desertsouthwest

Morning walk in wash~Nature Notes~122211

2011-12-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

This morning was bright and clear and I headed out for a morning walk. Hubby and I are staying at the Desert Ridge Canyon Villas, in Scottsdale, AZ. I love to walk here whenever we stay here and I often walk through the wash which runs alongside their golf course. Hehehehe! I can hide from the gardeners in the morning and from the early-morning golfers. They don't even know I'm there! And, I get to see quail, roadrunners, cottontails, and morning doves. This morning, the wash was full of wet smells from the 2 days of rain previously. I'm glad I was able to get out and enjoy this walk. Here are some photos I took this morning. Nature Notes for December 22, 2011. To visit Nature Notes, please go to: http://ramblingwoods.com/

Museum church~Whimsical Windows, Delirious Doors~122011

2011-12-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

This little church is at the Superstition Mountains museum, which offers a spectacular view of the mountains from the top of the mountain above the museum. It was dark and cloudy, but you can still see the window above the door. It is a very nice little museum, with a lot of information, and it's right down the road from the Lost Dutchman State Park. Whimsical Windows and Delirious Doors for December 20, 2011. To visit WW and DD, please go to this link: http://iwishiwereaphotographer.blogspot.com

Clouds on the Superstition Mountains~Our World Tuesday~122011

2011-12-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to photograph the Supersition Mountains with snow on them. There wasn't snow today, but there were low clouds around them, which was almost as good. We arrived mid-afternoon, but it was so dark and overcast that there wasn't any sun on the mountains. So, I focused on the clouds instead! Our World Tuesday for December 20, 2011. To visit OWTuesday, please go to: http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/

Protecting the crops~Nature Notes~120911

2011-12-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Coachella Valley, California's second largest agricultural valley, has had hard freezes all this week. My school is out by some of the largest fields near Coachella and this morning, I took my camera with me to photograph the smudge pots. Only they weren't smudge pots. I remember a couple of years ago, when we had a few days of hard frosts. The growers were burning bales of hay. I'm not sure what they were burning this morning. It looked like piles of hay or straw. All I do know is that the lower end of the valley was full of smoke and after driving by, my car, my hair, and my clothes were full of smoke, too! According to the local news, their entire crop of bell peppers has been lost because they froze on the inside and turned to mush. There were fields and fields of table grapes and artichokes, which have both survived, at least, for now. Fields of onions appear to be okay, but the peppers are gone. Nature Notes for December 9, 2011. To visit Nature Notes, please go to: http://ramblingwoods.com/

Dates!

2011-11-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Those yellow things are a cluster of dates. We don't see many of those in town, except at our local college and these two palm trees at our local park. All the other trees are trimmed and dateless. So, I was surprised to see these at our civic center park the other day. They will ripen and be harvested about January. Soon, they will be covered with brown paper to protect them from the birds.

What in the world??? Mellow Yellow Monday~112111

2011-11-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Anybody want to guess what these are? Answer tomorrow! Mellow Yellow Monday for November 21, 2011. To visit MYMonday, please go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

desert sunset~Sunday stills Challenge~111311

2011-11-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge was to focus on one subject and then post a "bad" and "good" photo of it. Or, good and better? Anyway, the top photo was taken in Scottsdale, at the Desert Ridge Villas one afternoon in August. I waited a few minutes and then took the bottom one. What a difference a few minutes can make, right? Same camera, same spot, but different light. Sunday Stills Challenge for November 13, 2011. To visit SSC, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Desert morning ~SkyWatch Friday ~102811

2011-10-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Sunrises like this make it worthwhile to wake up early once in a while! SkyWatch Friday for October 28, 2011. To see SWF, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Monument Valley~Sunday Stills Challenge~102311

2011-10-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Monument Valley is one of hubby's favorite places and whenever we are in Arizona, off we go! All of our cars have made the journey down its bumpy road, except the X-Terra and I'm sure she'll get to do it someday. Its rock formations can be seen in many movies, including several John Wayne ones. Hubby loves to stand out at Ford Point and take photos. I, of course, am more interested in the Navajo horses! Anyway, that's my take for this week's challenge, rocks and rock formations. Arizona has many beautiful rock formations, including those at Canyon de Chelly and the Grand Canyon, as well as Monument Valley, so it was hard to choose! Sunday Stills Challenge for October 23, 2011. To stop by and see all the other participants in Sunday Stills, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com

Desert sunrise~SkyWatch Friday~100811

2011-10-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't have far to look for this sunrise. One morning, when I awoke at 3:30 a.m. bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I got all my morning chores done and peeked outside to view the sunrise. And, what a beauty it was! This was the morning that the first of two storms moved through the Coachella Valley. I just went out into my driveway, looked to the east, and saw this beautiful palate of colors! What a way to start the day! SkyWatch Friday for October 8, 2011. To visit Skywatch Friday, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Mexican Bird of Paradise and bee~Garden Bloggers Bloom Day~091511

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Mexican bird of paradise shrubs have been absolutely delightful this summer in the desert southwest. Their color has accented many a desert garden. I don't have this variety. I have the pure yellow one, but I did plant one of these multi-colored ones in my front yard. I found this one over in Arizona, at the Desert Ridge Villas one morning as I was out for my morning walk. GBBD for September 15, 2011. To visit GBBD, please go to: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/
And, yes, these are STILL blooming here in our desert!

Joshua Trees and sky~SkyWatch Friday~090211

2011-09-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

It had just rained Sunday when we drove up to Joshua Tree National Park for the afternoon. But, everything was clean and fresh and COOL! It was a wonderful afternoon to visit the park as there weren't many cars on the main road. We nearly had the park to ourselves! SkyWatch Friday for September 2, 2011. Here's the link: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

"pests"~Sunday stills Challenge~082811

2011-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here in the desert southwest, we have a LOT of pests! Some are animal, but most of them are plants. And, the peskiest ones are in the cactus family. Believe me, you do NOT want to run into a cholla cactus (which I didn't even add here!) Just looking out my front window, my bougenvilla has awful thorns. I have two mesquite tree with wicked thorns. And, our acacia trees...sigh...let's just NOT go there! I found all of the following at the Palm Desert visitor's center (the old building...they have moved to a new one.) (WHAT kind of visitor center is surrounded by vicious cacti?) So, BEWARE!!!!!! While the desert has animals that crawl, fly, sting, and strike, it also has plants that can getcha' too! OUCH!!!

