ASDM in the spring

I recently went back out to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM) and spent pretty much the whole day taking pictures including this one of a female hummingbird on her nest.

For those that don't know, ASDM is one of the few places that regularly breeds humming birds and it can be a great place to see these little jewels up close. Yes, even while the birds are raising their young, you can still go in the aviary and get within a few feet of any of the hummingbirds. Just not too close, of course, you don't want to scare the mother off the nest. And no flash photography on the nesting birds, which, as you can see, doesn't mean you can't get good photos.

Earth Hour

Yesterday was Earth Day and we took part by turning off all our lights from 8:30 to 9:30. It was sooo easy that I'm surprised that more people don't do it. After all, it's only an hour.

So what did we do for that hour? Well for part of it we took a walk around our neighborhood. And I was quite surprised by the number of people who are apparently afraid of the dark. Some of the houses are lit up like a prison. But, I guess for some people that's what their house has turned into. A prison that must be kept lit on the outside, locked up tight, and their "owners" ensconced inside avoiding the outside world.

Other houses looked as though they were participating. Even entire streets looked dark, which added to the serenity of walking around at night watching the thin moon on the western horizon.

Since our walk took only 40 minutes, we spent a bit of time in our backyard looking at the stars. The Big Dipper shown brightly with its familiar pattern. Since we took out binoculars, we found the double star in the dipper's handle. That was a first for both of us -- surprising really since we both have been out looking at the stars many, many times. Orion was up, too, holding his club high overhead. And Cassiopeia, looking like a sideways 'W.' It is always such a treat to see the star shining in the night sky.

With our walk being such a success, we've decide that we'll take more nighttime strolls. Once summer hits, it'll be cooler at night, and who knows what creatures we might see out at that hour. And to avoid stepping on one of them we'll bring flashlights.

Spring

As those in the Old Pueblo know, Spring is here. Of course, that means it won't be too long before summer appears. With that in mind, here's a photo taken on the vernal equinox.

Spring Artisan's Market

Now I know that I often post about things that we've done in the Tucson area after we've already done them. Unfortunately, this doesn't quite work for special events that are over once you read about them on these pages. So today, let's talk about an upcoming event: The Spring Artisan's Market at the Tucson Museum of Art.

Taking place next weekend (27-29 March 2009), the TMA will be hosting aproximately 150 artisans selling their artwork on the courtyard and lobby. This is a perfect time to pick up a gift for that special someone, or even do a little early Christmas shopping. With just a little searching, you'll be able to find a unique gift that someone might treasure. And consider shopping for yourself, too. One of the things we've tried to do when we go on vacation is to purchase just one really nice item to remind us of our trip. Sure it's harder than picking up a lot of trinkets, but over the years we've been much happier looking or using that special item. For us, examples include watercolor paintings of the local area, photographic prints, and the like. For you, well you decide.

Now if the art sale isn't enough, the Museum of Art is also open that weekend -- and it's free.

Have fun,