Tip Toeing Through the Tulips...No, Cactus

I've lost my zip. After an early walk, watering of the plants, check writing and working on Ward Activities scheduling I'm just doing nothing. And of course there is always something needing attention that I just ignore.

I hope you're not bored with more flower photos but I am in LOVE with the cactus blossoms in the front yard of a home a few blocks from mine. It is the finest desert landscape of a small home I have ever seen. I thought these short little cactus' that are only about 12" (the tallest one) have blossoms about 7"-8"or more in diameter. I didn't want you to get a blurry, long distant photo so I tip toed right into the landscape just for your pleasure.

Sent with love. And also trying to find positive things about summer in AZ . . . and it's just beginning.

How Can I Tell It's Fall. . .

. . .when I go outside and see sunny skies, 99 degree temps, and flowers blooming in all their glory and an invitingly refreshing pool begging me to dive in head-first?

Two things always, always announce fall to me:
1. I hear the high school marching band practicing early in the morning before school starts (and I'm not even close to the school). I've always loved that sound and then hearing it again on the night's they have a home football game. GO CHIEF'S
2. The Canada geese are back and flying so low, right over the house. Poor Kirby-he gets so excited over that particular noise/honking but hasn't figured out he has to look up. I'll be working on that.

I can't quite bring myself to put up the fall deco yet. October will due but then I might change my mind. I envy anyone who lives in an area that has an Indian Summer season. That's so great. I might have to go hike Sedona for a fall fix.

Are you celebrating fall in a way you want to share?

P.S. Take a look at the tall tree at the end of the pool. It's a wonderful "volunteer" and I love that it gives much needed and appreciated shade to that area during the summer. Well, you know there is someone in this family that is notorious for cutting down trees and this is the next to go. I will so miss the green and the shade but it is messy and I understand...kind of.

Grateful for My Je.wish Friends

. . . for without them and their wonderful candles I keep on hand I wouldn't have had light during our 3+ hour power outage last night. Funny that the night before we had that terrific storm but no loss of electricity and during last nights calm it goes out. Go figure.


I had candles all over the place. I even grouped 3 on my nightstand and had enough light to read though I had to hold that big book at a funny angle to get enough illumination. But it worked. And I'm not complaining since I do love the monsoons. But just wait until the power is off long enough for the heat to get to me...then, look out, I will really be an unhappy, sweaty gal and the complaining will come. You should consider yourself forewarned.
And I have to also give credit to my Hisp.anic friends who make those wonderful tall candles but they are wrapped in artwork depicting my Sav.ior or his mother Mary in very dramatic ways. Am I being sensitive here, do you know what I mean. Ones where chests are open and hearts are displayed or blo.od is involved. Here in AZ you can buy these candles, both kinds, in all the grocery stores. I bring the Hispa.nic ones home and take/peel those dramatic graphics off right away. Too extreme for me and when the candles are bare they let more light out.
Just passing along info that might be helpful to you in a power outage. Are you stocked up with candles, flashlights, batteries, lanterns etc. Remember to be a good B.oy Sc.out and "Be Pre.pared". I just love that motto.

Summer Puzzles

You may recall I shared with you I had gotten some puzzles for the grands to put together for summer play. Over the 4th weekend Tessa and I put together this giant, floor size puzzle. I also love Little Bear.

Jake and I put this one together. Only 60 pieces and after we got it together he wanted to do it all over again.

I next suggested we start on this biggie,Noah's Ark, 300 piece puzzle but I got a shrug and something about it being too many pieces. You know my love of Noah's Ark don't you.


Well, no grands over today but I thought I'd just open up the box and check out the contents. Well, since I'm "inside" I might as well get the corner pieces found. Well, if I just put a few of the side pieces together it will make in more inviting for those darling grands to get involved. Now I'm realizing that the clock is ticking away and I've been hooked on this puzzle for too long.

I'll leave all the rest for the darlings to do. I think a baking pan will be good for storage. I'm a little embarrassed but that was fun. Are any of you working on puzzles this summer?