Bryant Bannister Tree Ring Building

The University of Arizona is home to the Laboratory of Tree Ring Research.  The Laboratory -- one of the first -- opened in 1937 and is home to dendochronological research using over 2,000,000 samples of tree rings, plant materials, leaves, photographs, soils, and field notes.  A new building houses the Laboratory and we participated on a docent led tour.

Introduction to tree ring study

Study a tree bore

One of many samples; the oldest was from a Bristle Cone Pine Tree from NV

Using tree ring research in ecology, forest management, and archeology

Pattern caused by fungus infection

The latest in patio floor inserts....

South West Indian Art Fair

The University of Arizona, through the Arizona State History Museum, sponsors the South West Indian Art Fair.  The juried fair showcases the best of Indian artists and their multiple mediums.  The show opened in Tucson, travels to Phoenix, and closes in Santa Fe.

The museum grounds were jammed:  artists, dancers, music, food, jewelry, rugs, baskets, carvings, pots, and masks.  Oh yeah, and patrons.  The creativity was exquisite; the price tags full of zeros....

Award winning weaving

Pottery with a youthful twist:  Roz on the Reservation

Colors!

Piles of Rugs

Busy hands...

Detail on the pots -- hours of inspiration!

Let's Dance

Dancer

Emcee for the entertainment

A project takes shape!

Fetishes for every need!

Rings

Baskets

Masks

Talking up the customers!

Tucson Rodeo Parade

Arizona is horse country.  Rodeo country.  Close the schools for the day--take your horse and go to the Rodeo Parade.  

The 89th Annual Tucson Rodeo Parade features 800 horses, 2000 participants, marching bands and hundreds of floats.  But no motorized vehicles.  It is the largest non-motorized parade anywhere.  200,000 folks lined the parade route.  And it was just down the road....so off we went.

On a local tip, we headed early to the parade staging ground hoping for a chance to watch the riders and horses primp up for the parade.  Under warm sunny skies we saw horses of every color, riders in all sorts of gear, and just about everyone having a blast!  We left when the Grand Marshall headed down the parade route.

Too many pictures.....so I submit only a few...

An ox threatening to kiss a young gal!

Re-anactment of Juan Bautista's trip to discover San Francisco!

Pony Express Horses near the mail box!

Having Fun!

Take My Picture!

Getting those HUGE Clydesdale Horses Ready

Finding The Right Place in Line -- helped by 100s of volunteers

Fire Brigade Captain

Girls Drill Team prepping

Having Fun?

Not My First Rodeo Parade!

Smiles for Everyone

A touch of the southern gentleman -- yup, they do Civil War stuff here, too

78 Years Old & Still Riding Tall

Sheriff's Posse 

Rodeo Queen

Members from the University of Arizona's Rodeo Team

The Inspection Team working double time!

The Lady Bull Rider...on her horse

Lovely

Better than School

Practicing those Smiles

Let's GO

Organization of Black Cowboys...Love the boots

Midget Horses

Red, White and Blue All Over

Everything for the Trail Ride!

Pot Luck Picnic

The park has an active re-cycling program -- successful enough to generate funds to host a potluck picnic & barbecue.   The park donates burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers.  Guests donate all side dishes and plan/organize the event.  Under hazy skies, we feasted with friends!

Volunteer grillers at work early

One long table of side dishes; another for desserts

Waiting turns for the food line