Papa on the Roof

Yesterday was the day Papa chose to go on the roof to roll on elastomeric roof coating.  While gathering all the materials on the balcony, a herd of deer came into the yard to graze.  We didn't seem to bother them, as they proceeded to lay down and rest for over two hours.  Papa completed recoating both sides of the house roof. 

Orange Prickly Pear Blooms

We were in Tucson this week, and the prickly pear with orange flowers were in bloom.  That variety seems to be the first prickly pear to bloom in spring and they are vibrant!

Penstemon

The first blooms of penstemon have appeared at the hairpin turn, uphill of Red Rock Canyon.  I made seeing the penstemon my hiking goal this morning.  There were calves along the way and horses grazing on the way back.  The views from the long ridge between Red Rock Canyon and the Rock House are always beautiful.

Invasion

Over the past two days, we've heard helicopters flying low toward our house.  A couple of days ago, there were three.  I know they are doing military maneuvers, but it still feels a bit like an invasion. 

30 Heifers

Colter chose 30 heifers to keep on the ranch from last year's calf crop.  They are now grazing in the pasture nearest our house.  Yesterday afternoon, they were hanging out near a small dirt tank inside our ranch entry gate.  These heifers are less than a year old and they are looking good!

Antelope Sighting

Papa and I worked on the west end of the ranch yesterday, filling in a giant hole that formed from a water leak, adjacent to the well.  The hole was at least 4' deep by 6' wide.  After three to four hours of shoveling dirt and moving rocks, we headed home.  Along the way, as we passed across Allen Flat, we saw a small herd of five antelope.  They were about a half mile from the road, but we stopped and enjoyed watching for a few minutes.  They are beautiful animals.

Blooming Yucca Eaten by Deer

While I read the news online yesterday morning, a herd of deer hung around the house, with one deer eating the yucca bloom in the backyard.  I took photos through our doors of glass, so I wouldn't startle the deer.  And then they were off!

More of the Blooming Yucca

Flying Kites

Colter and Carly came over this evening for dinner.  Kites were ready and the wind was blowing about 10 mph when they arrived.  It was the first time Madilyn, Colter Lee, and Traven had ever flown kites.  I loved their facial expressions as their kites went higher and higher.  We all had fun!

Colorful Sunset

We enjoy colorful sunsets almost every evening.  This one was particularly nice!

Bear Creek Solar Pumping Plant

A couple of days ago, I helped Papa at Bear Creek, as we cleaned up around the new well pumping site.  A well pump company pulled the old pump out of the well and set the new pump.  Papa spent several days digging 4' deep holes for the posts that hold the frame for the solar panels.  He poured concrete and let it set up.  Colter helped Papa install the solar panels and water tank.  Papa wired the solar boxes to the pumps and plumbed it all together.  I helped clean up the site and we built a fence around it, with materials left at the well site for years.  It looks better and the well is pumping water!

Catalina State Park

Papa and I have had Catalina State Park on our "to go to" list for some time.  We arrived at 3 yesterday afternoon, to perfect weather, low 70's and clear skies.  We hiked for 2.5 hours.  Catalina State Park is within 10 miles of our Tucson house.  The stands of saguaro are spectacular 

and spring wildflowers were in bloom.  Even the horny toad was cute!

Tucson Festival of Books

Papa and I got up early this morning and left the ranch by 7:15.  We drove to Tucson to attend the 6th annual Tucson Festival of Books.  We arrived just before Rebecca Eaton's presentation about her book, written about her experiences at BBC, with Masterpiece Theater over the past 30 years, most recently with Downton Abbey.   She was personable, funny, and had lots of stories to tell.

We walked all over the Festival, held on the University of Arizona campus mall, learning about things we didn't know, enjoyed a Frost gelato, and people watched.  The weather was perfect and over 100,000 people attended.  The children were adorable!  We enjoyed every moment!

Blooming Yucca, Five Days Later

Blooming Yucca

I planted a few things native to the area, in our garden, inside our rock walls, and just outside the back door.  I looked out yesterday morning and noticed that my yucca plant has a bloom.  Yucca is hardy and has very sharp pointed leaves.  This yucca is a transplant.  Its bloom is beautiful!

Clouds in Sepia

Papa and I rode Bob part way across the ranch this morning, under cloudy skies.  There was light rain all about, but only a few drops on us.  It was a gorgeous morning!

Spring Flowers

Southern Arizona is in the waning days of the warmest winter on record.  Its been gorgeous!   The warm weather has brought an earlier than normal "spring," with flowers blooming and bees buzzing.