snow kidding... it's cold!

While we were away for a few days last week we got word that it had snowed. We live a bit north of Phoenix where the elevation is slightly higher. We have heard that it has been known to snow, but it is pretty rare. And, so is seeing gila monsters. Why wouldn't it do something unusual like snowing, to add to our list of things that "don't normally happen", within this first year (plus one week) of living here in sunny Arizona?

Do you want to see what freezing temperatures and snow do to a yard and plants when you are not home? When something out of the ordinary happens and you are not there to cover things up? We have seen a lot of white sheets draped over plants in other peoples yards and clay pots tipped upside down on the tips of some of the cactus to protect them.

But no white cloths here. They were left to fend for themselves. Brrr.

This is how I feel sometimes.
This cactus was just having it's winter "bloom".
And this one had some pretty flowers on it.
The hibiscus were blooming. Now they are not.
Oh boy.
We are just not accustom to plants and bushes even looking one bit green and alive in the winter. So, most of this looks like it really should when fall/winter come around. I just don't know if these are the kinds of plants that will come back to life in the spring. Or when ever.
Because fall/ winter/ spring/summer, it is still all rather confusing.
Sorry plants. I hope you are strong enough to make a full recovery.