Julie Johnston Photography

Safe Return

So much has happened lately, so I will try to catch up. I think from now on I will post at least weekly.
My sister-in-law and I went to Arizona to visit relatives and returned home last week. A week is too short a trip, but duty calls at home.
While in Tuscon we were privileged to go to Tohono Chul, a desert park on the north side of Tuscon with my nephew and family. We had a great day with everyone waiting while I shot away with my new camera.
Yep, I bit the bullet and purchased a Nikon D2X, a great digital SLR. I spent most of my time learning how to use it and still have much to learn. It is a pretty complicated piece of equipment.
I really enjoyed seeing and photographing the wildlife in Arizona which in many cases is quite different than what I see here in Iowa. It was a bit disappointing that the desert was not blooming due to the lack of rain over the winter. Maybe next year will prove to be better should I be fortunate enough to get to go again.
After our visit in Tuscon, we went to my other SIL's in Sun City for the duration of our stay. We spent part of one day at an Art Fair and part of another day at Hassayampa Nature Preserve where I got to see water fowl not seen at home-Green Winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Coot, and Ring-necked Ducks. All in all it wasn't the best trip from a photography standpoint, but it was wonderful in all other aspects.
Upon my return home while driving the two hours from the airport, my sister phoned me on my cell phone to tell me her daughter had delivered their baby the night before. Another boy has been added to the family. Upon hearing the news my eight year old grandaughter, Abby, said, "We need more girls in this family!" All are fine and the little guy is not so little really...he weighed in at 8#, 13 oz.
The photos are from the Arizona trip.

posted by Julie Johnston @ 6:21 PM