Phoenix Daily Photo

Art Show

2012-02-02T01:21:00.003-07:00

Some of my photographs will be in an art show in downtown Phoenix beginning on Friday. I've mentioned before that I belong to an "art challenge" group and we meet once a month during the summer months. Each month we have a new challenge to create a piece of art based the subject that is given by one of the members, each in turn. Last year, we had a showing of our work at the Shemer Art Gallery and this year we are showing the summer of 2011 work at First Studio, 631 N First Avenue in Phoenix. If you are in the area, please stop by. The show will be open this Friday (first Friday) from 6:00 to 9:00 and again on third Friday, February 17th.
In the photo above, you can see three of my pieces, the two roses and way to the left top, one that I actually had on my site last summer. The fuel storage tank with the stairs going up and the great shadows.

One more of my pieces is in this photo, the lamp post with the sun behind it.

There are almost 100 pieces in the entire show and there are works from photographers, painters, sculptors, print makers, and more.

If you are in the area, I'd love to see you there.

Theme Day: Animals

2012-02-01T01:17:00.006-07:00

How would like to see this guy peeking out from the branches of a tree? I wasn't in any real danger. I took this photo at the Phoenix Zoo with the telephoto lens. Suddenly the tiger climbed a tree in his compound and starting looking down the people who were looking at him. Do you think he was sizing us up for an afternoon snack?

To see more theme day photos, click below.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Look Closely

2012-01-31T01:30:00.002-07:00

You will have to look closely at this photo to see what I saw out of the corner of my eye. Do you see that hummingbird near the agave bloom? It was one of those moments when I had the wrong lens on the camera and no time to change it. I just swung around and took the shot and hoped for the best. I was surprised that I could see the birds brightly colored head and the incredibly fast motion of his wings.

Quiet Time

2012-01-30T01:21:00.001-07:00

This looks like a good place to relax and have a quiet conversation with a good friend.

Arena

2012-01-29T01:56:00.001-07:00

I went to another Phoenix Sun's Basketball game a few days back and it gave me an opportunity to snap a night shot of the front of the US Airways arena where they play. I took this almost 2 hours before the game started so there wouldn't be thousands of people standing in the plaza.

Agave Blooms

2012-01-28T01:48:00.004-07:00

Another example of agave blooms. They come in so many wonderful shapes, sizes and colors.

Strange but true...part 2

2012-01-27T01:35:00.002-07:00

I found another one of those houses with a strange set of yard ornaments. The large Phoenix bird is a nice touch.

Just another Arizona Sunset

2012-01-26T01:31:00.003-07:00

When I spotted the sky turning pink, I drove over to my favorite viewing spot on the Encanto Golf Course to catch a sunset shot. I never tire of seeing them.

Taj Mahal

2012-01-25T01:17:00.005-07:00

One of my favorite Indian Restaurants (Indian Delhi) has added this gorgeous mural to the wall that abuts the parking lot for the restaurant. You almost feel like you could walk into the scene.

Busy Bee

2012-01-24T01:46:00.002-07:00

There is a lot of agave blooms popping up around town and this little bee has latched on to one of them. I played around with the macro lens this last weekend.

Design for a Living World

2012-01-23T01:11:00.019-07:00

There is an interesting exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden right now called "Design for a Living World". It features several well known designers who have used sustainable materials from around the world to recreate everyday objects. The photo above is of a lounge chair made from metal and bamboo. I also saw some shoes and a dress made from salmon leather and designed by Isaac Mizrahi and a handbag designed by Kate Spade made from rosewood. My favorite thing was the chocolate from Costa Rica and the handy little grater that you grate the chocolate into, tip it over into a cup of hot water, and then use it to stir the chocolate to make a nice cup of hot chocolate. Now that is a handy tool. To see more about the exhibit, click this Link to the Nature Conservancy.

Star!

2012-01-22T01:03:00.003-07:00

I found this tin star hanging from the ceiling of one of the entertainment pavilions at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Downtown Lobby

2012-01-21T01:19:00.005-07:00

I found this lighted tree in the lobby of a new downtown high-rise building. I went up those escalators you see and found more on the second floor lobby.

These might be left over from the holiday decorations!

A big Thank You to all of you who responded to my request yesterday.

