Corny Christmas Cactus

I love the crazy ways that Tucsonans decorate their cacti at this time of year! FUN! 
 

'tis the Season!

Even the cactus in Tucson are getting spruced up to wait for Santa's arrival! Actually it is QUITE COLD here now so these hats also serve to protect the cactus from freezing. Both stylish and practical! 
 

Need something beautiful and amazing? Here you go!

Check out the blooms on this cactus! Beauty for just one day but WOW - what a sight!

Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

Sign of the Times ~

HA! Even our cacti are complying with the health protocols!
Photo courtesy of Sue Dodson. 

Golden Glow ~

I love the way the sunlight reflects on the cactus spines! Beautiful!

Photo courtesy of George Goldman.

Santa convention?

After living at the North Pole and then flying around the world in one night, I can see why they want to just hang out in the warm Arizona sun! :)    For those of you who are NOT in Arizona let me tell you what is really going on.... some homeowners dress up their cactus for Christmas. (And some homeowners claim the Santa hats protect their cactus from freezing.)   HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo courtesy of George Goldman.

My Bouquet to You ~

The fabulous Torch Cactus bursts into bloom for just one day but it certainly puts on a spectacular show! Enjoy! 

Snowy Saguaros!

We are having some quirky weather! Freezing temps and snow!

Durable Desert Dwellers ~

Two of our desert dwellers are captured here - the frisky and engaging little antelope ground squirrel and the barrel cactus.
Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

Crazy contrast!

Here in Tucson's Saguaro East National Park we have white clouds in the blue sky and white snow on the cacti!

Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox.

Fresh new day and Fresh new year!

Here's a fresh start to 2019 - a beautfiul and vivid Tucson sunrise. Gorgeous! What are your resolutions for the year ahead? Travel? Retire? Spend time on your hobbies? Go to the gym? All of the above? :)

Photo courtesy of George Goldman. 

Fun, Festive, and FUNCTIONAL, too!

You see cactus all around Tucson decorated with Santa hats (or sometimes just plain old styrofoam cups). Not only is this a fun and festive holiday "look" but it also is practical. The hats/cups help to prevent the tops of the cacti from freezing. And last night's temperature was 27 degrees! YIKES! Is this really Tucson's weather? Yep, right now it sure it. Brrrrrrr.

Nothing says "Christmas in Tucson" better!

Nothing tells you that it's Christmas time in Tucson better than this - Santa hats on the saguaro! Ho, ho, ho! 

Throwback Thursday ~ Still a Treasure!

16 AUGUST 2011

One of Tucson's Treasures ~

THEN AND NOW: Happily, as beautiful as ever! 

Definitely one of the most beautiful parks in the area, Sabino Canyon offers hiking trails (and you can bring your dog - on leash), spectacular waterfalls, and even a tram if you don't want to walk up to the top.
http://www.sabinocanyon.com/ 

'tis the season! Monsoon season, that is!

Photographers from all over the world travel to Tucson at this time of year to capture the astonishing light show that accompanies our monsoon season. This fabulous image showcases the jagged lightning against a rain-filled cloud cover. In the foreground is our iconic saguaro, the sentinel of the desert southwest.
Photo courtesy of George Goldman.

Look Familiar?

Yesterday I posted a photo of where I am but no one made a guess. Does THIS look familiar? It is one of Tucson's most charming places. Guesses - anyone??

Unusual Cactus Skeleton!

Usually when we talk about cactus skeletons or cactus spines we're talking about the interior support structure of our iconic living, breathing Saguaro, the most recognized symbol of the West.

Here, however, we have a skeleton of an entirely different species of cactus - the Cell Tower Cactus, a plant found all over the Southwest. (:  Cool image of two new cell towers being put together!

And ALSO NOTE the moody, stormy sky in the background. Hello, monsoon season!
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

Happy 4th of July from Tucson, AZ !

Wherever you happen to be today, I hope you enjoy a celebration with friends, food, and fun! Let us be thankful that our troops are continuing to protect all of us.
Photo courtesy of Jim Covello. 

A Huge WOW for a Wednesday!

I hope that you enjoy these amazing BEFORE and AFTER photos of this gorgeous Torch Cactus! And all of this happened in less than 24 hours. Buds, Bursting Blooming Bouquet, and then.... wilt. But what a show! 

Then & Now - Exactly the same!

14 JUNE 2009

Saluting the Sky ~ the Saguaro Cactus

The mighty saguaro "is" the symbol of the southwest. This awesome tree-sized cactus can only be found in the Sonoran Desert and can live well over 100 years. A mature saguaro is magnificent to behold! For more info on this symbol of the desert, click here. 

Photo courtesy of Mark Wight.