28 February 2017

Such beauty on the wing ~



These jewels-on-wings are one of the treasures of the Sonoran Desert. We have many varieties of hummingbirds to enjoy here in Tucson. I THINK the top image is an Anna's hummingbird and I think the bottom one is a Broadbill. Anyone who knows more about these tiny fliers, please share your knowledge!
Photos courtesy of George Goldman. 

27 February 2017

Who remembers this Big Boy?

This sculpture of "Big Boy" was well known across America and has been the mascot of a vast variety of restaurant names. In Pennsylvania where I grew up he was the mascot of a chain called "Eat 'n Park" and has been known as "Big Boy," "Shoney's" and many others. Here's the history of this iconic chubby boy and his hamburger. Weirdly enough, the Big Boy restaurants in Japan do not even serve hamburgers! I spotted this big boy for sale on a trailer in a Circle K parking lot! You could have him for your own for $2,500. He's cast aluminum, not fiberglass like the originals. 

26 February 2017

Howdy from a Tucson Cowgirl!

Last day of the Tucson rodeo is today! This curvy cowgirl is relaxing on the Hotel Congress patio. Not sure if those are bullet holes... this IS the wild west, though! 

25 February 2017

School's out for Rodeo!

When I first moved to Tucson I was amazed that Tucson schools actually CLOSE for rodeo. Yep, it's true! This is the final weekend for rodeo so if you are a fan of bucking broncos and kids roping sheep, click here for all details about what this weekend has in store for you! Tucson fun!

24 February 2017

For all of Tucson's cat lovers...

Cats are amazingly agile and it's obvious this Tucson cat owner has one that specializes in leaping! 

23 February 2017

An Eye to the Sky ~

So this is a random weird thing I saw today. Anyone want to guess what it is or where I was?

22 February 2017

Florida Everglades? No ~ Tucson!



These fantastic images were taken at Tucson's beautiful Agua Caliente Park on the far east side. It is a known bird sanctuary and wonderful, cool respite from Tucson's intense heat. I love the reflections on the water - mysterious!
Photos courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

21 February 2017

The Perfect Perch ~



The cypress tree in my front yard is the tallest tree in my neighborhood so it is an ideal perch for birds. At night I often hear an owl's hoots. As I was leaving my house I was startled by a loud squawking and I saw this raven (?) or crow (?) making a lot of noise way up at the tip top. I am not a birder so if you can identify this as a raven or a crow, please post your knowledge!

20 February 2017

We are raining rainbows!

Here is another beautiful double rainbow photo! This one was taken at the Long Realty offices. These arcs look positively joyful, don't they?
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

19 February 2017

Bonus prize from the rains ~


We are having rains again so who knows what's going on with the weather right now. Here are two images of a rainbow on Tucson's east side. Look closely in the bottom one and you will see the fabled "Double" rainbow - which signals great good luck!
Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

18 February 2017

Tucson treasure ~

A highlight of Tucson's revitalized downtown is the beautiful Fox Theatre. Built in 1930 it has been meticulously restored and brings a wide range of entertainment downtown from movies to live music to comedians. 

17 February 2017

Black and white and gorgeous ~

Here we are back for one last look at the Butterfly House at Tucson's Botanical Gardens. The house has good reference material and photos so you can identify the many beauties flying around but I failed to look this one up. If anyone knows how to ID this butterfly, please post your knowledge!

16 February 2017

Throwback Thursday in Tubac ~

16 FEBRUARY 2010

Art from Aztec to Zuni ~ Charming Tubac


Let's take a short break from the Tucson Botanical Gardens and have a look at what was happening in Tucson 7 years ago. Here we visit Tubac, the charming artist colony south of Tucson. 

So in addition to the many artists who traveled to display their work for the annual Tubac Festival of the Arts, Tubac also has dozens of art galleries and shops that are open year-round. Here the Carol Curry Gallery hangs fun birdhouses to catch your eye and draw you in. Once inside you can enjoy work from artists like Ron Herbert, a gifted wood carver.

15 February 2017

Fantastic camouflage!