What are YOU looking at?~SOOC Sunday~082811

2011-08-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is the squirrel who lived up at the cabins on the Mogollon Rim. I believe it was a female. She tempted fate when she was out looking for food a couple of afternoons and the Cooper's hawks were up in a nearby tree. Apparently she didn't like me looking at her! SOOC Sunday for August 28, 2011. I took this photo out of the living room window as I didn't wish to go outside and scare her off. To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Osprey~SkyWatch Friday ~ 082611

2011-08-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

The day we drove out to Black Canyon Lake, we arrived to hear the screeching of a young osprey. The nest was in the top of a tree overlooking the lake. The young osprey was extremely loud ( apparently wishing to have a meal...) A heron flew over the nest and one of the parents took off after it and chased it away from the nest. SkyWatch Friday for August 26, 2011. To see SkyWatch Friday, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

First sunset and first morning at the cabin

2011-08-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

The first evening I walked down to Highway 260 to see the sunset. The sun was setting over the little western town across the road (see top photo). The next morning, I eagerly awoke to see my first sunrise up on the rim.

The Cabin~Part 2

2011-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

We rented a cabin in Overgaard, Arizona, which is up on the rim, for 3 nights. The 4th night was free. We'd found these cabins back in 2000 when we stayed at another cabin in Forest Lakes for a whole week. At that time, we noticed that thunderstorms developed every afternoon. It cooled down and started raining during August and hubby and I wanted to get out of our desert heat and head for the high mountains. We had been up here over Memorial Day and put a deposit down on one of the cabins which was the furthest back from Highway 260. It was called the "Coffee Plantation" and was decorated with aspen wood on the inside. It had a back porch and 2 bedrooms. There's a lot of street noise along Highway 260 and I'm a light sleeper, but the back of this cabin faced away from the highway. We ended up staying one more night, instead of driving back to Scottsdale for our final night, so we stayed for 5 nights. We did our shopping at Whole Foods and AJ's, down in Scottsdale and brought some steaks up with us. The guy at the check-in said elk came down the wash behind the cabin, but we never saw any. (I think that was @#$%%^&$!) We did discover a family of Cooper's hawks in the trees behind the cabin and we both watched them all week. I also heard an owl the first morning we were there, but never saw it. We were prohibited from walking across the wash as there were "NO TRESPASSING" signs all around the houses behind the cabins. Some of the other cabins are privately owned, but the majority are rented out during the year. If you want to read more about these cabins, here's the link: http://www.azresortcabins.com/

Payson, Arizona ~Arizona trip~ Part 1

2011-08-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

I've decided to do some posts here about our Arizona trip, even though we were up in the mountains of central and eastern Arizona. While that area isn't desert, it IS part of the desert southwest. Hubby and I spent 6 days up on the Mogollon Rim. For those of you not familiar with Arizona, the Mogollon Rim is in Arizona's "high" country. No saguaros there, nope! This area was once below sea level and if you go hiking, you can find fossils of shellfish! Now, it sits over 7,000 feet and looks out onto ponderosa forests. This is the area of the White Mountain Apache. They still have land in this area and, if you see it, you can understand why they fought so hard to keep it. I admire them for that. It IS beautiful land, from the pinyons to the ponderosa forests, to the grassy plateaus. We some some beautiful lakes and forests here. We also saw complete devastation from the 2002 Rodeo-Chedisky fire and this summer's Wallow fire. But, enough depressing talk! We began our journey to "the rim" from Scottsdale, where we spent 3 nights. We drove out Highway 87, past Fort McDowell, past the Bush Highway, to Payson. That was about a 2 hour drive. Payson sits at the base of highway 260, which runs along the top of the rim. There are many campgrounds along this highway and several ranger stations. We like to stop at this one, which is outside Payson, about 10 miles. It has a wonderful view of the rim and we stop here each trip. There was a Bloodhound inside the station when we arrived. He was pathetically thin and dehydrated. Turns out, hubby had a bloodhound as a child, and went right over to him. Apparently he got loose from his owners while they were camping. The rangers called the number on his tag (yes, he had a tag), but there was no answer. He must have been loose, they assumed, for over a WEEK! The poor thing was skin and bones and the bottoms of his feet were raw. How he survived out there for over a week (with bears and mountain lions) was beyond their belief. They were going to give him some water and take him to a vet for a thorough exam. Poor thing!!! From the ranger station, we continued our climb up the rim highway. One reason we so enjoy going to this part of Arizona is that, in August, it has daily thunderstorms. It can be clear in the morning, but usually by 1:00 or 2:00 p.m., the thunderheads have built up and BOOM! The lightning and thunder starts. ... to be continued

Ocotillo thorns~SOOC Sunday~081411

2011-08-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love investigating desert plants, from agave to ocotillo, to desert lavendar, to palo verdes and saguaros. Did you know most desert plants, like this ocotillo, DO have thorns or stickers? One time, while visiting near the Superstition Mountains, hubby and I went for a walk through their cactus garden. There is a lot of cholla there and I looked down at one cholla and to my horror, saw a young mockingbird impaled on it! OUCH! So, even desert birds have to be cautious around desert plants. I know that some people walk out into the desert with shorts and flip flops...I NEVER do! I always wear my hiking boots, socks, and long pants (recently, however, I have been wearing my hiking boots, socks, and capris). There are just too many sharp, pointy things in the desert for me! This is SOOC, for Sunday, August 14, 2011. To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Cactus closeup~Sunday Stills Challenge~0811411

2011-08-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hubby is "allowing" me to use his Canon (EOS Rebel T2i) camera this weekend. As we drove down the Salt River road, the Bush Highway, we stopped along the way to take some photos. I saw this cactus and stopped to photograph it while hubby wandered down the road. Using a Canon camera is a real mind-shift for me, as I have a Nikon. So, we'll see what happens over the next week as I learn to use a Canon! I still have my Nikon and will NEVER give her up, but this one is completely different and I'm on a learning curve! Sunday Stills Challenge for August 14, 2011.

Sunrise, same spot

2011-08-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

Sunrise, same spot at Desert Ridge Villas, in Scottsdale, Arizona, about two weeks later. We awoke at 4:40 a.m. this morning to a thunderstorm. We turned off all the lights and just watched nature's show. Once it was light, I headed out for my morning walk and this is what I saw. It was still sprinkling and later I saw a rainbow. Actually, there was a double one, which I didn't see, but my camera captured.

