Arizona Wildlife

Javelinas are rather ugly animals. They evolved in south America and migrated north. One day we saw two javelinas wandering down our street looking for food. They eat flowers, nuts, berries and most succulent plants. I could hardly believe what I was seeing!

We also saw this lizard on a hike at Pinnacle Peak Park in Scottsdale. Hikers should not let the fairly minimal height gain deceive you. There are enough ups and downs on the trail to give even the most seasoned hiker a workout.

James Cotton Blues Band

James Cotton played at the Musical Instrument Museum last night. He was only nine when he first started performing. He would go on to make a name for himself as one of the most commanding blues harpist in the world. Cotton's spectacular sound won him several GRAMMY nominations as well as a GRAMMY award for Best Traditional Blues Album. Some musicians he has worked with include Janis Joplin, Santana, B.B. King, the Grateful Dead and Steve Miller. It was a very good concert!

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

This market is a vintage-themed flea market held at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
There were over 170 local artisans showcasing many items..... furniture, antiques, handmade jewelry, vintage clothing and other treasures for your home or garden.

Golfing in Arizona

We have had visitors for the past 3 weeks.... they love to golf here!
Playing golf in Arizona is uniquely different from the rest of the country. The golf courses are very diverse ranging from desert courses to links courses and alpine fairways.
Many saguaros situated near the tee boxes are riddled with holes from being hit by golf balls. You can also view much wildlife on the courses. Rabbits are very prevalent but you may also see lizards, coyotes, snakes and many species of birds. Below, I have a picture of a roadrunner.
On one particular course, we headed up the fairway only to see horses on the green. I don't know if they were wild horses or not. We asked the staff when we returned to the clubhouse and they said that they did not know where the horses had come from and they had been trying to get rid of them. How unusual.... only in Arizona!

Live from Laurel Canyon - songs and stories of American Folk Rock

My husband and I saw this concert at the Musical Instrument Museum.... it was so fantastic!!
It is a journey through a special time in American Pop music. Laurel Canyon is a neighborhood located in the Hollywood Hills region of Los Angeles. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became famous as the home to many of L.A.'s rock musicians such as Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison, The Byrds and Joni Mitchell who was living in a home with her then-lover Graham Nash. Steven Stills, Neil Young, David Crosby, the Mamas and Papas, Carole King, James Taylor, The Eagles and Jackson Browne were also part of the scene.
In the concert, the arrangement and the vocal harmonies were amazing. And the history of the artists and songs was fascinating. If you ever get a chance to see this show, you must go!

Singh Farms

This farmer's market is unlike any other in Arizona. In fact, you feel like you are not in the desert at all. It is nestled under canopies of mature mesquite trees and the soft ground produces the most beautiful herbs, vegetables and exotic plants. It is a sustainability masterpiece! Currently the Paulownia trees are in bloom and you can walk around the acres of property enjoying their fragrance and all the other trees and gardens. The Market sells fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries, handcrafted juices and much more.
Singh Farms is located on Thomas Rd. just east of Loop 101.

Chihuly in the Garden

Desert Botanical Gardens is hosting a Chihuly exhibit now through May 18, 2014. Dale Chihuly was born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington. He was introduced to glass while studying interior design. Glass became his life's work. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide We were able to see his amazing works throughout the Desert Botanical Garden.......