Corny Christmas Cactus

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

A Little Campaign Humor

This election cycle has been so horrible and contentious! I did have to laugh, however, when I saw this campaign sign! 
 

Tucson Rocks On!

My neighbors have long been painting inspirational rocks and placing them around the area on walls, in trees and gardens, and within the pocket parks. COVID-19 seemingly has prompted even more rocks to be placed to create a little moment of surprise and joy for anyone who spots one. In just the last week I have found these seven: "Believe," "Smile," "Love," "Kind," "Heart," "Polka Dots" and perhaps the most clever one of all - PIZZA SLICE! And one by one I am placing them for others to find. :)

Take a break ~

This pretty tiled bench is on one of the walking paths in my neighborhood. It is a very inviting place to stop for a little rest! 

Feeling stressed out?

For several weeks local artists have been painting cheerful rocks with lovely images and inspiring messages that are left all around the neighborhood. These little rock "treasures" are meant to be seen, enjoyed, and moved to another location for another lucky pedestrian to spot.

This painted rock is quite different - it is stress personified! Are you feeling stressed too? Take a breath and just hold on. Things will improve! We just don't know exactly when! 

Some Magical Local Color ~

There are so many artists in my neighborhood! The sidewalks are covered with butterflies, bees, dragon flies, flowers....   It lifts my spirits when I see this beauty every day! 

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.

Whooooo's Coming to Town? Santa Owl!

Wow - check it out! Our neighborhood Santa Owl has grown a beard since last year! Top photo is from today. Bottom photo is last year. FUN! 

Can you see it?

So delicate and fine.... I almost missed this spider web in front of my house. The light had to catch it in just the right way. Lovely! 

With spring comes bugs - BIG bugs!

OK, OK, I know that spiders aren't bugs (they are arachnids) but "Big Arachnids" didn't have quite the same ring to it. Here is another imaginative piece of residential yard art (well, in this case - ROOF ART) spotted by a follower. Note the golf club legs! This is the same house that has the robot mailbox and the dragons.... I guess the guy is an ex-golfer! Good way to reuse and recycle!

Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

There goes the neighborhood!

Check out these wacky dragons as yard art! FUN!

Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

9 Years Later - He Hasn't Blinked ~

17 JANUARY 2010

Tucson's Bas Relief Godzilla ~

THEN: This oversized lizard stands guard on a residential garden wall that faces Broadway. What fun!

NOW:  He is still on guard, watching the traffic pass on Broadway. Still fun! 

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.

Who Who Who's Ready for Christmas?

When the Santa hat appears on our neighborhood owl, it's getting pretty close to Christmas!

So THAT'S what they are called!

 

It's common to see these colorful and elaborate paper cut outs hung from houses in Tucson. They always look so festive! Do you know what they are called? Click HERE to learn a little bit of Mexican history about them! 

Special land line!

You sure don't need a land line telephone if you have this handy phone box at your front door!

Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

Truckin'

Another wonderful and imaginative Tucson mailbox! The hood ornament is the front flap. Fun!

Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Friday's Feast of Flowers ~

Not only is my neighbor's sunflower patch a feast for the eyes, it's also a feast for the birds and small animals who enjoy seeds. Seeing these sunflowers reminds me that there are definitely some benefits to this intense heat - sunflowers just keep growing! 

Tucson Throwback Thursday ~

28 JUNE 2009

Doggie bags of a different sort ~

THEN & NOW: Some things remain the same! This nice community is definitely onto something. Throughout the neighborhood they have placed mailboxes painted with fun themes - desert wildlife, dog silhouettes, etc. As a courtesy to their dog walking neighbors, plastic doggie bags are stored inside the mailbox in case a clean up situation occurs when the dog walker is "bag-less."

Magical Lanterns ~

One of my neighbors has a fantastic collection of hanging lanterns on the front porch - all cool, crisp white! So interesting and beautiful!