Martha Retallick's Monthly Newsletter | May 12, 2026

Return of the Humans

On Sunday, April 12, approximately 35,000 people converged on central Tucson for Cyclovia, a free block party that stretched for three miles.

The streets were closed to motorized traffic, which opened them up for music, art, games, food, education, and more.

In addition to featuring people enjoying a bicycle ride that went right through my neighborhood, these photos show the Fantastic Foam Party and musical performances by the Desert Bluegrass Association and OG Jack Anderson and his band.

TIP: View the Cyclovia Tucson gallery, which is included in my Tucson Event Photography website.

Engaging in the Ministry

In my neighborhood, Wednesday is trash pickup day.

Before those big City of Tucson trucks start rolling, I take to the streets with my heavy duty gloves, trash grabber, and bucket.

In short, I'm engaging in The Ministry of Picking Up the Gar-bazh.

When my bucket is full, I take it back to my place and bless my trashcan with it.

Since this is a first-thing-in-the-morning ministry that puts me right in the middle of the street, I need to be seen.

Hence, my recent order of a bright orange vest and reflective tape to be sewn onto it.

For the sewing part, I contacted Seamstress Juliette, Tucson's go-to for clothing alterations and repairs.

Turns out that Juliette doesn't have an industrial sewing machine, but she knows someone who does.

Meet Rachel Roberts, owner of Connecting Seams...

Completing this project required major garment disassembly, which led to a stressed-out Martha.

Rachel and Juliette responded with a "We've got this!" vibe, and here's the result:

Since this newsletter comes out on a Tuesday, you know what I'll be doing tomorrow morning.

Time for another neighborhood cleanup. Because the gar-bazh needs me.

Back to Nature

True confession: My original reason for planting Punta Bandas was to have my own salsa tomatoes on hand.

I already grow two other salsa ingredients, garlic and hot peppers...

But here's the thing about Punta Banda tomatoes: They make a delicious snack!

So, no salsa this time around.

I'll keep the garlic and peppers on hand for other projects, and I'll let you know how they turn out.

From the Water Harvesting 101 Podcast​

It's official. We're in the dry season. Time to podcast about it...

Welcome to the Dry Season Apr 27 · Water Harvesting 101 6:27   ​

The dry season is the perfect time to get your water harvesting projects started, and this episode features a local water harvesting supply store...

The Rain Store Apr 20 · Water Harvesting 101 12:02   ​

There's a good reason why you should start those water harvesting projects now. We're predicted to have above-average summer rainfall...

The Return of El Niño Apr 13 · Water Harvesting 101 5:09   ​

Prefer to listen and learn? Water Harvesting 101 is also available as an audiobook.

Bonus Birds

It may be the dry season, but the neighborhood birds didn't get that memo.

They're just as active as ever.

Being urban birds, they're happy to use our infrastructure as a vantage point...

The white-winged doves, those show-offs of the avian world, continue to excel at calling attention to themselves.

In addition to repeating his “Hoo-hoo-hoo-HOO!” call, this fellow simply couldn't stop displaying his plumage.

​Kirkus Reviews calls City Nature “A beguiling ramble full of captivatingDIY information and arresting visuals of flora and fauna.” ​ Order the Book

Questions? Comments? Let's talk! I'm looking forward to hearing from you! ​ Contact me!

​Coffee Table Book​

​Audiobook​

​Audiobook​

​Weekly Podcast​

​Photographic Prints​

​Martha's Blog​