This Is Arizona

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How many of you know who Walter Wellesley “Red” Smith was? He was one of the most acclaimed American sportswriters of all time.

Not comparing myself to Smith in any way, shape or form, but I am often asked how I write 500-ish words almost every day. When asked how he was able to write a daily column, Smith is supposed to have remarked, “You simply sit down at the typewriter, open your veins, and bleed.”

Some days, though, I have no blood to give. Speaking of writing…even though the last two days have seen normal blog traffic, reader comments have trickled down to almost none. Please feel free to submit thoughtful comments. Oh, if you read this blog on a regular or semi-regular basis, please tell your friends and share the URL. I will also suggest that you click on any ads in which you have genuine interest.

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Yesterday, of course, was the first day of Astronomical Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some photos from this area from yesterday.

 

 

Yes, it’s already sunshade time in Arizona. I took this photo while waiting at the local Cadillac dealer with my wonderful wife. We had another key made for the 2015 ATS as it only had one when we purchased it. That is my Z06 in case you’re curious, or even if you’re not.

We spent part of yesterday afternoon in the nearby town of Carefree. Here are some photos:

 

 

Here is a photo from later in the day taken a little closer to home.

 

 

I don’t know how I’ll handle the very hot summers, but so far I am really enjoying living in Arizona.

 

#ThisIsArizona

#RedSmith

#CarefreeArizona

#DesertLife

#somanycarsjustonelife

#disaffectedmusings

If you like this blog please tell your friends and share the blog URL (https://disaffectedmusings.com). Thanks.

 

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Published by rulesoflogic

Empiricism over ideology!

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14 thoughts on “This Is Arizona”

  2. The northern end of the valley feels much less crowded than the eastern edge; part of the reason we went west was the “crowded” feel of the east.
    Carefree and Cave Creek are on my favorites list of places to visit in the metro area. We have spent a lot of time hiking the trails in and around Spur Cross Ranch, even though it is a bit of a drive for us.

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    1. Thanks, JS. We like the northern part of the metro area, which is why we bought a home here. We are not interested in partying or crowds. I like to say that we were the original practitioners of social distancing.

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  3. William F. Buckley, asked how he was able to write five columns a week, replied “It’s easy.  The world irritates me.”

    Bill 

    f

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  4. I’ve been to Carefree. The trip from Mesa was to assist our niece with riding in the rodeo parade when Sarah was the Rodeo queen for the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo. Each rodeo has a Queen to represent the event and they all ride in each other’s parade and rodeo. Rodeo festivities in Arizona are a big deal.

    Writing is an essential skill that some people find hard. I do not. I believe that if you are well versed in your language, and its words, writing will come easier. Also, the more you read, fiction and non-fiction both, the easier it is to write. I am blessed by having three authors in my immediate and extended family, as my son and two first cousins are all published authors. I also honed my writing skills as an engineer having to write numerous reports and technical documents. As an engineer, you NEED to be able to describe your work so that others will understand your work. If you can’t then the managers, lawyers and accountants will be reluctant to provide the funds and time to accomplish your project.

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    1. Thanks, Philip. I think the perception is that real writing is less important in the tweet/post era than it was before. Perception is reality even if it isn’t.

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  5. “I don’t know how I’ll handle the very hot summers.”

    When I traveled to Phoenix to look at the project we were bidding on, it was in late August. As I wasn’t used to the temps, I was quite miserable for the three days I was there. I suspect if I were to move there in the cooler months and work my way up to those temps, it would be more bearable. Either way, 110-118 is HOT, no matter how low the humidity is.

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    1. Thanks, DDM. Yes, I suspect 115°-118° is uncomfortable regardless of dewpoint/humidity. I can tell you, though, that when my wonderful wife and I were here last September to find a house, the high every day was between 100° and 105°. When we dined outside for lunch (we will not dine inside again until two weeks after our second shot), as long as we were in the shade it was more than tolerable. It is windier here than most non-residents realize AND the lower humidity does help.

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  6. A friend of mine used to say there are only two temperatures in Phoenix: Hot and OH MY GOSH!

    You will get used to the heat and learn ways to avoid it. A couple of tricks. When you get to the car after grocery shopping, first start the car and turn on the air conditioning, then load the groceries into the car. For the regular places you go, know where the shade trees are in the parking lot. Run your errands early in the morning BEFORE it gets too hot.

    And those people who just say, “Well it is a dry heat.” Either ignore them or just smack them up side of the head.

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    1. Thanks, Philip. As I wrote to Dirty Dingus McGee, the 100°-105° temperatures of last September were more than tolerable as long as we were in the shade. In addition, as I usually wake up early getting out “before” the heat will not be a problem.

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