The Talking Tree!!!!

There are lots of attendees, including families, and those dressed to the hilt. It looks as if we step back in time with the primeval buildings, costumes and regalia. Those working at the Festival were delightful, and many of those who attend the Festival regularly, were donned in period costumes.

Lots of yummy food including: turkey legs, pizza, cinnamon almonds, ice cream and more. There were jewelry and pottery shops, shoe shops for those special period boots and costume shops for those having their photos taken, caricatures, etc. Palm reading, horoscope, tarot cards and more. Trust me, people really get into this stuff, and many travel to other states to participate.

12 Stages or Theatres with entertainment going continually. I don't know if they are there this year, but last year, we sat down and watched the Wyldmen at the Mud Stage. It was a riot. The two "stars" did an act in slow motion, and eventually ended up in the mud. Very funny. The little ones were invited to sit in front if they wanted to with the explanation that there would be mud flying. The kids who were okay (and their parents were okay with it) all sat close to the mud pit. They did get splattered as warned.

So much to do here in our Phoenix Valley. For those of you visiting or living in or around Mesa or Phoenix, it's well worth the trip. There are lots of things to do for young and old. As for me and my hubby? Two hours was just perfect. Lots of fun.

Be sure to gather up your friends and families and make a day of it.

The Wildflower Walk at the Lost Dutchman State Park is a beautiful and close in place to visit.  If you are into photography, bring your camera. There will be plenty of beautiful vistas of poppies in hues of orange and yellow. Last year, I took this walk and shared some of my photos in this post: Lost Dutchman State Park. I will plan to go again this year sometime in March as the Superstition Foothills begin to bloom. Located just east of Mesa, Arizona at Highway 88, this is definitely worth the trip. For more details, you can logon to azstateparks.

Another place close by, is located in Sedona, Arizona. If you've not been to Sedona, you are truly missing out. Red rocks, red mountains, and beautiful, beautiful scenic views. From Phoenix, you would head north on the I-17, and then exit on 89A which takes you right through Sedona. If you were to continue on this highway, through Sedona, you would end up in Flagstaff at the top of about 17 miles of a zig-zag mountain climb. Breathtaking! Along the way, you would pass by a popular state park, Slide Rock. I've shared pictures from Sedona, Jerome and Slide Rock as well. Just click on the link. Also available in Sedona, are Hot-air balloon rides. Check out the information at: NorthernLightBalloon and RedRockBalloonAdventures.

The third place to visit is The Grand Canyon....there is a trail requiring the visitor to be physically fit called the Grandview Trail. For those of us not quite as athletic, spend the day strolling along the paved Rim Trail, and be sure to bring your camera for a snapshot of the beautiful sunsets and vistas. Here's a link to find more information on visiting the Grand Canyon. I've not got photos to share, but I plan to visit there this spring and will post photos of our beautiful canyon with all of you.

There are myriad places to visit and stuff to do in Mesa, Az and beyond. I've recently shared two of them with photographs and links for more information.

The Phoenix Botanical Gardens with Chihuly, the nature of glass showing right now.

The Renaissance Festival - located east of Mesa about 10 miles or so. Going on right now.

Are you watching? Are you paying attention? Now that I have your attention, here's the deal:  I have a TON of electronic "stuff." I suspect that most of us are aware that even though our computers or other electronic devices are turned "off," but plugged in, they are still drawing power. The electric company refers to them as "vampires."

Computers are among the energy vampires in many homes; however, we can contain their energy appetities by using the new power strips which automatically turn off the printer, scanner and monitor when the computer is shut down. I generally leave mine on, but will rethink the idea of having a vampire in my home.

SRP in the Phoenix, Arizona Valley has a list of retailers who sell these new energy-saving power strips. Visit their website to learn more about our electricity wasters. We all need to conserve.