Lunch at the Top With Mom

What a GREAT day!!!  Mom and I got into the car.  We were taking mom's homemade potato salad to my sister who has been under the weather for several weeks.  Afterwards we were going to tackle mom's list of things she wanted to get or do.  Somewhere in that plan was taking her to lunch.  As we drove eastward toward the Sandia Mountain, I mentioned how much fun it would be to take the tram to the top and have lunch in the clouds that were embracing the top of the mountain.  She said, "Let's do it!"  We did.

Mom snapped photos both coming and going up the hill.  It was not until we got home that I discovered she has a filter selected on her camera.  At first I considered editing the white balance on each of them, but decided I like them this way!! Some of the images show reflections off the windows of the tram car.

I will have to beg forgiveness later for posting this of her.  Remember, we were not planning on this excursion.  She was to get a haircut later . . . 

We both loved how the clouds were drifting down the canyons of the mountain.

The approaching tram gives you an idea of scale.  Made me feel pretty small.  There is a point when the car operator says the drop to the bottom of a canyon takes 8 seconds.  That gives you a lot of time to scream!!

This is with the filter.  The one below was adjusted.  It is fun to see things differently!!

At the top.  Restaurant was behind me.

Mom was impressed with the ceiling treatment.  We both liked the food!!

Whew!!  Wonderful!  Thanks for sharing.

Wildflowers to Globe

Many are hoping for a bumper wildflower season.  It just may happen.  We drove to Globe, stopping along the way to photograph roadside wildflowers, weather and a green desert . . . and a few other things!

There are a few poppies in Miami, but the background is not stellar.  With the rain and cold wind, only a few poppies were even open.  Elaine captured a rare one!

Ah!  Rain.

Wait!!!  This is not a wildflower.  That Tom!!  Follows his own drummer.

Wildflowers to Globe 21.jpg

A future thistle!

Of course, once in a while you have to look up.  When we did we were treated to some awesome scenery.  Elaine was going to 'get her bird'.  She did, of course.  Two of them.  A little bit of courting going on to boot!!

Mom, don't ask!  Really.  From the middle of the road!

The mine between Miami and Superior.

Matsuri Festival

We went last year.  Had so much fun we went back this year.  The venue has a great festival feeling, people in costume and masks (some are really way out), a short parade, food from tents, loud music, dogs on leashes, lots of laughter and this year . . . great weather.  

I mentioned people, very interesting people!  There is a costume contest so that certainly explains a lot of the diverse dress, plus, many ladies like to dress up in kimonos, carry a dainty parasol, and wear makeup that respects a Japanese culture.  But, some just dress differently.  Or maybe it is not different for them!!  Either way, it is all colorful and no one minds having their photo taken.

Seems every photographer fell in love with this little girl.  

Well, not everyone was happy.  This young lad was hungry and the lines were LONG!

Reasonably priced for a token entry into playing a part . . . 

I am pretty sure that the festival promoters have to get permission to FAR exceed city noise limits for this festival.  You could feel the drums blocks away and I could still hear the drums as I went to bed!!  They are awesome!  More than just standing in front of a drum, however, they entertain and have so much fun you almost want to take classes.  There are opportunities for members of the public to go up and try drumming in a group, following instructions given to the group.  It is mainly follow the leader.  Debra and Anden went up and both were smiling pretty much the whole time.

Debra and Anden in the center.

Besides the food tents, there are many other ways to spend some cash.  Trinkets of all kinds!  Just the ones that grab your attention and when you get home you wonder why you spent any money on it!!

Not everything was a trinket.  These were lovely vases but I put my wallet back anyway.

The Phoenix Bonsai Society had a nice space to show off their bonsai as well as give some demonstrations on how to start a bonsai plant and care for it.  The specimens were indeed lovely and the best  part was that a gentleman went around with a large black fabric sheet that he would hold in back of a plant for photographers!!!  They will have a major show in May.  If you would like more information you can visit their website at www.phoenixbonsai.com.

This is a bonsai bougainvillea!  The owner said it was about ready to bloom and would have tiny flowers!

Finally, no proper festival is without appropriately dressed 'in theme' dogs.

We will probably return again next year!