Desert Fields

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but I am constantly amazed by the desert. One of the more amazing things, to me, is how fertile the desert can be if there is water. Our city is the Lettuce Capital of the world. Isn't that crazy? It is such a contrast to see the beautiful, neat rows of the fields against the backdrop of our desert mountains. All winter, the fields are filled with vegetables. I've wanted to photograph them ever since we moved here, and I finally took the time to do it. One evening, I packed everybody into the van and just drove around looking for fields being harvested. The kids patiently sat in the van, listening to Odyssey, while I snapped pictures. The next day when we got in the van, Braden asked, "Mom, are we going somewhere, or just driving around again?" Some day he will appreciate looking at these pictures; they will remind him of a place that was his home for a while.

fun in the desert

We had some more visitors this week (Yay! We love visitors!). We met Heather & Eric in San Diego, and then they made the trek out to Y-Town. We pulled out all the stops for their first visit to the desert- complete with a drive out into the desert for some shooting (Heather's first time) and Saguaro spotting. Thanks, again for the bringing the wonderful weather! Please come back- as soon as you left it hit 117!

Bloom Time

We've had quite a bit of rain recently. Combined with the warmer temperatures, the desert is really starting to wake up. And I don't think we're the only ones who have noticed.

Here Fishy Fishy

The boys have anxiously been waiting to go fishing again. It's cute- they never catch anything, but they still enjoy it and are optimistic every time. They waited patiently while Ev fixed their poles. Trevor gets a real hook now. Braden fished with his little rubber tire attached to his Lightening McQueen fishing pole. We didn't catch anything this time, either, but we learned some things.





We learned that fish do not like Cheetos. Neither do ducks. We learned that fish don't like worms. They looked at them, followed them, but had no interest in eating them. We thought the fish would be licking their chops. Maybe they were long lost friends. Oh well. We don't need any silly little fish to have a good time.

Moonrise

We are loving the cooler weather here and are outside as much as possible. This time of year, it's great to have the whole desert for our playground.

Camp Senator Wash

Last weekend, we did a trial run for our camping trip this summer. The goal: to take all our gear and tools and put them (and ourselves) to the test. We needed to make sure we have everything we will need, and that we know how to use it!

I thought it was also a good time to assign responsibilities. There's no room for free-loaders on a camping trip.



Everyone helped with the tent and gathering firewood.

While Dad chopped the wood, the boys made a fire ring nearby.
They did such a great job!
Especially for the first time! After the ring was ready and the wood was ready, Ev found some horse poo to really get the fire going! What kind of a marine would he be if he couldn't build a great fire?!

We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the open desert. No other people in sight. A crackling fire.

The night was quiet and full of so many stars. I expected to hear some coyotes, but heard only the odd bird or insect.

The sun comes early in the desert. I was awake at 0430, with plenty of time to catch the sunrise.

We were sleepy, but excited and happy campers.

I was really excited to try my thrifted cast iron skillet on our new camp stove. Everyone said the eggs and sausages were yummy. I think all food tastes better in camp.

Spring is Past

Summer is here. I know this will be difficult for some of you to believe. You may be currently or recently snow-bound. But let me assure you...Summer is here. The mercury reached 100 degrees yesterday. Our overnight low was 75. I guess I can officially say that I went the entire winter without running the heat! (Don't think that I am bragging, I'm just looking for the silver lining.) These beauties are certainly welcome to my garden- maybe they will bring some hummingbirds!

Desert Bloom

The beginning of our desert bloom.

Short Hike for Short Legs

The sun was shining last saturday so we headed to our favorite local hiking spot. Trevor has become such a good hiker. We used to have to coax and encourage him the entire time. Now he's running ahead on the trail and climbing up the surrounding rocks.


I decided that it was time for the Little Guy to start carrying his own weight. Literally. Now that he's weighing in around 35 pounds, he's getting a little heavy for the backpack. Besides, he's going to be 3 soon. He was not pleased when he searched the truck for the backpack and came up empty. And the first part of the hike was rough. But with a steadying hand up the tough areas and lots of encouragement he hiked the whole time on his own two feet. Next time we'll go a little farther.

Ocotillo

I haven't posted any cactus pictures in at least two weeks. Ridiculous!