Hello Friends and Family,
Link to this year's index by clicking here.
Retirement Anniversary XI |
Today, a momentary interruption of our Sedona/Grand Canyon/Las Vegas/London Bridge Tour to reflect that the calendar indicates that I have just passed the 11th anniversary of my retirement from HP. It has been a marvelous time — let's hope the future will be equally fulfilling. Looking back, one year ago I was sharing photos of our trip to Oregon to visit my long-time friends Steve and Karen Packer who live in Portland, Oregon. Here was one of my favorite photos from that trip — Johnny on the beach just below the Packer's beach house. Johnny loves the ocean but discovered that it is too cold to swim here without a wetsuit — but he enjoyed it anyway. |
|
Reluctantly back in Arizona, I was still thrilled to be able to share photos from Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and studio located in Scottsdale at the foot of the McDowell mountains. Wright began coming to this area in 1933 and in 1937, he purchased the land for some $3.50 an acre. Additional land was added and subtracted over time but the property still consists of about 500 acres. The architecture school survives with students spending part of the year here and part of the year in Taliesin in Wisconsin. As you may recall, I decided to take the "Behind the Scenes" Tour since this was my second visit to Taliesin West — I thought it might be interesting to see some of the places not on the shorter tour. It did not disappoint. |
Unfortunately, there has been a battle between the foundation attempting to preserve the home and some neighbors who object to noise and traffic that the home might attract. In fact, the property was purchased and saved one day before it was to be torn down. I was lucky to visit when I did because tours have been suspended as the dispute rolls on. |
|
|
|
|
If you still haven't dipped your toe into this wonderful series, it might be time to reconsider. You won't regret it. |
I loved this shot of molten bronze being poured into molds for the bells that the artisans make and sell to help support and expand this experimental city. |
|
Finally, in September, I broadcast images of the Grand Canyon. After all, we live in "The Grand Canyon" state and when we have out of town (or in this case, out of country) guests, we have to share this magnificent scenery. If you have never been, do put it on your bucket list. Just try to avoid the summer crowds if at all possible.
|
I hope you have enjoyed the photos that I have shared during the last year. I really take pleasure in exploring and photographing sights at home and places to which I travel. There will be plenty more pictures as 2016 ends and 2017 takes over. My bucket list of places in Arizona to photograph seems to be growing not shrinking. Additionally, there are other places that I might visit this year — for instance, there is a total solar eclipse in the United States in 2017 and it will be near total in Blairsville, GA where my sister and brother-in-law live. Perhaps I'll be there as well. I hope you join me in my ventures, wherever they lead.
Life is good.
Aloha,
B. David
P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com