Friday, July 23, 2021

Monsoon Afternoon

According to the National Weather Service, Monsoon Season in Arizona starts on June 15th and ends on September 30th.

During that time, we typically get rain every day - either in the afternoon or overnight - and it seems everyone looks forward to them.  The rain brings cooler air, which is much needed in this area during the oppressive heat of summer, and more humidity than normal which isn't ideal for those with curly hair but something that I actually like.  The air feels like air's supposed to feel when it rains.  It's got some heft to it.

The air has a distinct scent after the rain.  It's from the creosote bushes and once you've smelled it, you will never forget it.  If you're driving through the area, even if you don't see raindrops on your windshield, you will know it recently rained just from the smell.  Well, that, and the ground is wet.  But really, the smell is a thing.

Monsoon season also brings flash floods.  Dry river beds that haven't seen a drop of water all year can suddenly look like whitewater rapids.  Okay, so maybe it's not that violent, but when you see a rapid flow of water that wasn't there yesterday, or even hours prior, it's quite a sight.  The dry river bed (called a "wash") in our yard flows every time we have heavy rains.  

Flooding also affects many of the main roads in our area.  Some of them cross washes, with some of them dipping so low they become dangerous to cross in a vehicle.  And you're not supposed to cross them.  Turn Around, Don't Drown is really good advice.  If you ignore a barrier, cross the water, get stuck, and have to get rescued by emergency services, you could be liable for the cost of those services under Arizona's Stupid Motorist Law.

I love the thunder, lightning, and rain.  I love gloomy days.  I need a break from the eyeball-searing sun once in a while.  And, like in the photo, the rainy days make for some really good photos.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: The Day Began With A Burst
2019: Sorry, no post on this day
2018: Sin In The Distance
2017: Often, The Trees Speak To Us
2016: How I'm Feeling Lately
2015: Ed Goes With The Flow
2014: Big Coin Was A Big Hit
2013: Painting The Serengeti
2012: Why Fig Newtons Will Always Be On My Shopping List
2011: Losing The Wallet At Your Convenience
2010: Bridge Over Troubled Roadway
2009: If Only The Streets Were Truly Paved With Gold
2008: She Reigns Supreme
2007: A Match Made In Heaven
2006: Proof
2005: Caped Crusaders

Saturday, July 03, 2021

Blown Away

While in Seattle we visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass Art Museum showcasing the glassworks of Dale Chihuly.
I have loved this guy's work since the first time I laid eyes on it in 1996 when I read about the Chihuly Over Venice installation.
Since then, I've seen his glasswork at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and an installation at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio.
This museum had, by far, the best collection I've seen to date.  Gorgeous!
The colors!  The shapes!
The skill needed to make it happen.  The people who create these pieces are clearly very creative and talented.
I'd love to have something like this in my yard.  Imagine how it would look juxtaposed with all the cactus.
I'm so happy we had the opportunity to visit this beautiful museum while we were here.  And for Seattle, we had perfect weather!  The sun was actually shining!
If you have the chance to see this, or really any of Dale Chihuly's work, jump!  It's spectacular to view up close and personal.  
Dale Chihuly deserves every ounce of praise he's been given over the years.  He's added such beauty to our world. 

Check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Instagram and the  Chihuly Studio Instagram accounts to see some of his creations.

He said, "I want people to be overwhelmed with the light and color in some way that they've never experienced."

You will be.  Believe me.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2020: Sorry, no post for this day.
2019: Confounding Celtic Yard Art
2018: On The River

2017: Reaching The Boiling Point
2016: Any One Will Do For Doo
2015: A Lazy River Surrounding A Big 'Ol Lazy Pool
2014: A Successful, Safe, Million Mile Driving Man And His Timepiece
2013: In Hot Pursuit
2012: The Spotlight Isn’t Just On The Community
2011: The United States Of American Cheese
2010: Waiting
2009: My Mother The Jihadist
2008: Perfectly Reasonable Defense
2007: Provocative
2006: Sidewalk Sushi
2005: $4,000 Worth Of Tupperware