A TRIP TO ARIZONA...

Arizona...

If you don't like the desert 

and

You don't like the heat...

Stay out of her kitchen...

But...

If you appreciate the beauty of nature

and

Enjoy the kindness of your fellow man...

Then you must add this state to your itinerary.

The landscape is beautifully decorated with shadow covered mountains, the lacy foliage of the mesquite trees and varieties of cacti, some centuries old.

And at the end of the day, the region is usually blanketed in such an array of brilliant colors that even an artist would be hard pressed to find in his paint box.

The Saguaro cactus.

This cactus will not start producing 'arms' until 50 years old.

The entrance to the Hassayampa Ranch

We spent our time in Arizona at my brother and sister-in-law's Hassayampa Ranch.  The ranch is nestled in a small valley in Morristown, just outside the town of Wickenburg.

The Gold Miner

There are a number of statues around town that depict the heritage of the region.

The School Marm

This is a 200 year old mesquite tree called the Jail Tree.

From 1863 to 1890 it was the site where outlaws were chained because of the lack of a hoosegow.

The Octillo cactus.  Look closely at all those thorns.  Most enemies must stay clear!

They set up their hacienda in Morristown about eight years ago, after moving to Arizona from Fresno, CA.  They have always loved the desert and spent many vacations hiking and exploring before setting up permanent residence.

The llama: Guiseppe

The donkeys: Klondike (foreground) and Ballarat (background)

Klondike and Ballarat..K.I.S.S.I.N.G

They are soon to be betrothed.

Ballarat is now three years old

and

it is time.

This is Casey. He only has three legs. My brother says that is normal, all dogs have three legs, it's just that some of them have four!

They share their ranch with one llama, 2 donkeys, one chicken, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 2 birds, and an occasional rattlesnake thrown into the mix.  Fortunately, for us, the rattlesnake didn't make an appearance during our visit, and my sincere apologies to all that I didn't get photos of.

My brother is a collector of old cars and farming machinery.  He is also an accomplished photographer.

He is known in certain circles as "The Connoisseur of Chevrolet Corvairs. It was one of his first cars and he loves them!!

"What can I say except...

I guess collecting runs in their family!!"

A very important necessity when the temperatures climb!

My sister-in-law is a nurse at the local hospital and in her spare time tends a beautiful and whimsical garden. She has a most amazing Mexican Bird of Paradise, so bright and beautiful, but the wind was blowing and my picture came out very blurry.  She is also an excellent cook.

Bruce, Meg, and our nephew, Todd, opened their home and their hearts to us, and we had such a wonderful time on our visit.  We also enjoyed the time we were able to spend with the rest of our amazing family.

From left to right, around table:

Stellar, great-nephew

Meg, sister-in-law

Torie, good friend

Sid, sister, unlike the dog, she has more than two fingers!

Wade, nephew

Bruce, brother

Damon, nephew

Todd, nephew

Sharyn, good friend

The Captain, husband

Family and friends sharing dinner before the trip back home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We passed through a clever little town on our way back home and thought this sign was too cute not to share:

Leaving Hope, Arizona

I hope I can catch up with everyone now that it is again business as usual.

....Judy....

I'm sharing with these wonderful parties:

Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings, The Heart of Your Home

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Oh, The Places I've Been at The Tablescaper

Travel Photo Mondays at Travel Photo Discovery