It's Been Awhile...

Corona de Tucson

July 19, 2026

Our Canna Lilies bloomed.  I love the blooms, but the huge green leaves are my favorite.   

A BIG thanks to our brother in law Chuck for the reminder that I haven't blogged in over a month.  There isn't really a lot to say except all is good at the oasis.  We have had a few appointments and are relieved that no skin cancer was detected, no changes on my mammogram, Joe had the "bandaid contact" removed form his eye and doesn't need it anymore, Lucy spent a morning at the groomers, vehicles have been serviced and washed, our teeth have been cleaned, and some of things on the "to do" list for our home interior have been scratched off the list.  It's a good time to take care of these things as it has been hot in our neck of the woods. Early mornings and early evenings are saved for playing with Lucy, watering plants, and rocking on the patio.  

We celebrated July 4th and America's 250th birthday with Jamie and Andra.  Burgers with all the fixings and a cold brewsky hit the spot!  

Sweet Ozzie!

This time of the year and especially after Monsoon season begins, the skies take on a whole new and beautiful look.  I love the sky! 

Monsoon storms skirted us for a few weeks, but the past couple of weeks we have had some nice storms with heavy rain and strong winds.  We are thankful for every drop of rain, but those winds not so much.  

The Desert Willow trees have been so pretty this summer.  

The lemon tree is growing fast.  Joe bought me a Meyer Lemon tree because Carol has one and her lemons were so yummy when we were in Yuma. Myers lemons are a little smaller, rounder and sweeter than regular lemons.  

The lemon was on the tree when we brought it home from the nursery. I read it takes 6 to 9 months for a Meyer lemon to ripen from the blossom stage.  

Joe and I have been paying $.85 each for lemons at Frys.  We start every morning with a "cocktail" and cheers...fresh lemon juice, local honey and warm water...before we start the day.  Both of us can tell a difference in our joints!   

Maybe one day, we will be picking our own lemons!

Rain drops on the Aloe

This storm came so fast, we didn't have time to get the flag inside.

The storm left the backyard flooded!

As most of you already know, we walk a lot.  I came across an article the other day that reminded me that while walking is important, so are stretches.  

Lucy and I spend a few minutes in the morning doing our stretches.  I actually remembered some other stretches from my aerobics days years ago. 

Some mornings are for watching the sunrise.

And if it warms up too fast, Lucy doesn't mind playing ball in the house. 

Life is good at the oasis and I'll close with a few more photos.

Anniversary flowers...June 17...43 years

We cant believe Lucy will be 2 years old next month.

Sunrise

Sunset

Until next time...

On our way to Dairy Queen for a blizzard at sunset...

HAPPY TRAILS 

and SWEET DREAMS!

A First Sighting…

Corona de Tucson

May 31, 2026 

A Brown-crested Flycatcher
These noisy birds which are easy to hear, but tricky to see,  migrate here from Argentina for breeding.  It was the first bird I spotted on this adventure to Madera Canyon, but not a first sighing of this bird.

Madera Canyon Rd

We headed out early one morning on an birding adventure to Madera Canyon. No coffee, no breakfast, just us and Lucy and a couple bottles of water as we needed an early start.  Madera Canyon is a fun place to go for birding.  Late May to early September is the best time to see the much sought after “ tropical” specialities. The Elegant Trogon has been on the "I wish" list for a very long time and each year we visit the canyon and hope "today is the day". The best time of day to go is sunrise.  

It was closer to 7:00 am as we began the climb to the end of Madera Canyon Road.

The Mt. Wrightson Picnic area is at the end of Madera Road with lots of parking,  restrooms, and choices for  picnicing and hiking.  

In my research I learned the Elegant Trogon was split into two species.  The trogon in southern Arizona is now referred to as the Coppery-tailed Trogon and the Elegant is restricted to populations from Guatemala to Costa Rica.   The Coppery-tailed come to Arizona from South America for breeding and are only found in four different areas...the Santa Rita Mountains (where Madera Canyon is), and the Chiricahua, Huachuca, Atascosa Mountians. These "tropical" birds with their iridescent color is one of the most sought after by birdwatchers in the U.S.

My first sighting of a Copper-tailed Trogon

Trogon is a Greek word meaning "gnawer" which refers to its insectivore diet and hooked bill. I find it interesting that the Trogon was first discovered in the Hauchuca Mts in 1885  and the first nest was discovered in Madera Canyon in 1939. 

The Coppery-tailed Trogon makes a puppy barking noise and is very easy to hear and follow.  I was so excited and I patiently waited and waited and waited for this male to turn around.  He was patiently waiting and waiting and waiting for breakfast and not the least bit interested in giving me the shot of a lifetime.  He just fly away...just like that! It was a first sighting! But now I am on a mission for a better photo!

The Mexican Jay never disappoints...

A beautiful Arizona Thistle...

Afterwards, we stopped by Le Rodeo Mexican for omelets on the patio.  We were starving!  We love being able to take Lucy places.  

Jamie and Andra visited for Memorial Weekend. We had a great time! On Saturday we headed into Tucson to check out the new Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World that just opened.  It is awesome...so "Southwesterny"!  It is the third store to open in Arizona with the other two in Glendale and Mesa.  

Entering this "retail superstore" is like walking into a museum of natural attractions, murals, dining and retail that goes way beyond traditional shopping. 

Lots of displays/murals depicting Arizona history and Tucson lined the walls and ceilings. This was my favorite.

The massive 1500-gallon aquarium features a variety of freshwater fish native to Arizona waters.  The company worked with the Arizona Game and Fish to fill the tank and the company employees a full-time aquarist to take care of the tank and fish.  

It takes a lot of stuff to fill a 100,000 square foot store. Everything the store stocks relates to the Southwest and Arizona.  It really is a fun place to visit.  

Lucy and Ozzie play so nice with each other.

Back at the oasis, all is good.  I have always thought it to be quite a challenge to capture a photo of a hummingbird.  And I am always happy to download pictures and find a keeper.

Baby Cardinals have black beaks.

I thought Goldfinch feasted mostly on seeds, but they have taken over the oranges...well, until the Gila shows up. 

Water is scare these days...what a treat to see the Cooper's Hawk visit the birdbath with some regularity.

And we are surprised to to still see life lessons being learned.

Most days begin with early morning walks with Lucy.

Agave...Century Plant

Ironwood tree

A Honey Bee

And speaking of honey, if you like honey this is the best local honey I have ever had.  I ordered it from Arizona Local Raw Honey located in Chandler.  

I'll close with some favorite photos from our little oasis.

 

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS

and, SWEET DREAMS!