West Valley Daily Photo

West Valley Sunset

2010-10-04T04:56:00.002-07:00

I began experimenting with HDR recently. This is a photo I took of the desert at sunset.

Magpie and I have decided to put West Valley Daily Photo on hold for awhile. We have made so many awesome new friends here and appreciate the support each and every one of you have given us. We hope that you will drop by our other blogs occasionally:

In Over My Head and Life Is A Road Trip.

Sally Sells Seashells....

2010-10-03T03:24:00.001-07:00

down by the....canal.

Here in Arizona, we don't have a seashore, but we do have lots of canals for irrigation.

Weekend Reflections - Mountain Lake

2010-10-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

The morning sun falls on South Lake at Estrella Mountain Ranch.

You can see more reflections at James' Newtown Area Photo.

Gargoyles in the Sky

2010-10-01T04:07:00.001-07:00

This is a rain spout on the Catholic church in Flagstaff, AZ. He caught my eye because I
thought he was a little unusual to find on a church.

Sky Harbor Airport

2010-09-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time in airports last week. Here are some facts about Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix:

Sky Harbor Airport is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It was purchased by the city of Phoenix from the Acme (yes, ACME) Investment Company for $100,000 in 1935 and nicknamed “The Farm” because it was so isolated from everything. The City paid $35,300 in cash and took out a $64,700 mortgage.
On November 11, 1935, the City held a dedication for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Dignitaries spoke, an aerial circus performed, and a dinner dance was held at the Westward Ho to celebrate.
During the 1930's couples used to fly into Sky Harbor and go to the chapel that was in close proximity to the original terminal because Arizona was one of the few states that did not require a three day waiting period to get married.
There are 3 Terminals: 2, 3, and 4. Terminal 4 opened in 1990 to replace Terminal 1. Terminal 1 was demolished in 1991. The Terminals were never renumbered. (This is my very favorite fact.)
Under construction is a Sky Train that will transport travelers between the METRO light rail, east economy parking and Terminal 4, which serves 80 percent of Sky Harbor’s passengers. It will be completed in 2013.
Construction will continue through the Airport all the way to the Rental Car Center and will be up and running in 2020.
Sky Harbor has three runways: North Runway - designated 8/26 is 11,490 feet long and 150 feet wide; field elevation 1,117.9. Center; Runway - designated 7L/25R is 10,300 feet long and 150 feet wide; field elevation 1,118.3. South; Runway - designated 7R/25L is 7,800 feet long and 150 feet wide; field elevation 1,115.7.
Today, Sky Harbor Airport is one of the ten busiest airports in the U.S.
On a typical day more than 1,200 aircraft arrive and depart, more than 100,000 passengers arrive and depart and more than 600 tons of air cargo is handled.

Watery Wednesday #107

2010-09-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days in California last week, but home was never far away.

Rusty Morning Light

2010-09-28T04:02:00.002-07:00

I took this photo in the early morning light in Flagstaff, AZ. Tracy and I have a special blogging friend who
really enjoys the beauty of rust...this shot is for Kathy.

Book Drop

2010-09-27T04:05:00.002-07:00

This is the book drop in front of the Avondale Public Library. I waited to take this picture for what seemed like forever. A mother drove up with her little girl who had just learned to read in the back seat. The little girl wanted to drop off the books she had checked out herself. She had so many books that it was like watching the clowns spill out of the Clown Car. But it was cute.

Sunflower Dreams...

2010-09-26T03:35:00.002-07:00

Bank Of America Building

2010-09-25T03:59:00.001-07:00

This is the Bank of America building in downtown Phoenix where every day must be window cleaning day for them.

Crystal Blue - Skywatch Friday

2010-09-24T03:52:00.008-07:00

The clear, blue skies over Oak Creek Canyon in northern Arizona.

To enjoy other views of the world's skies please join

our friends at Skywatch Friday.

The Weather's Getting Nice...

2010-09-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

enough for a pickup game.

Tracks

2010-09-22T04:30:00.008-07:00

Looking downtown along the light rail tracks.

(Humming) Bird On A Wire

2010-09-21T04:30:00.002-07:00

This is not the hummingbird I call Sluggo, the Ruby Throated bully that guards my feeders and is about twice this size. I think this may be a Costa's, but I'm not sure.

