Phoenix

We're in Phoenix for a wedding, but I can't stop taking pictures of the landscape.

I've never been to Arizona and to see cacti planted in the ground is almost comical. At home, they're kept in plastic containers and lined on my neighbor's west facing window. I have only seen cacti as potted plants.

Gnomes and a pagoda?

Last night we went to the rehersal dinner at the home of the bride and groom's family friends. The house was in a retirement neighborhood. All the houses were one level, ranch style, probably built in the 80's. The community was built around a bunch of man made "lakes." There were no people out on the street. I'm sure some folks only live down here part time, but the rest of the geezers eat dinner at 3 pm and are in bed two hours later.

OK, so the geezers know a thing or two about man-made lakes and junk.

This is the view from the host's dock.

Back to the landscaping. The front yards of all these houses did not have one blade of grass! Instead they have colored rocks landscaped around palm trees, cacti and other desert plants. I read landscape magazines constantly and are apalled when a designer suggests anything but grass. It's so odd to me that someone would pour concrete pebbles into their front yard, and paint them green. I also saw a Brady Bunch front yard covered in astro turf.

This is a palm surrounded in textured concrete that has been painted green.

Cool-ass tree

I haven't seen any bugs. I'm waiting for a tarantula or scorpion to cross my path. I'll I've seen are a few moths.

Oh, and the food here is plain. It needs cheese.

Today I'm having a massage (I'm on vacation!) and then we're floating down the "lazy river" with the bride's brothers. I think it's one of those weekends where everyone is going to be trashed because we're all staying at the same hotel to attend this wedding.

The bun is getting more pronounced, so putting a bathing suit on frightens me. I wonder if my wake shorts will fit.

After the pool, I'm going to nap. Then it's wedding time!