Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother´s Day


When I arrived home today, these lovely flowers were waiting for me. What a great surprise! I am very lucky to have such a thoughtful son.

Mother´s Day is such a nice holiday for those of us who have our mothers or who have thoughtful children. I know that this isn´t true for everyone, and I am aware of how lucky and blessed I am to have both in my life.


I was in Tucson this weekend, and I stopped at the San Xavier del Bac Mission this morning. It is such a beautiful, peaceful place. Located on the reservation of the Tohono Oóhdam, the mission was founded in 1692 by Father Kino. Construction of the church took fourteen years, from 1783-1797. In addition to the church itself, there is a wonderful museum and other restored buildings and gardens.

In the parking area some local people were making frybread--yummy!!! Frybread is a Native American treat that is deep fried, similar to Elephant Ears that we used to get at fairs in Ohio. But frybread is more versatile. Some of it is sweet and covered in honey, cinnamon or powered sugar. But they also will fill it with beans or meat. However it is fixed, it is delicious. Today I had mine with cinnamon, and Kent had his with honey.

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Thursday, May 6, 2010

House Finches in My House

Last week I noticed a pair of House Finches hanging around the casita courtyard, especially one bush that we have planted in a large pot. Over a few days we noticed that the plant was getting thinner. Then we saw the reason--it was being used as prime building material for a House Finch nest. In this photo their new home peeks out of the end tile, and the happy couple watches me take their picture.

Proud Papa-to-be


The House Finch is one of the most common species here, but being common doesn´t make him any less beautiful.

His Latin name is Carpodacus Mexicanus. Hmmm. Does that mean he is originally from Mexico? Be careful, Carpodacus Mexicanus. Until SB 1070 is tossed out, you better keep your papers close at hand. Sheriff Joe may come after you, too.

Proud Mama-to-be---with a piece of our plant in her mouth.

Our much thinner Australian plant, which is now being put to a higher use.

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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Agave Sways in the Wind


The octopus agave reached its peak a few days ago.

The bees have enjoyed it for weeks now since as the bottom flowers faded, the top ones opened. The plant is so tall that I can´t get a close-up of the whole plant in one picture.

Here is the top section at its peak:


Last week it was really windy. I watched the agave sway in the wind and hoped it wouldn´t topple over. Fortunately it is fine. The wind was very strong, but all of our plants made it.
On one night, Thursday, I drove through herds of tumbleweeds on my way home from work. At least it seemed like a herd of them. Must have been at least 15-20. The wind blew them across the road in waves. I have never seen so many tumbleweeds at one time. There was no way to avoid hitting a few of them, so I came home with suvenirs in my grill. They looked lovely. Went well with the windshield bug bodies that I collect each night as I drive through Wenden and Aquila this time of the year.

Speaking of wind: The newspaper reported that Joe Arpaio decided to not run for governor. Good news! Maybe he read this blog. !!!smiles!!!