One of the must-do’s in Death Valley is to go to the lowest point in North America- Badwater Basin. It was hot, it was below sea level- and that was about it.
Lots of tourists!
Happy New Year!
I’m back- sort of! As of yesterday, I have my MacBook back from having a BIGGER hard drive installed! It’s attached to my new monitor, so I’m now able to work on two screens- a fantastic bonus for both photography and genealogy! I’ve mostly recovered from my knee surgery (just have to get the knee stronger and more flexible), so I should actually be out taking photos soon. I’m determined that good health will be the hallmark of my 2020. Best wishes to you for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Merry Christmas!
I’m thrilled to say that our Christmas celebration this year is totally family-centered. Having kids and grandkids so far away, we really appreciate the times when we can all get together as a family. This year, we stayed in a Scottsdale resort for a few days, and our son’s and daughter’s families joined us! Our Alaska kids especially enjoyed swimming most of the day, and we all enjoyed playing with Caleb, the youngest grandson, who will be two in March. Sunday, our son’s family drove back to Southern California, and Monday afternoon we drove back to Prescott with our daughter’s family. And now- we are getting ready for Christmas!
We are so blessed to have these three little boys!
Here’s Caleb!
Henry started today by watching the Grinch and playing with Legos.
And as I write this, Miles is baking Christmas cookies!
My MacBook Pro is in the shop getting a new hard drive, so I am using my iPhone to post these candid shots.
Best wishes for a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Remembering Hot
In the cold of December. it is sometimes nice to reminisce about the hot days of summer. In this case, it was a hot day on the first of October- and it was Death Valley!
Creepy Moon
The cloud shrouded moon the other night looked more like a spooky harvest moon than the December cold moon we’ve been hearing about.
Sunset Clouds
We’ve been having some beautiful skies lately. These gorgeous clouds caused me to grab my camera (not my phone!) and head out the door to capture them before the light changed. I had a 300mm zoom on, so didn’t get the whole expanse of gorgeousness- just one section.
More Photo Fun
Two more interpretations of Zabriskie Point
Zabriskie Fantasy
Zabriskie Sea
Courthouse Christmas Sunset
Lonnie and I went downtown for dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant last night and were presented with this incredible view as we stepped out of our car- a beautiful sunset behind the courthouse. I love downtown Prescott- especially at Christmastime. The only thing missing was snow- and maybe that beautiful full December moon we also saw last night (it was behind me). Photoshop could fix that- hmmm, maybe someday . . .
Sunset Moon II
Another view…
Sunset Moon
I can tell I’m recovering well from my surgery, because last night’s view of the moon at sunset drew me outside with my iPhone.
Photo Fun
I had some fun with Luminar and Topaz Glow creating this interpretation of Death Valley’s Zabriskie Point.
Granite Mountain
One of the iconic Prescott views is of Granite Mountain. I captured this shot through the windshield on our way home.
The Snow in the Dells
The Granite Dells are a Prescott landmark- and how beautiful they look when capped with snow!
Yes, this was taken with my iPhone! It was edited on the phone with Snapseed with final touches in Luminar.
Overnight Transformation
On Thanksgiving night, a huge storm blew in- and in the morning we woke up to this view from our front porch:
It continued to snow for most of the day, blanketing everything in 8-10 inches of the beautiful white stuff. It has been frustrating to not be steady enough on my feet yet to walk around with my camera in the snow- but on Saturday, we did take a drive around Prescott. I was able to capture some decent shots with my iPhone from the car or standing beside the car- and I’ll be posting those later.
Gratitude
For the month of November, our church has been having us keep track of all the things we are grateful for- writing them down and saying them out loud. I am grateful for my wonderful family and friends- and this month especially I am grateful for my brand new bionic knee and the promise of a more active and pain free lifestyle!
Happy Thanksgiving!
And of course I’m grateful for autumn- my favorite season!