This beauty is easy to miss inside the Tucson Botanical Gardens' butterfly exhibit. I think this is an Owl Butterfly - named for its distinctive wing markings that scare away predators. Clinging to the side of a tree it blends in with the bark quite well. 

14 February 2017

Sending Sweets Your Way!

Happy Valentine's Day to you! I hope you have an amazing SWEET day with your sweetie! These butterflies at the Tucson Botanical Gardens are all enjoying a sugary syrupy treat in the magical Butterfly House. It is just amazing to walk though and be mere inches away from these beauties! 

13 February 2017

Amazing Aztec Garden ~

This Aztec pyramid is part of the current Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. This pyramid imitates part of the garden that Frida and her husband, Diego Rivera, had in their home in Mexico City. 

12 February 2017

11 February 2017

Big, Bold, and Blue ~

This striking cobalt blue wall is part of the current exhibit at the wonderful Tucson Botanical Gardens. I love the cactus fence created behind the bench. This is a terrific modern and abstract image! 

10 February 2017

Pale moon rising ~

I thought the soft pink afternoon sky was a particularly beautiful background for this pale moon rising. 

09 February 2017

Looks like spring.... again!

09 FEBRUARY 2012

Spring in every step ~

This charming floral welcome is so cheerful! These blooming lovelies are on the front steps of an historic home on Main Street.

And five years later we are once again having a little warm spell in February! 

08 February 2017

Our Celebrated Skies ~


Tucson is famous for spectacular skies and breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy this fiery landscape vista! This was taken north of Tucson in Dove Mountain.
Photo courtesy of Glenn Hudson. 

07 February 2017

Batty Biker!



YES, it is a bat pedaling a bicycle! Bikers and walkers enjoy this wacky sculpture on the Loop Trail near Broadway. The whimsical metal sculpture is the creation of Stephen Fairfield, a Tucson artist who drew his inspiration from the bats that roost under this bridge. Fun! Kind of reminds me of ET!

06 February 2017

The World's Biggest ....

The celebrated Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is here for one more week. The Tucson Convention Center and many many other locations around town (think hotel lobbies, think stand alone tents) are jammed with gems, minerals, fossils, and every kind of gift item imaginable. Whew! Here is a link with more info.  

05 February 2017

Noun? Verb?

This truck license plate caught my eye in traffic. I think he is using it as a noun. What do you think?

04 February 2017

The Big Cheese - revealed

03 FEBRUARY 2017

Day #2: Where is this?

02 FEBRUARY 2017

Do you know where this is?

Time again for a "Where is this?" contest! Here are two views of a very interesting piece of Swiss Cheese in Tucson. As frequent visitors know, the first person to identify "Where is this?" will win a "fabulous" TDP t-shirt featuring the expressive Desert Museum ram. Good luck!  

DAY #2..... here are some clues:  This cement cheese slice is west of Campbell and north of Grant.  GOOD LUCK! 

Day #3....  So - too bad there were no guesses on this one! You may be very surprised to learn that this fun piece of abstract art/wall is the entrance to a government building! YES! This is the entrance to the Social Security Administration building on 1st Avenue!  Who knew that a government building could incorporate whimsy into its design??

03 February 2017

Day #2: Where is this?

02 FEBRUARY 2017

Do you know where this is?

Time again for a "Where is this?" contest! Here are two views of a very interesting piece of Swiss Cheese in Tucson. As frequent visitors know, the first person to identify "Where is this?" will win a "fabulous" TDP t-shirt featuring the expressive Desert Museum ram. Good luck!  

DAY #2..... here are some clues:  This cement cheese slice is west of Campbell and north of Grant.  GOOD LUCK! 

02 February 2017

Do you know where this is?

Time again for a "Where is this?" contest! Here are two views of a very interesting piece of Swiss Cheese in Tucson. As frequent visitors know, the first person to identify "Where is this?" will win a "fabulous" TDP t-shirt featuring the expressive Desert Museum ram. Good luck!  

01 February 2017

"Alright, Mr. DeMille....

...I'm ready for my close up!"   As an homage to Gloria Swanson, this javelina seems quite ready for his/her closeup in front of a backyard webcam.
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.