Teddy Bear Cholla

2010-09-20T04:02:00.002-07:00

Don’t let the name fool you. This cactus is anything but soft and cuddly.

Weekend Reflections - Fire Truck

2010-09-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

An old Chevrolet fire truck was on display at the fire station during the 9/11 Memorial service.

More reflections can be found at James' Newtown Area Photo.

Reward Offered

2010-09-18T03:55:00.007-07:00

We've shown you "The Captain" before. But sadly, we have to report that this 7-foot tall,

300 pound statue that did sit on top of a local drinking establishment has been stolen. The

owner of Roman's Oasis is offering a reward of $500 - no questions asked - for the return

of Captain Morgan. We're anticipating roadblocks with officers asking, "Is there a little

Captain in...there with you?"

Skywatch Friday - Red Skies....

2010-09-17T03:45:00.003-07:00

at night, sailor's delight.

Sorry for the late entry...please enjoy other views of the skies
around the world at Skywatch Friday

What Goes Up....

2010-09-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

doesn't always come down....without a little help.

This weekend my brother-in-law landed a RC airplane in the top of a very tall tree. Took them two nights to figure out how to get it down. Near the top of the tree you can see a spot of red. That's the plane after they've gotten it to fall five or six feet. They did eventually get it down. I didn't have my tripod with me and it was almost dark...sorry for the movement.

Who’s Going To Tell The Pelican?

2010-09-15T04:30:00.004-07:00

Peek-A-Pooh

2010-09-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

No, I do not live in the Hundred Acre Wood. This is just another one of the creatures that greets me on my morning walk.

9/11 Ceremony

2010-09-13T04:30:00.006-07:00

On Saturday the United Goodyear Firefighters Local 4005, along with Goodyear's police and fire departments, conducted its annual memorial flag raising ceremony and pancake breakfast at Goodyear Fire Station No. 185, 15875 W. Clubhouse Drive, just west of Pebble Creek Parkway. The breakfast was free, but donations were accepted for firefighters’ charities.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2010-09-12T04:59:00.013-07:00

Glendale will be packed with Arizona Cardinals fans for the next few weeks as the football season kicks off today. This years college football BCS Championship will be played in Glendale as well.

The Soil is Itching....

2010-09-11T03:46:00.002-07:00

and I have the need to scratch. It's that time of year here in Arizona when the weather backs down from a blast furnace to cool nights and warm days. I love gardening this time of year and I can hardly wait to get things started.

One Flew Over the....

2010-09-10T03:53:00.003-07:00

Pelican's Nest...

Join some of our friends at Skywatch Friday.

Theme Thursday - Reason

2010-09-09T04:32:00.007-07:00

"Reason in man is rather like God in the world."

Theme Thursday takes me back to one of my favorite places in the Valley, the St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale.

St. Thomas, the "Angelic Doctor", was a medieval Catholic priest of the Dominican order and is considered the Church's greatest theologian and philosopher. He was the foremost classical proponent of natural theology, a branch of theology based on reason and ordinary experience, and the father of the Thomistic school of philosophy and theology.

Please visit our friends at Theme Thursday for more posts about Reason. (Haha! We did it!)

Caption It - Watery Wednesday

2010-09-08T04:55:00.039-07:00

(This duck quacked us up so much that the normally witty Magpie and I were left speechless. Perhaps YOU could provide the caption for us today.)

From Beautiful Downtown Burbank

2010-09-07T04:21:00.006-07:00

Actually, this peacock was wandering around Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale.

Oh, what tangled web...

2010-09-06T03:57:00.002-07:00

There was a very light breeze the morning I took this shot. I love how it made the web vibrate in the light.

The always productive....

2010-09-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

ant.

And One, And Two, Now Stretch and Back

2010-09-04T04:03:00.014-07:00

Come on, everybody! Time for morning exercises!
What did you say?
Yes, darlings, I know it's Saturday, but cellulite never takes a Holiday!

Go, you chicken fat, go away!
Go, you chicken fat, go!

(Anyone else remember that song?)

SkyWatch Friday – Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-03T04:05:00.013-07:00

We hope you had a great week and have an even greater Holiday weekend! If you are on the East Coast, please stay safe!

You can check out more sky photos by visiting the SkyWatch Friday site.