"D" is for dawn~ABC Wednesday~081011

2011-08-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

An Arizona dawn, taken in Scottsdale. I like to get up early and go for a morning walk and see rabbits, quail, and cactus wrens. ABC Wednesday for August 10, 2011. To visit ABC Wednesday, please go to: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

"Water"~Community Photo challenge 080711

2011-08-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

"Water"~Mono Lake, CA one June afternoon this year. Mono Lake is such an interesting environment, especially in the late afternoon with shadows and reflections. Every time we go to the Sierra, we stop by Mono Lake. Community Photo Challenge for August, 2011. To see other participants, please go to: http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/

"Vanishing Point"~Community Photo Challenge 080711

2011-08-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

This is the walkway at the south tufa at Mono Lake, CA. We arrived late one cloudy afternoon in June of this year. We weren't sure what kind of sunset we'd see and were pleased to see a beautiful, orange one later in the day. "Vanishing Point" for Community Photo Challenge, August 2011. To see this challenge, please go to: http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/2011/08/community-photo-challenge-vanishing.html

"Sunrise"~Sunday stills Challenge 080711

2011-08-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunrise today at the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA, out by the flamingo lake. Sunday Stills Challenge for August 8, 2011.

And the skies opened up~SkyWatch Friday~080511

2011-08-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

This was an afternoon thunderstorm up in our local mountains this week. The desert floor got some sprinkles a couple of times, but not the amount of rain that our mountains did. We've had afternoon thunderstorms for several days. I always enjoy these afternoon storms and I frequently drive up into the mountains to just sit and observe and listen. Those are the Santa Rosa mountains and this is up in the pinyon forest. SkyWatch Friday for August 5, 2011. To visit SkyWatch Friday, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

"C" is for clouds~ABC Wednesday~080311

2011-08-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

We've had 4 days of thunderstorms here lately. They are coming up from Mexico and it's monsoon season. I took a drive up into our local mountains yesterday during the storm. It was POURING and there was lightning and thunder. We had another desert thunderstorm this afternoon and then it should be clear for several days. "C" is for clouds...ABC Wednesday, August 2, 2011. To visit ABC Wednesday, please visit: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

Lone palm tree and thunderheads

2011-07-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

We woke up to a cloudy sky yesterday and by the afternoon, thunderheads were developing over our mountains to the south and also over the Colorado River. We didn't get any rain, but from our house in Palm Desert, I could hear thunder rumbling through near our local mountains. Today is even more cloudy and I'm hoping that by this afternoon we'll have a thunderstorm and some RAIN!!! Photo taken at Desert Springs Marriott, Palm Desert.

Our thunderheads~

2011-07-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

I awoke early this morning to a morning sky full of clouds. It was a beautiful sunrise...pinks, oranges in the clouds...ahhhhhh....OUR monsoon season has finally arrived!!! And, by noon, they were developing over our local mountains. We have rain(!) forecast for the next two days ...(possibly...). It's always a guess here in our desert. Our monsoon storms come from the south, up over the Santa Rosa mountains from Mexico. If I look out and see clouds over those mountains, and they are thunderheads, I'm pretty sure a summer storm is on its way. And, that is happening this afternoon! FINALLY!!!

Arizona thunderheads~SkyWatch Friday~072911

2011-07-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Looking north from Cave Creek, we saw these thunderheads developing one afternoon. By early evening, the thunderstorm had rolled closer and we could see lightning and occasionally heard thunder. We love going to Arizona during the monsoon season. We didn't have any thunderstorms here in our desert last summer and this one isn't shaping up to be much of a monsoon season either. SkyWatch Friday for July 29, 2011. To see other skywatchers, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Cave Creek, Arizona

2011-07-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

We drove through Cave Creek last weekend. Cave Creek has a lot of shops and restaurants and it is a little community northeast of Scottsdale. There was a huge thunderstorm out that way Saturday night, after we returned to the hotel, so we sat out on the patio and watched it.

Snake on the road WARNING snake pics

2011-07-25T16:53:00.001-07:00

On our way over to Bartlett Lake last weekend, I spotted a snake by the side of the road. I cautiously got out of the car, but since it was upside down, I knew it was dead. Yup. Dead as a doorknob...I could see where it had been run over (below the head...) and since it was out in the hot sun anyway, I knew it was a goner. I do believe it is a diamondback rattlesnake, older than the one I ATTEMPTED to save up on Highway 74 (see: http://deserthorses.blogspot.com/2011/04/rattlesnakemikey-this-is-for-you-041711.html), but it was indeed a rattlesnake. I'm thankful that I've never run into a rattlesnake while out on my morning hikes. The diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most poisonous ones here in our desert and I seem to find them along the roads, either dead or nearly so...

Cactus spines~OUCH~Cactus Monday~072411

2011-07-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

I found this cactus out by the pool this morning and took these photos of it. We had a tremendous thunderstorm over here in Arizona last night~rain, thunder, lightning! At one point, I screamed, it was so loud! And, this morning, everything is sparkling and everything smells...moist! The quail were out feeding, rabbits were feeding, and I went for a long walk at the hotel! Cactus Monday for July 24, 2011. To visit Cactus Monday, please go to: http://painteddaisies.blogspot.com/

Water at play~SOOC Sunday~July 24, 2011

2011-07-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I are over in Scottsdale, AZ, enjoying a change of scenery this weekend. Our villa room is right above the pool and since hubby was slow getting started this morning, I took my camera down to the pool area and took these photos. It was about 9:00 and was already humid (there's a spectacular thunderstorm off to the north, near Payson, AZ tonight). The kids and families were soon out, enjoying the water features. SOOC Sunday for July 24, 2011. Doesn't this look like FUN? These are at Desert Ridge Villas, in Scottsdale, Arizona. To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Return to Arizona

2011-07-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

We're heading back to Arizona this weekend. I can only take 109 clear, cloudless days for so long. I need a change of scenery, so off we go! The horses are getting their feet trimmed tomorrow and the vet will be out to look at Cali's eyes (she gets a fly infestation every summer) and after that is done, we'll be heading over to Arizona. I took these photos at the Salt River this past spring, when we went for a 3 day weekend at that time. This is the part of the river where many people rent rafts and go down the river, as you can see. It sure looked like fun!

Favorite road, Lone Pine~Scenic Sunday~071711

2011-07-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times we travel to the Sierra, we always manage to take this road outside of Lone Pine, CA. There is a huge ranch along it and cattle sometimes are grazing along the road. It's a one lane road and sometimes we have to pull over to let other cars or trucks pass. We always enjoy stopping here and looking up at the Sierra. Scenic Sunday for July 17, 2011. Please go to: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Thunderheads over Sierra~SkyWatch Friday~071511

2011-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thunderheads over the sierra near Mt. Whitney and Lone Pine. Actually, we stopped at the Manzanar National Monument to snap this photo on our way home over the July 4th weekend. The clouds were from tropical storm Arlene, which was an Atlantic storm, not one of our summer Pacific monsoons. SkyWatch Friday for July 15, 2011. To see other skies, please visit SkyWatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Mogollon Rim ranger station visit~Sunday Stills Challenge~060511

2011-06-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

During our trip to Arizona last weekend, hubby and I stopped at the Mogollon Rim ranger station. We always stop there to look at their displays and to view the rim. It extends for miles and miles and as far as one can see, there is nothing but pines. And, Smokey the Bear was there on this visit! He was delighting all the little ones, who were squealing when they saw him! It was a good family day to visit the station and I took a little bit of time and wandered around inside. Sunday Stills Challenge for June 5, 2011. The Mogollon Rim is high above Payson, Arizona, and is at about 7,500 feet elevation. To view other participants in Sunday Stills, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

"T"...ABC Wednesday~June 1, 2011

2011-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

"T" is for Tonto Basin, Teddy Roosevelt Lake, and tree. Roosevelt Lake is in the Tonto National Forest which is between Phoenix and Payson. ABC Wednesday for June 1, 2011. To see other participants, please go to: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

Cactus blossom and bee~Cactus Monday~053011

2011-05-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about the name of this cactus. I think it was "Peruvian something"...It was on a plaque at the Camelback Resort in Scottsdale. I just didn't get a photo of it. However, it was busy with bees all over it, so I CAREFULLY got close and snapped a couple of photos! Cactus Monday for May 30, 2011. To view other Cactus Monday posts, please go to: http://painteddaisies.blogspot.com/

Palo verde and blue sky~SkyWatch Friday~052011

2011-05-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Palo verde trees in bloom in Arizona and a clear blue sky last weekend. Ahhhhh.......!!!! SkyWatch Friday for May 20, 2011. To see other participants, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Wagons and wheels~Ruby Tuesday~May 17, 2011

2011-05-16T17:33:00.001-07:00

We found these red wheels and the red carriage at the Superstition Mountain museum. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to go inside the museum, but there was plenty to see outdoors! Ruby Tuesday for May 16,2011. To see other participants, please visit: http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Yellow mountains~Mellow Yellow Monday~051611

2011-05-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I took the road to Roosevelt Lake on Saturday, during our trip to Arizona. We were amazed to see these yellow mountains along the way in the Superstition Mountains. Aren't they interesting? Mellow Yellow for Monday, May 16, 2011. To see other yellows, please go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Looking high, looking low~Sunday stills Challenge 051511

2011-05-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Canyon Lake, in the Superstition Mountains, is where I took both my "low and high" photos for this week's Sunday Stills Challenge. That is looking down at an inlet of the lake (and I HATE standing on the edge, looking down!) and then, right across the road, looking up. Can you see the lone saguaro? I didn't realize how vast the Superstition Mountains are! And, once you go beyond the park, if you continue up the road to Tortilla Flats, there is beautiful scenery along the way. Hubby and I will have to return sometime...maybe next fall! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 15, 2011.

woodpecker in the morning

2011-05-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

We are back over here at Desert Ridge, in Scottsdale. OF COURSE I woke up very early this morning (4:00 a.m.) and by 5:00 a.m, I was out the door for a LONG morning walk! I found a huge saguaro with lots of holes in it, but it was too dark to take a photo, so I kept walking. Upon my return, however, I spotted a bird fly into one of the holes, so I crept closer to investigate. It was a woodpecker. She/he flew off a couple of times to grab some grub for the little ones, so I stayed around to watch him/her. I was going to delete the blurry photo, but I decided to keep it...I kind of like it. What do you think?

"Doors"~Sunday Stills Challenge 050811

2011-05-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

When hubby and I traveled to the Grand Canyon in February, we stopped at this museum which is on one of the turnouts at the South Rim. We had never stopped there before and as he wandered around outside, I went in to investigate. I was more intrigued by the ravens which were out in the parking lot to pay much attention to the museum (I was on a quest for a good raven photo!), and I would like to visit it again sometime! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 8, 2011.

"P" is for...ABC Wednesday 050411

2011-05-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

petroglyphs! And, these petroglyphs are outside of Bishop, CA. You have to check in with the Bishop BLM and get directions and sign a form stating that you are driving out to see them. That's because vandals (idiots) sometimes deface them or shoot at them! They are thousands of years old and I'm reading up about them to find out what some of them mean. It is interesting to note that southwest petroglyphs seems to be in the places that hubby and I love to visit: Nevada's Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon, Bishop, Canyon de Chelly...some of our favorite photograph spots! "P" is for petroglyphs, ABC Wednesday for May 4, 2011.To view other participants this week, please go to: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

Sierra sky~SkyWatch Friday 042911

2011-04-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sky over the eastern Sierras, outside of Bishop, CA. Isn't it beautiful? We LOVE the Sierras. SkyWatch Friday for April 29, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Mono Lake dust storm~Nature Notes~042811

2011-04-28T02:23:00.000-07:00

While up in the Sierras last week, hubby and I drove out to the Mono Lake visitor center. Unfortunately, it was still closed for the winter. Fortunately, however, we saw a view of Mono Lake that neither one of us had seen before. It was extremely windy that day and there were white caps out on the lake. A few other tourists had pulled into the visitor center parking lot and people were out and about with their cameras. We had noticed a huge cloud of dust from Highway 395 and when I got out and zoomed in on it, we saw that it was dust and sand from the offshore islands. It was snowing in the Sierras behind us and it was so cold that I bundled up in my heavy jacket! The lake wasn't the peaceful lake that I've seen before. This time, it was unruly and violent...a very different world indeed! Nature Notes for April 28, 2011. To view other participants, please visit: http://ramblingwoods.com/

"O"~ABC Wednesday 042711

2011-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Owens River, or what's left of it, flows through the Owens Valley. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power has almost sucked it dry. Owens Lake is an awful dustbowl and eyesore (just my opinion). It's sad to see a beautiful valley turned into a desert. But, alas, that's another story. This shows the Owens River just outside of Lone Pine. By the time it gets a couple of towns further south, there is very little water left. I don't understand why Los Angeles, which sits on the Pacific OCEAN, doesn't desalinate its water...??? "O" for ABC Wednesday, April 27, 2011. To see other participants, please go to: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

