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!