Sunrise with my Camera Phone

I rarely see sunrise. I am just not much of a morning person. But today, I was out to get some good deals. I've recently started coupon shopping and saw sunrise this morning when making the rounds. Luckily I had my camera phone with me (though it didn't do the best job with the sunrise).

Pretty Clouds!

It's been a while since I've really felt like taking photos. I was glad (once again) to have a camera phone when these clouds caught my eye and I didn't have either of my cameras with me!

January Sunset

I only had my point and shoot camera with me to capture this sunset. I really don't like using it for sunset photos, but I didn't have my DSLR with me because it has a spot on the lens that's been bugging me. I did the best I could with the point and shoot, but it's a bit blurry since I never feel quite in control with it.

Have an Ass Kickin' Day!

I never noticed this sign until I was down at the CTCA when my parents were here. It caught my eye so I stopped to take a photo.

Dad Outside CTCA

Here are some outdoor photos of the CTCA. We spent some time outside trying to get a little sun and enjoy the nice weather.

Dad, Is That You?

Though you wouldn't know it from looking at him, that's my dad under that blanket in the chair. Between losing weight because of the cancer and the cold temperatures in the rooms at the Cancer Treatment Center, he was a bit chilly. This was the only way for him to keep warm. My mom and I cracked up as we walked by the common area room, especially since he had the TV on!  I got this shot with my camera phone.  I'm really glad I finally upgraded my phone to one with a camera in it.

Completed Yard (Almost)

My parents left to visit the Cancer Treatment Center of America facility in Phoenix before I headed back, but on the day I left, the front yard was pretty much done! All that's missing is lights and some last little touches.

Curious Kitten

I'm really having fun following Joelle around and taking photos. As in the past few days, I'm stretching the rules and posting more than one photo from today.

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Here she is looking out at "her tree." I think she was wondering why we had to go and ruin a good thing since she loved camping out under the Christmas tree.

She also seems to be fascinated with the bathroom. She loves to hide out between the shower curtain and liner and then attack Sophie when Sophie is on her way out of the litter box. Here is Joelle exploring the rest of the treasures of the bathroom.

Looking For Trouble

I'm the night owl in the family, and Joelle really seems to like getting into trouble when everyone else has gone to bed for the night.

Joelle in Action

Today, I've decided to post a progression of photos of Joelle. I'm including the time I took them so you see how quickly she gets into trouble!

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I came upon her on the dining room table (where she isn't supposed to be), and she suddenly hid behind my dad's laptop (photo time stamped 4:55pm).

Then less than a minute later (photo also time stamped 4:55pm) here she is chewing papers left on the table.

Here she is at 5:23pm sleeping (recuperating?) on her condo.

Here she is later that night (9:11pm) back on the table.

Nap Time!

Joelle still doesn't stay in one place for long, so I was lucky to catch her asleep on the couch with my mom and Sophie!

Poinsettia Christmas Tree

I was intrigued by this Christmas Tree made of Poinsettias at Fashion Valley. I was bummed I didn't have my camera until I realized my new cell phone had a camera. Yay!

All Curled Up

Sophie all curled up in her nice warm blanket.

Bad Kitty?

Joelle is so hyper, it's hard to catch her when she's still. I was lucky to catch her at rest here on my bed. We had to lock her in my room for a "time out" because she was getting into trouble.

Joelle Under the Tree

One of Joelle's favorite places is under the tree. We think it is most likely because we can't reach her under it very well so it's a good place to hide after getting in trouble!

Christmas Tree Decorated

I stink at indoor photos, but here is one of the Christmas Tree after we decorated it.

Under Construction

My parents' front yard has been under construction recently. Here's a picture of the yard part way done.

Christmas Tree Memories

When I was growing up, we always picked out and then cut our own Christmas tree from the Pinery Christmas Tree lot near our house. It's been years since there were trees to cut down, but we still get our tree from the same lot. In the last few years, though, my parents usually get the tree on their own because of timing. This year we decided to bring back the tradition and we all went together to get the tree. We ended up with 2 (one for our usual tree and one for on top of the piano). Lots of fun for Joelle (my parents kitten)!

Also, I couldn't resist posting multiple photos today as you may have noticed. This dog is one that lives at the pinery. According to the people who work there, this is one of his favorite spots!

And finally, here is one of Joelle, my parents' new kitten.

Christmas Decorations

With all that was happening with my dad, I wasn't sure I would get any Christmas Decorations up this year, but I did! It's always hard to get decent photos, but I did my best.

Pirates of the Caribbean Mobile

When visiting my dad at the hospital after his surgery, we spotted this car painted with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. I was glad I had my camera with me!

Where's Sophie?

Can you spot Sophie (my parents' cat) in this photo?

Yucca Pendula in Bloom

At the same time the one in front is dying, the yucca pendula in my back yard is blooming!

Dying Yucca Pendula

Over the course of just a few weeks, this plant went from the one doing the best in my yard to on the verge of dying. My gardener tried to save it as this photo shows, but it later died to be replaced by some babies trying to grow back in its place.

Whip It!

I went to see Whip It today as a birthday gift to myself!

Messy Trunk

Here is a shot of my messy trunk. I must admit it's not as messy as it usually is in this picture!

Into the Light

Addicted to Gum!

I'm not anywhere near as bad as I used to be (probably because it wasn't exactly professional to chew gum at work at Verizon and then later when work became teaching), but I've always loved chewing gum! Trident is probably my all time favorite brand.

Messy Back Seat

As my parents are well aware, my car (especially the back seat and trunk) tend to be quite messy. Here's a glimpse of my messy back seat.

Sleep Deprived

It's been a while since I took this photo, but my guess is that it was during one of my not sleeping much phases!

Remnants of My Undergrad Days!

This Kente cloth was given to me when I participated in the Black Graduation Ceremony at Stanford. It currently hangs over the door to my study for lack of a better place to hang it!

Sage in Bloom!

The sage plant in front of my house in bloom.

Surprise!

I was surprised to come home and find this waiting on my porch.  I don't have kids and hadn't ordered anything recently.  After looking at the delivery label, I realized it had been delivered to the wrong house!  I took it down to my neighbor later that night.

Through the Trees

I was on campus today to pick something up even though we didn't have class. While I was there, I took this shot of the blue sky through a Palo Verde tree.

Paper Flower

Here's a close up of another one of my paper flower decorations in my house.

Dinner

It's been ages since I've tried to make an omelet at home. I can never quite get them to fold up right. This one didn't turn out too bad, though! In fact, remembering it is making me hungry now.

Bejeweled Blitz Craze

I've had a lot of people asking me this week how I scored over 100,000 on Bejeweled Blitz. Too bad I don't really have an answer! When I started playing, I wondered the same thing about other players. The only answer I have is that I play way more than I should, and it takes quite a bit of luck! Here's my latest high score.

Arizona Rainbow

As I drove up to work this morning, I noticed this rainbow. I didn't have my good camera with me, so this was the best I could do!  I tried playing around with the lighting and contrast, but it didn't get much better.

Looking Down

I took this photo as I was leaving work today. I hadn't really noticed this pattern on the railing before. Probably because I'm so busy coming or going!

Not a Good Start

I'm not starting off well in September. I missed the first day!