I Need Your Help

2012-01-20T01:31:00.011-07:00

Most of my readers know that I have been working with the Tovrea Carraro Society to help open the Tovrea Castle for public tours. We've been given a very unique opportunity to receive a $25,000.00 grant from the Intuit Company and all we have to do is get people to vote for us on the "Love a Business" website. They count the votes by individual email addresses, one vote per address is allowed. If all of you loyal readers could send a vote, it would go a long way to put us in line for this grant. The grant would be a gigantic help to us getting this project off the ground.

If you click on this Link, it will open to the Intuit website with Tovrea Castle already selected. All you need to do is complete step 3 by entering a name (any screen name will do) and your email address (they will not send you spam). You can also enter comments if you want, but it isn't necessary. Then click VOTE.

Thank you for your support. It means a lot!

Sun Spots

2012-01-19T01:51:00.003-07:00

I'm seeing sun spots reflected off of this office building at the corner of 24th Street and Camelback Road.

Plastic Palms

2012-01-18T01:39:00.008-07:00

Since posting the house with the many plastic palm trees last week (scroll down or click here), I've learned that the owner makes the palm trees and sells them. Here we see an assortment that decorates the front of a row of businesses on 3rd street very near where the house is located.

Window Box

2012-01-17T01:32:00.002-07:00

I saw these hydrangeas blooming in this window box and was enticed to take a photo.

Sails in the Desert

2012-01-16T01:08:00.027-07:00

This was taken at the back of the offices for Richard Bauer Architects. This office building is within walking distance from my house but, I just noticed these sails recently. The firm of Ricard Bauer has many wonderful buildings in Arizona and I've even featured some of them. Most recently I had photos from the new South Mountain Library adjacent to the South Mountain Community College Campus.

The work this firm does makes my heart sing. I love everything they've done and you can see a sample by clicking on the link to their web site here. The firm specializes in Libraries and have won many awards for their designs. They even designed the interiors of two of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Cheuvront's Wine Bar and Fez.

Downtown Phoenix

2012-01-15T01:17:00.001-07:00

More downtown Phoenix buildings. Reflections are everywhere!

Different Styles

2012-01-14T01:43:00.001-07:00

The different styles of buildings in downtown Phoenix.

Black Chandelier

2012-01-13T01:50:00.010-07:00

My hair salon has added something new, a black chandelier! I don't think I've ever seen one in black before. I like it.

Here I am sitting in the chair and snapping a quick photo of the new decor as reflected in the mirror in front of me.

Family of Scarecrows

2012-01-12T01:38:00.002-07:00

The same day I found yesterday's house with it's colorful "palm trees", I also spotted this family of scarecrows bound to a tree in the front yard of another house. They appear to be quite pleased to be there.

Strange but true

2012-01-11T01:31:00.003-07:00

A week ago, I found this house not far from where I live and had to turn around and go back for another look. Well, I guess the good news is that they don't have to worry about trimming these "palm trees".

'maters...

2012-01-10T01:21:00.003-07:00

When I was a kid, my dad used to tell us kids he was off "to get a bushel basket of 'maters". And, sure enough, he'd come home with a big basket of the most beautiful tomatoes you've ever seen. Ah....if only these beauties would taste as wonderful as those 'maters of my youth.

Kilts...and little else

2012-01-09T01:58:00.015-07:00

A new eating and drinking establishment in downtown Phoenix is this place called The Tilted Kilt.
In case you were wondering, yes the young, female wait staff wear exactly what you see depicted on the door. I won't even begin to comment on the need for some establishments to have young, scantily dressed girls serving food and drink in a sports themed environment. I could say.....no...I'm not going to comment.

Ice Skating

2012-01-08T01:37:00.004-07:00

I was surprised to find this outdoor ice skating rink right in downtown Phoenix Friday night. With daytime temperatures hovering around 72 degrees (22C), it must be expensive to keep this rink frozen.

I went back Saturday around noon hoping to get a better shot than the one above but, no one was there skating. So, even though this one is clearer and brighter, with no action it's kind of drab.

Thriller

2012-01-07T01:39:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure if I should feel young or old after seeing this group of senior citizens perform a dance routine to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" last night before the Phoenix Sun's Basketball game. Most of the members of the dance group are older than I am but, they sure had all the right moves.

