A very Tucson Christmas

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The Winterhaven Festival of Lights event is in full swing, and as such everybody in the little neighborhood of Madera is selling their parking for five bucks a space. My seven plex has some fine parking, and the oldest resident is a former tow truck driver who can park anything. So, traditionally, those who want to go out in the evenings and park cars and make money. We decided not to take part in the parking this year because one of the people doing it has some serious financial hardship, and though the money is nice we don't need it as badly as he does. However, we wanted to help out so last night my partner got a wild hair and suggested I make cookies so we could take them out there! I was in the middle of making bread but I said sure, and whipped up a quick sheet and a half after I was done putting the dough up to rise. I made the cookies, and we went out there - giving them out to all the parkers. They had a little fire going by the road. Somebody offered me a beer so I had that. Just a Bud Light, so it was like making love in a canoe, but not bad with a cookie. Some folks came over, one who spoke only spanish and his wife who spoke plenty of english - they were sharing around their photos of their latest vegetable garden harvest. Amazing citrus! We hung out until the wood ran low, then a couple of guys started trimming the deadwood off an olive tree - presto! More fire! and the party kept going. It was a really fun time of just hanging out with friends, making a little money, commenting on people's holiday attire and yelling Merry Christmas to all and sundry. A clear night, a fire, good friends, and fun... isn't that what the holidays are all about?