365DaysInTucson

Days 115-118 - Neat Artwork on a wall

2008-11-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

I can only imagine the person who lives at this house - these are on an outter wall near the driveway - they are huge sculptures!

Day 114 - Nice Site for a Change

2008-11-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Finally under 2.50 a gallon!!

Days 104 - 113 MASS CATCH UP!!

2008-11-03T08:30:00.001-08:00

Ok So I got a little behind! But what better way to play catch up than to share all our Halloween pics!

First is our little pumpkin - designed by Noah, carved by dad!

Then all dressed up as Tigger and Pooh off we went trick or treating.

The kids got the cool ride in their red wagon pulled by dad!

We have some neighbors who put on a HUGE haunted house in their yard/driveway - people must have come from all over as the line was all the way down the cul de sac.. couldn't get good pics with my sad little camera and it's pitiful flash! LOL!

Days 102 & 103 Room With a View

2008-10-24T07:20:00.001-07:00

This is what I saw out my bedroom door yesterday morning... a couple very colorful sparrows, wish my zoom was better! As soon as I got up to get closer they flew away!

Days 97-101 - My Weekend Goodies

2008-10-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thought you guys would like to see my weekend goodies, found at thrift stores and an antique fair...

Day 90-96 - A Sneak Peek

2008-10-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

A little sneak peek at my Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too! We were trying on costumes for taking pics for ebay and we decided on these two! I just hope Noah doesn't grow anymore before Halloween!

Day 89 - We're Ready!!

2008-10-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

We have our front decorated and are ready for Halloween! Kids costumes are even picked out - this is a first for me!

Day 88 -LOOK WHO'S ON MY PORCH!

2008-10-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

These may look familiar to one of you!

Days 83-87 - What I Did This Weekend

2008-10-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

On the 4th Sunday of every month I sell at an antique fair here in Tucson, I took some pics of my booth and surrounding booths... that's my friend Suzie in the purple shirt, hi Suzie!

Days 81-82 More Cuteness

2008-10-02T16:17:00.001-07:00

Just some cuteness for ya'all! Found the chair at a neighbor's yard sale for $5 Greatest purchase I ever made!!

Days 76-80 - A Pet Theme Day

2008-09-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

These are some of the guys we miss a lot... first pic from left to right - Woody, found as a stray when he was around 5 and we had him for 12 years, Curly, another stray who was a funny little dog, he ended up with a family who could give him more attention, Red, one of the best dogs we ever owned once he got through puppyhood, then someone poisoned him with fishheads, spent over $2000 trying to save him, the of course my Buster, my faithful friend for 11 years, he would never leave my side if it were up to him... lost him just 2 years ago.

Here's Spaz and Slinky, Spaz was with us for 4 years until Noah came along and was severely allergic, this was one of those cool cats you could do anything to. And Slinky was a Jack Russell Corgi, too smart for his own good!

Then there was Bob... as in What About Bob, he was my big huge baby! He had to find a new home because he was climbing over our 6 foot fences like they were not even there, he became a therapy dog and had a very happy ever after!

Another shot of my Buster! There will never be a dog to compare.

Days 73-75 Get the Camera!!!

2008-09-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

This thing was walking across my driveway... I ran in the house to get my camera as I couldn't miss this as a 365 opportunity! When I tell you this thing was huge it's an understatement! It still creeps me out a bit to know he's somewhere in my front yard!

Day 72 - A Day in the Sun

2008-09-22T19:13:00.001-07:00

So this is the crazy parking lot sale I volunteered to run on Saturday... did ok but it was over 90 degrees and cleanup was the pits! But hopefully the temps start dropping from here right?

Days 61-71 - I have no Good Excuse!!

2008-09-21T10:22:00.001-07:00

Anyone need a bubble wrap quality control tester?

Days 51 - 60 I'm so ashamed!

2008-09-10T15:11:00.001-07:00

So where have I been? I've been here but didn't have batteries for the camera, haven't even taken any new ebay pictures! broke down today and bought rechargeables finally! Won't happen again!
Hope I don't gross anyone out but had to share this locust infestation we've been having, happens about every 7-10 years they say. Since I took these each morning there are more and more!

Of course their moth buddies tag along.

Day 50 - Just for Jacki!

2008-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh I can't believe I'm posting these pics on the world wide web - but here goes - my messy messy desk and office! Can you all relate? Please tell me you can!

Day 48 & 49 Vacation's Over!!

2008-08-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

The kids were out before we left Disneyland's parking lot - they never budged! We changed diapers and put jammies on and they were out out out! ahhhhhh if only we adults could sleep so sound eh?

The next morning they got to play with a friend's doggies before it was time to hit the road for the trip home.

Day 47 - I swear the vacation shots are almost over!

2008-08-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

So we made it til 8:30 when the electrical parade ends the day at California Adventures. I've seen this parade since I was a little girl and it still is exciting to me! The kids LOVED it!

Pictures just don't do the floats justice! The mushroom had the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland puffing on his Hookah (always wondered if that was such a good example for small children!) And the bug was one of many who come right up to the edge of the crowd making funny noises - hope their brakes are well maintained!

