Verna and Bob's Weblog

Arizona

The Dry Hassayampa River

Dry Hassayampa River

I took this photo from the bridge on US 60 westbound across the now dry Hassayampa River which has been flowing wet a couple of times this summer. This is the confluence of Sols Wash, in from the left, and the main river flowing down from the upper right side.

The river rose above its banks on July 18, 2015 in what is now known as The Wickenburg Storm Event. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County classified the storm as a millennium event, or happening once in a thousand years.

We were on the way back from delivering our trailer to the dealer who is going to make some repairs so it will be available for our California and Nevada vacation next month. We also will use the trailer as a “guest room” when some of our family visits us late next month.

August 17, 2015 by Arizona Climate Photography

In the Garden

Tomato WormVerna’s garden in the courtyard recently became infested with tomato worms. She has one pot with tomato vines and two others with pepper plants. The worms like both types of vegetation and have been found in both planters.

As of today, four of the little beasties have been removed from the garden. The first of them she found was as big as my index finger. The others were smaller, but at least a couple of inches in length.

I photographed the worm in the lower image on the right just before Verna plucked off the infested branch and tossed it out toward the RV drive, the same treatment given the previous worms found. I figure one or more of the enterprising roadrunners that hang out near the house welcomed the nice juicy treats.

Click on either image to enlarge.

August 15, 2015 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography Retirement

Sunset

Sunset

The monsoon season reliably brings the cloudiness that often results in spectacular sunsets. Tonight was no exception when the setting sun played its magic on the bases of the clouds.

The weather is forecast to clear overnight with an excessive heat warning over the next few days. We’re ready for it, though, since no outside work is planned.

August 12, 2015 by Arizona Climate Photography

Another Fierce Rain


This one isn’t as bad as the record-breaker of July 18, 2015, but it deposited quite a lot of rainfall. Panning from right to left above, you can see (through the patio screen) the waterfall on the hill behind the wall, fierce rain falling on the RV drive and the rain gutter overflow from the roof.

The retention walls did their jobs though, keeping us dry inside and diverting wash runoff down the road via the west wash path. The capital investment in walls and pavement have paid off this season 100 percent.

August 11, 2015 by Arizona Climate

What’s For Dinner?

Grilled Tenderloin Steak

We returned from the California trip to see the new grandbaby on Sunday, which would normally be a cooking day, so all we had on that day was some leftover bean soup. It was a hearty soup, though, and more than adequate for our Sunday meal.

One of the nice things about retirement is that you have a week full of virtual Saturdays to do whatever the hell you want, so today, I pulled the grill to the back of the patio and grilled up a couple of petite beef tenderloin steaks. Verna had some leftover Broccoli Mac’n’Cheese in the freezer, a can of green peas and some Romaine lettuce for a Cesar salad on the side.

This Monday meal was as good as any Sunday cooking day could have been. Click on the image to enlarge.

August 10, 2015 by Arizona Food and Dining Retirement

Goldfinch on Red Bird of Paradise

Goldfinch on Red Bird of Paradise

A curious goldfinch perched on one of the racemes growing on the red bird of paradise shrubs in the courtyard. Sort of like a yellow bird on a red bird.

The finch was probably attracted to the feeder I have just outside of the courtyard wall, but was momentarily distracted by the flower bearing shoots. It perched on several before lighting on this one. Shortly after this photo was taken, the finch returned to the feeder.

July 29, 2015 by Arizona Critters Flowers Home & Garden Photography

Avalon 1998

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