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.
Javelina Sighting
I was on the patio earlier this evening and saw a javelina up in the wash behind the house. It disappeared behind the vegetation and I dismissed it as another distant sighting. Cabela started barking and carrying on in the front room. I went to see what was up and there were a family of six javelinas foraging across the road. I ran to get my camera and got this photo of the last one heading up the road. Click on the image to see the non-cropped version.
Saint Anthony’s of Padua
This is one of the prettiest buildings in town. Saint Anthony’s of Padua was established in the early days of Wickenburg, having started out as a wooden structure near the beginning of the 20th century. Finally, after the tough days following mine failures and the great depression, the congregation eventually constructed this beautiful brick sanctuary on Tegner Street in the Old Historic Downtown area. Click on the image to enlarge.
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.
Diplomacy Worse than Carter’s
When it comes to Middle Eastern Diplomatic issues, the administration gets an “F” . . .
Purple Cholla
Most of the cholla on our lot and on the neighbors produced yellow or orange flowers. Friday, we drove down Madison Street and saw a cholla with purple flowers. I got out of the truck and took this photo of one of the beautiful flowers. Click on the image to enlarge.