Charcoal Kilns~Owens Valley~That's My World 042511

2011-04-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many times hubby and I have driven by these charcoal kilns and we've never stopped until our last visit to the Owens Valley last week. Maybe it's because we had six days to enjoy the scenery? There's a sign which says, "Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns", off Highway 395, so off we went to investigate. They were built in 1873 and the charcoal was hauled up to the nearby mines. For an interesting article on the kilns, here's a link: http://www.robertwynn.com/Cottonwood.htm. While this isn't my world, we enjoy traveling up to the Sierras whenever possible! That's My World for Tuesday, April 25, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Lone Pine ranch road

2011-04-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Whenever we travel to Lone Pine an the Sierras, we always take a side road, which I believe it Lycken Canyon Road. It meanders up through a large cattle ranch and is only one lane, but there isn't much travel on the road. Neither one of us really begins to relax until we hit this road and we take our time driving up it. If you reach the end of it, you can drive up to Horseshoe Meadows, but that road was closed further up due to snow and road conditions. Here are a few views from the road.

Olancha~Scenic Sunday for 042411

2011-04-24T06:44:00.001-07:00

I debated about posting about our Sierra trip on this blog, since I do have another blog devoted to California (http://dunestopines.blogspot.com), but I decided since the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power did turn paradise into a desert, I would also post our photos from our last trip here. Anyway, hubby and I headed up to the eastern Sierras last Sunday. We stayed overnight in Hesperia, which cut an hour's driving time off our trip Monday. Both of us don't feel like we are in the Sierras until we have breakfast at the Ranch House Cafe in Olancha, which is along Highway 395, near the Crystal Geyser bottling plant. On this morning, the cattle were being loaded into trailers (see pics) and it was quite noisy! If you haven't stopped at the Ranch House Cafe, I suggest that you do! It's a quaint little cafe with decent food, about an hour south of Lone Pine. I'll be detailing the rest of our trip here and on my other blog this week. Scenic Sunday for April 24, 2011. Please go to: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/ to see other participants.

White flower~

2011-04-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

I stopped by our local community college yesterday morning to take some photos and on my way out, I noticed a bush with these white flowers on it. I have no idea what this is...can anybody identify it? It sure was pretty...I call it a mosquito flower because it has long tendrils, like the long legs of a mosquito!

Tamarisk blossoms~SOOC Sunday~April 11, 2011

2011-04-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Everything in the desert is blooming right now, including the tamarisk trees. I came across this one on my morning walk this morning. I didn't realize how beautiful their blooms were until I looked closely! SOOC Sunday for April 11, 2011. To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com

Swirling Sunset Clouds~Fabulous Friday~April 8, 2011

2011-04-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon, after school, I just happened to glance outside and saw a beautiful sunset, so I grabbed my camera and out I went. I looked up to see these swirling clouds and took a couple of photos. By then, the swirling clouds has completely disappeared, and the beautiful colors, too. I'm glad that I got to witness it, since we don't often get sunsets like this one! Fabulous Friday for April 8, 2011. To see other participants, please visit: http://mcdougallphotography.blogspot.com

"Two"~Simplicity Challenge 040611

2011-04-06T05:22:00.001-07:00

Two swans at the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. I love to go there in the morning and walk around the flamingo pond. These swans were out on one of the golf courses. Simplicity Challenge for April 6, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://faith-simplicity.blogspot.com/2011/04/photography-challenge-two.html

Mesquite tree in the morning 032611

2011-03-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

I went out for my morning walk this morning and on my way back, I spotted this mesquite tree against the blue sky, so I stopped to take a photo of it. The mesquites are just beginning to leaf out now as Spring begins!

Cottonwoods~Round Robin Challenge and Photo Challenge~March 20, 2011

2011-03-20T08:10:00.001-07:00

On our way home from Prescott and the Grand Canyon last weekend, we drove down Highway 89 through Peeple's Valley. There is a huge, flat valley there with cottonwoods. We stopped underneath these trees. They look bare, but if you double click on the photos to enlarge them, you can see the left buds just barely opening. They were filled with bees, who were busy at work and buzzing away! They are indeed between winter and spring! Round Robin Challenge for March 20, 2011 and . To view other participants, please visit: http://roundrobinphoto.blogspot.com/ Also for photo challenge: Trees. To see this challenge, please go to: http://pullingmymaskoff.blogspot.com/2011/03/photo-challenge-4-trees.html

Tower at the Grand Canyon~SkyWatch Friday 031811

2011-03-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

The watchtower at the Grand Canyon's desert view always intrigues me. I love to wander around outside it and inside, there are plenty of items to see (and buy!) Some construction is going on and I'll be anxious to see what is being done to it. When we were there last weekend, the sky was a beautiful blue. Skywatch Friday for March 18, 2011.

Window in Williams, AZ~Window Views and Doors, Too 031711

2011-03-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

This pretty window is in one of the stores along Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. We always like to stop there, since it is halfway between Prescott and Flagstaff. And, this store has so many interesting things in it! We always stop and buy something there. Window Views and Doors, Too for March 17, 2011.

Little Colorado~Outdoor Wednesday~March 16, 2011

2011-03-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Past the Grand Canyon, to the east, and along the highway, lies the Little Colorado. And, another side canyon is there. If you drive to Cameron, this canyon is just east of the Grand. Several Indian craft markets line the road, but, even in this recession, many of them were closed and vacant. I was driving when I drove by this spot and I slammed on the brakes, backed up, parked the car, and hiked down to this spot on the road. This canyon is quite impressive by itself and if you have a chance, be sure you stop and explore it! Outdoor Wednesday for March 16, 2011.

"Under"~Paper, Heart, Camera 031511

2011-03-14T18:09:00.001-07:00

Under the trees at Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona last fall. We traveled there in October, for a 3 day weekend and were amazed by the color of the oaks. Paper, Heart, Camera for March 15, 2011. To visit,PHC, please go to: http://paperheartcamera.blogspot.com/2011/03/show-and-tell-challenge-under.html

The Discovery of the Grand Canyon~That's My World 031511

2011-03-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine what the Spaniards must have thought when they first gazed down at the Grand Canyon? I've been there about half a dozen times now and every time I see it, my jaw drops open and I simply gaze at it. What a work of nature! I took photos of the map and poster about the Spanish discovery and if you double click on the text, you can read it. I've read several accounts about how annoyed they were to find it because they were looking for gold! But, I think for us, the Grand Canyon is a treasure itself. This trip, because we arrived at high noon, hubby and I spent our time there taking photos of the crows, the junipers, and I zoomed in and focused on various rock outcroppings. I did get a couple of shots of the Colorado River, which was very muddy this time of year, with all the runoff. There was even snow on the sides of the canyon and alongside the roads. I'll be posting more photos of the canyon this week! That's My World for Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Jerome~Scenic Sunday 031311

2011-03-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I are over in Arizona for the weekend. We're staying in Prescott and driving out during the daytime. Today we headed out Highway 89 to Jerome. It's an interesting town to photograph, but we personally don't find much to do there. I did buy a turquoise necklace from the cutest little old grandma who had her jewelry on her car hood, above Jerome. She was just so sweet! I had to scrounge to get $10 in cash, since neither hubby nor I had much! But I was able to do it and I love my turquoise horse necklace! After Jerome, we drove through Cottonwood, then Sedona, then Oak Creek Canyon. We stopped in Flagstaff and drove west through the aspen stands. It was a long day today! Scenic Sunday for March 13, 2011. To visit Scenic Sunday, please go to: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Smoketree and sky~SkyWatch Friday 031111

2011-03-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

A smoketree against a blue, but cloudy sky last weekend. I stopped at the base of Deep Canyon and walked out by the Art Smith Trail. Nobody was around and it was a beautiful, crisp, clear morning. Ahhhh....SPRING! SkyWatch Friday for March 11, 2011. To see other participants, please visit: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Mountain sunset~SOOC Sunday 022011

2011-02-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

One afternoon, after school, I headed up Highway 74 to view the sunset. There were quite a few other people at the Vista Point overlook and turnout. I actually traveled down the mountain a little way and pulled over to take this photo. SOOC Sunday, February 20, 2011.

Sweet acacia~Mellow Yellow Monday 021411

2011-02-14T05:42:00.001-08:00

Our sweet acacias are beginning to bloom. Their scent drifts throughout our yard (I have 8 of them in the yard!) I like their shade and yes, in the spring, their delightful smell! Some little birds also enjoy them and frequently make their nests near the acacias. They are a delightful tree for the desert, but watch out for their thorns! They provide a mesh-like shade for a patio and grow quickly. They also naturalize, so if you have one, soon you'll have more! Mellow Yellow Monday for February 14, 2011. Happy Valentine's Day (also my birthday!).

Wildflower~Macro Friday 021111

2011-02-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Just a pretty yellow flower that I found at the Living Desert Reserve a couple of weeks ago. Macro Friday for February 11, 2011.

Desert flower~Macro Outdoor Challenge 020711

2011-02-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I recently took a Saturday photography class out at Anza Borrego park, near the Salton Sea. We spent the morning doing macro photography, which I thoroughly enjoyed! At one point in the morning, we discovered these flowers blooming out in the desert. I think they are salvia, but I'm going to have to check that! Whatever they were, they intrigued me and I enjoyed photographing them! :-) Macro Outdoor Challenge for February 7, 2011. To see other participants, please do visit: http://livingtakestalent.blogspot.com

First of the month~February 2011

2011-02-03T04:46:00.000-08:00

This month, I was out and around town. Nothing spectacular, but I did see some beautiful flowers in full bloom and considering that most of the country is under snow, I though I'd share some "California sunshine" with you! :-) First of the month for February, 2011. To see other participants' entries, please stop by and visit: http://www.murrieta365.com/

I can see for miles and miles...Font's Point, Anza-Borrego Badlands~

2011-01-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

Talk about seeing for miles and miles...these are the badlands near Anza-Borrego state park. Hubby and I put up our tripods at Fonts Point and went exploring, looking for the perfect spot to get a photo...The Salton Sea would be to the left on the top photo. Unfortunately, by the time we drove home, it was past sunset and we didn't get any photos of the sea. Somebody we will have to drive down there and get some photos of it. But, that's another adventure!

Carriage in the sky? SkyWatch Friday 012111

2011-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Not really, but I did see this one on top of a building in Payson, Arizona and just HAD to stop and get a photo of it! SkyWatch Friday for January 21, 2011.

windows, Desert Ridge~Thursday Challenge 012011

2011-01-20T05:35:00.001-08:00

I woke up early one morning during our recent trip to Desert Ridge Canyon Villas and I walked down to the lobby. It wasn't even light outside yet and the lobby was deserted. I looked up and saw these windows and decided to take a photo of them. I'm always looking at windows, but, unfortunately, I spend so much of my time outdoors taking landscape photos, I don't have that many of them! So, I was pleased to see this weekly challenge and have something to contribute! Thursday Challenge for January 20, 2011. To visit other participants in Thursday Challenge, please visit: http://www.spunwithtears.com/thursday.html or click on the badge at the bottom of my blog. :-)

"A" is for...ABC Wednesday 011911

2011-01-19T16:50:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I headed up the Mogollon Rim in Central Arizona last weekend. There is a stand of ASPEN up there that we like to revisit each trip. This time, they were surrounded by snow, and stood ALONE in a snowy meadow. ABC Wednesday for January 19, 2011.

Cholla, cholla EVERYWHERE!! Cactus Monday for January 16, 2011

2011-01-17T03:13:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I stopped at the Superstition Mountains state park in Arizona yesterday before we headed for home. Neither one of us had been there before. We'd passed by near it the previous afternoon and I looked up the park online. So, I suggested to hubby that we visit it before we left for home and we were both glad that we did! It's got great plant variety there and lots of animals. We intend to return late one afternoon next time, so that the sun is on the mountains and we aren't TRYING to take photos of it facing into the sun! But, the park is full of cholla cactus. I looked down at one point and both of my shoes were covered with them! ACK! And, I'm always careful about where I put my feet! I didn't have my boots on, but I did have a pair of slip on HEAVY shoes, so I never got hurt by the cholla, but next time, I'll be sure to have on my heavy boots! Here are some pics of the cacti. Cactus Monday for January 16, 2011.

