Holidays in Arizona

December 25, 2018

The weather has been pretty mild in Southern Arizona so far this year. But there has been a little upper-level moisture that has contributed to a string of fantastic sunrises and sunsets. This was Christmas Eve sunrise from Apache Junction, in the far East Valley of the Phoenix area. And here’s Christmas Eve sunset, looking […]

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Bob Vairo, Gentleman and Citizen

December 10, 2018

I was very sad to learn from a friend today of the passing of Bob Vairo, longtime North Scottsdale resident, citizen, and advocate for the ideals that built Scottsdale and made it unique among area cities and towns. In addition to, “United States Marine,” and, “Korean War Veteran,” his obituary says: Bob was very active […]

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When the long shadows point due west

September 17, 2018

When the long shadows Point due west, I hear ancient Hohokam Voices whispering, “Summer is almost over.”

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Quote of the Day: On Purpose

August 8, 2018

He’s got to learn to be himself, but on purpose. Fast Eddy Felson (Paul Newman) about flaky pool hustler Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), in The Color of Money, a 1986 film written by Richard Price, based on the novel by Walter Tevis.

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Quote of the Day: Who You Truly Are

August 7, 2018

The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. Carl Jung (1875 – 1961), Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. Jung also developed concepts such as extroversion, introversion, collective unconscious, synchronicity, and individuation (the process of fulfillment of each individual “which negates neither the conscious or unconscious position but does justice […]

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Easter Lily Cactus, Round 3, 2018

August 7, 2018

I think our last bloom for the Easter Lily of 2017 was in October. We’re on the 3rd bloom this year, and I’m wondering if we’ll see more going into the cooler months ahead. At least I HOPE they are cooler SOON. Meanwhile, here’s Round 3 of 2018, for your viewing pleasure:

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Last Goodby to the Little Sea Cow

June 21, 2018

Who couldn’t love a tiny, shy marine mammal nicknamed “the little sea cow,” that wears mascara and lipstick, and has an eternal smile? Us humans, apparently. The five-foot long, 150-pound Vaquita porpoise, with calf The most endangered marine mammal in the world lives only about a four-hour drive south of metro Phoenix, in the Sea […]

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Quote of the Day: Dirt Paths

June 1, 2018

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. John Muir (1838-1914). Scottish-American immigrant, who gave up work as a wagon wheel maker to become an environmental philosopher. Muir co-founded the Sierra Club, and is known as “Father of the National Parks.” [Via Gina Mure’]

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Memorial Day 2018, the Battle of San Pasqual

May 28, 2018

As many Arizonans travel to San Diego for the Memorial Day weekend, I’m reminded of the trek of US Army General Stephen Watts Kearny. General Kearny departed for San Diego from New Mexico in November of 1846, passing through the “Copper Basin” area of Arizona along the Gila River Trail, wherein now lies his namesake […]

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Rabbit Hole: Woman in Levi’s

May 13, 2018

On yet another trip down the rabbit hole yesterday, I encountered a lady who my friends in education would enjoy: Eulalia Bourne, 1895-1984, Arizona pioneer teacher. Other sources can better tell her story. But the highlights include working her way through the University of Arizona and graduating summa cum laude, in spite of apparently having […]

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