beer or alcohol after being bitten

Try to remember what the snake looked like so you can tell the doctor. (color, markings, etc)

I've never seen a snake in the wild, and I've done plenty of exploring. Don't let the fear of a Tucson, AZ desert Rattlesnake keep you from discovering lovely Tucson and vicinity! I am always happy to assist you in your home search or sale! Please contact me for more information on the beautiful SW Desert!

Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012

Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012

If you're a golfer, golf fan, or just like getting involved in local events raising money for local needs, the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012 might be just the thing to get involved in!

We are looking for golfers, spectators, sponsors, gift basket donations, and more -- and are gearing up for a fun day in a beautiful locale - The El Conquistador Golf Course - The Last Territory.

Please contact me for more information! I'm a member of the committee for the Tucson REALTORS® Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament May 11, 2012 and also have information to share regarding our upcoming Texas Hold'em Tournament and Softball Tourney as well!