Hello Spring!

 It`s nice to be back.  Jack has been gone two years now. My life is more organized, not so much turmoil. Still sad, but I`ve made positive steps. Not an easy path, but once on that path we have to go on. And I know my husband would want that for me.

Since my post in December I`ve been  working outside,  sorting stuff and filling dumpsters. The weather has been beautiful.  Outbuildings are in stages of repair and painting. I`ve had little time to sew. I love being outdoors.  

A Joshua bud. They should start being fragrant about now.

This is a great place to live. Sam the dog and I are outside just before sunrise. No noise other than birds.  Mr. Cat sits at a window watching quail and rabbits. It is time to be watchful of snakes. They like cool mornings. It`s been dusty lately. Thank goodness for Swiffer Dusters!  Shopping is 45 minutes to an hour drive each way.  We do have a gas station/grocery store, library,dollar store, four cozy restaurants and great views in every direction.

Have a great day my friends.
Cathy

Cats and Cactus

I call her Autumn. She`s not a stray. She`s well fed so she lives somewhere in the neighborhood, stopping by to visit nearly every day. She must be desert smart because the coyotes haven`t grabbed her. She is more a creamy color. I always kept my cats indoors. 

I just noticed Autumn is Armando. He`s still a cutie!

My Agave. It does well in drought.

My New Journey

Not so new now. It`s been 10 months and I`m moving along. Realizing I did what I could to help my husband. Survivor guilt is gone.  I`m learning to not feel guilty for laughing or admitting it is indeed a beautiful day. It`s okay to be happy. It`s still a bother cooking for one. My dogs keep me sane. I made an extra effort to renew friendships.  I do sew, just in short bursts. Getting ready for the church craft show in November and the next blog hop. Check my sidebar.

I sorted scrap metal today for a trip to the landfill. It`s everywhere! Stored sheet aluminum for my son. He`s having another spinal fusion  December 3. Going to buy elderberry syrup again. It`s great for colds and allergies.  Washed the car. Used what I thought was a clean towel to dry it and now my Ford is covered with fur!

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are well and happy. It`s autumn now. Cool nights and mornings. I am really blessed.

Cathy

A Day In The Desert

I chose today to finally relax. What a week! We were metal detecting for nuggets this morning. Got lots of exercise! When my arm was tired from swinging the detector I picked up a camera and took these pictures of a couple of barrel cactus. The desert is getting green already. New life.

Barrel Cactus hiding beneath a bush.  Desert plants have a symbiotic relationship with plants around them.

A cluster of  Barrels. My favorite kind. They will likely flower in less than a month.

The other side of the cluster making a total of five Barrels. More pics coming when they flower.

This was a wonderful day. Had lunch in the fresh air. About 70 with a light breeze. It was great! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Cathy

Sunset And Cactus Pictures

Good Morning All! The first picture is Tuesdays sunset. DH snapped the picture, the scene was too pretty to pass up. The next is a Beavertail Cactus or Opuntia Basilaris. How about those spectacular flowers! If you look closely there are more buds not quite open. The third pic is Desert Paint Brush, the first flowers to show at our elevation, about 3,500 feet. Have you noticed that most desert plants are nestled within other plants. These plants have a symbiotic relationship, providing shade or other type of protection. Each benefits the other.

We`ve had extremely high winds and except for grocery shopping, spent yesterday indoors. Now it is very quiet, but I expect more wind at dawn. There is so much pollen now and I won`t weed or do other yard clean up till the wind is gone. I hope everyone is enjoying their spring weather. My prayers to you who are living in the midwest and south suffering tornados.

Till later,
Cathy