Rock silhouette~Scenic Sunday, SOOC Sunday 011611

2011-01-15T19:40:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I were tired yesterday from our all-day drive from Scottsdale to the Mogollon Rim and then back down to Globe, Arizona. We stayed overnight in Scottsdale and headed out fairly late, after breakfast. While I like to get an early start, hubby...er..."procrastinates" and has to check his emails time after time and we didn't even get started until 10:00 a.m. and THEN we had to go out for breakfast! (...drumming fingernails on counter...) But, ahem, back to my story...so after breakfast we headed out past McDowell Mountain to Payson, when hubby remarked, "We might as well head up to the Mogollon Rim and see how much snow there is." Well, let me tell you, there was PLENTY of snow up there! But the roads were clear, so we drove to Show Low and then down to Globe. We hit the big canyon by the Salt River there in late afternoon, when we pulled over before a tunnel and I leaned out the driver's side window and pointed and took this shot. I was shooting into the sunlight and I had no idea how (or even IF) it would turn out. I'm rather pleased with it!!!! :-) What do you think? Scenic Sunday and SOOC Sunday for January 16, 2011. To see other participants for Scenic Sunday, please visit: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/. To visit SOOC Sunday, please visit: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Joshua tree and jet~SkyWatch Friday 011311

2011-01-13T17:50:00.001-08:00

Joshua Tree is such a fascinating place, whether it is looking at the joshua trees, the rocks, or the San Andreas Fault from Keys Point. I can't wait to return! If you click on this photo to enlarge it, you'll see a jet behind the joshua tree! SkyWatch Friday for January 13, 2011.

Just joshua trees~Nature Notes 011311

2011-01-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

During our last return trip to Joshua Tree National Park, I thought I'd find some unusual joshua trees and take photos of them! And, believe me, there ARE some weird ones! The one in the second photo was nearly bent over. The third one had a branch bent in a circle! And, the next one had branches nearly touching the ground! Not all joshua trees are perfectly formed. Those up by Keys Point were very closely bunched, while in other areas, they are far apart. Joshua Tree is such an interesting place and I can't wait to return! Nature Notes for January 13, 2011.

Little blue house~Outdoor Wednesday 011211

2011-01-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

I've been posting about the little blue house and pink house over on my other blog, deserthorses, (http://deserthorses.blogspot.com/), but I thought I'd post them here, too. Believe it or not, I don't have a lot of followers who cross over between the two blogs. They either follow the desert horses one or this one, but rarely follow both. I completely understand that. This blog is devoted to our adventures in the desert southwest, mostly Arizona. We'll be heading that way next weekend, over to Scottsdale. My desert horses blog seems to most attract other horse owners and we have formed a close knit community. I hope to eventually do that on this blog. If you have ANY questions about the desert southwest, please email me! ANYWAY...back to my post...Along the road to the western entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, there is a little blue and pink house. Actually, these would be homesteads. There was a time when an individual or family could just put up a structure on land and claim it. I would imagine that these two structures would be old homesteads. They sure are cute and I wonder what happened to their families? I got out and investigated them, totally ignoring the "Keep Out" sign. I found old lanterns and a mailbox that needs some TLC. Actually, both little houses need some TLC! Joshua Tree is in the high desert, so during the summer, it is about 10 degrees cooler than our desert and I don't believe it gets up to 120 degrees, like ours. However, it also gets colder in winter and they frequently have snow. So, enjoy the tour of the "little houses" here in the desert southwest. To see other participants in Outdoor Wednesday, please visit: http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Bird's nest in cholla ~~Cactus Monday 011011

2011-01-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

I'm always intrigued by cholla cactus and every time I see one, I bend over to see if there is a birds nest in it. Yup. this one, even though it was ony 3 feet high, had a bird's nest! The spines of the cholla prevent predators from invading the nest. And, LOOK at those spines! OUCH! Cactus Monday for January 10, 2011.

Return to Joshua Tree

2011-01-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I headed back to Joshua Tree National Park yesterday. He wanted to return and take more photos of the joshuas. They are such interesting trees! I was hoping to see a hawk or owl or woodpecker in one of them, but, alas...no such luck! Maybe next time?

Rocks and sky~SkyWatch Friday 010611

2011-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Rocks, clouds, and tree at Joshua Tree National Park. Skywatch Friday, January 6, 2011.

Cattle cabin~Window Views and Doors, Too~ January 5, 2011

2011-01-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

This cattle shed is north of Bishop, CA. There is a huge cattle ranch here. When we stopped here last summer, cattle were in the barn and were looking out! This time, they were huddled out in the pasture, soaking up the sun! You can see the Sierras in the background, covered with snow. Window Views and Doors, Too for January 5, 2011.

Sierras~That's My World 010311

2011-01-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't the Alabama Hills. These photos were actually taken on the road outside of Bishop, CA that goes up to South Lake. The road climbs out of town until we were actually surrounded by snow. Fortunately, it had been freshly plowed and we were able to drive up past AspenDell, where we stopped last October and took photos of the aspen. But, on this trip, the lake was frozen over and nobody could get down to it! Hubby and I LOVE to travel to the Sierras whenever we have a 3 or 4 day weekend. Bishop is about a 5 hour drive from our home in the desert, but that's where we go when we need some "mountain time"! That's My World for January 3, 2011.

"First of the Month"~~Ocotillo at Joshua Tree National Park 010211

2011-01-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I drove to Joshua Tree National Park on New Year's Day. I mean, why stay at home when views like this are only an hour away? So, off we went! First of the Month for January 2, 2011, a new meme which you can visit here: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Rock climbers Joshua Tree National Park~SOOC 010211

2011-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

This is literally a "point and shoot" photo, straight out of the camera. Hubby and I drove to Joshua Tree National Park yesterday. The clouds for a new storm were moving in, but the park was packed. There were several rock climbers there, including these two on top of one set of rocks. I was driving our car and I glanced out the window to see them. I leaned over, grabbed my camera, aimed it in their direction, and clicked. SOOC Sunday for January 2, 2011. To see other participants, please visit: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Calves in Bishop, CA

2011-01-01T08:05:00.001-08:00

These little guys were on a ranch near Bishop, CA and, of course, we just HAD to stop and take some photos of them! That's one of the mountains in the Sierras behind them! Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!

After the storm~SkyWatch Friday 122310

2010-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

I drove out to Indio yesterday afternoon while there was a break in the storm. I stopped and pulled off on the road by the Coachella Valley Preserve's southern boundary, but it was full of water ahead and I didn't wish to drive through it. I was able to get these two photos, and then I turned around and went back on my way. Skywatch Friday for December 24, 2010.

