We got back from Tucson a couple of days ago and were greeted by the same scene we left behind a week before...plenty of white stuff. Tuscon was a great place to visit and I thoroughly enjoyed roaming through the canyon areas and seeing a whole new ecosystem that I'd been away from for 30 years. I forgot just how much the areas of the Southwest, the canyons, cactus, and climate, although we were there at probably the right time, but still a little early for the flowers. It actually snowed in the higher elevations, while the Tucson area got a much needed drenching of rain.
This little guy posing is a Pyrrhuloxia that I managed to get a picture of in Sabino Canyon near Tuscon. I've always wanted to see one of these since they are such a close mimic to our Eastern Cardinal. The situation worked out just right with the Saguaro Cactus in the background and the colorful cactus beneath the bird. The lighting was a little soft, but I think everything came together after some needed cropping.
It's been tough to be back home...the empty house and all that goes with. Both my wife and me have mentioned that when we come through the door we still expect to see Bailey trotting to us for a scratch and a treat and at least one time I almost called out to her. A person never really knows how important a dog is to the lives it cares for until the space is empty of their spirit. During the 13 or 14 years we had her in our home I was with her practically everyday. The scene was pretty much the same around the farm...Bailey riding in the passenger seat of the truck scoping out the scenery and feeling pretty proud of herself.
I've had plenty of dogs in my life from the time I was a squirt until now, but the two Golden's were my closest companions. I don't know how long it will take for us to adjust to the empty house, but I'm glad there was little suffering on her part. I was with her to the end and I'm glad, however hard it was, that I could be there for my good friend. Thanks to all that have shared their condolences with us, it means a lot.
For more views of my work visit:
"A Piece Of Work", Spirit Lake, Iowa www.apieceofworkinc.com
Art Of The Vine Gallery http://www.artofthevinegallery.com
Artisans Road Trip www.artisansroadtrip.com
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