Barrel Cactus

Barrel cactus blooms every August.  You can count on it!  I love the brilliantly colored blooms on top of the fishhook covered cactus.  August 2013 blooms are as beautiful as years past. 

Photo to Blow Up

I have done some updating at the Tucson house over the past few weeks, with new drapes, new wood blinds, new pillows, and some rearranging of art and furniture.  After all the moving about, 

I needed a large piece of art for the dining room.  I ordered a 60" x 40" print 

of this favorite photo from this summer's Branding. 

Summer on the Ranch

Back at the ranch after my week with Audrey, for her family's move into their new home in Wilmette.  To date, we've had 8.2" of rain on the ranch this year.  The grass is growing and the Winchester Mountains look like Ireland!  Our views are especially pretty with low clouds. 

My Week in Wilmette

We unpacked boxes for six straight days, with several hours of yard work as breaks.  Much was accomplished and Audrey and Dan have a beautiful home to enjoy.  They still need some basics, 

like a sofa for the family room and a bed for baby #2, but those things will be on order soon.  

By the end of the week, Lauren was enjoying her new space, even helping in the 

yard with her own rake, and Dan was cooking on his new grill. 

Off to Chicago

Papa and I left the ranch on Thursday morning.  We arrived in Tucson in time for lunch at Beyond Bread.  I had a doctor appointment and Papa had the oil changed in his truck.  We ran errands in the afternoon, had a simple dinner, and watched the movie Admissions, with Tina Fey (love her!).  On Friday morning, we hung new blinds in the living room of the Tucson house.  After lunch, I had my hair trimmed, we watched the movie, Mud, and went for dinner at Contigo, a new Latin restaurant. 

We got up by 4:20 a.m. on Saturday, and Papa drove me to the airport for a 6:45 a.m. flight to Chicago.  I hit the ground running at Chicago O'Hare, with Dan picking me up, and whisking me off to his and Audrey's new home in Wilmette.  The movers came today and brought all their furniture and stuff.  Audrey, Dan, and I spent the afternoon unpacking boxes.  We have lots more to go!  Lauren had fun running through the new house, singing, and enjoying her new home and yard.  Neighbors brought dinner for us.  It was a good day!

Licking Salt

We are very fond of our horses.  They have their own personalities and are quite spoiled.  I caught them licking salt at the same time, watching each other's every move.  A quick kick to each other is always a possibility.

Sepia Clouds

We are having a super nice summer, with clouds every day, and 7.3" of rain YTD.  The ranch is lush with grass.  I love clouds in the desert. 

Pink Flowers

It only takes a little rain for the pincushion cactus to bloom.  This one was blooming yesterday morning in front of our Tucson house.  The blossoms are exquisite next to the thorns of the cactus. 

Day in Phoenix

I drove to Phoenix on Thursday morning.  I met Mary in My Sister's Closet, 

a really fun resale shop that I've been to before.  We also stopped in My Sister's Attic, 

where I bought a new mirror for the Tucson house foyer.

Mary and I stopped by two of my favorite furniture stores, Bungalow and Tierra del Lagarto, in north Scottsdale.  Both of those stores transport me to another time and place.  I love them!  We later drove up to Dynamite Horseman Supply, owned by Carly's parents.  Carly's Dad, Corky, gave us a tour of the shop and the travel trailers they take to weekend rodeos. 

By 1, Mary and I were having lunch at Arcadia Farms, celebrating my birthday.  Thank you, Mary!

More Branding Photos

Mary arrived the day before Branding and stayed with us through that weekend.  She is back home in Phoenix and has edited her photos.  These are a few of my favorites.