Birthday Party 192/365

Em's sixth birthday party was today at the Science Center.

He and his friends got some lessons on rockets and then got to make their own rocket

before adjourning into the courtyard to have them launched by the instructor.

It was definitely cool.  During the lesson when the instructor asked if anyone had any questions,

the first question came from Sam:  How do they explode?

That's boys for you!

His mom actually found some candles that look like flames to be inserted in the tail of the rocket!

It was a GREAT party for little boys of this age.

After the party his guests and their parents got free admission to the Science Center

for the rest of the day.

For more party pics, CLICK HERE.

Native Words, Native Warriors 191/365

The Navajo Code Talkers Memorial  is dedicated to the Navajo who served in World War II in recognition of their service and the unbreakable code they developed.  It is the only unbroken code in modern military history. 

The memorial faces the Arizona State Capitol and was dedicated in 2008.

Little is known about the individual Code Talkers as they were not publicity-seekers and simply returned home from the war and blended into their culture and society.

For two more views of the memorial statue and more information on the Code Talkers, CLICK HERE.

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Today's News:  I have decided to discontinue Today's News and Today in History.  It is very time-consuming and I don't believe anyone is really interested.  I may occasionally post a trivia fact, for example:  Juvenile eels are called elvers.

Six! 190/365

Today Em was six years old. We had his traditional family birthday party at his favorite restaurant and he will have a party with his friends on Sunday. Here he is enjoying dessert of ice cream and strawberries. He has always worn some type of hat every year on his birthday and his mom is hoping it's a tradition he will continue, although she recognizes that probably won't be the case. This year his hat was a Dr. Seuss Happy Birthday chapeau that he picked out himself and he chose to wear it along with a necktie to school!

Today's News: Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals, clearly the nicest guy in the NFL, announced his retirement. When Warner, his wife, and their seven children go out to dinner they pick out another family having dinner in the restaurant and pick up that family's tab for the meal.

Today in History: 1954 - Oprah Winfrey, one of the wealthiest and best-known women in the world, was born into poverty in rural Mississippi to a teenage single mother.

Encanto Manor Historic District 189/365

This sentry sits at the edge of a home in Encanto Manor Historic District. I don't know what he is but to me I envision him as a Cossack or Mongolian warrior. He is almost four feet tall and a bit weathered. Encanto Manor is a relatively small neighborhood (approximately 75 homes) whose lots on the south side abut Encanto Park Golf Course and on the north side face Phoenix College. There is very little remarkable about this well-kept subdivision. The homes were built between 1945 and 1959. They are cottage/bungalow style, and presently there are no homes in the subdivision for sale. For a representative view of the style of homes in this neighborhood, CLICK HERE.

Today's News: J.D. Salinger dies at the age of 91 after having lived over half of his adult life a recluse. He is best known for his novel Catcher in the Rye.

Today in History: 1934 - The first ski town in the US begins operation in Vermont.

Sweeties 188/365

These little mini-jonquils are called Sweeties where I grew up in East Texas. In fact, these came from the side of the road at my grandparents' (now my mom's) farm. They are much sweeter smelling (hence the nickname of Sweeties) than their cousin the paper whites, which can be downright stinky if you get too many of them in a closed-in area.

Today's News: A teenage girl was rescued alive in Haiti 15 days after the earthquake!

Today in History: 1945 - The Red Army liberates the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland.

Twins - Almost 187/365

My friend/neighbor came over today for a chat and since it was nice enough to be outside in shirt sleeves we went out on the patio to soak up some sun. It wasn't long until we realized we had on the same pair of slippers - just different colors - both Christmas gifts from 2008. I'm purple, she's blue!

Today's News: Toyota suspends production of eight models involved in massive recall over acceleration problems.

Today in History: 1961 - JFK appoints Janet Travell as his personal physician, the first time a woman ever holds such a presidential appointment.

Pecans 186/365

I'm pushing 65 and I still occasionally get care packages from my mom in Texas. Today I got enough pecans to last me the next two years!

Today's News: A 7-year-old British boy has earned almost $200,000 for a UNICEF Haitian charity.

Today in History: 1961 - John F. Kennedy delivers the first live presidential televised news conference.

St. Francis Xavier 185/365

The facade of St. Francis Xavier parish church, a Jesuit community,

at Central and Highland, Phoenix, AZ.