It turns out the Sun's had some pretty good moves too since they beat the NBA leading team, the Portland Trailblazer's 102 to 77. It was a fun night for everyone with the possible exception of the Portland fans.

Chilli Plant

2012-01-06T01:41:00.005-07:00

Yesterday it was chillies for sale, today it's chillies still on the plant. These look like they are ready to be picked.

Red Hots

2012-01-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

A big basket of these red hot beauties is always available at the Farmer's Market. Last time I was there I decided it would make a great shot!

Reserved

2012-01-04T01:31:00.001-07:00

Looks like this little cactus wren has found a perfect spot to observe his surroundings and it seems it's reserved just for him.

Desert Jewel Gypsy Horses

2012-01-03T01:08:00.001-07:00

Another horse group I encountered at the Fiesta Bowl Parade staging area was a group called the Desert Jewel Gypsy Horses. I was told the breed is called Gypsy Vanner and it originates from the U.K. and Ireland.

The horse is distinguished by it's heavy build and abundant feathering on the lower legs. I think they are quite beautiful.

After the Fiesta Bowl Parade

2012-01-02T01:58:00.001-07:00

I have to admit, I didn't go to the Fiesta Bowl Parade on New Year's Eve. But, I did go to one of the staging areas immediately following the parade to see what I could see. The staging area closest to me was where all the various horse groups had gathered. I asked this man for a photo of him and his beautiful horse and he kindly obliged. He is a member of the U.S. Marshal's Posse! This was quite a large team as there were horses all around me when I snapped this shot.

Theme Day: Photo of the Year 2011

2012-01-01T01:54:00.006-07:00

This year I had a very hard time choosing my photo of the year. I had so many that I liked very much. In the end I chose the one that was my favorite. I think the light was perfect on the subject and the colors just pop on the photo. I posted this one last April when all the cactus were in bloom.

Click the link below to see all of the photos of the year from all of the City Daily Photo Bloggers.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Out with the old year

2011-12-31T01:47:00.004-07:00

The leaves are finally starting to fall from the trees here in Arizona. We don't get the gorgeous reds that are seen in the east. It's mostly yellow and browns that we see. I thought this shot might be prefect for the last day of 2011. Out with the old, in with new year! Celebrate safely everyone!

Big Bug Santa

2011-12-30T01:25:00.010-07:00

Even the giant praying-mantis got in the holiday spirit this year! Click this link to Scottsdale Daily Photo to see Julie's shot of him at night.

Holiday Bench

2011-12-29T01:04:00.001-07:00

Looks like a good place to soak up some winter sun!

Christmas Tree - Boojum Tree

2011-12-28T01:00:00.001-07:00

This Christmas Tree at the Desert Botanical Gardens looks very festive compared the the Boojum Tree right behind it.

Ruffled Feathers

2011-12-27T01:50:00.002-07:00

This curved-billed thrasher was getting his feathers ruffled by the wind as he sat atop this cactus.

Caroling

2011-12-26T01:35:00.001-07:00

Caroling with good friends on Christmas Eve!

Most years we are accompanied by a piano. This year it was violins! Wonderful!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T01:02:00.008-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to my sister Judy of Prescott Area Daily Photo. Stop by and wish her a happy birthday!

*Someone from the city of Phoenix took this beautiful photo of the Tovrea Castle.

Many Christmas Trees

2011-12-24T01:39:00.001-07:00

This house covered their yard with lots of Christmas trees all decorated individually! Have a wonderful Christmas Eve everyone!

Santa Cactus

2011-12-23T01:03:00.002-07:00

This cactus has taken on a festive holiday mood!

Dramatic Skies

2011-12-22T01:45:00.009-07:00

I was with a group of friends on Sunday attending a reunion at a good friend's house in Queen Creek Arizona (about 30 miles south east of Phoenix). Our friend's house sits on a mountain side with a wide view of the cities below in all directions. It was a cold and dreary day with layer after layer of dark clouds scooting by all day long. On the way home we were treated to some spectacular cloud formations set aflame by the setting sun. We stopped several times to jump out of the car to get some shots before they were all gone.

A big Happy Birthday to my sister Pam in Missouri. Have a great day!

Christmas, lots of Christmas

2011-12-21T01:24:00.001-07:00

Saturday we were out scouting out those over-the-top Christmas decorations and found this house. The lights were amazing and there were also window displays with all kinds of moving toys. It was drawing quite a crowd while we were there.

