Jacarandas~That's My World~051011

So many of you asked about the jacaranda tree blossoms that I posted about yesterday, I thought I'd run out this afternoon and take some photos of the trees. However, it is so windy here today that many of the blossoms have already blown off and it was difficult trying to take photos with all the wind! I saw a few trees that have already lost limbs, including eucalyptus and a palo verde. Last night and again this afternoon, we are having tremendous winds. We (fortunately) trimmed our eucalyptus tree in the front yard this spring, after one of its largest branches fell on our house. Fortunately, it just broke a few roof tiles on the overhang and (...knock on wood...) the roof isn't leaking. So, we also had the tree trimmers trim an overhanging branch on our cottonwood tree in the back yard, lest IT fall on the house! Such is life in the desert...you plant trees for shade, but then you constantly have to trim them or their branches fall on your roof! We have over 40 trees on our property, of all different species, and while we enjoy and love their shade, we also have to keep an eye on their growth. ANYWAY, I'm getting off topic...Here are some jacaranda trees and more blossoms for you to enjoy! That's My World for Tuesday, May 10, 2011. To see other worlds, please go to: http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Jacaranda blossoms~The Creative Exchange~May 9, 2011

While I was out taking photos of doors yesterday morning (and hoping I wouldn't be arrested!!!), I came upon several jacaranda trees in bloom. These trees love the desert heat and they are now showing off their color. Aren't they beautiful? It's so enjoyable seeing purple trees dot our desert landscape! Creative Exchange for May 9, 2011. To view other participants, please visit: http://www.lgordonphotography.com/

"Doors"~Sunday Stills Challenge 050811

I LOVE wooden doors, expecially wooden barn doors and I found these at the Idyllwild Museum last February when hubby and I spent a weekend in a cabin up there. He was sleeping in Sunday morning, so I went out with my camera to investigate the town. And, you know, there was a beautiful Catholic church right across from our cabin, but I was so busy taking photos of the windows that I never took a picture of the door! (goofy, goofy...) SOMEDAY I'm going to get a set of these for our house! Aren't they beautiful? They were on the structure behind the main museum and around the corner are the restrooms. I don't know what room they open up into because the museum wasn't open yet, but someday I'll take hubby with me and we can investigate it! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 8, 2011. HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Mountain time~Finally!~Scenic Sunday 050811

I was in a complete rut for about two weeks, ever since we returned from the Sierras. My energy was way down, I didn't take ANY photos, I didn't go on my morning walks...I felt awful!!! I had headaches and at one point, I got some kind of virus which resulted in me being dizzy for a couple of days. Finally, last Thursday, I snapped out of it. I'm also drinking healthy shakes for one meal and they have helped boost my energy. So, up the mountain road I went early this morning, about 7:30 a.m. It was another desert day with clear, blue sky...not a cloud to be seen. The agaves are blooming and starting to bloom and it was interesting observing them today. Also, there are wildflowers out and blooming and wild mustard. I'm glad I got out this morning and had a chance to see the canyon and the areas around it. Scenic Sunday for May 8, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

Angry clouds~SkyWatch Friday~050511

We don't often get gorgeous sunsets here in the low desert because we often don't have clouds in the afternoon, but on this afternoon, we did. I went outside with my camera to record them. They were moving quickly at the high altitude and when I snapped this photo, POOF! In a very few minutes, they were gone. I took this right outside my house, at the base of Deep Canyon. SkyWatch Friday for May 5, 2011. To see other skies, please go to: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Deep Canyon afternoon~Nature Notes~050511

I haven't been out with my camera since hubby and I took our trip to the Sierras. It has been extremely busy at school with all the state testing and I've been exhausted every afternoon. I haven't been out for my morning walk either. However, since I woke up at 3:45 a.m. today, I'll have enough time for a morning walk. I took these photos a few weeks ago, one afternoon. I love the golden afternoon light up in Deep Canyon and I'm eager to return and investigate it. I haven't been up on the road since I found the rattlesnake on it about three weeks ago. I haven't seen my horses either, and I need some "horse time" this weekend! While Spring here in the desert floor is in full bloom, Spring is just beginning higher up on the mountain. Nature Notes for May 5, 2011. To view other participants, please go to: http://ramblingwoods.com/

Paw Prints~ABC Wednesday~050411

These mountain lion PAW PRINTS are up at the Living Desert Reserve. They are out by Eagle Canyon, where the reserve has a mountain lion on exhibit. There used to be a male with the remaining female, but he passed away several years ago, so she is solitary now. I believe he lived to be 22 years old. I always like to stop and see the prints! ABC Wednesday for May 4, 2011. To view other participants, please visit: http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/