To visit the rose garden of St. Francis Xavier, CLICK HERE.

Today's News: Ethiopian Airlines plane with 85 on board disappears shortly after takeoff from Beirut.

Today in History: 1965 - Winston Churchill dies at the age of 90 at his home in Chartwell, Kent, UK.

Arizona State Capitol 184/365

The Arizona State Capitol Building was constructed between the years 1898 and 1901. The distinctive dome is made of copper and supports a statute of the Winged Victory. I'm simply amazed that someone in 1974 authorized the building of the Executive Tower immediately behind the capitol building and therefore marring its image as one drives down the mall toward the capitol. As a photographer you practically have to lay on the ground and shoot upwards to get a shot of the dome against the Arizona sky. For a closeup of the copper dome and Winged Victory, CLICK HERE.

Today's News: A Haitian survivor, apparently unhurt, is pulled from the ruins of a collapsed hotel 11 days after the earthquake. He told French rescuers he had survived by sipping on a can of soda.

Today in History: 1849 - Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the US's first medical doctor after receiving a degree from the Medical Institute of Geneva, NY.

Heirloom Tomato Seeds 183/365

After all my winter tomatoes were killed by an early frost I decided to try my hand at germinating heirloom seeds and therefore growing my own tomato plants. I looked on line and found a wonderful website, tomatofest.com, in Carmel, CA, who sells over 600 (that's six HUNDRED) varieties of heirloom tomato seeds. Over a period of three weeks I checked out their site and finally decided I would place a minimum order ($15) - because, just imagine, I might fail at being able to germinate these little seeds. So where do you begin? Well, I like red tomatoes, so I started at the beginning of the alphabet in the RED category (now, mind you, LARGE RED was one of the picks on the home page). I figured that anything that had "Arkansas" in its name was probably a damned good tomato so I couldn't pass those up. You will notice I only made it through part of the Bs with the Beauty and the Bradley. I didn't order Black Crimson (I frankly have problems eating and enjoying a tomato that has a black peel) but it came as a bonus with my order. I'm hoping sometime this weekend to plant my seeds in a special area I've assigned in my house because of the south-facing window. I already know my biggest challenge will be to keep the soil moist because of the dryness of the air here in Phoenix - especially in winter. If they germinate, if they make seedlings, if they grow, I'm sure you'll see much more of them in the days and weeks to come.

Today's News: I really thought yesterday would be the last day a survivor would be found in the rubble of the Haitian earthquake, but today a 22-year-old man was found alive 10 days after the earthquake by an Israeli search and rescue team. An 84-year-old woman was found by members of her family; she is alive but in critical condition. I also heard today that on the eighth day after the quake a 25-day-old baby was found alive. 81 Haitian orphans left the Miami airport today with their new adopted parents from the US. All these stories bring tears of gladness.

Today in History: 1889 - The Columbia Phonograph Company, the predecessor of Columbia Records, is formed in Washington, D.C.

Homemade Crackers 182/365

Brush a piece of lavash with olive oil.

Sprinkle with whatever you want

(I chose sea salt, black and white sesame seeds)

and bake for a few minutes until crisp. Yummy!

Today is the halfway mark in my Project 365!

Today's News: The entire state of Arizona is in an emergency situation due to weather conditions: flooding in the desert areas and heavy snows in the mountains. A tornado warning is currently in effect (9 p.m.) for Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and other east Phoenix suburbs.

Today in History: 1915 - Kiwanis International is founded in Detroit.

Earll Place Historic District

Earll Place is in a declining residential area of the city. I could find very little historical information about the district, although it is in the National Registry of Historical Places. There are 41 bungalow and revival-type homes, many in need of repair, although the lots are rather large by today's standards. Several have been modernized. Earll is a pioneer name in Phoenix history and if any readers have any history they would like to share, please feel free to contact me. The period of significance for the area is 1927 - 1942. The neighborhood association has a website but there is no information posted after 2007 and the tab for historic information yields a blank page. For other representative pictures of homes in Earll Place, CLICK HERE.

Today's News: A 5-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble of the Haiti earthquake, having been buried for eight days.

Today in History: 1885 - LaMarcus Thompson patents the roller coaster.

Storm Clouds Brewing 180/365

Last night's storm fizzled and the morning dawned clear and bright. By noon the storm clouds were rolling in. At 5 p.m. we have rain with more expected the next four days. This picture was taken over the top of my house at 12:15 p.m. I think my palm trees look pretty against that sky.

Today's News: Death toll in Haiti quake may reach as high as 200,000. Survivors are still being pulled from collapsed buildings but time is running out.

Today in History: 1935 - Coopers, Inc. sells the world's first briefs for men.

An extra note: A few days ago a local newscaster announced, "Storm clouds are brooming. More after this note from our sponsor." I blamed it on my ears, but sure enough, after the commercial break, he again reported, "Storm clouds will be brooming over the desert within the coming days."

Beauty and the Beasts 173/365

I didn't even notice the beasts that are attacking this beautiful rosebud until I uploaded it. I believe they are aphids (they're green) but I suppose they could be thrips. This will be the last rose picture for a while because we are expected to be inundated with up to 5 inches of rain in the next four days. In fact, that is Today's News!



Today in History: 1944 - The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC hosts a jazz concert for the first time. The performers are Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge, and Jack Teagarden.

Encanto Park 178/365

Em and I went to Encanto Park (a beautiful 200-acre park about four miles from my home) today for some quackety duck-feeding time. These brothers are pretty large and sometimes very aggressive, so Em was a bit intimidated by them.
For more quacky photos, LOOK HERE.

Today's News: Meryl Streep wins her 7th Golden Globe for her portrayal of Julia Child (if you haven't seen it, you MUST).

Today in History: 1605 - First publication of Don Quixote.

Yaple Park Historic District 177/365

Yaple Park is one of 35 historic districts in the city of Phoenix. It was developed in 1928 and is bordered by Turney, the Grand Canal, 3rd Avenue, and the alley east of 7th Avenue. The district is named after the first family which farmed the area in Phoenix's youth. There are 103 historic homes and a few newer in-fill residences. Many of the historic residences have been updated but a great number still need to be revitalized. The average square footage is 1300 square feet and the average current list price hovers around $200,000. For more homes in Yaple Park, click here.

Today's News: Trapped earthquake victims in Haiti send text messages asking for help.

Today in History: 1991 - The beginning of the Gulf War; the US goes to war with Iraq.

The Mean Orchid 176/365

Doesn't this beautiful orchid just look like a mean cartoon character?

Today's News: Chaos in Haiti as hundreds of thousands of people still await food, water, and medical attention. Time is of the essence in finding survivors after the third day following a 7.0 earthquake.

Today in History: 1889 - The Coca-Cola Company , originally known as the Pemberton Medical Company, is incorporated in Atlanta; 2009 - The "Miracle on the Hudson," successful landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after its engines were destroyed by a flock of birds.

Man vs. Tree 175/365

Crazy Dave is an itinerate tree-trimmer who frequents our neighborhood when he's low on cash. I have two elderly neighbors (more elderly than me, that is), who decided to have a eucalyptus tree removed because it has gotten so big they are afraid that when our summer monsoons hit, it could fall on their house. Dave and a team of six other guys spent all day taking this huge 60- to 80-foot tree down, but they didn't finish. There will be enough firewood, after it drys out and cures, to heat most of Minneapolis next winter.

Eucalyptus trees were brought to Arizona in the mid-1800s because it was a fast-growing source of firewood. However, they grow to be monstrous trees and they shed sheets of bark throughout the year and drip sap full of menthol, poisoning whatever growing thing it comes in contact with. Whoever brought them didn't bother to bring the koalas to keep them under control. CLICK HERE to see another photo of Crazy Dave OR HERE to see eucalyptus leaves from my blog of October 5, 2009.

Today's News: Massive amounts of aid from all over the world pour into Haiti but the immediate concern is finding survivors. Roads are blocks and the airport is so jammed that aid flights are being turned away.

Today in History: 1943 - Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes the first US president to travel via airplane while in office from Miami, FL, to Morocco to meet with Winston Churchill to discuss strategy of the war in the Casablanca Conference.

The Egg Peeler 174/365

Emerson learned how to peel boiled eggs!

Today's News: Haitian official says death toll from yesterday's earthquake could top 100,000.

Today in History: 1926 - Johnny Cash performs live at Folsom Prison.

Riley 173/365

Riley is a beautiful golden retriever who lives across the street. She's very difficult to photograph because she's just all over you. I finally got her to calm down and be still long enough to click the shutter. She's almost camouflaged by leaves the same color as her coat.

