Welcome!

This great sign on Oracle near Miracle Mile welcomes visitors and it reminds me of the wonderful signs of times past when Route 66 was a thriving vacation route. 

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.

Magnificent Moonrise

Wow! Golden globe - 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.

Happy Season!

Let me wish you and everyone you love a wonderful holiday season! Eat well and enjoy yourself during this festive time to be with friends and reflect on the year behind us and the year ahead. 

Same House, Different Chef

Every year the Arizona Inn creates a "Mini Inn" display for the lobby. I don't know if the house is gingerbread (or even if it is edible). Here's a quick review of 6 versions that have been on display in recent years. The top image is this year's house. A little skimpy on embellishments IMHO.

YES, the alarming orange icing is really that color - no trick of the camera! Anyone who has ever seen the Inn will describe it as more of a PINK than an ORANGE color so it is unclear why the pastry chefs went so heavy into the "Hazard Orange" color zone...   Which one do you like the best? And YES some years are definitely better than others (as you can see for yourself).