I'm just glad that I wasn't the one who had to climb those palm trees to string these lights.

Stickers & Stickers

2011-12-20T01:01:00.006-07:00

On Sunday a very good friend and artist, Ted Wolter had a small private showing of some of his fantastic ceramics. Those of us there were eagerly snatching up our favorite pieces. Here is Julie Pace of Scottsdale Daily Photo showing off the price stickers from all of the pieces she bought while posing next to a much more prickly kind of sticker. She is also holding one of her prized acquisitions.

Our friend Ted is an art teacher at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College and he is also part of the Art Challenge group that I've been involved with for the past year. You can see some of the art challenge work by all of the artists in the group here and you can see some of Ted's other works here.

And yes, I picked up a few pieces for my collection too!

Patiently waiting

2011-12-19T01:48:00.007-07:00

Meet Sam. Sam was patiently waiting for his people to finish their hamburgers at Zinburger at the Biltmore Fashion Park on Saturday afternoon. Sam is certainly a handsome fellow with a rather worldly face.

Under Attack

2011-12-18T01:50:00.009-07:00

I expected lots of traffic and huge crowds when I went shopping on Saturday but, I didn't expect to be under attack by storm troopers and aliens. It turns out that as long as I dropped a dollar in the Salvation Army red kettle, I was safe.

If you peek at the reflection in the glass behind this trio, you will see the Biltmore Fashion Park's annual Poinsettia Christmas tree.

The wedding downtown

2011-12-17T01:09:00.001-07:00

When I was roaming around downtown last Sunday late afternoon, I happened to pass this wedding party being arranged for photographs right in the middle of a street. I sat at a stop sign and watched as the photographer lined up the female half of the wedding party in a line right across the middle of the street. I apologize for the quality of this photo. I grabbed the camera and shot it right through the windshield. When I had to move on, I drove around the block in time to see the guys lined up the same way for their photo op. I really wish I could see those shots, they have to be very unique.

Underside

2011-12-16T01:31:00.002-07:00

The underside of the 7th Avenue bridge in downtown Phoenix is very quiet on a Sunday afternoon.

Sky Harbor International Airport

2011-12-15T01:43:00.007-07:00

That airplane I featured yesterday was headed here. This is another telephoto shot taken from a very great distance. We can only see one terminal here and the airport currently has 3 active terminals. It's a very busy place, believe me, I spent a lot of time here in the 90's.

Room with a view

2011-12-14T01:37:00.007-07:00

If you live in one of the apartments in this downtown tower you get a good view of the incoming flights headed for the airport. I shot this from a distance using the telephoto lens which makes this plane look as if it's flying a bit too close to the building. Nothing to worry about. It was a good distance away.

Roses

2011-12-13T01:28:00.004-07:00

Beautiful red and white roses to brighten a rainy day!

Happy Birthday to my very dear friend David!

Keep out....

2011-12-12T01:23:00.001-07:00

.....of my Mimosa! This bee took a hearty interest in my Mimosa at Sunday brunch. He was persistent but, I never let him get a sip.

Secluded

2011-12-11T01:40:00.005-07:00

This is the entrance to a home in the Encanto Palmcroft historic neighborhood. It is completely surrounded by trees and an entrance wall so you can't see the actual house. Just this grand entrance.

Interesting Proposition

2011-12-10T01:44:00.001-07:00

I saw this guy on a recent light rail trip. He has an interesting offer to make but, I think I'd want some references. His definition of "remodel" might not be the same as mine.

Spots and Feathers

2011-12-09T01:40:00.002-07:00

I thought this was a rather strange outfit for a ten year old girl! But, what do I know?

Digeridoo

2011-12-08T01:36:00.003-07:00

Here is another shot from the Tempe Arts Festival last weekend. This fellow had a very large assortment of digerdoos and he wasn't afraid to use them!

Out of Season

2011-12-07T01:16:00.001-07:00

While I was at Tovrea Castle last Thursday, I saw this cactus with a gorgeous bloom. It's not exactly the right time of year for it to be blooming but, it had two more buds that were going to pop out in the next day or two. The cactus might be a little mixed up but, it was a pleasant sight nonetheless.

