Lazarow World-Hike-About

 While many shots are of Roosevelt Lake, the surrounding mountains and specific scenes, including the saguaros, other plant life and occasional man-made structures blending in with nature, we believe the coloring, the textures and the hour-to-hour changes that occur because of sunlight and clouds, make this a unique region for the camera. More importantly, it's a unique area for our senses, particularly those of sight and serenity. I often begin the day in this region thinking how different can the scenery be from previous days? 'Perhaps I'll take a mere few shots as the photographs will be similar.' Yet, each time I'm overwhelmed by the variations and the constant and consistent beauty. Maybe it's just me...not the beauty, the perception... (continues below).  Perhaps, a justification of the opening paragraph. Always fascinated by the abundance of water in an abundant desert. The cacti add to the paradox. Returning from the peak above. ...

Roosevelt Lake from another position (Vineyard 2)...love this region. There's always time for some humor even when there's been a very sad event in our family. As we mentioned in an earlier narrative, our Mom passed away on March 14th. We compiled this blog during the latter part of February when humor (if you agree) was easier to produce. When my Dad died more than thirty years ago, it was a tragedy as he departed far too early (Heck, I miss that man each day). My Mom, however, wanted to leave as she had lived a full life (31 years without Dad). It makes sense but nevertheless, she has left a void, a deep one (See end). Frankly, I don't really care whether it snows tonight, you're not sleeping in our room. I don't even want you on the patio. Got it? Do you really have to do that outside our room? I suppose it's better than inside our suite. Don't you dare give me lip...beak. As for turning your backs on me...well, turn tail then and beat i...

The glorious desert. Any disagreements? Black Butte's at rear, a free climb challenge we have enjoyed...sort of. Reaching one of numerous small peaks. Jen's on a cliff edge but it's missed by the camera (more behind her than the side). A view of the fabulous Frenchman, another favorite hike. (However, not as nice as our friend Yves Bouchet whom we met in New Zealand.) Ascending the Frenchman (see above). Some cross the desert on a horse with no name, others aren't so smart. Over the mountains is a 'town' they call: Las Vegas. And even some snow on Mount Charleston. Cheers,  Jenni and Jeffrey

We suppose this narrative, including photographs, makes a change from postings of nature but it's something worthwhile as we sit around and contemplate. Truth be told, once a person reaches an age where she has accomplished most of her goals, is both mentally and physically frail and tired and above all, considers she's had enough of this world, then a full life has been lived and moving onwards makes sense. Should this be accomplished before one deteriorates and suffers to an extent one can no longer function meaningfully and without pain, then perhaps that is a full life. An essay of sorts, relating the first days of our return to visit Mom, follows at the end.  Granny Ruth feeds her great-grandson Benny (2013).   Ellie, my favorite little girl in the universe. Heck, I could 'eat her up'. (About to turn 13). Unfortunately, Granny Ruth never met her great-grandson, Casey (2021). (Robert and Shelby) I was most fortunate to have a second mother. M...

Paying tribute to one’s mother in public is a little embarrassing. Nevertheless, the one forum for which I have access is Jenni’s blog. December 7th, 2021. Age 93. Bless you! Lilian Ruth Lazarow, a mere 3 months before. Lilian Ruth nee Ludman was to the world an ordinary woman. I have no argument with that. I, her son, am an ordinary man, too. However, to me, she was a very special woman. Frankly, that’s the only thing important to me and the only aspect that counted. She had qualities that remained hidden to most people and only a few that she should have hidden. I will not recount our relationship. However, I should add she was caring without being emotional, guiding without demanding, loving but not demonstrative. I’ll quit at this juncture but not before mentioning a brief incident that occurred the day after she left us.  I communicated with a dear friend of ours in South Africa about the sad news. Colyn Levin then sent me an email of sympathy followed ...

Never tire of these guys. This is Arizona, Saguaro country (state). Returning: An overpowering sight, not Jenni this time. Climbing out of the wash but still feeling dirty and sweaty. The ever present and amazing Roosevelt Lake. Rugged and yet gorgeous.     A bridge too far.     The gang congregates for another day of peace and harmony on the slopes. 'Reach for the sky, cowboy,' seems appropriate for Arizona. Each view of Roosevelt Lake from height amounts to a privilege. Even the stalks are fascinating. The sights are overpowering. We'd been searching for bears all week. Finally, we find one and we face-off. We refuse to be intimidated showing incredible courage and fortitude (although we say ourselves). Who will blink first? The black bear seems to tremble. I wink at Jen. Looks like we're going to win this round. We decide to approach the animal in order to see it more clearly and perhaps gloat a bit. No bull......