Theme Thursday – Gone Fishin’

2010-09-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like our friends at Theme Thursday have started their Holiday a little early and hung out the Gone Fishin’ sign. They "otter" know better than that!

This is a photo I took from quite a distance on our hotel balcony on our trip to Monterey. This man was out early one morning. If you look very closely you can see that there are a couple of sea otters floating beside him.

Why don’t you grab a pole and join us?

Watery Wednesday

2010-09-01T04:14:00.004-07:00

View more Watery Wednesday photos here.

Don’t ...

2010-08-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

…worry. Don’t think this will be a problem.

Reflecting on...

2010-08-30T03:36:00.004-07:00

bees.

Everybody’s Movin’ To The ‘Burbs

2010-08-29T04:11:00.021-07:00

This is a 75 year old saguaro that was scheduled to be uprooted and destroyed to make way for a new home near 4th Street and Bethany Home Road. After hearing of the cactus’ plight on valley newscasts, a local landscaping company and a West Valley school came up with a plan to save it. This past Monday, Roadrunner Cactus transplanted the giant saguaro on the new campus of Montessori in the Park at Dysart and McDowell Roads.

Officials said it was important to save the huge cactus and the fact that it ended up at a school will help students learn about the saguaro and the importance of protecting Arizona’s treasures. The saguaro has long been a symbol of the state and the saguaro blossom is the Arizona State Flower.

A Tribute to Firefighters

2010-08-28T04:11:00.005-07:00

This bas-relief brick sculpture stands in front of Glendale Fire Station No.157 on N. 59th Ave. It is called “A Tribute to Firefighters” and depicts Glendale’s first fire station and truck. It was completed by Jay Tschetter of Lincoln, NE in 1997.

Skywatch Friday

2010-08-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

The sun setting west of Estrella Mountain Ranch.

Please enjoy other views of the skies at Skywatch Friday

All Things Being Equal

2010-08-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

I’d rather be here right now.

Along the 17 Mile Drive between Monterey and Pebble Beach in California. Taken with my camera phone - unedited and one of my favorite photos of the entire trip even though I had THREE different types of real cameras with me.

Go figure. I guess you could say this camera phone was equal to the task at hand.

Please visit our friends at Theme Thursday for more takes on "Equal".

If...

2010-08-25T04:29:00.003-07:00

Jeff is fine....

...and Barry is wong?

Where is Mr. Wight....I mean Right?

(I Always Feel Like) Somebody’s Watching Me

2010-08-24T04:30:00.003-07:00

I call this fellow “Wilson”. Every morning when I take my walk he peers at me from behind a neighbor’s gate. I’m starting to get a little paranoid.

You decide...

2010-08-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

...the Three Caballeros or the Three Faces of Eve?

Pete’s Fish & Chips

2010-08-22T04:46:00.004-07:00

In 1947, with only $900 to his name, Pete Grant rented a piece of land for $20 near 31st and Van Buren Streets in Phoenix and opened Pete’s Fish & Chips restaurant. He made $12 profit his first day and eventually grew the business into a chain of 8 locations across the Valley.

This is a photo of the back of Pete’s Fish & Chips in Tolleson. The Tolleson restaurant was the second location opened and is the third highest grossing of the eight but the oldest original building. Plans are being made to replace this building with a new, larger building which will have 40 picnic tables instead of four, go from 10 parking spots to 40 and almost double the number of fry cookers.

The future renovation will be called Ruth Walden Super Pete’s in honor of Ruth Walden who worked as a manager at Pete’s for 57 years and died this past May at the age of 79. She loved the place so much that she asked to be buried in the restaurant's shirt and jacket and asked that people wear the same to her funeral.

Making Golden Honey...

2010-08-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

...in the golden light of daybreak.

Bee keepers often place their hives at the edge of fields. Sometimes it might be an alfalfa field or like here a cotton field. It's a win-win situation...the bees pollenate the field and the bee keeper gets honey. I was paying close attention to the bees and waiting for the warning signal they give before getting all hot and bothered. If you're out and about and get pinged in the head by a bee, leave the area...quickly. It paid off dating that bee keeper in high school.

