Perfumed Air

Every June, the lechuguilla across the ranch blooms and perfumes the air.  Papa went outside this morning at 6 to ride, and came back in the house to tell me to quickly go outside.  The air was filled with the perfume of lechuguilla.  I love June on the ranch!

From Trash to Treasure

While in Willcox a couple of weeks ago, I pulled two small chairs out of the trash.  We brought them home and Papa replaced the seats.  We lightly sanded the chairs and I spray painted them red.  They have become little treasures, to be used when we have grandchildren and neighbor children visiting.

Anita Street Market

Papa and I spent a couple of days this week in Tucson.  We tried a restaurant that was new to us, Anita Street Market, in Barrio Historico, just north of downtown.  Actually, its a tortillaria with a take out menu of Mexican dishes.  We tried two of their daily specials, at $.99 each and got two dozen flour and corn tortillas, all freshly made.  We got machaca tacos and bean tostadas for lunch and ate at an outside table.  All was delicious!  Anita Street Market was a real find!

Humidity and Dew Point

It has been exceptionally dry in southeast Arizona over the past year.  On the ranch today, our weather station recorded humidity at 2% and the dew point at -16!  The dew point needs to be 50+ for rain.  We clearly have a ways to go to see raindrops on the ranch!

Tiniest Calf on the Ranch

While hiking this morning, Papa and I saw the tiniest calf born this calving season on the ranch.  It was born yesterday.  Adorable!

Happy Birthday Papa!

Today is Papa's 67th birthday!  He rode Oscar this morning to check on the cows.  I'm preparing his requested dinner of beef with vegetables, salad, and pie.  Papa and I don't miss a day of expressing our gratitude for this life we live.  Spending Papa's birthday on the ranch is special.

Madilyn's Softball Game

Madilyn is playing softball on a team of 8-12 year olds, the Stackers.  Papa and I went to her game last night.  Madilyn's cousin Sadie is on the team.  The Stackers won the game.

Back on the Ranch

Papa and I are back on the ranch after a few days in Tucson.  Papa is still riding early mornings and late afternoons to check for new calves.  Oscar and Pablo are getting their exercise!  We are enjoying beautiful weather with high temps near 80 and long days with colorful sunsets. 

A Few Days in Tucson

I spent seven days in Tucson, with Papa joining me for the weekend.  I shopped and shopped and shopped!  I got my hair cut, ate out several times, and went on brisk early morning walks.  I watched several movies.  Papa and I had fun on Saturday, going to an estate sale and discovering a park with a natural hot spring.  We worked in the yard, with Papa using his chain saw on two trees in the back yard that were damaged by a hard freeze last winter.  It was a good few days in Tucson.

Saguaros Bloom in May

In every region of the world there are blooming seasons for flora.  In the Sonoran desert, saguaros bloom in May.  Their flowers open at night and close by late afternoon the following day.  

Saguaros are majestic plants with the most delicate of blossoms.