This bird sure chose a peculiar place to lay her eggs. – The planter is adjacent to our main door to the backyard and in a patio seating area.  We are outside frequently, so I do not know how this will work. Any suggestions?

My cat did not find out about this yet, hopefully, mama bird will be able to make her way back safely to guard her eggs.  I will quarantine Mr. Cat to the indoors, until they hatch and fly away.  Enjoy the pics:)

The top five reasons to purchase real estate in the red rock State of Arizona and the Phoenix area: climate, beauty, activities, range of housing types and, yes, economics. Below is an overview of the reason why many choose to purchase a home in Arizona and the greater Phoenix area.

1:  Climate of Blue Skies full of Sunshine

The number one reason many people choose to move here is due to Arizona’s geographical location.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, there is no other state, possibly country, that can compare to our beautiful, dry, sunny climate.

2:  Beauty & Majesty of Arizona

Not only is Arizona a state people migrate to for the warmth, it is full of majestic beauty that makes the state a dynamic place to live. From the snow capped mountains of Flagstaff to the saguaro crested mountains of the McDowell’s, from the majestic red rock formations of Sedona, Red Mountain, Papago Park, the Grand Canyon, to the barren mesas of the higher desert, to the tropical style resorts of Scottsdale to the rugged western style atmosphere of ghost towns like Jerome, Arizona offers so much dynamic beauty that captures people’s interests.

3:  Activities in Arizona

In addition to the wonderful climate and beauty of Arizona, the Phoenix area offers sporting events, like spring training with the Cactus League, Phoenix Suns Basketball games, wonderful western style culture in Old Towne Scottsdale, sophisticated shopping boutiques in Scottsdale and Phoenix, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through the Tonto National Forest, McDowell Mountains, Estrella Mountains, White Tank Mountains and the San Tan Mountains, and boating and water skiing at Lake Pleasant, Apache, Roosevelt and Saguaro Lakes, and tubing down the Salt River.

4:  Range of Housing Types in the Phoenix Area

Real Estate for Your Lifestyle… From the luxury dream home nestled amongst the mountains in the desert, to city lofts and condos, to gorgeous golf course frontage homes, to master planned communities, Arizona offers something for everyone. Whether you are in search of a dream home, condo, townhome, loft, commercial space, you can find it in Phoenix, Arizona.

5:  Economics of Arizona’s Housing Market

With historically low interest rates, many housing types to choose from, a buyer’s market, now is a great time to purchase real estate in the red rock state of Arizona. Housing is now much more affordable in the Phoenix market than it was three years ago and buyers are now in the driver’s seat.

To move forward on your house search explore this site, or feel free to contact me with specific details on your property search.

Scottsdale: Enjoy the 19^th National Festival of the West at West World, March 19^th-22^nd. The festival features a Western Music Jamboree, Mountain Man Encampment, Shopping Expo, and much more.  Show hours are 10am-7pm. On Friday, March 20^th, Kids Under 12 are FREE. For Ticket Info call 602.996.4387. West World is located at 16601 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, off 101 North, near Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.

Phoenix: Come explore the wonderful Spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens, March 7^th – May 31^st, Daily from 9:30am-5pm.

Also, do not miss out on the spectacular Chihuly glass exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The Nature of Glass Exhibit continues now until May 31^st at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Reservations are required for this special exhibit, and are best reserved online. The Gardens number is: 480.481.8188 and it is located at 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ just south of Mc Dowell Road.

Apache Junction: Arizona’s Renaissance Festival, continues this weekend through March 29^th.  The Festival is located at 12601 East Highway 60 in Apache Junction.

Cactus League Baseball Game Schedule for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Anaheim Angels can be viewed here.

Happiest States,Arizona,Top Ten

By:  Ann Belfield:

Based on a survey by Gallup, Healthways and America’s Health Insurance Plans, Arizona is ranked among the top Ten Happiest States.  The survey interviewed 350,000 Americans, analyzing their mental, physical and economic health, placing Arizona tenth overall. 

The sun sure can cheer people up and make them feel happier.  Cheers to AZ!!!

 

Top Ten Happiest States in the U.S.
1:  Utah 2:  Hawaii 3:  Wyoming 4:  Colorado 5:  Minnesota	6:   Maryland 7:   Washington 8:   Massachusetts 9:   California 10: Arizona

Source:  America’s Health Insurance. 16 March 2009.

 

By:Ann Belfield

Phoenix: 26^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire, Saturday, March 14^th at 10am. The parade begins at 3rd Street and Sheridan, in front of St. Mary’s High School, proceeds south down 3rd Street at Moreland, just before Margaret T. Hance Park, where the Grand Irish Faire will be held. Events continue from 10am – 4:10pm. For a list of events, click here.

Valley of the Sun Goes Green on March 13^th & 14^th. On Friday, March 13^th and Saturday, March 14^th, the Phoenix Convention Center features the BIG Southwest Build-It-Green Expo. The convention is anticipated to have over 500 exhibitors that include: building and construction products, architectural and engineering services, various governmental, non-profit, and private green programs, waste management, renewable energy, transportation, furnishings, landscaping, consumer goods and HVAC & AC companies. Green educational programs will be held throughout each day.

Fountain Hills: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Saturday, March 14th from 10:30am-6:30pm. At 12:00 watch the fountain turn GREEN. Click here for more info and directions to the event.

Tempe: St. Patty’s Day 8k & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, March 1 5^th at 7:30am. Location: Sister City Garden Area on All American Way. Registration Begins at 6:30am. For more info click here.

Scottsdale: St. Patrick’s Day 4 Mile Run/Walk, March 14^th at 5pm. This run takes place in good ole’ Old Town Scottsdale on the Arizona Canal between 56^th St and Goldwater. Register & pick up your race packet at 3pm. For more info, click here.