Today's News: Sarah Palin joins Fox News as a political commentator.

Today in History: 1915 - The US House of Representatives rejects a proposal to give women the right to vote.

Curiouser & Curiouser 172/365

There is a funny, funky little shop that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face who traverses its doors. It's called Curiouser & Curiouser and for those of you who live in Phoenix it's at 7th Avenue and Missouri just south of Mary Coyle's ice cream parlor. I had been meaning to stop by for many months before I finally pulled in the driveway. I knew it would be full of wonderful, eclectic stuff, but I was definitely overwhelmed by the shear numbers of items that are displayed. At first it sort of takes your breath away and then you get down to the real business of checking it all out. To see some more Curiouser photos please CLICK HERE.

Today's News: Simon Cowell confirms that he will leave American Idol at the end of this season, which starts tomorrow (Tuesday) night.

Today in History: 1878 - Milk is first delivered in bottles. (I wonder if we can find out when it was last delivered in bottles!)

The One that Got Away: A young man dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume complete with a crown of thorns, one hand waving an American flag, the other holding a cigarette. (If I hadn't been running late, in the wrong lane, and in the middle of rush-hour traffic I would have tried to change lanes, gone around the block, and pulled into a parking area to take this guy's pic. I should go back tomorrow and see if he's got the same gig. It was such a madhouse at that particular spot, I couldn't even see what kind of a business he was hawking.)

Cheery Lynn Historic District 171/365

I am on a quest to visit and photograph all of the 35 historic districts in the city of Phoenix. It may take some time. The first is Cheery Lynn (and it is Cheery, not Cherry), a small district south of Osborn and west of 16th Street whose homes began construction in 1928. According to historic documents the subdivision contained 89 lots but today I count approximately 65 homes in the district. The first 14 homes were Tudor Revival style (as above) with massive chimneys and steep gables. Several English cottage style homes came shortly thereafter. After the Great Depression the newer homes were Spanish/Monterey style built of stucco and tiled roofs, and the last homes to be built in the subdivision after World War II had generally evolved into transitional and early California ranch styles. Cheery Lynn is one of the more charming historic districts in the city. It is obvious that the great majority of the homes have been modernized and updated. But just because areas are historic it does not mean they are beautiful or in the better parts of town. In the weeks to come you will see some examples of those districts which have not fared as well as Cheery Lynn. To see more photos of homes in Cheery Lynn and some guard dogs I encountered please click here.

Today's News: Phoenix Metro Rail riders joined NYC, Boston, Denver, LA, Chicago and 1,000 other cities all over the planet for No Pants Day where riders at a given time (2 p.m. in Phoenix) took off their pants and acted as if it was the norm for the day. The only rule was "no thongs, please." I was tempted to ride the rails here in Phoenix for a great photo op, but instead I chickened out and went to Cherry Lynn!

Today in History: 1901 - The first great Texas oil gusher is discovered at Spindletop in Beaumont, TX.

Brophy Chapel 170/365

Built in 1928 in the Spanish mission style, Brophy Chapel, the student chapel of the Brophy Preparatory School, became the primary building of St. Francis Xavier parish, the second Catholic parish in Phoenix, until 1959 when the current parish church was constructed. It is a major landmark of the Central Phoenix area. For additional pictures of this beautiful building, click here.

Today's News: Snow in Orlando! $300 million worth of crops are in danger. Get ready to pay more for strawberries and citrus in the months to come!

Today in History: 1839 - The French Academy of Sciences announces the Daguerreotype photography process. Another "We've Come a Long Way, Baby" milestone!

Fishing 169/365

My ophthalmologist's office has a salt water fish tank. I would have never believed it would be so hard to take a picture of a fish! The little boogers are fast -- too fast for a point-and-shoot camera -- but I tried anyway. The other alternative for today was really lame!

Today's News: I'm not any blinder than I was last year! That's great news, of course. I'm expecting to have some surgery in June to maybe enhance the vision in my blind eye. Me and my eye are looking forward to being on Medicare!

Today in History: 1835 - The US national debt is zero for the only time.

