Phoenix City Living

So this is what happens when my dogs surf the net!

For the past few weeks I've been having problems sleeping. Always, just when the night seems at its most quiet, I start hearing shuffling, muffled howls, and music coming from the den. When I get up, suddenly the music stops, and all I can ever find are my two black labs nonchalantly gazing up at the ceiling. Strange, very strange indeed! Finally, last night I staked out the room, set up the camera, hid deep in the shadows, and waited, and waited......and waited. First to come out was Cali, searching to the left, then the right, did a double check and then waved out the younger Dillon. What was it with the two of them, quietly posing in the middle of the room, eyes darting side to side, seemingly charting out some strange movements as if planning...? No......it couldn't possibly be. Then slowly, with sly little smiles spreading to the edge of their wet goober mouths, they took out little doggy dancing shoes, cranked up the music from Grease, and let loose on the floor. In my amazement I completely forgot to film the event, but I did check out their little doggy computer and I finally found their inspiration. Enjoy, but keep your dogs far from the screen. The scratch marks now on our floor are impossible to get out!

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park: So what is it with this train thing anyway?

It's as if all things trains were genetically implanted into the male gene by some nefarious marketer.  Thomas the train, Geotrax, steam trains, train whistles, train videos, the Polar Express.  Perhaps treated with passing amusement by the little girls, to a male toddler trains embody the center of the known universe.  While the short trip in the car starts with a entertaining conversation, once there the interaction degrades to prehistoric grunts and an ambivalence towards mommy as my son trips towards this utopia of all things "whoo-whoo".  Some battles are to be won by a parent but this is surely one to let go.  Real steam trains, train rides, a carousel, parkland, model trains, a train store, a general store, train exhibits, and a great playpark.  Scottsdale created a real winner here and it's a perfect venue for parents, grandparents, and babysitters with a wide-eyed kid in tow.  Although its not in my traditional market of urban Phoenix (we must support our own after all!), if you're yearning for the real deal you just have to check it out.

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park  map

Fido has a new park!

If you're a dog owner, then head over to Steele Indian School Park and let Fido check out the new stomping grounds!  In June, the new fenced dog park opened in the northeast corner of the park.  It might be a little warm out right now to spend too much time there, but if you head over as the sun is setting you can still spend some quality ball-throwing time as the park stays open until 10pm.  Or head out early in the morning.....the park opens at 6am.

I love to see this dog park in action.  Dog parks aren't just a place for dogs to get exercise and socialize.....it is a place for neighbors and residents to meet each other and socialize.   In the world of Blackberrys and telecommuting, coming together face-to-face with our neighbors is such an integral part of creating and sustaining safe, healthy, and happy communities in the heart of Phoenix.

Details according to the City of Phoenix website:  1.83 acre, granite surface with small, rolling hills and dog-friendly shrubery.  Area is enclosed by six-foot-high perimeter fence and two double-gated ADA accessible entrances. The area offers both large and small dog sections, both of which provide "Mutt-Mitt" dispensers and trash receptacles.  The small dog section is intended for those under 20 pounds. Pet owners can enjoy shade trees and picnic table seating, although food is not allowed in the off-leash area.

Hours of Operation:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Parking:  Access off of 7th Street just north of the VA Hospital
         
Fundraising continues for additional ameneties such as shade structures, benches, water resources within the off-leash area, and lighting. For more information go to www.PhoenixDogPark.org.  Phase 1 of the park came to fruition through private donations totaling $17,000.