Walking Stick

Over the past few weeks, we have had several walking stick bugs on our south facing patio.  They eat leaves and we have a terrific crop of grass this year.  This one was walking up the side of our picnic table. 

Moving a Drinker

Papa was hard at work this morning as I hiked down the hill.  He was digging up the water pipes to a drinker that he will move to another location. He stopped to catch his breath after I got to the drinker and we heard a vehicle coming down the road.  It was Carly and the kids, on their way to check water across the ranch.  Colter Lee and Traven wanted to help Dale.  They were good helpers!

Planning a Family Trip

I love planning trips!  I have spent some time over the past couple of weeks, searching for a chateau in France to accommodate all our children and grandchildren, next April.  There will be 18 of us!  After much searching and several inquiries, I reserved Chateau Sommesnil today.  Papa and I are quite excited about the possibility of spending a week with our family in France.

Grasshoppers

With the moisture and grass growth this summer, grasshoppers are prolific!  They are everywhere!

Tucson Flamenco Festival

Papa and I went to Casa Vicente for dinner last night, feasting on tapas and sangria.  After dinner, we enjoyed the first night of the 5th Tucson Flamenco Festival.  Several guitarists played in a flamenco guitar competition.  We have seen the winner, Misael Barraza, perform before.  He is amazing!  There was also flamenco dancing.  We had an enjoyable evening with the vibes of a Spanish fiesta!

Yesterday's Sunset

There is a lot of moisture in the air, which provided ingredients for this spectacular sunset. 

Big Cloud

I hiked alone yesterday, with this big cloud ahead of me.  Just beautiful.

Garcia Spurs

A couple of months ago, Colter came by the house, wearing a new pair of Garcia spurs.  Papa noticed and told me all about them.  Garcia spurs have been handmade since the late 1800's.  It seems they were a gift from Colter's in laws, who own Dynamite Horseman Supply.  Karlys and Corky came for the Branding in July, so I asked about getting a pair of Garcia spurs for Papa.  Corky ordered them and Karlys delivered the new spurs last week.  They were a big surprise for Papa and he loves them!

Hike from Pole Cat

Papa and I hiked from the Pole Cat well yesterday, to check on the new fence being built up the canyon toward the mountain.  The weather was perfect, crisp and clear.  The ranch grasses were waving in the breeze.  We had a good 4-5 hour hike and felt quite exercised and hungry!

Butt Height Grass

Papa and I hiked yesterday afternoon.  The grasses along the way were butt height or over 36" high!  We have to watch every step we take.  Papa came within a hair of stepping on a black rattle snake.  Good that I screamed!