Water, water....EVERYWHERE! Nature Notes 122210

2010-12-22T23:47:00.000-08:00

There is a major wash, the Whitewater Channel, which runs throughout our desert. It starts near Palm Springs and the water flows all the way down to the Salton Sea, about 50 miles away. Several golf courses, including this one in Palm Desert, were washed out during our recent winter storms that hit the desert over the past several days. I was talking to one gentleman who was also out viewing all the water washing by and he asked me, "Where does all this water go?" I believe it all does end up in the Salton Sea, which is the lowest point in the Coachella Valley at 200 feet below sea level. I stopped on Monterey Avenue and walked back to an area beside the bridge to take this photo. Nature Notes for December 22, 2010.

Geese in the desert~That's My World 121410

2010-12-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, here in the desert southwest, we have geese. Not only do they fly overhead (click on top photo to enlarge), but here in Palm Desert, they set up winter housekeeping at some of the resorts, such as the Desert Springs Marriott. In fact, it is a bird sanctuary. A couple of times now, while I'm out on my morning walk, I've heard the "honk, honk, honk" of a flock of geese. This time, fortunately, I had my camera with me and I was able to point and shoot! Hubby and I were at our son's house in Indio one evening when flock after flock of birds (I believe they were ducks) flew over Hal's house. I didn't have my camera that evening, and we all just stood looking at them with our mouths open! There were so many birds! It was amazing. Canadian geese take up residence during the winter months at the hotel, much to the annoyance of golfers! But, ahhhh....just to hear their cries! It's music to my ears. That's My World for Tuesday, December 14, 2010.

Oatman window reflection~Weekend Reflections 121110

2010-12-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

I'm GRADUALLY learning how to use the polarizing filter that hubby bought me for my Nikon. He showed me how, if you turn it just right, you can get a nice window reflection, like this one. HA! Now that I know how to do it, LOOK OUT! Sometimes, though, (I must confess...) I still forget to turn the filter. This is something I need to work on in the future! Weekend Reflections for December 11, 2010. For other participants, please visit Weekend Reflections at: http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/?

"Trees"~ABC Wednesday 120110

2010-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I love aspen and we'll drive an hour out of our way sometimes to view them. These are all northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. We traveled there during October to view the colors on the aspen, but we were too late for this area. But, they have a certain bare, stark quality about them, don't you think? I love to stand among aspen and close my eyes and just listen to the wind move through them. I think they are beautiful, even when they are bare! "Trees"...ABC Wednesday for December 1, 2010.

Red leaves~Ruby Tuesday 113010

2010-11-30T05:14:00.001-08:00

When hubby and I drove through Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona, a few weeks ago, the oak trees were in their full fall splendor! I zoomed in on the tree in the bottom photo and caught hubby walking along the road at one point. We enjoyed our short stop there and would like to return next fall. Ruby Tuesday for November 30, 2010. It is another frosty morning here today in our desert!

Oak Creek Canyon~Scenic Sunday, SOOC Sunday 112810

2010-11-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

I took these photos when hubby and I drove through Oak Creek Canyon, during our last trip to Arizona. The leaves on the oaks were turning colors and we hit the canyon at their peak. Aren't the colors gorgeous? We are returning to Arizona during the Christmas break (for a few days) and they will all be gone by then. Scenic Sunday and Straight Out of the Camera Sunday for November 28, 2010. Be sure to visit SOOC: http://www.murrieta365.com/2010/11/straight-out-of-camera-sunday_27.html and Scenic Sunday: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/ for other participants' photos!

Profile picture~Sunday stills Challenge 112810

2010-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

That's me and my gelding, Sunni. I actually took this photo with my little NIKON Coolpix by holding it arms' length out and praying that I was actually taking a picture of something besides blue sky! HA! IT WORKED! (sort of...) I very rarely have anybody else with me when I work my horses (unless a friend offers to come along and help!), so it's usually just me and the horses. I have 5, all rescues. I fell off a friend's horse in the summer of 2008 and I haven't been back on a horse since then. My orthopedic surgeon said I would never ride a horse again. I now have permanent nerve damage in both legs and I get horrible leg cramps, and I haven't been back on a horse, so we'll see. My cousin has offered to let me ride one of her Tennessee Walkers and I plan on doing that this winter, while she is here in the desert. Sunni is still young and skittish and would NOT be a good horse for me to ride right now. Frankly, none of mine are really rideable for me right now, but I do have two of them in training. Sunni was my first horse and I adopted him from United Pegasus Foundation when they were in Hemet, CA. I had been going there, looking at their horses, and giving them carrots. Little did I know that Sunni was one of the horses in the yearling pen, along with several others that I was feeding. He is a PMU gelding, which means his mother was bred for her urine, which was used to PREMARIN. PMU stands for pregnant mare urine. I also have two thoroughbreds and two mustang fillies. I never had a horse as a child and once our children were out of the house and FINALLY on their own, I adopted Sunni and then the others. Sunday Stills Challenge for November 28, 2010.

"S" is for sprinklers...ABC Wednesday 112410

2010-11-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

If I take my morning walk after 7:00 a.m., the SPRINKLERS are on at the golf course where I walk. I've become fascinated by them! They are so interesting and often create little mini-rainbows if I catch them just right in the SUNLIGHT! I have to be careful, however...one morning, I nearly got SOAKED by one! ABC Wednesday for November 24, 2010.

Mt. San Jacinto~Scenic Sunday for 11/21/10

2010-11-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

As I took my morning walk yesterday morning, the storm clouds were moving in and they partially hid Mt. San Jacinto. The desert is just so much more interesting when we get a storm rolling through! There is a snow forecast down to 4,500 feet, so this mountain should have some snow on it by this morning or during one of the next two storms forecast to roll over our desert. Scenic Sunday for November 21, 2010. I wonder what this morning will bring?

High tech vs. Low tech~SSC for 11/21/10

2010-11-21T03:49:00.000-08:00

We have two can openers in our house...an old fashioned one and an electric one. I notice that when hubby makes his infamous "turkey chili", the electric one comes out because there are various cans of tomato sauce and beans to open! Of course, I get to clean up the kitchen when he is done! High tech/low tech...SSC for 11/21/10.

"Riders" ABC Wednesday 111710

2010-11-17T03:25:00.001-08:00

These two RIDERS RODE RIGHT by us when we stopped at Williams, AZ for breakfast at the Pine Country RESTAURANT. There was a little girl watching them and this one blew her a kiss! ABC Wednesday for November 17, 2010.