Monday, February 13, 2012

A westerly visit ...


Oh my, it seems like I have been gone forever!  So much to catch up on. 
This past week, I was out in Scottsdale visiting a friend.



The world is so gorgeous out there and I couldn't seem
to capture enough of its beauty.


Most of these pictures were simply captured from walks in her neighborhood.
And you know me, I had to do a little editing artwork on them.


I just can't help myself.
I love using Topaz Adjust.


I found the cacti beautiful and intriguing.  Apparently the Saguaro cactus grows very slowly -- perhaps an inch a year -- but to a great height of 15 to 50 feet.  Some of the largest plants, with more than 5 arms, are estimated to be 200 years old.


The architecture of my friend's home just begged to be photographed.  


As did the area palm trees.






And the distant mountains.

Just so much beauty.


And then there was the wildlife.
My friend lives in a zoo!
On our first night, we encountered a coyote on our walk.  
He was not interested in us ... he had better things to hunt.
Like the zillion rabbits and quail that were everywhere.

And as we neared the end of our walk, another person stopped us 
to point out that he had just seen a bobcat over yonder if I wanted to grab a picture.
I decided to pass.  No need to disturb him ...
or me!

Apparently, a few days before, these two bobcats were captured napping by 
the mailboxes by one of my friend's neighbors. 
(Their photo, not mine)
Just a couple of kitty cats, I guess.


Of course, with all this wildlife around me, I still had to
give homage to my feathered friends.

 These guys hovered above us while we drank coffee.  I'm unsure what they are but I bet
some of you will know.
 They reminded me of robins in my neck of the woods but with 
a longer tail.

 So do you know what they are?

:  :  :

There was just not enough time to take all the photos I wanted 
of the area.  I so wanted to capture an evening sunset on the mountains.

Next time.

I left Scottsdale and headed out to Snowbird, Utah, to
meet up with The Professor.

Let's just say, it was friggin' cold out there on the mountain!
But more on that later.

Hope your week gets off to a great start!

Later friends,

~~ sharing with ~~