God's Report Card: Part One

If we could give God a report card, this might be a nice start:

Earth & Space Sciences
ESS Erosion 876: The Colorado Plateau ~ Sedona, AZ ~ A+

Ordained former inland sea deposits ingeniously uplifted over time to now exhibit beautifully accessible layers of sedimentary (fossil-rich) history in classic red sandstone, and conveniently capped by lighter colored limestone.

Presentation: Surrounded by what is now high desert at around 4,500 feet above sea level, this geological anomaly is not only preserved for our enjoyment, but is much easier to reach out and touch than her famous sister, the Grand Canyon. Well done!

GEOMETRY: Symmetry ~ A +

Complex data easily interpreted and practically applied. Superior skill and knowledge of subject consistently and delightfully demonstrated in situ.

Physical Science/Work Habits ~ A +

Iron-laced sand presents a very comfortable and colorful trail. Collaborative ability in directing the sedimentary process reflects positive leadership, critical thinking and stunning forethought; life-skill of patience deserves Exceptional Merit.

ART: Achieving Contrast

Effortlessly juxtaposes divergent lines and forms to present a composite whole which is both engaging and inspiring. Not distracted by excessive design; renders simplistic themes with extraordinary richness.

and Texture ~ A+
Expresses a respect for life forms in varying stages of propagation or decay; often combining elements of opposing vitality expertly and without reservation.

Fluency & Creative Expression ~ A +
Excellent mastery of color, depth and composition. Exceptional attention to delicate, seasonal detail noted.

Horticulture ~ A+
Of course.

Progress Report on Clinical Field Study of Mortal Subjects
ORTHP: Sports Medicine ~ A +
Mortal A) Demonstrates sound theory and physical application of wilderness ambulation.

Mortal B) Needs Improvement:

HUMANITIES: A +
Expresses healthy sense of humor and imagination via multi-media efforts.

1. "Family Portrait"

2. "Mobile Home"

3. "Private Joke"

4. "Mustard Gone Wrong"

ENGL: Reading/Literacy ~ A +

Creative writing extends well beyond grade-level. Mechanics, context, expression and comprehension clearly mastered. Interpretation miraculously and abundantly transposed to overt physical manifestation; "poetry in motion" as it were. Literacy levels exceed expectations and indeed, human comprehension.

PSYCH: Honors Behavioral Science ~ A ++
* Highest Achievement Award
Generosity, pure love and social benevolence beyond description; provides a spectacularly appointed environment explicitly for the happy individual development and pleasure of all living organisms.

*photos courtesy of dctanner/Spring Break 2009

Cindi and the Big Sky Day

See the big clouds? See big, blue sky? See Arizona sky on a Big Sky Day!

Today is Big Sky Day. Please come! You walk with Ellie and Cindi. You look. You see Spring things. You feel breeze and smell flowers. Pretty day!

Big Sky Day is good day for 2 happy hawks in lazy (& blurry) air duet over our neighborhood. Duet is two. Two hawks having fun!



Humble Tanner house framed by soaring clouds. See the new roofing materials placed about on top of our rotting roof. See that after David informed Mrs. Li it is not proper technique to just slap new stuff on without first stripping off the old roof - Chinese roofer who speak no English did NOT show up early this morning to begin roofing. We can guess argument in Cantonese last night; "You no pay me enough money!" "You roof right way! You no get more money - I say 'new roof', you do!"

Mockingbirds are sassy and loud from now until about the first of June. We let our pet mockingbird Hannibal go free last year; like 'Free Willy', but different. Free Hannibal~ fly! Listen: this mockingbird is singing his heart out. Pretty Bird.

See the mini-Old McDonald's farm on the corner of Ocotillo & 14th.
Hello, goats one and two! These goats are happy to see us. So happy. Yeah.








See Hennie-Penny on steroids! This is THE biggest chicken in the whole, wide world. It stands close to a yard tall, no kidding. (She started to come when I called to her ~ and I was afraid...) Can you say ginormous? I didn't think so.

See how Big Sky Days are good for lying around if you want to. Here is someone who wants to do just that whether it's a Big Sky Day or not. I mean, I don't know for sure, but something tells me my assumption is fair. Hello, piggy!



The promise of an approaching storm makes the day chilly and Spring colors bright. See the native wildflowers. Hello, flowers!






















Wow! Citrus blossoms are opening; the air is thick with their sicky-sweet scent. See people everywhere sniffle and snuff and hack with allergies.

See the apple tree in bloom. Hello, apple tree!










See the very large and very spooky eye-sore property on the corner of Ocotillo & 16th Street. A giant hawk usually sits at the top of the dead pepper tree (trunk visible here) next to the house.
Oooooh! Watch out, spooky house.



See the wicked Jujubi thorns. Nasty Jujubi tree. Bad.

See why it is never appropriate to landscape in desert landscaping; these dandelions may look sweet off-set by the crushed rock - but they are manipulative, salacious little interlopers. Can you say 'salacious'? See homeowner curse once he decides to finally come outside and try to clean up his "care-free" yard. Ha ha! Silly homeowner.


See the interesting ficus tree. The winter freeze killed the outer branches, which are now nicely accentuated by new, green growth.


See Squaw Peak framed by wildflowers. A big ground squirrel spooked out from under this bush. Ellie's mad dash to catch it almost killed me. Bad squirrel.


See Ellie in "point". Ellie is a smart dog. She is thinking two cocky good for nothing bite your backside when you're not looking geese at Granada Park are going to be a nice snack.

If I wasn't worried about a city imposed fine or do-gooder animal rights types witnessing the slaughter, I might have let her enjoy the fruits of her well-honed doggie instincts. She already knows roof rats are delicious . . .








See Camelback Mountain with The Praying Monk in front. He looks like he is praying. Can you see him? Do you say your prayers?



















Wow! See this prickly pear cactus getting ready to bloom like crazy in the next week or two.

How exciting! Ellie, are you excited? Good dog.











See crazy real estate market take crappy little 2 bedroom apartments and turn them into crappy little 2 bedroom "patiohomes" just because they say so.

Foolish developers; new paint and plants do not convince everyone!

New name so silly; everyone knows the posh Biltmore is on the OTHER side of the canal and not here, next to crappy chain-link/barbed wire lined properties with NO TRESPASSING or BEWARE OF DOG signs every 12 feet.



See the baby binky in the street. Poor binky! Sad binky. Sad little boy without his binky. Make question: why mommie no notice? Bad mommie.

Binky is pretty blue; just like the Big Sky Day.

The End.