I just love to get pretty flowers and put them in a vase. The vase with a bouquet of roses and stargazers and this gorgeous red rose sits atop a sofa table in the great room. Click on the image to enlarge.
July 2012
A Classic Anvil Cloud
In pilot training, we learn about the weather. The phenomenon known as “thunderstorms” is of special importance. Thunderstorms form very quickly and can be devastating to aircraft, regardless of size.
There are three stages to a thunderstorm: the cumulus stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. In the cumulus stage, air rises up to form the billowy white clouds. In the mature stage, up and downdrafts in and beneath the clouds carry moisture aloft and then downward as rain or hail. In the dissipating stage, predominantly downdrafts cause the rain to taper off and the clouds to spread out on the tops, forming what meteorologists call an anvil cloud.
I took this image of an anvil cloud today, while we were walking the dogs along the road in front of the house. Click on the image to enlarge.
Solar Activity
I noticed on SpaceWeather.com that there are several solar flare alerts in connection with Sunspot number AR1520, now rounding the face of the sun. I went outside this afternoon and made this image of the solar plasma where a group of spots is clearly visible.
The scientists studying sunspots say that AR1520 could be capable of causing X-class flares which could disrupt power grids and radio communication on Earth. Click on the image to enlarge.
Desert, Mountains and Cumulus Clouds
We went to the valley today to do some shopping and to tow the trailer back with its newly-installed “mobile entertainment center.” On the way up US Highway 60, I snapped this photo of the picturesque desert, mountains and fluffy cumulus clouds. Click on the image to enlarge.
Wickenburg Skies
We went shopping at the discount store today. On the way down there, I took this photo of the clouds forming over the mountains in the distance. It was just another beautiful day here today. I love our new town. Click on the image to enlarge.
Compass Cactus
This interesting barrel cactus grows up on the back part of our Arizona lot. It is past its flowering season, but you can see the circle of flower buds around the south-pointing crown of the cactus. Many species of cacti are sensitive to their compass orientation, especially if they are transplanted. This one is growing naturally in our back yard.
