We took a drive today out south of town to the Vulture Mountains to view the lovely springtime desert vegetation. I took this shot on the roadside a little north of Vulture Peak. Click on the image to enlarge.
Retirement
Around the Seed Bell
We had a nice, relaxing day today on the patio, enjoying the birds and critters on and around the seed bell I put up this morning. In this view, you can see female (left) and male (right) house finches aloft near the bell with a cactus wren on the bell itself. A curve billed thresher is just below and about to shoo the wren and start in on the bell. Click on the image to enlarge.
Devil’s Tongue Cactus Flower
Our devil’s tongue barrel cactus appears to be happy with its new home in the Arizona desert. This flower opened up today out on the “west 40” part of our half-acre lot. Click on the image to enlarge.
One Year Ago
About one year ago, Damsel and I took the plunge and closed escrow on the Arizona property. Halfway through the ensuing summer, our contractor began the construction on our new home. We took occupancy in January of 2011 and began a series of events acquiring furniture, building a courtyard, installing steel security doors. We also had shutters installed, added a courtyard gate and a HUGE saguaro cactus. It took nearly a year, but our retirement dreams have come true. There are still more home decor and landscape refinements, but we’re here enjoying the good life.
Image – the walk to close escrow – May 2010 – courtesy of the Damsel.
Saguaro Moon
Ten days ago, I posted a similar image of our saguaro with the moon in the background, but this one has open flowers. Click on the image to enlarge.
State of the Estate
I walked out across the road today and snapped a series of images that I merged into a single panoramic image of the Arizona house and yard. We received some of the office furniture this week and are working on acquiring the rest of the home furnishings in a week or two. We’re getting closer to our completion of the interior and are just a few steps closer to the completion of the landscaping. Click on the panoramic image to see full-sized.
My Second Saguaro Flower
My second saguaro flower opened up today. I can show you the center of this flower, unlike the first one I posted. Click on the image to enlarge.