Days 45 & 46 Just Can't Seem to Get Caught UP!

2008-08-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

I hope you aren't on vacation picture overload! Promise I am getting to the end of them. These were taken at Disneyland California Adventure...

This picture cracks me up because I didn't even realize that was my older brother in the background until I got home and downloaded the pics! I didn't recognize him as he has dyed his hair blonde - he was almost grey last I saw him!

This is hubby's ex-wife - yep we are friends and get along great!

And this is my step-daughter, Melanie. She is a wonderful kid! Love her like my own!

Day 43 & 44

2008-08-25T19:13:00.001-07:00

So catching up again as usual! So this was at the birthday party for my grandson - Noah loved his chocolate cake! And Rachel was chowing down som good ol' mac & cheese!

Day 42

2008-08-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

So we found this great costume! Rachel got to model the funky chicken!

Days 40-41 - I'm losing track, is that where I'm at?

2008-08-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

Where do the days go? My gosh I can't seem to get caught up!
Here's more of our trip... this was at Chiraco Summit just outside of Blythe, CA, we stopped at a gas station to regroup... the tanks are at the General Patton Museum next to the gas station.

Days 31 - 39 - ok yeah I'm behind!!

2008-08-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

So where have I been you say? Took a road trip to visit my oldest daughter and grandsons... here's the van packed up...

All kids strapped in and ready to go!

This was a view I got acquainted with after one too many McDonalds cheeseburgers.... need I say more?

Gas prices in CA...

Lots more pics to share but Rachel just woke up and is in my lap!

Day 29 & 30 - ok behind again!

2008-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

When all else fails photo the kids! This is the best thing in my life, the most memorable of photos I take, so why not share them!

Since I'm going to CA this week I promise to come back with lots of new pictures!

Day 28

2008-08-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

I realized I had promised to share my javalina pictures with you and have not - so here they are! They look like cute little pigs but they are nasty mean critters - they can tear a dog apart.

Day 27

2008-08-08T20:17:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh today was yard sale today, didn't do too bad, sold about $225 worth. hope I can repeat that tomorrow! Mostly cuz there's still way too much stuff left!

Day 25 & 26 There I'm caught up!

2008-08-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well it was an exciting week here in the Ackerman household, Noah started school - pre-school that is. He is in a special program for children with disabilities, it's really hard to send him off to school! But boy does he love it!

Day 23 & 24

2008-08-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

OK so no catching up for me yesterday since this awesome storm decided to come in - this video was taken about a half hour before the storm got to us - our lightning shows are amazing - I wish I could have gotten more caught on film, as it was I was standing in the back of my trailer holding my camera up then realized how stupid that was! DUH! Danni the lightning rod! HA!

Jordan managed to catch these lightning strikes on film but too many clouds to see the actual bolt - keep in mind the sky was pitch black! Like this!

Days 21 & 22

2008-08-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

ok so now I'm really behind!! I'll post my Sat/Sun post now and watch for another one tonight to get caught up!

These are the reason I got so behind, the first Sunday of each month I go and set up down at the community center for their antique fair - it's a lot of work but so much fun talking to all the people! And if I have things I am not sure what they are there's always someone who knows!

Day 20

2008-08-01T21:22:00.001-07:00

Only had time for some random neighborhood shots today! Tomorrow I go set up at the antique fair and am going to remember to take the camera to show you guys where I sell at!

Day 19 -Yard Art

2008-07-31T20:15:00.001-07:00

Just sharing a couple pieces of my yard art

I have two of these howling coyotes they are tall and sit on either side of my dining room window.

Day 18

2008-07-30T18:26:00.001-07:00

OK so I see everyone else coming up with bugs! We went on a bug search... spotted a praying mantis and a cool green guy - neither was very cooperative!

Day 16 & 17

2008-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

ok catching up here mostly because I just didn't have anything picture worthy yesterday! So we just got back from a little walk around the block... neighbors probably thought I was nuts!
Here are some of the colors we see in the summer... the flowers are very bright here!

This is my favorite plant - Mexican Bird of Paradise.

Day 15

2008-07-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ok Jordan's gonna kill me for using these pics but since we were talking about horses today I remember these... Jordan got to do a horsecamp a couple years ago and they learned vaulting, she was the best in the class! the only one who could get on the moving horse unassisted and stand without the sissy ropes! I was giddy proud of her!

Day 14

2008-07-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well weekends are really tough for me to go out and find things to photo - but here inside my office I rearranged my collections and thought I would share... I collect Gillinder Early American Pressed Glass in the 3 Face and Classic patterns.

Here's my 3 Face items, the lamps are Consolidated Cherub and I just love them and could use some suggestions on shades!

and here's my Classic pieces - I love this pattern the most!

Day 12 & 13

2008-07-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

How did I miss a day? Oh yeah sick kids! Rachel was not going to give me a second to do anything last night... thankfully she's finally asleep tonight and I have a chance to share a few more pics with you.
These are normal cloud formations during the summer, the monsoon winds and moisture are gathering in those big puffy things! I thought the steeple was just a neat shot...

