New Year’s Day Morning with More Snow On The Catalina Mountains — Image by kenne
This is the first time the front range got some snow with much more on Mt. Lemmon — not visible from this location.
At this posting, it is still snowing at the higher elevations.
— kenne
House Finch — Computer Art by kenne
— from the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes
Sunset Over The Tucson Mountains — Image by kenne
— kenne
Santa Catalina Foothills, Monsoon Morning — Image by kenne
— kenne
“Waves of Joy” — Image by kenne
Palo Verde trees, common to the Sonoran Desert, brighten the Tucson area with millions of five-petaled yellow blossoms in the springtime.
We traverse these streets,
sometimes early in the morning,
sometimes late in the day,
sometimes walking,
sometimes running —
always for a reason.
We wave at passersby,
sometimes we greet them,
sometimes it’s just a smile
sometimes we stop and talk,
sometimes walking together,
always for a reason.
We have neighborly expectations,
sometimes it’s watering plants,
sometimes it’s calling the ill,
sometimes it’s being complimentary,
sometimes it’s being watchful,
always for a reason.
We can be a convivial people,
sometimes we go out together,
occasionally we party together,
sometimes we join clubs together,
sometimes we share community work,
always for a reason.
We can be adversaries,
sometimes our expectations are not real,
sometimes we overreact,
sometimes we take reactions personally,
sometimes power is polarized, frustration generalized,
always for a reason.
We can be Pleasantville,
sometimes we are without color,
sometimes we are in pools of sorrow,
sometimes we are in waves of joy,
sometimes drifting through my open mind,
always for a reason.
“Pools of Sorrow” — Image by kenne
Cloud Images by kenne (Click on any of the images to see a larger view.)
Little Lemonhead — Image by kenne
Winter brings its own beauty, but flowers are not usually part of the picture. In the Santa Catalina foothills of the Sonoran Desert there exist a plant with small yellow heads with narrow yellow rays. The above image was taken yesterday in the Sabino Canyon riparian area near the Sabino Canyon Dam.
Another image of this plant, by Ned Harris, can be viewed on Ann Green’s blog, Sabino Canyon.
kenne
Image by kenne
As the fall sunsets continue to move toward the winter solstice, our view here in the Catalina foothills each evening to more to the southwest over the Tucson Mountains. The desert temperatures drop quickly as neighbors gather to watch nature’s kaleidoscope of colors — a great time for a hot toddy with Maker’s Mark whiskey, not rum or brandy.
kenne
Snow Covered Christmas Trees On Mt. Lemmon, December 2011 — Image by kenne
Some of the recent postings chronicled my drive up to Mt. Lemmon after heavy snowfall last week. The above image serves as a cover to a slideshow of the photos I captured in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Given the season, having all these winter snow images reflect the white Christmas image we all have seen or carry as a mental image. Click here to see the show.
— kenne
Images by kenne
Although the Coronado National Forest is closed because of the extremely dry conditions, the Catalina Highway to Summerhaven remains open. For the time being, the Sunday Music Series will continue to take place as scheduled. This past weekend, the Tucson based, Bad News Blues Band performed.
The music and cool mountain air (72 degrees) made for a very enjoyable afternoon. When we returned to the Catalina Foothills, the temperature was 101 — nice contrast!
kenne
Early morning view from our patio. Images by kenne
Yes, we did get some much need precipitation last night, rain in the valley, snow in the mountains — what a lovely sight!
kenne
Sunrise Drive & Swan Road in Tucson — Image by kenne
Joy At The Races — Image by kenne
If you want to get the small-town feel of the city of Tucson, go to the races. Located in an urban setting on the edge of the Santa Catalina Foothills is Rillito Park. Considered a historical landmark for Quarter Horse Racing for over 50 years, Rillito Park captures the images of classic American horse racing without the serious sophistication of Triple Crown racing. Whether in the grandstand, clubhouse or near the rail, you can’t help but feel you are a part of the action. Going to the horse races at Rillito Park is just one of many ways Tucsonans can enjoy the beautiful cool outdoors in the Tucson winter.
Not being the big gambler, I generally offer support information to Joy. Arriving after what I thought was the first race, with minutes before post time, Joy placed a $2 bet on number two, Battle Gal (most of her choices are based on the name), in the second race. Number two won! However, we quickly learned that the winner was number two in the third race, not the second race. She had picked the winner in the third race by selecting a horse in the second race, giving her over $12 on her $2 bet. She was not as lucky in the remaining races, maybe because she was betting on horses in the correct race – still it was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon.
kenne
Images by kenne
