Triple A

October 25, 2019

We have AAA mostly because I used to drive a lot of “vintage” vehicles on long road trips to car shows, etc., and because (even though I have a tow dolly and I’m well-equipped for side-of-the-road repairs) I’m not always here for the family to call for dead batteries, flat tires, etc. But–call me old-school–I […]

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Mexican Bird of Paradise

July 24, 2019

‏ Wikipedia says that Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a species of flowering plant in the pea family It’s also known as “peacock flower,” and it’s the national flower of Barbados. The seeds are edible before maturity, but otherwise poisonous. 

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Remembering Joe Campos

June 28, 2019

Greg Moore did a great piece in the Arizona Republic back in April on Arizona veteran Joe Campos. I’ve been saving this to post on the day that Joe was killed, 69 years ago today at the start of the Korean War. Campos had left the dangerous copper mines and scruffy, segregated mining towns of […]

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Backyard Beauty: Puffballs

May 25, 2019

These are a couple of the dozen-odd, newly-hatched Gambel’s Quail chicks that are roaming the back yard this morning. According to Wikipedia, Gambel’s quail chicks are precocial: The yearly brood ventures out of the nest within hours of hatching, under close supervision of their parents. The species was first collected, and named for, William Gambel […]

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Winterland in Scottsdale

February 22, 2019

A rare winter storm brought an extended period of rain to the Phoenix area, with snow levels dropping well into the higher elevations of North Scottsdale. A friend sends these images of Pinnacle Peak hiding in the snow clouds.

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USS Hornet

February 14, 2019

At the February 2019 Knights of the Round Engine Table in Scottsdale, the honoree was General Jimmy Doolittle. Fittingly, the late Paul Allen’s marine archeology team located the wreck of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) in the South Pacific last week. This article from Navy Times has some chillingly beautiful photos, […]

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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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