End of 6th grade for Quinn

This beautiful girl finished the strangest year of schooling ever.

In early March, school was out for spring break.

Within that week, the schools were closed and never reopened for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

COVID-19 disrupted everything in 2020!

Of course the students were expected to continue their studies online.

But that proved to be a challenge for everyone.

Through it all, Quinny had a wonderful attitude and tried to get some studies in.

She also participated in her dance classes via Zoom meetings.

Mia was in the same boat.

She, too, had a good attitude, but found distance learning to be less than ideal.

Mia was working at Ted's Hotdogs on the last day of school, so she didn't join us for sushi that night.

She and I enjoyed some yummy Costa Vida the next day.

Tempe

This city is packed with hidden art.

You just have to pay attention to see it.

This wall is at the base of the footbridge on College Ave. and stands between the U.S. 60 freeway and the neighborhood.

I've past is countless times while walking or running.

Recently, I decided to stop and look at the artwork on the side of the wall.

To my delight, I found that the birds have human faces.

While I am a fan of the natural desert landscape in Arizona, I am not a huge fan of cacti in the yard.

As a child, I had a small mishap with a spiky cactus.

When I was in about the 1st grade, I decided to walk home backwards.

I quickly and painfully learned it was a terrible idea.

I walked straight into a cactus next to the Cowley's home.

I had a miserable walk home and had to spend part of the afternoon bent over my mom's lap while she painstakingly pulled cactus needles out of my backside.

I have always been partial to landscaping that doesn't attack you.

Still, I must admit that I think the Purple Prickly Pear is a cool looking plant that adds color to our desert.

Tempe

I love this city

I've been spending a lot of time outside lately due to COVID-19. I am in love with the art, scenery, and quirkiness of Tempe. Here are a few photos from my most recent walks/runs.