It's March Already...

Corona de Tucson

March 12, 2024 

Mica Trail at Saguaro NP East

After several e-mail's from our BIL who lives in Maryland reminding me very politely and patiently that we must be settled into February (our last post on Feb. 11) by now, I find myself sitting at the computer and trying to recapture the past few weeks.  I decided to take a break from blogging which turned into a much longer break than I had intended and find myself at odds trying to catch up.  Ronnie and Carol left Tucson on February 15, but not before we had some wonderful weather and one more great hike at Saguaro NP East.  We sure enjoyed our time with them...six weeks total between San Diego and Tucson.  

Mica Trail connects to Cactus Forest Trail and makes for a nice walk thru some beautiful desert and mountain scenery.  Afterwards, the four of us enjoyed a picnic in the picnic area with covered tables...sandwiches, apples (with yummy cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla dip), chips and animal cookies sure hit the spot.  We miss Ronnie and Carol and seem to be moving at a snail's since they moved on to Yuma.  

Joe and I spent one lovely afternoon at Madera Canyon.  Of course getting there on one of my favorite country roads is part of the fun.

Madera Canyon Road and gorgeous clouds...

We had no plans to hike but rather just to meander along the paths

and sit on the rocks next to the creek to enjoy listening to the sound of running water, listening to. the birds sing, while watching the deer enjoying an afternoon snack, and soaking in the warm sunshine.  It was so quiet...just the sounds of nature.

Madera Creek

At the end of February, our Mac Pro died.  The battery had swelled and popped out a few screws from the bottom of the computer.   We were told we were lucky it didn't explode!  The same thing happened a few years ago and it was repaired, but this time, there was no repair. It had to be replaced.  We decided on a MacBook Air.  Same size, but totally different.  In my opinion, if you don't upgrade often which is a never ending $$$$ then you get way behind on how to use the darn things. We attended a class last week which focused on the basics.  This week we will have to call the support help "on-line" number.  We much prefer a person to person help session, but apple does not do those.  We did manage to get our taxes done yesterday, but still can't figure out the spread sheet our budget is on...the format and formulas aren't the same.  

Joe had an eye check up and we made a stop at BK's for a dog, fries, and mostly the guacamole and chips.  Sally had a check-up and all is good.  Dr. Huang suggested Sally would benefit from a monthly injection of a medicine called Librela.  It controls puppy osteoarthritis pain.  Dr. Huang said we might not notice a significant difference in Sally's activity until after the second shot, but we did.  Our sweet little Sally was hopping around the house like a bunny within a few days and her appetite (which had dwindled down to almost nothing) returned to once again enjoying her food.  

Sally enjoys picnics too!

Another morning, Joe and I did the Freeman Homestead  Nature Trail at the SNP-E. It's an easy trail that passes by the remains of the Freeman family home built in the early 1930s. Stafford Freeman applied for a patent under the Homestead Act and was granted 640 acres to farm, graze, and mine.  In the early 1950s, the Freeman Homestead along with several home sites were purchased by the National Park Service.   The first part of the trail twists and turns thru the desert with Rincon Mountains in view. 

There is lots of information along the trail and I did learn something new...I had never thought about the thousands of spines on the saguaros before except to take note that you don't touch them.  

Saguaro skin is tough and waxy and pleated like an accordion so it can expand or contract with the amount of water taken in.  Those spines actually have a purpose too...to shade and protect these desert giants.  

And last week, we had a delightful visit with Janna and Mike.  What a treat it was to see them...its's been way too long.  They picked us up at our home and we road to Green Valley with them for lunch at Manuel's.  It was the highlight of our week with lots of conversing and laughing.  We sat on the patio for awhile when we got home...it was such a pretty day.  When they left, Sally spent the rest of her day wandering about the house looking for them...she likes company too ! 

We have enjoyed some walks...

Gorgeous weather...

The neighborhood Great Horned Owl...

A neighbor's yard...

Sunset walks are my favorite...

Back at the oasis, the Lesser Goldfinch are always busy and their feeder gets filled every morning. 

The Cooper's hawk stopped by for a visit...

and a Curved-bill Thrasher likes the butter bites.

February is peak mating season for coyotes. They have been very vocal the past few weeks.  

We keep a close eye on Sally these days...she loves lying in the warm rocks.

And I planted a pot of violas...they always put a smile on  my face.

This pretty much catches us up.  So until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS !