I had a difficult time finding free events this week that were not about Thanksgiving or Christmas! Of course, there are many free activities and festivals surrounding the opening of the holiday season, but I was even able to find a few things you can do if you aren't interested in decking the halls right now. You can go to a street festival, see chocolate, get some history and visit the State Capitol. Read more...

As a follow-up to the question that I received about living Christmas trees in Phoenix, for many people purchasing a living tree and then planting it might be too complicated. I have also been asked about the possibility of purchasing a cut tree, taking a cutting and planting it. Well, that makes sense if you want to feel that you have given back to nature by replacing the tree that was cut. I consulted a tree expert on the matter. Here's what Steve Nix, the About.com Guide to Forestry had to say:

"It is usually species specific. Your chances are nearly zero if a tree has already been cut over 24 hours no matter what species it is. Willow and cottonwood (water-loving) species are the best trees to root from cuttings without a hormone (just stick cutting in the ground). Many trees can only root from a cutting if you dip the cut in an auxin (plant hormone). The conifers do not easily respond to this technique."

Some people can't buy a living tree and replant it. For others, taking a cutting from a live, cut tree and then getting permission to plant it somewhere (if it isn't in your own yard) might not be an option. Here are some other ways in which you can be 'green' and recycle your tree.

I received an email today from Laura.

I'm wondering if you know of any place in Maricopa County or surrounding areas for that matter that you could buy a tree but then plant one. I can't seem to find any place like that. It's very important that we replant a tree. Please advise.

Good question, Laura! Even though it takes some more effort to care for a living Christmas tree, I'll bet that more people this year are thinking along the same lines. I made a few calls and discovered that Moon Valley Nursery locations will sell them. Call your nearest location first to make sure that they have them before you go. I also note that Mother Nature's Farm in Gilbert has trees that may be dug up instead of cut.

Do you know of another place in or near Phoenix that is selling living Christmas trees? Please post the name and location in the "comments" below.

Thanksgiving travel always a challenge, and this year will be no different. Next week will be one of the busiest times of the year at Sky Harbor. On the busiest day, Wednesday, an estimated 125,000 passengers will travel through Sky Harbor Airport, about 40 percent more than a typical Wednesday when about 90,000 people pass through.

If you are driving to the airport this year, Sky Harbor is encouraging you to park in one of the airport terminal lots by offering a discount.

You can download a coupon to get up to 40 percent off the full-day rate when you park at Sky Harbor terminals from today through November 30, 2009. Covered parking? Right in the terminal? At 40% off? Sweet!

I am a believer in doing whatever I can to de-stress holiday travel. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport, park, and get through security. If you are checking bags you'll want to make sure you get to the front of the ticket counter line within the required time limits for your airline. Sky Harbor is a busy place on a normal weekend, but on these holidays it might be worth your while to take a few minutes and note these tips for holiday travel in and out of the Phoenix airport.

You Might Also Be Interested In....

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Guide
• Thanksgiving in Phoenix
• How To Reduce the Stress of Traveling
• Rules for Carry-On Luggage

Don't panic. I know that the friends and relatives will start to descend on the area, and your guest room will be busy for the next three months. I often receive questions about how to entertain everyone from one-year-olds to octogenarians. Recently I received an email from Kathi about the impending visit of her grandchildren:

Our granddaughters, almost 6 and 4, will be here next week from MN. We are thinking: Phoenix Children's Museum (went last year and loved it, AZ Science Center (Robot exhibit looks like fun for kids and adults), the girls usually like the Phoenix Zoo but it seems like a lot of walking for what we see (they love the camel ride) We went to Wildlife World Zoo Dec 2006 and haven't been back (because of the camel ride). I am seeking your thoughts on our ideas as well as suggestions.

I didn't ask what happened on the camel ride! We exchanged some ideas about amusement parks, the Arizona State Fair, zoos and special activities for young children. It was so nice of Kathi to get back to me and let me know how it went! Read more...

If you are looking for some unique activities that won't cost you a dime, this week you can see some stitches, dance your way to better health, meet wild critters, check out some vinyl, and learn how to fry a turkey. Read more...

The worst offender reported by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (health inspections) in the month of October was a restaurant with 13 major violations. There was a definite theme to the inspector's comments. I noted the following phrases in the report: excessive hanging dust and grease; observed pink slimy matter; dish racks with yellow/brown/ greasy, slimy matter; excessive grease, burned grease, and embedded food pieces; dark colored greasy matter; wall is covered with black greasy matter. Hand washing appeared basically nonexistent and it seems as if they were serving old, outdated food. What would it take for me to walk into that place to eat? I just don't know. Read more...

There are several Veterans Day events and activities around the Phoenix area this week, many of which are free. Aside from that, you can see a moo moo, learn some history, see a special Christmas tree, hear about special women, celebrate National Gaming Day, bait a hook, eat fast and cheap, and be a super hero. Read more...

November offers some of the best fishing available at our urban lakes. Catfish and bluegill sunfish are already in the lakes, and the trout will be stocked during the second half of November. This week the Lower Salt River near Phoenix was being stocked with rainbow trout. Trout are also being stocked this week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Fain and Lynx lakes in the Prescott area, Wet Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley, plus Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes in southern Arizona. Next week trout will be stocked in Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Francis Short Pond in Flagstaff, Oak Creek, the Verde River (between Cottonwood and Camp Verde), Cluff Pond and Roper Lake near Safford and in Rose Canyon on Mt. Lemon near Tucson. During the week of November 16th trout will also be stocked in Canyon Lake and Tempe Town Lake.

Fishing licenses for state waters or the urban program lakes for the 2009 season are now on sale for half price. The 2009 annual state fishing license is on sale for just $11.75 for residents and $35.13 for nonresidents. If you plan to catch trout, don't forget your trout stamp. The Urban Program Fishing License is on sale for $9.25 for both residents and nonresidents alike. What a great idea for those relatives who are visiting for the holidays!

The Welcome Back the Trout Celebration at Tempe Town Lake will take place on November 24, 2009 and includes a fishing clinic starting at 3 p.m. For the weekly fishing report, and to learn more about the great fishing opportunities in Phoenix and around the state visit Arizona Game and Fish online.

You Might Also Be Interested In....

• Where is Tempe Town Lake?
• Teach Your Kids to Fish
• Need Gear? Cabela's in Glendale Has It
• Need Gear? Bass pro Shops in Mesa Has It

Greenbuild 2009, is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center. A full line-up of professionals is slated to speak at more than 100 educational sessions and workshops to enhance your green building knowledge. Former Vice President Al Gore who will deliver the keynote. The conference opens on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 and concludes on Saturday, November 14, 2009. You may register for the conference online or, when the conference begins, at the door. If you are registered for the conference, you may, at no additional charge participate in the Green Building Job Fair. Not so much interested in the conference, but want to see the latest and greatest in green technology products? Register for the Exhibit Hall only, where 1,800 companies are expected to be displaying their innovations.

Even if you can't attend the conference or the Expo, you can still participate in three related Green Street events during those days. Read more...