They are magic!

My Trichocerius Cactus started off with its first bloom this morning. I watch those buds swell every spring with such anticipation. They are so amazingly beautiful. And so fragile. Each desert plate size blossom lasts for one day and then wilts away.

Happy Birthday Will

Quiet celebration for Will's Birthday at home. He's been taking care of me all day so he probably didn't have such a fun day.  I know he got lots of congratulatory emails, WeChats Facebook posts, and cards which he appreciated. 

He's a pretty special guy, Happy  Birthday, Sweetheart!!

Fixing my knee

Today I had a Partial Knee Replacement on my left knee. This is going to fix my ongoing issues--like pain!--with my knee which was impacting my life!  All went well, it was done outpatient at a surgery center AND it was done robotically. When I found out how "easy" it would be, I was anxious to have it done. Perhaps easy isn't the right word but can't help but be amazed by what technologies are able to accomplish.

 They said I would be able to walk out on my own after surgery and I did.

 I was pretty nauseous when we got home and took a few hours to get over that. My knee is numb today  but by tomorrow that will wear off and anticipating some serious pain. Gotta move that knee in spite of that so we shall see what the next few days brings. I am smiling now. . .

A Trail Ride

There is a Horse Rescue Ranch west of here called Way-Out-West Ranch.  We went out there this morning to go for a horse back ride and learn more about what it is all about.  Nice warm day to be out there, it was a desert ride. Few sore bones when we finished but it was fun.  Hardest part was getting back off the horse when it was over.

Got to spend a couple of hours with my brother in Chandler before they head back to Iowa. Larry and Jean returned and did the Snowbird thing again this year and enjoyed the respite from cold and snow. They missed several friends this year as a large number of people did not come to Arizona because of virus   concerns.  

Fort Bowie and Wilcox

We did the hike to find the ruins of old Fort Bowie. Not much left of the 1880's fort but so interesting to find it  preserved. The park service put the trail thru a historic mountain pass and then put up discriptive markers to tell you about all the events that happened here over about a 30 year history of the region. From the incident that started the Chiricahua Apache Wars, the Butterfield Stage Route, the springs that provided essential water to the fort AND the Indians who just wanted to live here. And the clash of cultures, Cochise, US Army, Geronimo, and settlers who left their mark here.

Plus it's a beautiful setting

The Spring that was life blood of Apache Pass.

We also found our way to Cochise Stronghold which is another spot steeped in history. There is a lovely forest service campground there but the road in is deplorable--well, for an RV anyway. Definitely a day trip visit. 

Tradition says that Cochise was born in this area and buried here when he died.  No one can say where.

Great vistas. Too nasty to hike this time but we renewed memories of times spent here in the past.

Getting out of Tucson again

An overnight get-away. . .This time to Eastern Arizona to Chiricahua National Monument. Highlight today was hiking the Echo Canyon trail at the top of the mountain. I killed my knee in the three mile push but was so worth it. It was cold up at 7000 ft with lingering snow in the shaded spots. The trail winds around and through a virtual "forest" of HooDo rock formations that are just otherworldly!

On the way we went through the small town of Dragoon where we found these amazing life size metal sculptures. No idea who made them or even why they are there. Found them at a place called Rattlesnake Ranch.

Guess this is the mascot of Rattlesnake Ranch.

Great Horned Owl

Got right up close to this guy on our neighborhood walk this afternoon. Only had a cell phone with me but managed a good shot. Pretty soon he got tired of our presence and he silently floated away for an evening hunt.

Will's latest. The center is a thin slice of agate which has kind of turned into his signature.

A day away. . .decided it was time for another day out in the desert, out of Tucson. Made our way South to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and then on to an amazing guest ranch, Rancho de la Osa, near Sasabee at the border.

This is a really slow time for them, plus they are beginning some major renovations on the property so no guests at the moment. Good timing for us as they let us walk around and check it out properly. History of the ranch goes all the way back to 1700's.

This adobe building dates back to the earliest days. Built first as a Spanish mission, later was a school house, then when border was actually moved behind the property and suddenly this was American soil it eventually became part of a huge ranch. Today it's a Cantina on the Guest Ranch. So much visable  history here plus comfortable charm. Maybe we'll come back for an overnight stay.

Back to the Refuge.  Bobaqivery is the tall peak in the distance, sacred to the local Native Americans that live in it's shadow.

Lots of ranching history here, was once cattle country big time. Neat old fence. Visitor Center closed still but trails and roads open. We could peak in the window and looked like an interesting little museum to check out...next time.

The ranch backs up to Mexican border, and now the border wall. Unfortunately, this part of the wall was recently replaced by Trump's monstrosity. Besides the positively hateful politics embodied in this wall, it is an ugly scar on the landscape. (Any guess how I feel about it all?)

Honorable Mention

Attended the Artist Reception this evening for the Spring Art Show at the Overlook. I was awarded an Honorable Mention for my sculptural relief tile, "Desert Bloom."

AND, it sold on the spot. That made it doubly fun!!

I had a total of three pieces entered in the show but this one caught the judge's attention.

First shot done

This lovely lady gave me my first Covid shot yesterday at the drive-through location at Banner hospital North. Have to say once they opened up my age catagory and I got the "right" procedure to make my reservation, it was seemless. The delivery system is wonderful, it's the confusion of getting into the system that is stressful. All I experienced was a slight sore arm. Second shot is March 21.