happy birthday

Today is this guy's birthday. The brother to these two girls. The son to this mom. We love you!

Happy, Happy Birthday Austin!!

clouds in the sky

During this monsoon season, we have some pretty great clouds that build up in the afternoon and evening. This was one of those evenings. I do love me some great clouds and I do love me some great sunsets. This is my favorite place to watch said sunsets. Especially when I can sit with my toes in the water. Care to join me?

You're welcome to... any time.

where in the world have I been?

On a road trip. To Colorado. 

Where the skies are blue. The mountains are large. The stars are bright . The air is cool. 

And the friends are plenty. 

We did a lot of re-connecting.

It was a feeling. A feeling so familiar, like we literally just drove around that corner yesterday. Some things were exactly the same. Some things were different. Voices and hugs were comforting. Some of those hugs tugged at the ol' heart. I'm a lover of familiar.

It was strange driving the same car that used to drive all those familiar roads, but now sports "out of state" plates. It was really strange not pulling that car into the old driveway... of the old house.

But it was really great pulling into other driveways. And walking into homes that welcomed me with their familiar furnishings. Like I had just been there the week before. As if I haven't been away.

Talking. Laughing. Smiling. Answering questions. Eating at our favorite restaurant (a few times). Driving around aimlessly... just looking. Pulling off the side of the road. To just look some more. Hugging. Touching. Waving. Smelling. Loving. Missing. Enjoying. Gazing at much loved plants and flowers that don't grow here in Arizona.  Going home, as some people say.

But then it was time to go home. Here, where our car plates tell us we are home. Where I can pull into the driveway of this house. Where I can smile and say... that was a great two weeks. I'll go back again. Thanks for remembering us Colorado.

Thanks to all of our friends who were happy to see us. Who made the time for a visit. Who let me come into their homes and gardens and just sit and look around. Two weeks didn't allow me to see every single person I wanted to see. But, my emotions were full and the next time I'll see more. And now I know I can do it without constantly streaming tears. Unless, of course, I see that one person.

And here I am...back to this new familiar. Where yes... the days are hot. The sky is also blue. The pool water is cool. The wild life is exciting.   :)  And there are bright stars here too.

Familiar is good.

where in the world

I know you might be waiting for the grad party recap, but we are going on with summer plans. The pool is great as the Arizona temperature is soaring. And hot it is.

The party was great. Many thanks to our families for helping us celebrate and for just helping in general! The best part was spending time with everyone. We had family here representing Texas, Colorado, California, Arizona and Idaho. Many miles were traveled to celebrate our youngest graduate.

You were welcomed with open arms and our hearts were happy.

yard goodies 2nd edition

Oh goodie. Look what was scampering around on our pool cover the other day! It probably fell in like many of his comrades do, but managed to get up on the edge of the floating cover.

           It politely turned to get its best camera angle. Say cheese!

 And then it scampered on ... hoping to get away. But alas, the Reptile Rodent Wrangler scooped it up and with one fluid motion flung it over the fence.

The young spectators were not happy with his flinging skills. They thought a "cute" wet mouse should have been let go more gently. Me? I'd prefer not to see the beady eyes staring at me when I least expect it. Or, the thought of one dashing across my bare feet after dark gives me chills.

Sorry wet mouse, swimming is not really your thing, but that half-gainer you did over the fence was pretty spectacular!




Photos courtesy of Rachel.


Post edit: Leah reminded me that she gave this little rodent a name. I should have used it for my post title, but forgot.
Desperado.

yard goodies

Because it is thursday and because I am in full graduation party mode...
I give you a little goodie from the yard.
That's it.
Just goodies.

bunny rescue

Not all the wildlife in our backyard is scary.

Last week, I looked out the kitchen window and saw a little swimmer in the pool. I couldn't tell what it was until I went out and looked closer. A little baby rabbit was doing the bunny paddle. It was barely able to keep its head above water. I called out to Leah and Ryan for some help. Ryan was able to reach in and scoop up the water logged baby. They held it gently in their hands while the sun warmed and dried out its fur.  Then they set it down and watched it for awhile.

No kidding, just minutes later while Leah was still sitting by the bunny, a bobcat meandered its way across the yard. We haven't seen any for a very long time. Ugh. I couldn't stand the thought. But luckily, the bobcat jumped up and over the fence and out of the yard.

The next day, I saw the bunny baby in the yard and was happy to know it had survived its near drowning and perhaps its fate to the bobcat.

This circle of wild life is a rough one sometimes.
We are glad that our gentle hands gave this little bunny an extra chance.