Rain Lilies

Sonoran Desert RV Park

Gila Bend, AZ

October 6, 2025

Autumn Zephyrlily or better known as Rain Lily 

These dainty little blossoms are native to South America.  They have been widely cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized in many areas.  

It just so happens Rain Lilies were blooming at Tucson Botanical Gardens last week.  Common colors include white, pink, and yellow.  We didn't see any pink blooms, but there were clusters of yellow ones planted behind the white ones that I could not get close enough to for a good photo. 

It was also the last week for Dog Days of Summer at the gardens so Lucy went with us.

We sere surprised at how many different blooms we saw for this time of year.  A sampling of a few of them...

Aquatic Canna Lilies

Coral Vine

Hibiscus

A couple of fun photos...

Butterfly
Guerrero, Mexico
Millions of monarch butterflies migrate through central Mexico each year, greatly influencing the local culture. In Mexican folklore, butterflies represent the returning souls of deceased loved ones. 

This past Saturday (10/4) was the opening for the fall/winter market at St. Phillips Plaza which will continue to run every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 3:00 until spring.  It's my favorite day to visit the plaza market because a local potter whose work we love previews his new pieces.  We have several bowls and vases he created from past years and this year we added a new vase. It was a difficult decision as he created gorgeous platters and serving pieces this year but the vase we chose has a wonderful new glaze he showcased for this market.  I'll share a photo in a later post.  The market is very puppy friendly and Lucy went too.  It was the most folks she has seen at one time ever.  Lucy loves everyone and every pup and has a hard time concealing her excited.  

I didn't take any photos of the vendors, but the roses in the courtyard were especially pretty.

 Back at the oasis, we almost got caught in one of those "Do Not Enter When Flooded" spots coming home from the grocery store,

we played fetch with Lucy,

It is her favorite thing to do!

we enjoyed cooler mornings for our walks and coffee on the patio,

and the Tickweed blooms are seeding. 

Sunday we loaded Belle and hit the road.  Lucy is the first puppy we have had that does not sleep while we roll.  She shares the co-pilot seat with me and keeps a watchful eye as the world goes by.

We settled in at Sonoran Desert RV park in Gila Bend for a one night stop over.  What a nice surprise it was...large, level lots, clean, and well loved.  There is a special back row of sites that are 100 feet long for over night guests.  

The campground is complete with a pickle ball court, a huge pool (heated Nov.-March), a paved site for washing your vehicle, a doggie wash station, and WIFI and cable.  But the best part...is Winston's Canine Coral.  

A coral( 4,000 sq feet) is divided into three large fenced in areas and two of them had grass...real grass.  The owner of this campground loves dogs.  So much so that he has a building in the lower back 40 with 20 kennels for stray pups. He cares for them until the Humane Society can find them homes.  

Lucy played ball and did so many zoomies, she crashed when we got back to Belle and slept until 6:30 Monday morning.  

The sun's fiery descent...

and the moon's silver gaze rises...the end to a very nice day.

 Monday's travels landed us just north of Parker, AZ.

 River Island State Park...our home for the next week!

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!

Hello Autumn

Corona de Tucson

September 27, 2025 

A very pretty and rainy sunset a few days ago.

Hello Autumn!

A sweet surprise from Andra...thank you!

 Isn't it fun to change seasons?  I love them all !  Today, fall colors are my favorite!  

It has been quiet around our house since I posted last.  We are not complaining and are enjoying a simple life these days.  I  posted 591 posts while we lived on the road.  When we bought our home we were so happy, but I was concerned about what I  would post. But since that time, I have posted 234 posts.  There aren't as many comments and followers these days, but I so appreciate my blogging  friends ( some I have had for 12 plus years),  my non-blogging friends and my family who all stay in touch. I also appreciate having blogs to read.  That number has dwindled down as well, but it means a lot to know how all of you are and what you have been up too...the big adventures and the little joys! 

September has been rainy.  That is a big YIPPEE at our house.  We need every drop we get. Desert rains are the best.  Neither of us mind the pounding rain (sometimes with hail) and the wind gusts that come along with these wonderful storms both day and night. Beautiful skies, the fresh morning air, and the bits of color here and there add to the enjoyment.   

A late afternoon storm...

Sunrise after a rainy night...

Desert Marigolds are blooming...

Circles...

One morning last week, we decided to take the Catalina Highway up to Rose Canyon Lake.  It's a nice little lake at 7,000 ft above sea level just before you reach Mt  Lemmon.  It is a popular spot for fishing, hiking and camping.  We have yet to hike the trail that meanders around the lake. It is a nice easy walk along the banks and under the ponderosa pines that all three of us would enjoy.  We left under nice clear skies only to find the one dark cloud in the sky that morning was right over Rose Canyon Lake.  

Our walk around the lake will have to wait...

It is a short walk down the hill from the parking lot to the lake.  We felt a few drops, but didn't give them any attention.  Just as we reached the lake, it began to pour.  The three of us were soaked and cold by the time we got back to the SUV. Sweet little Lucy handled it much better than Joe and I did.  

We used the towel to dry Lucy off.  Joe and I rode home wet!

The wildflowers were happy!

The morning was not a loss without the walk because we do enjoy this drive...going up the mountain and back down. 

We went to Jamie and Andra's for lunch last Saturday.  Lucy and Ozzie had a great time.  Neither of them have " puppy friends" to play with so they were non-stop action.  They were never still long enough to get a good photo.

Jamie grilled fresh corn on the cob and filly cheese steak (which Andra had prepared with seasonings) sandwiches.  Both were yummy!  It was a fun day with lots of laughter and conversation and our time just flew by. 

We didn't hear a peep out of Lucy all the way home!

And lastly, Joe had the first of his radiation treatments...SRT...at the dermatologist.  It was the first of 16 treatments.  It's good that it is not a rigid schedule and we have the next six appointments on the calendar. 

Back at the oasis, the cool, fresh morning air has been awesome. It actually puts a little more pep in our steps. 

Lucy continues to be all puppy.  We wouldn't have it any other way.

 

I have had fun adding a little fall color here and there.  Two of my favorites...

I love Mr. Scarecrow.  We purchased him a few years ago at the St. Phillips Plaza Market. He has a special perch on the hutch in the kitchen.

We saw Spooky Owl at Gather on our last visit.  He puts a smile on my face and for that, I think I will leave him out all year!   

The ever changing skies do not disappoint.  

Late Friday afternoon we had a visitor.  Joe noticed a Cooper's Hawk perched on the wall beside the patio.  I tried hard to get a decent photo thru the blinds.

What an awesome treat to have him perch on the birdbath. Their long tails act as rudders that allow them to be extremely maneuverable.

He enjoyed several drinks of water.

Copper's Hawks are known for soaking their feet in water.

They also clean their feathers which is essential for maintaining their flight capabilities.

Cooper's Hawks are medium sized hawks with a wing span of 24 to 37 inches. The females are larger than the males. This might be a male as they raise their wings high above their back to fly. 

I'll close with a few photos.

Until next time,

HAPPY TRAILS!