Sawing firewood
For a good two-fer (exercise and accomplishment), I recommend that you use a large bow saw to cut up dense mesquite tree trunks to fit in the fireplace — no power tools, all by hand.
¡ Viva Tucson !
Old man wielding pickaxes
You know you’re doing yardwork in Tucson when you need three sizes of pickaxes … and if you’re an old man like me, swinging the pickaxes, you might wonder, is this how you planned to spend your “golden years”?
My Crazy Brother hike
Every year in September, as Tucson’s summer heat eases a bit, I hike into a canyon at the edge of the city for sunset, and if there’s any water in the canyon bottom, I take off my shoes and get my feet wet, a wonderful feeling in the desert. I used to do this with my schizophrenic brother, John, until he committed suicide. Now I do it alone with memories of John, as I did a few days ago on his birthday, when I shot these photos. If you’d like to read my prize-winning essay about John, here you go …
urban wildlife in tucson
One aspect of Tucson I like: Desert critters infiltrate our metro area of 1 million people, and it’s often front-page news because lots of us like it.
a Coyote at the dentist
At my Tucson dentist’s office recently, as I sat in the chair getting my teeth cleaned, looking out through the big window, I saw this …
Another tucson sunset
While Linda and I walked in our neighborhood a couple of days ago, this happened — another Tucson sunset extravaganza.
a tiny lizard in my living room
A tiny lizard has been zipping around my Tucson living room, very aware and quick. I zoomed in to see it better — super cute. I think it’s an ornate tree lizard, a native species in the Southwest desert.
hummer in my hand
Today I was in the living room by a big window and heard a soft thump. I realized that a bird flying outside had hit the glass. I went out and spotted a hummingbird lying on its back on the ground. I picked up the tiny bird and gently coaxed it back to consciousness for a few minutes. Then it flew off, wonderful. … Yeah, Tucson. Now I’m going to put stickers on the window so birds can see the glass better (I already put stickers on the sliding-glass door a while ago).