And on the way home we came upon this poor guy not having a good day... we tried to get the pic of him gazing down at the piece of his bumper laying on the ground in front of him but also were trying to be discreet!

Day 11

2008-07-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

After those afternoon storms we get some incredible rainbows! I wish I had had a wide angle camera because this was an entire rainbow! Well except for missing the pot of gold at the end!

Day 10

2008-07-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

So thought I would share some pics from the little thrift store I volunteer at once a week...
I don't know why these shoes caught Jordan's eye but they did make a cute picture.

Clothes anyone?

I have to give credit for this shot to Jordan also!

Day 9

2008-07-21T21:10:00.001-07:00

I had a bit of an anxiety attack getting these pics taken - why you say? Well I stopped on the tracks to take them! These are extremely active tracks with trains coming through about every 20 minutes - it's the main route from the west coast to Texas!

I must share also - we live about 2 miles from these tracks and Noah hears every train! And we are the crazy people who actually try to get stopped at the train crossing when everyone else is hoping to get past before one comes!

Day 8

2008-07-20T21:03:00.001-07:00

So you remember yesterday's storm pictures? Well this is the aftermath on a street that runs behind my neighborhood. The road was washed away in several sections you will see...

This is a common sign all over Tucson, when we have the monsoon storms we get flash flooding and huge puddles in the streets because the water comes down so fast the drainage system can't keep up... we even have a stupid law for people who ignore signs and try to drive through these floods... of course they get stuck and need rescuing... some have even died!
My daughter just had to get a picture of this poor chair... I had to go home and count mine... yes the storm was that wild!

They brought in loads of sand to cover the areas where the road just washed away.

This police car was actually passing the fire engine but it looked like they were blocking the road!
Now mind you this water is sitting here over 24 hours since the storm passed!

Day 7 - One heck of a storm!

2008-07-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ok this is my first time trying to add video but I so wanted to share this wild storm with you!

So I have to share some of the photos - it was such a beautiful storm!

This is looking out my office window when it first started - notice there's still some sunlight and blue sky!

Then the skies turned dark and the thunder was pounding and wind was blowing hard!

I did mention the wind was blowing hard right? Noah's poor little house got tumbled and his sand table turned over - it was almost like a hurricane!

The skies turn an eerie yellow grey color with the rain coming down in sheets - and then some hail...

And then as fast as it came in - it rolls out leaving gorgeous puffy clouds and the last bit of sunlight for the day....

And of course puddles!!

Day 6

2008-07-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Not much time to picture take today so I found these photos that Jordan snapped off last year - we have the most gorgeous skies here in Arizona!
I think I am gonna set Jordan loose with the camera this weekend, she has a good eye huh?

Day 5

2008-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Didn't get much picture taking time today so thought I would share some things in my yard. This is my pair of iron javalenas, story behind these is they cost me $400 because they were at the front of one of the storage lockers we so often purchase and I just HAD to have them - apparently so did another woman, well I won but that locker was full of nothing! Clothes in bags mostly, it was an awful purchase - but hey I got my Javies!

This is Noah's imagination at work - ever since watching an episode of Thomas the Train where Thomas gets buried in an avalanche well... he loves to bury his trains in the "snow". At least we've taught him how to use the broom for when he's done playing in the "snow".

Day 4

2008-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well this is getting fun! This morning we were unloading a bunch of boxes of books from the back of the van, Noah had a baggy of Cheezits and decided to throw some out on the driveway - a crafty cactus wren thought they looked nummy - I yelled "Camera camera!" too late the little bugger got his fill but I did get a pic of him up in the tree...

And speaking of trees - it amazes me how just about everything in Arizona has a harshness to it... look at the thorns on this tree! Very large thick spikes protect it from ???? Always wondered why everything out here has thorns!

Day 3

2008-07-15T20:13:00.003-07:00

Not much time for picture taking today, but did manage to snap a few shots of Noah after playing with shaving cream, it was gramma's idea!

And what better after good fun with shaving cream than a happy sandwich!

DAY 2

2008-07-14T13:33:00.001-07:00

Wow day two and we have a wonderful monsoon storm rolling in - it's 1:30 in the afternoon as I take these pics and write this up for you. We get these afternoon storms on a regular basis over the months of July and August.
This is a shot I tried to show the bright sunshine that gets taken over by dark fast moving clouds. Happens in a matter of minutes as the wind really whips up!
Did you think the desert was all flat and sandy? Nawwwww.... we have beautiful foothills and even some mountains! This is the view from my house.
I'm taking this pic standing in front of my garage, see we really don't have grass in Tucson! Note the huge dark clouds rolling in, they are really beautiful in person! I'll see if I can capture some of the lightning that comes with these monsoons in a future post!

Day One

2008-07-13T16:14:00.001-07:00

So this sounds like fun - have camera will travel and take pics of the local sites of Tucson for all my friends! So I will start on day one with what else... cactus! Actually my daughter Jordan snapped these photos at a home we lived at - the blooms are just spectacular and only opened in the early mornings and only a very short time of year.

This is panhandle cactus and is the favorite food of the javalinas that are native here... maybe I can get some pics of those critters for you to see!