Buy Once, Read Anywhere

2010-08-20T04:27:00.004-07:00

There are two Amazon.com fulfillment centers in Metro Phoenix and a third one on the way. This one is 800,000 square feet and located on Cotton Lane in Goodyear. The new fulfillment center will be more than 1 million square feet and open in October.

What I love about having Amazon so close is that I can choose free Super Saver Shipping and often times still get my order the next day. YAHOO! (Oops. That's a different website.)

Theme Thursday - Brush

2010-08-19T03:48:00.003-07:00

There they sat, on the vanity in my aunt's guest room. The vanity was a beautiful piece of furniture from another time that made me feel like a princess. The mirror, comb and brush were treasured items sitting in a place of honor. I would sit on the stool and brush my hair for hours talking to myself about all the things that would happen in my life...all the dreams that would come true. The vanity is gone, my aunt is gone, and now I have the brush on my dresser in a place of honor. And sometimes I brush my daughter's hair and tell her all about the things that will happen in her life...all the dreams that will come true.

Did you ever feel...

2010-08-18T03:38:00.005-07:00

.....like a roundish peg in a squareish hole?

....like you just didn't fit in?

NO

2010-08-17T05:44:00.005-07:00

Oh, the rules!

Magpie and I are awash in the the photography doldrums - it's hot, nothing looks interesting, sometimes we run out of ideas.

So what do you do when you're in the photo dumps?

Meteor Shower...or not

2010-08-16T04:29:00.003-07:00

Very early...and I mean very early on Friday morning I went outside (in my pajamas) to see if I could take a picture of the meteor shower. I'd love to tell you this is one, but if you look closely, you can see a red light spaced along the "streak" of light. Although I'm 25 miles or so west of Phoenix, I live under a pretty active flight path out of Sky Harbor Airport. I learned several things: I now know when the cock crows, I now know when our paper is delivered, I know how close I can get to the motion light before it comes on, I know when my neighbor leaves for work and I know I can walk in and out of my house in the deepest, darkest part of the night and neither one of my dogs (sleeping in my daughter's room) will become alarmed.
But I also learned that the late night air is cool and sweet, that the night sky is a wonderous thing to behold, that there are miracles I will never begin to comprehend and that I'm no good at taking pictures of meteors.

Sunday Bridges - I Left My Heart In San Francisco

2010-08-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I’m going to trespass into Louis’ territory a little, if he doesn’t mind, and post this picture that I took during my visit to San Francisco last week.

I believe this is the Richmond-San Rafael aka Richmond aka San Rafael aka John F. McCarthy Memorial Bridge. We passed under it while taking the Vallejo Baylink Ferry back from Napa. I was outside on the back of the boat and didn’t hear the tour guide on the loudspeaker when he told us the name of this bridge.

The northernmost of the east-west Bay bridges, it is a toll bridge that opened in 1956 connecting Richmond on the east to San Rafael on the west. But don't quote me on that. If I've made an error I'm sure that someone will correct me. :-)

Please visit our friend Louis to see many more bridges from around the world!

Purple Puffballs

2010-08-14T03:45:00.004-07:00

with profuse plummage of pretty petals parading in poised perfection.

Just Another Arizona Sunset

2010-08-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

You may enjoy additional sky photos at Skywatch Friday.

Theme Thursday - Palm

2010-08-11T22:45:00.002-07:00

Just some palm trees on a sunny day taken with my trusty Diana 38mm lens mounted on a Nikon D40.

Please join our friends at Theme Thursday for more posts about palms.

It's Raining Out Here

2010-08-11T03:57:00.004-07:00

"Come on...let me in. It's raining out here. Do you have food in there? I smell food.
You sure you don't have any food in there? Come on, open up, please!"

If The Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me

2010-08-10T04:07:00.009-07:00

Look! It's yet another public telephone!

Just a Couple of Asses

2010-08-09T03:40:00.003-07:00

I think he's trying to whisper sweet nothings in her ears.

Mellow Yellow

2010-08-08T03:34:00.001-07:00

Give me a yellow blossom on anything, anytime....love them.

Three Bears

2010-08-07T04:30:00.001-07:00

This bear family poses outside the Black Bear Diner in Goodyear. This is a chain restaurant, but I have to admit that I didn't know that until I looked it up!

