SOUTHWEST SETTINGS. National Public Radio commentator Mary Sojourner has written down a few things.

The Flagstaff author will talk this weekend about her new book, Delicate: Stories of Light and Desire, a collection of stories set in the Southwest.

The first reading and discussion starts at 7 p.m. Friday at Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave. A question and answer session follows the reading. For more information, call 792-3715.

The second reading and book signing is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Reader’s Oasis, 3400 E. Speedway Blvd., #114. For more information, call 319-7887.

WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE. Saturday’s a great opportunity to check out the Mason Audubon Center.

Never heard of it? Find out what the center’s got to offer during a walk along the nature trail with center naturalists and help conduct an informal survey of resident and migratory birds.

You’ll learn the basics of bird identification, observe a variety of nesting strategies (in cholla cactus, for one) and pick up on interesting behaviors.

Bring along binoculars or check out a “loaner” pair at the center.

The free walk at 8751 N. Thornydale Road starts at 8:30 a.m. and should be over by about 10.

TWO-WHEELED MYSTERY. A unique fundraiser this weekend will benefit the homeless of Pima County.

Billed as Motorcycle Mystery Fun, the event will send bikers off on a wild goose chase of sorts.

Organizer Betty Bitgood was tightlipped about the run, saying that to reveal much “wouldn’t make it much of a mystery.”

OK, so here’s what we do know.

The event, which will help fund the Hope of Glory Center, a planned full-service facility for the homeless, is Saturday at the Pima County Rodeo Grounds, 4823 N. Sixth Ave., in the north parking lot. Sign-in for motorcyclists who want to ride is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free food, games and a $100 prize for the first biker to unravel the mystery are on tap. For more information, although you probably won’t get much more, call Bitgood at 887-2120.

PESKY RUGRATS. Chuckie and Angelica will be at Tucson Mall on Saturday.

Just ask your kids who the celebs are–they’ll tell you Chuckie and Angelica are TV’s Rugrats.

Young fans will want to get a picture snapped with the stars during a photo op from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Center Court.

Bring cash because it’s a good bet you’ll find a few must-have Rugrats trinkets. For more information, call 293-7330 or visit www.thetucson-mall.com.

This article appears in Oct 4-10, 2001.