Monday, November 25, 2013

late November


I've been thinking about seasons and landscapes. 


Saguaros are everywhere in the Tucson area, common as hemlock here in the northeast. Those arms make them seem lifelike, friendly, welcoming.


This one, (which seems to be dying) reminded me of the Straw Man from Wizard of Oz.


Birds nest in holes in their bodies. Their night-blooming flowers, white and yellow, appear in the spring, and their ruby red fruit is edible.


In New Zealand it is spring. Here it is leafless and bitter cold. I read Polar Star, which was fascinating. A fish processing factory on a ship in the Bering Sea. Truly bitter. I will never look at cat food the same way.

We're going to the Catskills for Thanksgiving, and I'm hoping for snow to soften the starkness of November. A roaring fire, icicles. I spend too much time inside in the winter, looking out (or down at my book).



It's deer hunting season, which I used to hate, until I thought about the slow starvation of deer through the long winters (which happens when there are too many). Actually, I still hate it, just a little less.

A year ago we adopted Aji and Masa. They had been sheltering under a porch. Now it seems like they've always been here.


21 comments:

  1. The Saguaros look like a spiky green army in a boy's cartoon film!
    Your little Torties are so pretty ... they were so lucky to find you.

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    1. The Saguaos do have a cartoonish quality--I kept thinking of Gumby.
      I'm lucky to have the kittys.

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  2. These Saguaros look wonderful !
    Your cats are lovely.
    Greetings !

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  3. You have such a big and soft heart! I have never thought that hunting could save the deers from slow starvation. It is a soothing thought. I love your landscape - it is so different from ours. I have watched a wonderful documentary about the train crossing the US from N.Y. to L.A. You have such an amazing and interesting country - and your photos prove it! I hope your Thanksgiving is warm and lovely and full of snow! Christa

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    1. Those pictures are in Arizona, where I visited last months. I would love to take a train trip cross country. And through India.

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  4. Jen,
    the Saguaros look like soldiers guarding the landscape, they are so alike yet each one different. Your kitties are adorable, I had 2 years ago that looked similar.
    Rebecca

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    1. We went to a part of Az that didn't have them and when we returned I was so happy to see them. Like old friends waving.

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  5. I'd love to go to that part of the world. I read so many books about Arizona and Utah. one day... beautiful pics!!!

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    1. New Mexico! Colorado! I think you'd get into Mexico too.

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  6. Jen..The saguaros all seem to be in raising their arms in praise, saluting, or readying themselves for a waltz across the desert! Their beauty is so stark and primitive. A trip to see first hand is definitely in order! If our South Georgia weather is any indication of temps to come, your wish for Catskills snow may well be granted! Your point about the deer population is thought provoking. Not coming from a hunting family, I have had difficulty with this... That is until my daughter, who leaves for work very, very early before dawn, hit a deer a few weeks ago. Fortunately, she was not injured, but I now appreciate the need for the deer population to be controlled. Amazing how making it personal can change perspective! Sending you lots of good wishes for a lovely Thanksgiving weekend! Susan

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    1. That's scary--glad your daughter is okay.
      Happy Thanksgiving to you, Susan!

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  7. I really like the last photo with half of her face in light, her family face; the other half in shadow, holding her secret thoughts.

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  8. I won't say I like the starkness of November but I appreciate it. There's a feeling that the bare trees and gray skies brings that's almost a needed contrast to the (over) abundance of the holidays. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving in the country.

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving, Jen. Thanks for the Arizona photos.I could almost feel the warmth!

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  10. Hello Jen, These saguaro photos are amazing, especially the one of them covering the hillside. It's a shame that they have to be officially protected--what kind of person would want to harm or eliminate these magnificent plants?
    --Jim

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  11. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Jen, you will be spending it in a beautiful part of the world.

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  12. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving Jen. And hoping for a little snow, a little, just a little.

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  13. Your description about Straw man in Oz and your lovely cats make me smile...
    Have a nice Thanksgiving at the Catskills!

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  14. Ha! I too see the Straw Man. I hope one day soon you will wake to see a landscape blanketed in snow (but not too much snow).

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