Grey Skies

2011-12-06T01:35:00.003-07:00

Here is another shot from the Tempe Festival of the Arts last Saturday. This one is looking over the tops of some of the artist's tents toward the new W6 Residential Towers. You can see what a menacing sky we had and it lasted all day with spots of rain and hail here and there. I even heard a loud thunder clap later in the evening.

Back to the Grind

2011-12-05T01:02:00.001-07:00

It's Monday. Time to go back to work. I'm fortunate that I don't have to use the freeways through the city in order to get to and from work. One day a week ago, I attended an afternoon event and made the mistake of getting on the freeway to head home. This was the scene as we headed west toward Phoenix with the late afternoon sunset lighting the sky.

"Wok" Man

2011-12-04T01:01:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I went to the Tempe Arts and Crafts Festival in downtown Tempe. It's the biggest festival of it's kind in the valley and it happens twice a year in the spring and in the fall. Well, yesterday it felt more like winter. I think this guy was keeping warm from the steam and all that stir frying action. It looked like interesting 'fair' food but, it was way too cold for me to eat out doors. I selected a nice warm pub for lunch instead.

I'll have to watch for this guy at another festival (when it's a bit warmer). I think I'd like to try his noodles.

Cotton

2011-12-03T01:45:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned the 5 C's on this blog before. If you grew up in Arizona you were probably taught about the five C's that drove the Arizona Economy between the 50's and 70's, Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. Cotton is still a large industry in Arizona as evidenced by this cotton field in south Phoenix.

No matter how many times I've seen these fields, I still marvel at such an interesting plant.

Christmas Lights

2011-12-02T01:02:00.004-07:00

Thursday morning I joined fellow volunteers at the Torvrea Castle to change the lights to colorful Christmas light for the season. Every year the white bulbs that line the outside of the castle are switched out for red, green, and blue lights for the holiday season. We all donned Santa Clause hats and set about changing the lights on a cloudy, blustery morning. I think I might be ready to tackle my own decorations at home now.

Theme Day: Action Shot

2011-12-01T01:35:00.003-07:00

I was so busy during the month of November that I completely forgot about theme day. I didn't even know what the theme was until two days ago. So, I had to pull something out of the archives for this one. Here we have one of the hoop dancers who performed at the Heard Museum last spring. There is certainly a lot of action that goes on when these men and women dance.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Sparkling

2011-11-30T01:27:00.001-07:00

The water in Tempe Town Lake was sparkling like diamonds the day I was there.

Lake Wildlife

2011-11-29T01:09:00.001-07:00

A large variety of wild birds have taken up residence along Tempe Town Lake. I found this beautiful white heron sunning on a barricade at the end of the lake.

Marsh Land

2011-11-28T01:18:00.003-07:00

The overflow water from Tempe Town Lake creates a sort of marsh land at the west end of the lake. It's perfect environment for all kinds of birds. Tomorrow I'll show you one of the birds I saw there.

There were lots of questions yesterday about the inflatable dam that creates the lake. The lake is located in a dry river bed. The river is dry most of the time but if we have wet weather in the mountains that surround Phoenix, the river can run and has on many occasions. Anything built in the river bed or on the shores of the river has to take into account flooding from time to time. The dam was built so that it can be deflated in flood times in order to allow the river to flow its natural course.

Forming a Lake

2011-11-27T01:11:00.001-07:00

Tempe Town Lake is formed in the mostly dry river bed of the Salt River. An inflatable dam is positioned at the end to form the Lake that runs along the north side of the city of Tempe. Here you can see the inflatable dam sitting almost directly under the new bridge I featured yesterday.

New Bridge

2011-11-26T01:53:00.003-07:00

When I was in Tempe last week I noticed this new pedestrian bridge across the Tempe Town Lake.

It's beautifully constructed with sail like covers spaced over it.

Bird House

2011-11-25T01:27:00.002-07:00

The birds seem to like sunning themselves on the roof of this house.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T01:49:00.002-07:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful day!

The Lights at Night

2011-11-23T01:37:00.003-07:00

One more shot from Grady Gammage Auditorium. I snapped this one a couple of weeks ago when I was leaving the theatre after a performance. It's hand held with my little point and shoot camera and it turned out way better than I thought it would. You can see how those round lights are lit up at night.

