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! 
 

Lovely Lemon Lift!

Like a breath of spring - a beautiful and lush lemon tree in full bloom. Aren't we lucky in Tucson to have citrus trees in our own back yards? 
 

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. 

Tucson is Burning ~

Tucson is battling an immense fire right now - the Bighorn Fire. Friends of mine have just been evacuated from their home in the Foothills.
Photo courtesy of Larry Lebofsky.

In living color!~

WOW - this bee and flower are so vivid! Amazing sharp detail! (And yes our Tucson sky really is that blue!) It's heartening to see that local bees are keeping busy....
Photo courtesy of George Goldman. 

Always look for the blue sky!

We've been having lots of stormy weather this week - rain and cold temperatures. At first glance this photo might appear to be a black and white composition but look carefully and you'll see a tiny patch of blue breaking through the clouds. Beautiful! 

Golden Glow ~

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

Photo courtesy of George Goldman.

Where in the world are we? TUCSON? Yes!

Autumn comes to Tucson, too! Spectacular Fall colors? YES! A lovely drive up to Mt Lemmon will provide you with a leaf show that rivals Vermont! Beautiful! Beautiful!
Photos courtesy of George Goldman. 

Dried Fruit ~ aka Proboscidea Paraviflora :)

This devil's claw is rendered in epic proportions in this striking cast bronze sculpture ("Large Devil's Claw") by Spencer Kane Edgerton. It is placed on the grounds of Hacienda del Sol Resort in Tucson, on loan from the R Kessler Collection. To learn more about this flowering Southwest plant and its fruit, go here. 

Equine condiment?

The latest cute sign at my vet's office.  :)

My Bouquet to You ~

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

Mirror image ~

Isn't this reflection beautiful? The late afternoon sun created such a sharp image of the flower that it almost looks painted on the wall. The plant is a Texas Yucca, I think. If you know more, please check in! In fact, even if you don't know anything about the plant, I would love to read your comments!

Gnarly ancient tree photograph?

Well this tree in Saguaro East National Park has certainly been around for awhile but this "old photo" effect was done by the photographer. Beautiful, isn't it?

Photo courtesy of Ken Wilcox. 

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. 

Still cluckin'!

10 JANUARY 2010

Tucson's Favorite Chickens ~

THEN (2010): The wonderful Community Food Bank started a community garden about 5 years ago. The chicken coop houses a few different types of chickens and the only ones I saw today were this pair ~ I think they are Rhode Island Reds but my knowledge of chickens is pretty limited! The eggs are sold at local farmer's markets.

NOW: The Food Bank chickens are now part of a whole program called Nuestra Tierra. Read more about it and how you can volunteer HERE: 

Winter Picnic ~

Here's a beautiful and quiet picnic spot for a special winter outing. No one around for miles! This winter wonderland setting is within Tucson's Agua Caliente Park.

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.