Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Superstitions
The Australian aborigines and American Natives all knew a fundamental truth: certain geographic features had the enduring power to inspire and awe, in essence to become "religious spots." After 6 months living under the spires of the Supersitition Mountains, I can testify to the fact that, far from becoming inured to them, they have maintained their presence and impact on a daily basis.
As we wind down our winter in the eastern Phoenix suburbs, I continue to look around and say to myself "what a beautiful place." There are not a lot of places, I think, which can persistently impress one over that length of time. As the temperatures climb into the high 90's, we know it's time to pull up stakes and depart for more clement northerly latitudes, though there is some relief in knowing that we shall return.
The Australian aborigines and American Natives all knew a fundamental truth: certain geographic features had the enduring power to inspire and awe, in essence to become "religious spots." After 6 months living under the spires of the Supersitition Mountains, I can testify to the fact that, far from becoming inured to them, they have maintained their presence and impact on a daily basis.
As we wind down our winter in the eastern Phoenix suburbs, I continue to look around and say to myself "what a beautiful place." There are not a lot of places, I think, which can persistently impress one over that length of time. As the temperatures climb into the high 90's, we know it's time to pull up stakes and depart for more clement northerly latitudes, though there is some relief in knowing that we shall return.
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Botanical Garden
Friends visiting this last week from New Hampshire kept commenting, "I never could believe how GREEN it is!" The desert is gourd-green, lush, verdant, and bountiful with flowers. One of our recent trips was to the Botanical Garden where the diversity of flowers was amazing.
Friends visiting this last week from New Hampshire kept commenting, "I never could believe how GREEN it is!" The desert is gourd-green, lush, verdant, and bountiful with flowers. One of our recent trips was to the Botanical Garden where the diversity of flowers was amazing.
Monday, March 22, 2004
Usury Mountain Park
One of the dangers of being in a comfortable, friendly spot with lots of amenities, is that it can make you SETTLE DOWN again! Just like being "at home," (albeit in a rather tiny one, as homes go...). We had a few days of cold rain, and a week or so later ventured out into the desert again, for the picture linked above.
I had to remind myself, once again, that the world of nature out there is quite fabulous, and that we ignore it, or grow complacent at great risk of our emotional well-being. For me, this is a big part of "This is what it's all about." The desert can be unimaginably green, with the ocotillo sprouting leaves and buds like mad.
One of the dangers of being in a comfortable, friendly spot with lots of amenities, is that it can make you SETTLE DOWN again! Just like being "at home," (albeit in a rather tiny one, as homes go...). We had a few days of cold rain, and a week or so later ventured out into the desert again, for the picture linked above.
I had to remind myself, once again, that the world of nature out there is quite fabulous, and that we ignore it, or grow complacent at great risk of our emotional well-being. For me, this is a big part of "This is what it's all about." The desert can be unimaginably green, with the ocotillo sprouting leaves and buds like mad.
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Some Humor for your Day:
You know about Google, right? The most successful search engine in history? When you type in a search word, you have two choices: the normal search, or "I'm feeling lucky,"---which is intended to save you time by leading you directly to the first (or most relevant) topic immediately, not requiring you to review and check among the many URL's listed. Here's the fun part:
Type in "miserable failure," then hit "I'm feeling lucky" button. !!!!!
Or, "French military victories,"
Or, "weapons of mass destruction." WILD!
Go to Google and have a few laughs.
You know about Google, right? The most successful search engine in history? When you type in a search word, you have two choices: the normal search, or "I'm feeling lucky,"---which is intended to save you time by leading you directly to the first (or most relevant) topic immediately, not requiring you to review and check among the many URL's listed. Here's the fun part:
Type in "miserable failure," then hit "I'm feeling lucky" button. !!!!!
Or, "French military victories,"
Or, "weapons of mass destruction." WILD!
Go to Google and have a few laughs.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Two rainy days in Gold Canyon. Unheard of! Despite the fact that "they need the rain," (badly), and it'll bring on the desert flowers (no doubt), I still find it difficult to handle two solid days of intermittently heavy rain. The "gravel" outside our door is a small lake, the little breeze and 48 degree temperatures make it seem far colder (for us "thin blooded" O.F. Retirees), and the best idea would be to stay in bed. Not in this day's plan, however, as I must get to the woodshop and make up 4 more Jokers and Pegs sets.
Cat update: it's better. Little miss "L.B." for "LoveBug" is a jewel, but as fat as a beach ball. Mr. P. gives her a hard time---he's constitutionally unable to refrain from playing with anything that moves, and never seems to realize that others might not share this friendly view...
Cat update: it's better. Little miss "L.B." for "LoveBug" is a jewel, but as fat as a beach ball. Mr. P. gives her a hard time---he's constitutionally unable to refrain from playing with anything that moves, and never seems to realize that others might not share this friendly view...