Grady Gammage Auditorium

2011-11-22T01:17:00.003-07:00

Grady Gammage Auditorium is located on the campus of Arizona State University and is a building well known to anyone who studies architecture. It is a Frank Lloyd Wright design that he originally envisioned to be built in Baghdad, Iraq. It surely wouldn't be standing today if it had been built there. In 1957, the president of ASU, Grady Gammage had a mission to create a distinct university auditorium. He contacted his close friend, architect Frank Lloyd Wright who revised his Baghdad plans to accommodate a perfect spot on the ASU campus. Neither Gammage or Wright lived to see the building built. Both died in 1959. Construction began in 1962 with Grady Gammage, Jr. turning the first shovel. The design was described as having outstretched arms welcoming all to ASU.

The light fixtures I featured yesterday line the flying buttresses on either side of the auditorium. They light the walkways that lead to the upper levels of the auditorium.

Circles

2011-11-21T01:14:00.003-07:00

This unusual light fixture can be found at a very well known building. Tomorrow I'll show you where.

Hawk

2011-11-20T01:09:00.010-07:00

I was at the Tovrea Castle most of the day yesterday working on the docent training program when someone in our group spotted this Cooper's Hawk sitting on top of the power pole and surveying the property. He was patient enough to let me snap a few shots before he flew off toward the castle. I like the effect of that thin cloud streaking the sky behind him.

Gate

2011-11-19T01:03:00.002-07:00

Southwestern style gate on a yellow wall. I wonder what was above the gate that was removed leaving that unpainted spot.

Blue Glass & Gray Clouds

2011-11-18T01:37:00.001-07:00

The glass on this office building looks especially blue against a gray sky.

1389

2011-11-17T01:33:00.004-07:00

While driving around last Sunday, I encountered this Union Pacific train crossing the tracks in the warehouse area of downtown Phoenix. I wasn't expecting to see trains but it turns out I saw two of them that morning.

Weathered

2011-11-16T01:24:00.011-07:00

It rained again last Saturday night and most of Sunday morning. Since we don't get to see much rain, I decided to drive around and enjoy the moist atmosphere. While roaming around in the warehouse district south of downtown, I spotted these unusual stairs leading to a rather weather-beaten door.

Colorful Shopping

2011-11-15T01:19:00.002-07:00

The Heard Museum's Spanish Market took place this last weekend. In spite of the rainy day, there were lots of people shopping the colorful items. These spreads and table runners were especially colorful.

Roses and Rain

2011-11-14T01:45:00.003-07:00

I sat this bouquet of roses in a puddle of rain water and took some shots.

I couldn't decide which of these I like the most so I decided to post them both.

Unusual design

2011-11-13T01:37:00.003-07:00

I was trying to find an address for house I hadn't visited before when I came across this rather unusual church building. Almost looks like a flying saucer.

Office Building

2011-11-12T01:31:00.002-07:00

Here is another building that I pass almost every day. I like the way these wings are repeated along the side of the building.

Low Hanging Clouds

2011-11-11T01:02:00.001-07:00

Last weekend when I was at the Tovrea Castle I saw these low hanging clouds hanging between the Papago Buttes. Even though I had to shoot across power lines and the highway, I thought the cloud formation was photo worthy.

Fashion Statement

2011-11-10T01:45:00.005-07:00

One morning on my way to work I was waiting at a traffic light and noticed this young lady approaching the crosswalk. I thought her attire was such an interesting combination. Fortunately my camera was handy for a quick shot through the windshield. I'm probably just jealous because there is no way I could wear those shorts.

One Light

2011-11-09T01:58:00.002-07:00

I pass the building with this one light fixture almost every day and I've always admired it. I decided it was time to stop and take a closer look.

Van...go

2011-11-08T01:19:00.004-07:00

Since I mentioned Vincent's yesterday I thought this would be a good opportunity to show you their little catering vehicle. I love the clever play on words and the sunflowers.

Pizza & Champagne

2011-11-07T01:45:00.008-07:00

On Saturday I went to street market at Vincent's on Camelback instead of my usual Farmer's Market. Vincent's is a fine French Restaurant that I've featured on this blog before. This was the first time I had experienced Vincent's market and it was a special treat. Along with vegetables, breads, and jams there were areas to get all kinds of food. I especially like this brick oven pizza with the brick oven in a moveable trailer. Take this trailer with you and you can have pizza almost anywhere.

A little champagne to go with that pizza sounded like a good idea to me.

Rain....finally

2011-11-06T01:23:00.016-07:00

We finally had some rain on Friday night washing all the dust out of the air that had been stirred up by the winds earlier in the day. It has been so dry here that when the winds kicked up on Friday afternoon, the air immediately filled with dust and dirt.
Saturday morning I spent a couple of hours going over the plans for tours of the Tovrea Castle (I've told you about Tovrea Castle here and here) and that's where I saw the castle reflection in the puddle of water.

Drinks anyone??

2011-11-05T01:14:00.002-07:00

It's 5:00 somewhere!

I liked the way these bottles were arranged so neatly.

Thomas Road

2011-11-04T01:01:00.001-07:00

One night last week I stopped on the way home from work to pick up a pizza. While I waited, I noticed the light on the high rise buildings and decided to take a few snaps. I liked this one the best with the cars heading toward me and the lower windows of the buildings lit from the setting sun.

Koi

2011-11-03T01:54:00.001-07:00

I was waiting outside the door of the Hillstone Restaurant for a friend to arrive and watching the koi in the pond by the door. I wondered if I could get a photo since it was dark out side and the pond was lit from below. I whipped out the little point and shoot camera and gave it a try and was amazed at the result. I could even see the stones in the bottom.

Hero Awards

2011-11-02T01:36:00.002-07:00

Last Saturday night my good friend David treated me to a wonderful event called the Hero Awards. The event is a benefit for the Friends of Animal Care & Control and they honor animals who have been rescued from shelters and gone on to live amazing and loving lives. The stories were very inspiring and what made the event even more fun were the many dogs and cats that joined the guests in the Grand Ballroom of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. The hotel chef prepared a meal full of surprises right down to this clever dessert plate. Topping each table with a round of astro-turf was an inspired addition to the decor. All in all, it was a fantastic event and a great opportunity for this group to continue their good work to provide spay/neuter assistance and to rescue unwanted animals and get them to loving homes. Ruff Ruff Meow Meow!

Theme Day - Fences

2011-11-01T01:30:00.005-07:00

I found this attractive fence in an area of Phoenix where a lot of equipment companies are located. The fence goes around an area where heavy equipment is stored. I think it's a rather attractive fence for such an industrial purpose.

Tally-ho!

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Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T01:25:00.002-07:00

I've seen a lot more Halloween decorations this year than I've seen in the past. The one I featured yesterday was probably the most elaborate. However, this one is still a favorite. The tombstone and skeleton might seem simple until the foggy atmosphere was added. It is a very effective effect.

New Neighbors

2011-10-30T01:17:00.005-07:00

I have new neighbors who just moved in to a house across the street from me around 3 weeks ago. A few days ago I saw something sitting on the roof of the house and my first thought was that they were going to have a new roof put on the house. Later that day, I got a better look and saw this unusual row of characters sitting on the roof line of the house.

Later again, I noticed that this group had joined the "roof-sitters" to play around in the front yard of the home. I would say that these people really enjoy decorating for the Halloween season. I wonder what they will do at Christmas time.

Stylish

2011-10-29T01:53:00.006-07:00

I recently found this interesting little house in the Cheery Lynn historic neighborhood. The owners have decorated for Halloween quite simply with the two pumpkins on the steps but, the house itself has lovely style.

Halloween Decorations

2011-10-28T01:49:00.013-07:00

I'm starting to see some very clever Halloween decorations going up around town. I saw this very large bat hanging from a tree in my neighborhood.

I spotted it as I drove by and had to go around the block to see if it was real. That's when I discovered there were more than just the one. From the looks of these guys, I'm kind of glad they weren't real.

Pumpkins

2011-10-27T01:41:00.004-07:00

Pumpkins are starting to show up everywhere. I found this "pumpkin patch" in front of a north Phoenix church last Sunday. Something tells me that there was a seasonal party after services were over.

A Sign that Fall is here

2011-10-26T01:37:00.000-07:00

When you live in the desert you have to look for signs of fall because they aren't always as obvious as they are in other climates. One sure sign is the arrival of pumpkins. I spotted this man carrying two large one's to the car. I bet there will be jack-o-lanterns in his future.