Verna and Bob's Weblog

Arizona

Scenic Panoramic View from US60/BNSF Railroad

It’s a real shame that only freight moves along this section of BNSF’s rail between Surprise and Morristown, AZ. A dome car on a passenger train traveling along this route would be treated to this scenic panorama of desert vegetation (Teddy Bear Cholla, Saguaro Cacti, Palo Verde and others) with jagged Arizona mountains in the distance.

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If the hypothetical passengers were to continue along the BNSF route to Las Vegas, they would also be treated to scenes along the Hassayampa River and then on into the Joshua tree forests of northwest Arizona. If you don’t like the scenery (who wouldn’t?), just wait five or ten minutes and one kind of beautiful scenery will be replaced by another.

I can’t take credit for the panoramic image since I cropped it from one of Verna’s photos from yesterday. Click the thumbnail above to see the full-sized panorama.

March 15, 2012 by Arizona Panoramas Retirement

Cow’s Tongue Cactus

lawyers-tongue.jpgLast spring, I rescued a leaf of Cow’s Tongue Cactus (Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis) from the wash behind McClure Park here in town. I planted it in native soil in a pot and within a few weeks it had grown two new leaves. As winter approached, it seemed to go dormant, producing no new growth. Just the other day, I saw that the long-dormant cactus has started to grow three new leaves (red arrows in photo).

As soon as the new leaves grow large enough to be covered with the spines that protect them from the rabbits and squirrels eating them, we will try and return this cactus to the ground along the west fence of the property. This variety of opuntia does very well in the Sonoran Desert providing they are protected from the critters. Click on the image to enlarge.

March 12, 2012 by Arizona Home & Garden

Devil’s Tongue Barrel Cactus Fruit

I paused to take this photo of one of my Devil’s Tongue Barrel Cacti this afternoon. This one had a lot of flowers and now has quite a few of the cactus fruit growing between the spines and spikes. In spite of the natural defense this cactus has, the little desert critters still manage to nibble away at the fruit. Click on the image to enlarge.

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March 11, 2012 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography

Cool Weather Fashions

The last of the cold weather is just about behind of us and spring starts in a couple of weeks. While the nights are still a little cool, the days are beginning to be warm enough that the puppies won’t be needing their knitted sweaters until late next fall. Bob took this photo last week when we were having a brisk fifty-something day. The dogs were comfortable though with their colorful winter garb. Click on the image to enlarge.

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March 8, 2012 by Arizona Critters Photography Retirement

More Lithops Flowers

I put the pot with lithops succulents outside the patio where the morning sun can shine on them. All I can say is that they must like it there. These are the three latest flowers produced this early spring. Click on the image to enlarge.

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March 6, 2012 by Arizona Flowers Home & Garden Photography

The Spa is Operational

spa-open.jpgYesterday, we filled the spa and turned on the heater. I checked the PH balance this morning and the chemicals I added yesterday were right on (chlorine crystals and clarifier tablets).

The water isn’t as clear as we’ve seen it, but the clarity will improve as we use the spa this spring and maintain the proper chemical balance. It improved last summer and fall.

The water, however, was nice and warm at 100 °. The weather cooperated and this afternoon peaked at 80° (see inset time/temp) which is warm enough to use the spa without freezing your a$$ when getting out. Tomorrow is also forecast to be nice, so we may take another dip before the expected cool front moves through on Wednesday.

Today’s spa session was for about 15 minutes before we got out. Staying in too long isn’t recommended, so we’re taking it easy by limiting our relaxation. We ran the air bubbles for a few minutes which added to the relaxation.

Another grueling day of retirement. 😉 Image courtesy of my Canon SX110 IS robot. Click to enlarge.

March 5, 2012 by Arizona Climate Leisure Retirement

Avalon 1998

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