A Renaissance of Our Own

I love the book series, "A Game of Thrones".  I also love Tolkien....and Star Trek.....and BSG.....Assassin's Creed....Batman.....well you get the idea:)  I'm a nerd.  My father recently came to visit us in sunny Arizona and we took him to the very fun Renaissance Faire!

I love artsy photography and my Dad loves beer.  Well he is from Wisconsin:) And so it made for a perfect day!

During the day, we went to a variety of shows and it was so much fun hanging out with my Dad and getting lost in make believe.

Of course, I love them birds.  They had a great Birds of Prey show and I decided to get some wonderful shots of these beautiful creatures.  Peregrine Falcons are around Tucson often, but this Swainson's Hawk will be returning soon.  I have yet to see one of these gorgeous hawks in the wild!!!  I cannot wait:)

I saw this man craft his pottery.....

This man tell jokes......

My father have a good laugh with the priest telling dirty jokes.....

This young woman's natural beauty and wit.....

This Peregine Falcon's catlike curiousity.......

This woman's magical interpretation of peace and tranquility.....

This lady giving fashion advice for those needing some....

And while we were there, I forgot about time and had a great day with my Dad and Pat.

The Renaissance Faire happens every weekend until the end of March.  Buy your tickets at Fry's as they are cheaper.  Parking is free.  It's a fun road trip for the day with some beautiful landscape.  And our wildflower season has just begun......

Winter's Veil

My father is in town right now and it has been very busy. But as many of you know, Tucson had a huge snow  storm come our way.  In fact, it was the first big one I've ever seen here.  

 Tucson gardeners must wait until March 15th to prune their plants back because of strange weather events like this one.  While it didn't freeze here, the snow did kill some leaves back.

 I was tired of bringing my big camera.  So instead, I used my cell phone to get these shots.  We headed over to Saguaro National Park and drove the 9 mile loop stopping every once and awhile for some lovely views.

 Of course, I blame my Dad for bringing this weather with him from Wisconsin.  But then again, it was nice to have a snow day:)

 People often ask me why Saguaros stop growing at a certain altitude on our mountains.  It's as if there was an invisible line that said, "No Saguaros beyond this point!"  Here's the reason.  Saguaros can handle some snow but they can't endure long freezes.  Now we do get to freezing temps here in the desert during our winter but not long enough to harm this cactus. Long sustained freezes, however, are another story. And that's why Saguaro stop growing after a certain point on our mountains.  Too cold.

 But the snow would come and go on this day of winter magic.

 But remember, don't prune your plants back yet Tucson!  You must wait:)  I know you're dying to do it.  I know I am......but spring is just around the corner and March will be here soon enough.  Which of course means.....wildflower season, hummingbirds, butterflies, the dry heat??!! Well, let's not rush it. Stay warm:)  Until next time.....