Cactus Forest

Corona de Tucson

October 18, 2021

It was a fun week.  I always enjoy playing in the dirt.  We haven't begun to tackle the yard here...maybe this upcoming spring...but I wanted to add some color on the patio.  

Violas have been a "fall thing" for many years.   Even the years we were rolling in Belle, I always managed to have a pot or two on the picnic table.   These sweet little blossoms have a way of spreading "happy".  

I also decided to plant some succulents.  Remember the pumpkin I was going to buy at the market?  Well, I figured I could just plant one so I gave it a try.   There wasn't a lot of selection left on pumpkins and I'm afraid this pumpkin will not last a few months as it has signs of aging...you know, those ugly little dark spots.  The succulents need light so having it on the big table won't work.  

I have never paid much attention to succulents until now.  I am really liking them!  The one pot I have on the patio has grown so much and when the leaves fall off, they root and make new plants.  

I also found this cute little saguaro planter online and Joe helped me pick out a succulent for it.   

I have been placing loose leaves from my other succulent plant in it and one already has new growth.  Did you know succulent is a Latin word meaning "juice" or "sap" ?  

Joe and I have spent a few hours this week on photos.  The space over the mesquite bench in the foyer looked kinda naked.  Joe has long been asking to hang some of my photography.  I dreaded going thru pictures even though I do have a few favorites.  I knew it would be time consuming and I have only completed the more recent years.  But we did pick out a few and bought frames at Hobby Lobby.  It was not a hard project, but my brain got tired.  I don't do so well with eights and sixteenths on the yard stick.  Joe does, thank goodness!  

This was a first for us as we have never hung a collage of photos before.  It took all morning.

This is a start as there are lots and lots more pictures.  I think we will have some to rotate in and out so we don't get tired of looking at the same photos.  

Another biggie this week was a new motor for Belle's awning.  It has been two years since the old one died.  Supply and demand for new RVs has made finding a new motor difficult.  

It is a good thing we have Kenneth and Rachel (Cameron's Reliable Mobile Repair) on our team.  Thank you very much for finding the motor and installing it !

One thing I look forward to is walks/hikes in the desert.  To say I love being outside with camera in hand would be an understatement.  This week found us back at Saguaro NP East...

 

...on the Cactus Forest Trail. 

The young...

The old...

The distinguished...

Cactus Forest Trail is an easy hike that you can make as long or as short as you want.  There are side trails along the way.  One of them goes to Lime Falls, but we knew it would be dry.  

That about wraps up our week.  Our sweet Dover girl has become my shadow these days.  I figure she doesn't hear me in the house so wherever I go, she follows.  She sits patiently, watches and sleeps until it's time to move somewhere else.  We sure do love her !

And Sally had a spa day.  I'm not sure about the ears, but she thinks she looks absolutely gorgeous and that is all that matters !  

So until next time,  

HAPPY TRAILS !

Saguaro National Park East

Corona de Tucson

October 11, 2021 

With bright blue skies and cool temps, our weekly "desert fix" was a hike in SNPE which is 18 miles from our home.  Once in the park, getting to the trailhead is half the fun. 

We did have to make a quick stop along the way.  This slow moving Gila was on a mission to cross the road.  What a way to start the day.  

We make a loop by starting out on the Loma Verde Trail, take a right turn on Pink Hill Trail, and another right on Squeeze Pen Trail.  

The views seem endless in all directions...

and Beige carpet covered the desert floor.

I'm sure a few weeks ago, the grasses were all green and pretty, but I really like these soft, subtle hues.  

 

I am constantly scanning the trail ahead of my steps to avoid  stumbling over an unexpected obstacle and I want plenty of reaction time just in case I cross paths with a snake.  I have to remind myself to look up sometimes !

 

Our only errand last week was to take the little guy to the vet.  We had lunch with Randy at El Patio in Sahaurita. And I  have been sorting thru a kazillion photos while Joe is making frames.  We hope to be cutting some mattes soon.

The rest of the week we enjoyed home !  Morning walks and sunrise...

October 4 @ 6:12 am

October 6 @ 6:50 am

October 7 @ 6:12 am

and patio time to play...

It's simple around here these days.  It's quiet and peaceful, it's busy or relaxing, it's not boring and dull, it's happy and content.  Joe always says the difference between a rut and a grave is the depth of the hole.  We aren't digging holes just yet ! 

So until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS !