October Leaves

Yesterday after work I went to a nearby park to enjoy (and photograph) the last bit of sunshine left before the rainy weekend. There were a few people fishing from the dock and a kayaker out on the lake. I tried making friends with some ducks and a squirrel but they lost interest once they realized I didn't have any food. 

It definitely felt like Fall with a chill in the air and leaves on the ground. I'm obsessed with the changing of the trees' leaves and how bright and colorful they can become this time of year. I've always been fascinated by trees and think it would be neat to correctly identify any tree that I come across. Yes, I will add that to my to-do list: become a tree nerd!

Change of Heart

These past couple months have been filled with some pretty big changes. A relationship coming to an end, a new state to call home, and learning the ropes of a new job. I've been busy adjusting to all of this, which has caused me to be quieter than usual and more introspective. These experiences have definitely taught me a lot about myself.

But I'm loving living back in the Northwest and have quickly felt at home here. Getting new Washington plates for my car is what made it all feel real for me. You can bet that my sentimental-self is saving those California ones though!

Arizona, Part V

Here is the last set of photos from our Arizona vacation. On our way back home we stopped at Bearizona. We had never heard of it before as it has only been open a couple years but wanted to see what it was all about. There is a drive through portion that takes you around the park with the larger animals in their own habitats and then you end up at the zoo area where you can walk around and see the smaller animal exhibits. There were peacocks roaming the paths and a petting zoo where all the chickens, pigs, and goats hang out. I wanted to sneak one of the bear cubs home but on second thought they probably wouldn't get along with Macie very well. It made for a great end to our vacation.

Cutest and most photogenic baby bear This little cub was determined to make it down the wall My mom loved this flower arrangement

The following photos were all taken from inside the car.

This was our signal to quickly move along

Arizona, Part IV

I am going to wrap up this vacation series after one more installment tomorrow. I am getting settled in after my move to Washington two weeks ago and am making time to update here soon. These photos were taken at the Sunset Crater Volcano National Park where we walked the trails and took in the interesting plant and animal life growing within the hardened lava. Then we ventured down to the Wukoki Pueblo and explored the structures. I was not properly dressed for doing any sort of hiking/climbing but it was still nice to learn and see the history of this area.

My next post is full of cute animals so stay tuned.

Arizona, Part III

Another day of shopping was spent in uptown Sedona. We ate at the Oaxaca restaurant and enjoyed the beautiful mountain views during sunset. Of course we had to check out all of the touristy shops too.

This weekend I'll be in the bay area to visit family and go to one more Giants game before I move next Saturday. Yay! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Arizona, Part II

After breakfast at The Coffee Pot we browsed the neat shops and galleries in the Sedona Tlaquepaque village. The southwestern architecture, sculptures, and small details make the area so inspiring. We bought a few gifts for friends back home then enjoyed a prickly pear margarita while waiting out a sudden thunderstorm.