Christmas Gift 168/365

New measuring cups and spoons, a baker's delight. Of course, I hardly ever bake, but if I did, I'd be delighted. The cups start at 2 cups, and then go down to 1 3/4 cups, 1 1/2 cups, 1 cup, and include the 1/3 and 2/3 cups. The spoons even go down past 1/8th tsp. to a dash, a pinch, and a smidgen! Now whoever guessed there was a real measurement for a smidgen!

Today's News: I finally figured out how to upload my picture on my blog. I think there was some news about how our nation will handle the latest terrorist threats and how Jay Leno will move out of prime time back to late night, but the picture uploading fete was No. 1. (New innovations to come!)

Today in History: 1782 - The first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opens. (We've come a long way, Baby, to the Bank of America at 29% credit card rates!)

What Is This? 167/365

Any clue on what this is? Check the FKH Photo Journal link above for a few more clues and either leave a comment or send an e-mail as to what you think it is. Lara: I probably gave it away with a comment I made to you as you were leaving tonight, so wait a couple of days before sharing your guess so as not to give it away to others.

Today's News: Phoenix continues with our "Chamber of Commerce" weather pattern with highs in the low 70s while 90 percent of the nation is gripped with record cold and snow.

Today in History: 1994 - Nancy Kerrigan was attacked and clubbed on the knee at the US Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. One month later she won a silver medal at the winter Olympics at Lillehammer.

Roses of Medlock Place 166/265

While driving thorough one of our historic districts, Medlock Place, I spotted some beautiful roses lining the front of a lot right by the curb, so you know what a sucker I am for roses. This is my favorite, but click on the FKH Photo Journal at the top left to see some extras.

Today's News: Google introduces its new Nexus One "superphone."

Today in History: 1914 - The Ford Motor Co. establishes an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage of $5 per day.

Barefoot in the Park 165/365

With our daytime temps in the 70s it was a perfect day to shed the boots and twiddle the toes under a sunny brilliant blue sky. Excuse me for bragging.

Today's News: World's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, officially opens.

Today in History: 1974 - President Richard Nixon refuses to hand over materials subpoenaed by the Senate Watergate Committee.

The Luhrs Tower 164/365

The Luhrs Tower (not to be confused with the Luhrs Building which is adjacent to the east) is a 14-story art deco building in downtown Phoenix constructed in 1929 by George Luhrs,a German-born real estate developer and community leader.

Something Extra: For additional photos of the Luhrs Tower please CLICK HERE.

Today's News: US and Brits close embassies in Yemen.

Today in History: 1938 - The March of Dimes is established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Old Maricopa County Courthouse 163/365

In my attempt to take more interesting pictures I've decided (at least for the time being) to dabble in architecture. These pictures will be somewhat limited by the number of days I can get downtown. It's not far but parking is the problem! So weekends seem to be a good time for me to jump in the car and dash downtown. This is the "Old" Maricopa County Courthouse, a seven-story building constructed in 1929 which is still in use today, although since the 1960s two new court towers have been constructed in addition to an East Valley court building in Mesa. A legal museum is now being planned for the sixth floor.

Today's News: Ole Miss wins Cotton Bowl; defeats OSU.

Today in History: 1903 - Topsy, an elephant, is electrocuted by Thomas Edison during the War of Currents, a competition between Edison and Nikola Tesla for distribution of electrical power.

Something Extra: Sometimes I have more than one picture I'd like to post so I have set up n extra blog called FKH Photo Journal (fkhphotojournal.blogspot.com) to have a place to display those extra photos. Rather than having to type in the URL, please notice over on the left side of the blog where it says "my extra photos" you will see the FKH Photo Journal and a simple click there will take you to those pictures. Now why it is listed twice I don't know -- I obviously did something wrong. And until I can figure out how to change it, you will just have to bear with me. So a few extra pictures of the Maricopa County Courthouse can be found here.  Or just CLICK HERE to go directly to the extra photos of his subject.

Happy New Year 162/365

It's time to break out the 2010 calendar. I'm in luck because every year for Christmas Em 's mother gives me a calendar full of his last year's pics!

New Year's Resolution: I resolve to get out more and take better, more interesting pictures. This does not mean, however, that I will discontinue taking pictures of Emerson or flowers!

Today in History: 1953 - Hank Williams, legendary singer/songwriter and a leading pioneer of the honky tonk style of music died of mysterious circumstances while being driven by a private chauffeur to a concert in Canton, Ohio, somewhere between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Oak Hill, West Virginia. He was 29 years old.