We could use another Red Adair in these times. Another good cartoon by Ramirez . . .
Massive Solar Prominence
Consider, if you will, the minute capability of humans to change their environment as compared to the awesome and spectacular events occurring daily on our Sun. Global warming, my @$$.
Harris’ Hawk
We were relaxing in the back patio today when this young Harris’ Hawk made a low pass over the house. Harris’ Hawks range in desert scrub and mesquite woodlands, which is exactly where we are. It was hunting for wood rats, rabbits, lizards and some birds. Sorry, no larger image available.
First Spring Cactus Flower
We brought several cacti with us from California last week. After we get the landscape ground toppings in place, I’m planning to plant most of the cacti that are currently in pots.
One cactus didn’t wait to get into the ground before it produced a nice pink flower. I don’t know the name of this little round cactus but it is about the size and shape of a tennis ball, has inch-long quills and the flowers grow on stalks. Click on the image to enlarge.
Progress Report – Desert Landscaping Now Underway
We made a deal and signed a landscaping proposal yesterday. That afternoon, a dump truck brought 50 tons of river rock and another 50 tons of Sedona red crushed rock. The former will go on the slopes around the front part of the lot and the latter will cover the flat places and the RV driveway. Eight more tons of quarter-inch gravel will cover the non-paved portions of the courtyard and dog run.
Damsel’s image – River rock on slope behind a trimmed-up native palo verde tree – inset is the Sedona red crushed rock – click on the image to enlarge
This morning, the landscape crew showed up and immediately started clearing off the area, installing the irrigation system, removing unwanted vegetation and trimming up those trees and shrubs we want to keep. This afternoon, they began placing the river rock on the sloped areas. When they left this afternoon, the front yard had been transformed from scruffy to presentable.
Progress Report – Furniture
We drove down to the Phoenix Metro Area today to do some furniture shopping. We have gone furniture shopping before but haven’t seen anything we liked. I mentioned that we were going to do our interior with a southwestern theme to the man that installed our shutters. He has a friend and associate that handles a lot of the southwestern styles, so we drove down to Mesa to check him out.
We found several pieces that we liked and placed the order. In all, we bought a dining room set, a sofa and love seat, a coffee table with matching end tables, two southwestern style table lamps and a sofa table.Southwestern Sofa – click on the image to enlarge
Next week, we’re going to shop for bedroom sets for the master suite and office – we already have queen bed for the guest bedroom but need a headboard and night stands. Stay tuned!