Poppies

Papa and I drove Bob across the ranch this morning.   We saw poppies in many of the places we've seen them in years past.  Spring 2013 is not a banner year for poppies, so those that are blooming are special. 

Today's Hike

I hiked twice today, down to the Rock House and then to the Buck Knob pasture.  The 30 first year heifer cows were out and about, eating and drinking.  The sky was beautiful blue with clouds.

Few Signs of Spring

As yesterday was the first day of spring, I set out this afternoon to find signs of spring on the ranch.  There are a few!  We've had a warm winter with little rain.  Our dry grassland and canyons are yielding very little color.  Still there are some buds on the trees, a few blossoms, and patches of grass.

Beauty of the Ranch

Papa and I have traveled to and from Tucson several times over the past month.  We are happy to be at home on the ranch for a couple of uninterrupted weeks.  I hiked and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon.  The walls of glass in our house make views of nine mountain ranges possible all day every day.  We are grateful for the joy we receive in seeing the sheer beauty of the ranch we live on.

Sunday Morning Hike

A few days ago, Papa and I noticed a shallow cave across the canyon from our house.  We set off this morning to find it.  We didn't find a cave, but we enjoyed the hike.  We came upon several cows that first ran away from us, and then gathered to follow us over the ridge.

Papa Reading

Papa loves to read.  He reads every day, on his Nook, online, magazines, and more.  

He particularly enjoys reading to grandchildren.  They enjoy it too!

Welcome Back to the Ranch

After traveling between Tucson and the ranch over the past three weeks, Papa and I are very happy to be home on the ranch!  Our welcome yesterday afternoon was from a herd of nearly 50 deer at our house gate.  We woke up with the same herd surrounding our house at 6 this morning.  I counted 46 deer.  A few were ahead and there were a couple behind. Love our welcome back to the ranch! 

Really Walking

Colby took a few unassisted steps at the ranch last week.  Since we've been in Tucson the past few days, he started walking more and more.  Papa and I have loved every moment of holding his hand and walking in circles, "catching" him as he takes a few steps and leans toward us, and then watching as he takes over a dozen steps at a time.  Good job, Colby!

Water Play

Colby played in a tub of water on the patio yesterday afternoon.  

The simple things of life are sometimes the best! 

Festival and Park

We went to the Tucson Book Festival this morning.  The weather was perfect, sunny and warm.  There were thousands of people enjoying the festival, including us!  After an afternoon nap, we took Colby to a park nearby.  He loved going down the slide, swinging with Claire, and crawling in sand.