Head Over Heels

2010-08-06T03:30:00.010-07:00

This is what can happen to you if you find yourself enjoying a little too much at Roman's Oasis that we posted about earlier this week. It's hard to sing karaoke this way. Not that we know from experience or anything.

Theme Thursday - Brown

2010-08-05T03:42:00.001-07:00

Just what shade of brown would you call this? I know what I would call it....mushroom brown.

Find other takes on the theme "brown" at Theme Thursday

Double Your Fun

2010-08-04T04:30:00.003-07:00

I thought it was interesting that Magpie posted a photo of a phone booth last week. On my trip to the Midwest back in June I came across this one and had been meaning to post it for some time. It was in dire need of some housekeeping, but the phone still worked.

Did Someone Lose a Chicken?

2010-08-03T04:06:00.002-07:00

This is a local "watering hole" named Roman's Oasis. Some establishment has been on this site for decades. Roman's has lasted the longest and been the most successful. This place literally used to be in the middle of a couple of cotton fields. Now, they had to close the door on this side of the building because the city widened the road and brought it so close and there's a Super Target across the street. It's such a fun place and Roman is quite the character.

Road Photography - Street Hustlers

2010-08-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

The street corner has become a favorite medium for peddling all kinds of things. And why does it seem like it’s always campaign season?

Sunday Bridges - Lakeside Park

2010-08-01T04:30:00.016-07:00

This bridge led to a very special place in the town where I grew up - a place that I used to think was my secret hiding place. I realize now that it never really was "secret", but as long as I thought it was then that was all that mattered.

Please visit our friend Louis (who I will have the pleasure of meeting in San Francisco today!) to view other bridges from around the world.

Shoe and Tell

2010-07-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

I’m kind of wondering what happened to the person attached to the foot wearing this shoe.

Skywatch Friday - Archabbey

2010-07-30T04:30:00.011-07:00

This is another photo of the archabbey I posted about earlier. Taken with, you guessed it, a 38mm Diana lens mounted on a Nikon D40.

You can view many amazing sky photos at Skywatch Friday.

Theme Thursday - Light

2010-07-29T03:09:00.001-07:00

The 50 foot Star Tower along Estrella Parkway was designed as a spiral configuration, resembling the shape of the Milky Way constellation topped off with a rusted steel sail. The tower was built as a tribute to the many cultures that have studied the desert night sky.

The tower twinkles with light at night, and the spiral staircase and viewing platform give an amazing 360-degree view of the city skyline and the night sky. Several star-gazing events have been held at the tower. This is where Magpie and I have unsuccessfully tried to photograph the moon rising above the mountains the past few days. As you can see, the monsoon clouds have rolled in.

This is a Theme Thursday post. Please visit our friends at Theme Thursday for more thoughts about light.

Things of Days Gone By

2010-07-28T04:08:00.003-07:00

I haven't seen a phone booth in years. Not that this one had a working phone
in it, but it was a nice memory from the past. I staked it out for awhile waiting
to see if Clark Kent showed up...not such luck.

Dust in the Wind

2010-07-27T03:54:00.002-07:00

Even with our recent light rains, this farmer stirs up a cloud of dust while out working in his field.

QUOTE:

“The only difference between a pigeon and the American farmer today is that a pigeon can still make a deposit on a John Deere.” Jim Hightower

George & Dragon

2010-07-26T04:30:00.005-07:00

We met some friends to lift a pint or two Saturday night at the George & Dragon pub in central Phoenix. It had been years since we had been there. I must say it was a little sad because after the poker tournament wound up there weren’t many people hanging around. I always remember it being a crowded and noisy place. Of course, maybe it had something to do with the fact that we were finished up by 9 PM. When we were younger we were just getting started then.

Motherhood Takes Dedication

2010-07-25T03:38:00.003-07:00

It's very hot outside. The temperatures are well over 100 degrees and there's no relief in sight. Momma is sitting on her nest waiting for that special moment. Dad is working hard too, though. He's flying to and fro bringing tidbits to momma on the nest.

Lake Reflections

2010-07-24T04:30:00.013-07:00

For more Reflection posts visit James' Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday - Giants in the Twilight

2010-07-23T04:01:00.002-07:00

Sometimes we have to struggle to see the beauty in things of progress. These power poles and lines made me think of giants marching into the sunset.

Please enjoy other views of the sky from all around the world at Skywatch Friday

She Blinded Me With Science

2010-07-22T04:02:00.012-07:00

When I saw this bench on a local corner I thought of two things. First, not too many years ago this young girl would be holding a book. Second, many years ago (but still within my lifetime) this would have been a scene of Jetson-like fiction. I guess that means this is either a sad comment on our way of life or a celebration of technology depending on the way you look at things.

Wednesday Doorway - Archabbey

2010-07-21T04:30:00.014-07:00

This is the entrance to the chapel at the St Meinrad Archabbey in St Meinrad, IN. I spent several hours here one day in June roaming the beautiful grounds.

Saint Meinrad Archabbey was founded in 1854 by monks from Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland. They came to southern Indiana at the request of a local priest for assistance in addressing the pastoral needs of the growing German-speaking Catholic population and to prepare local men to be priests.

Both of these missions remain part of Saint Meinrad's ministry to the Roman Catholic Church, as Saint Meinrad operates a graduate school of theology and has more than a score of its monks in parish work, chaplaincies, and diocesan assignments.

Waves Crashing in the Sky

2010-07-20T03:39:00.001-07:00

This cloud reminds me of a wave breaking on the beach.

I Think This Cat Is Flirting With Me

2010-07-19T04:30:00.020-07:00

Because it kept winking at me as I walked by.

Storms Are Brewing

2010-07-18T04:07:00.004-07:00

The monsoons keep brewing off behind the Estrella Mountains, but we're not getting any rain yet. I love driving along the field roads at this time of the evening and hoping it will actually cloud up and rain.

Palm Trees - Reflections

2010-07-17T04:30:00.007-07:00

For more Reflection posts visit Jame's Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday - Fire and Lightning

2010-07-15T22:00:00.005-07:00

This shot shows a fire burning in the river bottom (not as close to the houses as it looks) with a lightning strike in the distance. Often the lightning starts the brush fires, but in this case it was careless persons unknown.

Happy Third Birthday to SkyWatch Friday!!! Please join in the celebration and enjoy other views of the skies worldwide at Skywatch Friday.

(This is a re-post of our favorite Skywatch Friday photo in celebration of their third anniversary.)

Theme Thursday - Help

2010-07-15T01:54:00.001-07:00

Raul & Teresa's has been a popular Mexican restaurant in Avondale since 1968. Over the years the restaurant has grown by bits and pieces to the size it is today. Teresa has sadly passed away and Raul is working at other things, but the restaurant is still family owned. We have family members who have to go here every time they're in town for the Teresa Special.

They seem to be "missing" a letter. Can you help them locate a capital "D" for their sign?

Please visit our friends at Theme Thursday for other takes on the theme "Help".

Humor in Advertising

2010-07-14T04:29:00.003-07:00

Until recently, this billboard advertised for a local dairy with the well-known phrase "got milk?"....someone has a really great sense of humor.

Craig Counsell Field

2010-07-13T04:12:00.010-07:00

This is (obviously) Craig Counsell Field and is located in Buckeye, AZ. It was dedicated in 2006 as part of the Diamondbacks Field Building Program in which fields are built or improved upon in Arizona towns through a grant program to aid youth sports programs. Our Diamondbacks may not always play the best baseball, but they understand being part of a community.

Library Art

2010-07-12T04:30:00.006-07:00

This tile mosaic adorns a side wall of the Avondale Civic Center Public Library. It was created by students of the Rancho Santa Fe Elementary school and artist Petra Adams and installed on the library wall in 2009. Each square depicts a different scene from Avondale's past and present.

Adams was recently commissioned by the library to create more mosaic art of which I will post a picture on another day.

Sunday Bridges - Tonto Natural Bridge

2010-07-11T04:16:00.004-07:00

On a recent trip north of Phoenix, I visited the Tonto Natural Bridge. This is not the best angle to take a photo of the bridge, but I was with someone who couldn't make the hike down in the canyon for the best angle. It was impressive even from the top of the canyon. Water from a natural spring flows over the side of the bridge. Visit the link to learn more about the development of the state park at this location.

To see other bridges, please visit Louis at Sunday Bridges

Let Bygones Be Bygones

2010-07-10T04:30:00.025-07:00

A few old cars were on display at the fireworks show at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park last weekend. I don't really know much about cars, but I think this was a Rolls Royce. I just thought the flags were cool. The very idea that Britain and the U.S. became allies after a rather contentious start in history kind of blows my mind. Can’t we all just get along? :-)

Skywatch Friday - Monsoons Bring Colors

2010-07-09T03:41:00.005-07:00

With the onset of our monsoon season, we have some beautiful clouds and colors at sunset. This shot was taken looking west to the White Tanks Mountains.

Enjoy other beautiful views from around the world at Skywatch Friday

Theme Thursday - Ball

2010-07-08T04:30:00.008-07:00

I know, I know. You are probably sick of seeing fireworks pictures by now. Theme Thursday has rolled around and Magpie and I just can’t get inspired to come up with anything remotely clever for this weeks theme.

So, here is another fireworks picture which I chose because of the “ball” in the center. Also, we had a “ball” at the fireworks show at the Wigwam last weekend. I would have posted a fireworks picture right away, but decided to give you all a break. Instead, I just ended up delaying the inevitable.

Our apologies for a lack of creativity this week! Have a ball viewing other takes on this weeks theme at Theme Thursday.

Desert Waterfall

2010-07-07T04:30:00.010-07:00

A rare and welcome sight here in the desert, this is a waterfall at a local West Valley recreational area near the Estrella Star Tower.

This is another photo taken with a 38mm Diana lens mounted on a Nikon D40.

You can view more Watery Wednesday photos by clicking on the picture below.

Friendship Park - Mural

2010-07-06T04:45:00.000-07:00

This is one side of a utility building at Friendship Park in Avondale, AZ. Three sides of building have been painted with a mural by artist Edward Buonvecchio. The mural was commissioned to honor the gazebo and pagodas that were a gift ten years ago from Avondale's sister city, Kaizu, Japan. I know we normally only post a single photo, but it seemed wrong to try and pick just one side of the mural.

The colors are so vibrant. I hope they last in our Arizona sun.

Thee Pitts Again

2010-07-05T04:30:00.003-07:00

Thee Pitts Again is a Glendale restaurant that was featured on The Food Network Show "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives".

I have never eaten here, and have heard mixed reviews from the locals. Someday I am going to have to try it.

Stars and Stripes

2010-07-04T04:30:00.013-07:00

This is a bridge in Indiana that crosses the Patoka River. I took this picture over the Memorial Day holiday on a recent trip to the Midwest. It just seemed like the right day to post this.

You can see more bridges from around the world by visiting Louis at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Brave on so Many Levels.

2010-07-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the quality of this photo...and some other things about it too. I took it through my quite dirty windshield and I may have been giggling just a little at the time. It was around noon and already around 105 degrees. Several things came to mind: they're walking; she's wearing a jacket; and we don't even have to mention the hair.

Note to self: Keep windshield clean. One never knows when a photo opp may present itself.

Skywatch Friday - Owl in the Sunset

2010-07-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

This is a Burrowing Owl silhouetted in a sunset west of Goodyear. He was squawking at me the entire time. I wanted him to fly so I could try and catch a shot of that, but he wouldn't cooperate.

Please enjoy other views of the skies at Skywatch Friday

Theme Day : Reflections (Yes, It's a Dry Heat)

2010-07-01T04:08:00.005-07:00

They claim it's a dry heat. This isn't water on the roadway, but it is a mirage. And I personally don't care if it's dry or moist....113 degrees is HOT!. They do say our monsoons will be moving into the valley soon. Who are "they" and how come they know so much?

Check out more Theme Day posts at City Daily Photo.

St. Joseph

2010-06-30T04:30:00.008-07:00

Baby Robin

2010-06-29T04:30:00.002-07:00

This little birdie was getting some tough love from its Mommy as it followed her around trying to get her to feed it.

See more critters by clicking on the picture below.

Road Photography - Underpass

2010-06-28T04:30:00.002-07:00

Freeway “beautification” beside an underpass in Phoenix. This is what my hair looks like after driving through the city.

Sunday Bridges - Foot Bridge

2010-06-27T04:30:00.002-07:00

This is a bridge Magpie and I crossed on our recent Marvelous Monday picture taking trip. This photo was taken with a Diana 38mm lens mounted on my Nikon D40.

You can see more bridges from around the world by visiting Louis at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.