Fifteen Years and Counting...

Corona de Tucson

July 29, 2024

As August approaches, I am always reminded that school is about to begin.  It has been 48 years since I walked into my very own first classroom and I can hardly believe that this summer marks my 15th summer for retirement...how is that even possible?  I celebrated 34 "first days of school" and each year it was the same flurry of emotions...excited, nervous, anticipating, hoping I was ready and prepared, and so eager to meet my school "family" for another year.  Kindergarten and First Grade are special years and for many children it was/is their first school experience.  For me, it was the joy throughout the year from all the "firsts" these children experienced in our classroom and the successes they had that we all celebrated together that comes to mind.  Learning to read changes lives and I loved every day I had the opportunity to "do my job"...teaching children to read.         

The three of us had a wonderful week at home.  We have had several nice storms and one night it rained just about all night...with some wind and thunder and lightening in the mix.  It is wonderful to hear the patter of rain on the windows and even more wonderful to wake up early and be greeted with cool, clean air that smells of rain and the desert when you step outside. The sun is shining.  The sky is blue. What an awesome way to start the day ! 

We are really enjoying my flowers this summer.  I have to report that the zinnias did not make it past the first two storms, but the other flowers seem to be holding their own.  They have enjoyed the rain as much as we have.  

Blanketflower 

Pentas...I have this color and dark purple and red

Begonias and Spider plant

Copper Sun (Blanketflower)

The succulents and cacti add a bit of color too.

This is the other side of the cactus shown in the photo above...It has a very interesting way of growing.

Two days this past week, our street was under going a major upgrade.  The potholes and cracks were bad and now it is all smooth.  I'm not sure when the final coat will be applied...the date changes with the weather.

Joe and our neighbor (and friend) from across the street are on stand by to supervise.  

The birds are entertaining...especially just after the feeders are filled.  The Butter Bits (with calcium) are a favorite.  They go fast and the birds have learned "the early bird gets the food" and so they gather. 

The Butter Bits are more like suet.  We fill up four small cups every morning.  They are not messy and if you don't like seeds, they are a great alternative.  Calcium is vital for birds for many reasons.  It is a key component of eggshells and females need the calcium to produce strong eggshells and replenish what they loose after laying eggs.  And other than the common reasons like their skeletal system, they need it for beak and feather health as well. 

The babies are growing fast...

I just happened to have camera in hand when a Cactus Wren stopped by on his way to the palm tree...

And we are really going to miss the beautiful little females when they move on...

And this little Curve-bill Thrasher finally landed on the suet feeder after struggling to do so a few times...

Storms and amazing skies just go hand in hand this time of year in Arizona. 

Joe and I made a pound cake this week.  Have you ever had a buttered slice pf pound cake toasted in the oven with crispy edges?  Yum, yum!  Breakfast, lunch or dinner...it just doesn't matter to me !

Well thats a wrap on our week...life is good at the oasis ! Until next time...

...hope you have a great week.

HAPPY TRAILS!