Wednesday, March 25, 2009

nothing to rake here...

on the north bank of tempe lake near Priest drive is this
iron tree, the lowest "leaves" have names of those who
contributed to getting it installed. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

fishbowl

this old VW van has personality and a great 
license plate

Monday, March 23, 2009

the next big thing

a walk along mill avenue on any given evening or weekend
reveals an emerging culture of street artists - 
guitarists, bongo drummers, and others like these two 
somewhat greasy hipsters. these guys were actually 
harmonizing really well, i stopped to listen and couldn't
help but wonder if they might be the next big thing...

Friday, March 20, 2009

first day of spring

happy first day of spring to the rest of the world. 
we've been celebrating here for several weeks, and 
are glad for you to join us.
a man and his boxer, wearing a "therapy dog in training"
vest, take a break on the grass at tempe beach park.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Tempe Gateway

Reflecting nearby A mountain and Hayden Flour Mill, 
the newest building downtown is called 
Tempe Gateway, an eight story development that will 
have mixed use including office space, retail, and a 
Main Light Rail Station. it's scheduled to be complete
in about 2 months. 

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Delicious

the food smells were fantastic at the aloha festival; I had 
a hard time containing myself as I looked down at 
this delicious sight.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

tropical print

many people attending the aloha festival
wore bright colored flowery prints.

Monday, March 16, 2009

weekend fun

the aloha festival was in full swing last weekend, as 
thousands of people converged downtown and at 
the beach park to celebrate polynesian culture. this photo
gives a view of the celebration from mill avenue bridge.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Arizona Theme Day: Old Arizona

the theme is "old Arizona" for this month's Arizona cities group 
posting. pictured here is the iconic Snow Cap Drive-In, located 
along Route 66, in Seligman, Arizona. the Snow Cap was 
built in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo, who was famous for his 
antics with unsuspecting tourists.  I worked in Seligman
 for 5 years and can attest that Juan loved to squirt fake 
ketchup at his guests, among other things. Juan died in 
2004, but the tradition of fun continues as Juan's sons
continue to serve up burgers, shakes and good humor.

Check out the other photos of Old Arizona here:

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Hawaiian Festival

downtown tempe was absolutely alive today for the 
hawaiian festival. there was food, entertainment, lots of
sunshine, and people wearing bright flowery shirts.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

path and shade

another view of the newest pathway from the Tempe
Center for the Arts to Priest Drive; with our funky
idea of shade structures

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

view from south mountain

I feel fortunate to live only a couple miles away 
from the largest municipal park in the country, and
most likely the world. South Mountain is a great place to 
go for a hike, run, or ride a mountain bike; there
are lots of birds, lizards and small mammals
living among the saguaros, barrel cactus, iron wood
trees, creosotes, brittle bush - a 16,000 acre oasis.

Monday, March 9, 2009

the farm at south mountain

the farm at south mountain is located 
a few miles to the west of tempe (32nd street & southern);
 there are three restaurants at the farm: the farm kitchen, 
the quiessence restaurant, and the morning glory cafe as well
 as an artist studio and maya's farm which sells organic produce 
and flowers. the food at the morning glory cafe is fantastic, 
and the outdoor ambiance is perfect for meeting 
friends and coffee drinking.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

three rabbit replica

these three small rabbits, located at the tempe transportation 
center light rail station, are an exact replica of three giant
sized rabbits, located about half a mile away, in a relaxing
courtyard with a water feature. i've previously
photographed the oversized rabbit on the right on
my post linked here:
http://tempearizonadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/05/telling-secrets-to-water.html

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

urban windows

new artwork frames the urban 
landscape along a multi-use path
between hardy and priest at tempe 
lake. several window-like 
sculptures frame features of 
the surrounding landscape. 
camelback mountain is framed by this 
piece, sculpted by tempe artist Tom Strich.

Monday, March 2, 2009

sign of signs

sign near the recently completed
path along tempe lake
from hardy to priest

Sunday, March 1, 2009

theme day, glass

with the chihuly exhibit going on just across the
tempe border at the desert botanical garden, it was easy to find 
glass for this month's theme. 
the exhibit is so beautiful and complementary to 
the garden and will continue through May.