Clouds of Hurricane Odile

Hurricane Odile hit Baja California this morning, with devastating effects.  During the day, the storm moved north onto mainland Mexico.  This evening, Odile's clouds are nearer the ranch.  The sunset this evening was spectacular!  Every time we looked up, the colors changed and became deeper. We're watching over the next few hours, hopeful that Odile will bring moisture to the ranch.

Fruit of Prickly Pear

The prickly pear in our house yard is loaded with plump purple fruit.  Looks luscious!

Two Bucks

Papa and I walked down the hill to the Rock House late this afternoon.  Along the way, we came upon fifteen deer, scattered in small groups, with a good size buck among them.  We stood and watched them while they watched us.  We noticed a second, small buck, standing next to the big buck.  Its a treat for us to see two bucks.

Beauty of September

We have had good summer rains and the ranch is at its best, with grass waving in the breeze, creek beds damp or wet, fall wildflowers in bloom, and clouds holding in some of summer's moisture. 

September 11

This day is a somber day for most Americans, as we remember the disaster of 9-11-01.  Certainly, I remember where I was at the moment I found out about the Twin Towers.   Each member of our immediate family was in a different place, and we were anxious to connect and say, "I love you." 

September 11 was also the birthday of my favorite aunt, Rhea.  Aunt Rhea passed away in October 2012.  I still think of her every day and miss our phone chats and visits.  Our oldest daughter is named for Aunt Rhea and two of our granddaughters have her name as their middle name. 

September 11 is a reminder to make the most of every day.  Live, laugh, take care of ourselves, give thanks, and play hard. 

Flying Home

We enjoyed six days/nights visiting family, with Audrey for three nights in Chicago, then with Brian for three nights in Dallas.  We visited the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.  We enjoyed meals together, playing make believe with Lauren and Taylor, and Cranium with Emily and Sarah.  Papa and I had a long lunch with my dearest friend, Linda, in Dallas. 

The flight home was uneventful.  As we neared the Winchester Mountains, we looked out the window to get a glimpse of our house, with lots of clouds all around.  Beautiful!

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

We flew from Chicago to Dallas late yesterday afternoon.  We arrived at Brian and Amy's house 

by 10 p.m. and enjoyed a late dessert together.  We talked until midnight, then got up this morning and drove to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.  We walked through the garden and across the street to the Japanese Garden.  We fed koi, smelled the flowers, and watched butterflies and geckos.  

We had a wonderful time spending the day with Brian, Amy, Emily and Sarah.

 

Chicago Botanic Garden

We enjoyed a morning visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden.  It was warm and humid, perfect weather for a nap in the stroller.  Little Taylor slept for almost two hours.  Lauren skipped through much of the park, smelling the flowers, pumping water, and checking out the vegetable garden.  We had a picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with freshly picked apples.  A bumble bee found Lauren while we were picnicking and cut our visit short.  An ice pack fixed her right up!

 

 

 

Chicago Visit

Papa and I flew to Chicago yesterday to spend a few days with Audrey, Dan, Lauren, and Taylor.  

I went with Audrey and Taylor to a Mom and Baby music class this morning.  

Lauren went to preschool.  After naps, we went to a farm and to the library.  

It was a busy day.  We loved the hugs and smiles from Lauren and Taylor.

Barrel Cactus in Tucson

Barrel cactus in our Tucson yard continue to bloom into September.  This is a real treat!