Getting Hot

Summer has certainly arrived in Red Rock Country, and we topped 100 degrees a couple of days recently.  Of course, the humidity was a whopping 5% or so and I have "flat" hair for the first time in my life.  It is weird to get static shocks this time of year, and I have to spray all of my clothes with Static Guard to keep them from clinging to all those places that should not have clinging clothes.  Which is pretty much everything but my socks.

I do love this weather!  I can take the heat, but this time of year we have an invasion of "no see 'ums."  Those nasty, biting, nearly-invisible specks that cause huge, itchy welts.  The general time frame is said to be Mother's Day to Father's Day, and I did notice that they were much less of a problem today.  Hopefully they are on their way out until next year.

I've lost the weed wars for now...mostly because I surrendered.  But now that the biters are leaving, I am more inclined to get out there again.  Have a big crop of Golden Crownbeard in bloom (Verbecina encelioides) - a pretty native that can be invasive.  But I like it, so I've let it take over one area that was otherwise overrun with foxtail - a very nasty invasive that clings to everything.  The Santa Rita cacti I planted (kind of a purple prickly pear) seem to be surviving.  My Mexican Hats (Ratibida columnaris) and Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) are both in full bloom and add some much needed color out there in the red dirt.  I'm trying to prep an area so that I can get some native grass seed planted before our monsoon season arrives (around mid-July). 

Mexican Bird of Paradise

Kelly was here for a visit in early May.  It was great to see her, as our last time together was in early December.  She enjoyed lounging at the condo pool and nearly hugging the fur off of Otis. 

                    Fun dinner at The Barking Frog

While she was here, I was happy to find Spike (my horned lizard buddy, or perhaps a relative...) in the yard so that she could see him.  He wasn't too happy when I picked him up, but I soon released him to his territory where he blends in perfectly with the dirt and rocks.

Super-cool Spike

My duties with the Sedona Volunteer Park Rangers continue to be a lot of fun.  We've been quite busy with the summer tourist season upon us.  I enjoy finding out where people are from - all over the world - and giving them suggestions on what to see and do while here.  Last Friday night, there was a family campout at a park in town, and on Saturday morning there was a group hike.  It was my first ever interpretive hike.  Ranger Jerry was my "tailgater" and we led about 15 adults/kids on the Bandit Trail - a nice winding trail that is a little over one mile long, at the base of Airport Mesa.  I incorporated some Leave No Trace principles, pointed out plants and birds, and talked about our red rock formations.  I even had the chance to tell them about Alice Algae and Freddie Fungus, as there were many lichen-covered rocks.  My only disappointment was the lack of Scat (very unusual, by the way).  So I did not share with them the "Starts with an S and ends with a T, comes out of you and comes out of me."  Darn.

After attending the two-day PSAR training (Preventive Search and Rescue) at the Grand Canyon in April, I was anxious to get out on the Canyon trails.  This program has been around for a number of years.  It includes staff rangers who are certified EMTs as well as lots of other specialized training, and a staff of volunteers.  We patrol the main Canyon trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab and Hermit) during the busiest season from April through October.  Most people run into problems in the heat of the summer.  We watch for people heading down, making sure they are prepared, and also are on hand to help if someone is in trouble.  Serious situations require us to call for backup.  There are over 200 medevacs per year in the canyon, and we are there to hopefully, keep people out of those situations.  We are required to shadow an experienced ranger on both the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails before we are sent out on solitary patrols.  I drove out to the Canyon on Sunday afternoon, did a "Jeep Sleep" at the PSAR campsite, and was ready to go early yesterday morning.

At the South Kaibab trailhead.

Not sure if I could hang one more thing off of myself...

If any of you have read "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed (and if you haven't, you should!), you will understand how I felt when I attempted to lift my pack after loading it with all of my supplies and water for the day.  We have to carry our own water and food, as well as extra water and snacks for hikers needing help.  We also have first aid, paperwork, a clicker (to count people), a radio...I also had my head lamp, extra shoelaces, pack towel...and various and sundry other items.  I thought sure I would have to get on my hands and knees and try to do a dead lift to get the darn thing onto my back! 

I feel that I really hit the jackpot on my first patrol - my supervising ranger was Jo, cutest Ranger ever.  She has a wonderful way with people, really knows the canyon, and taught me a great deal.  She was patient and fun, and didn't even push me over the edge after I left my radio in the bathroom at Cedar Ridge!  I was so afraid of dropping it into the toilet that I unclipped it and set it on a ledge.  Rejoined her at our lunch spot and realized...luckily we were still in the area and I was able to retrieve it without backtracking too far.  Duh.

Ranger Jo (with red pack) at Cedar Ridge

Mule supply train in background

It was a hot and windy day, and at times we had to turn our backs to the blowing dust.  There is very little shade on the Kaibab, and it is one steep trail!  I am so glad that I have been hiking a lot here in Sedona, doing challenging trails and pushing myself.   I also implemented what I learned in PSAR training about hydration, salt intake, etc.  All the Gatorade and pretzels yesterday really made a difference in keeping me hydrated and on track.  I got back home late afternoon, filthy and tired but with a real sense of accomplishment.  Hopefully, I'll be able to shadow someone on Bright Angel soon and then I'll be "official."

Not sure why, but I always enjoy seeing this Arizona Divide sign just west of Flagstaff...

Not much on the wildlife report around here.  The little quail family went from 10 babies to 5, but those 5 seem to be thriving.   A Bewick's Wren has a nest in the beams below the upper deck.  Four babies hatched about a week ago, but when I checked today the nest was empty.  I hope they fledged.  The nest seems to be in a very secure place, but I suppose those predators are sneaky.  Lots of flycatchers around, the daily house finches and mourning doves, but sadly, no sign of George the Greater Roadrunner this year.  Before too long, I should be able to harvest prickly pear fruit - and make another batch of syrup.  The margarita supply is running low!

I hope this finds everyone having a great summer, enjoying your favorite things and nature's gifts - like summer sunsets!  Here's a pic taken this evening:



Getting the Nerds Together

It has been one year since I relocated to Sedona.  Stressful, exciting, unsettling, fun, hard, lonely.  But here I am among the red rocks.

Way back in 2007, I enrolled in the first ever Kane County Certified Naturalist program.  I wanted to learn more about the flora and fauna around home, as well as get involved in some volunteer activies related to nature.  It is no exaggeration to say that it changed my life.  Yes, I learned a great deal about plants, birds, animals, geology and more (scat!).  But beyond that, I became friends with an amazing and diverse group of women and found a sense of belonging that I truly needed.

They are, without exception, the most beautiful and fun group of friends I have ever been privileged to have.  We started calling ourselves the "Nature Nerds," and then Pam came up with "Nerd Herd."  We also had the "Luney Ladies" (credit Valerie) because we tried to get together each month to howl at the full moon.  We have educators, a physician, a nurse, writers, gardeners, corporate professionals, and uh, me.  We are interesting and interested, funny and serious, talented and creative.  And 6 of them recently came to Sedona for 5 days of hiking, laughing, eating, sightseeing, birdwatching, plant gazing, and shopping.  Did I mention hiking, eating and laughing?  I think we came to the conclusion that after a certain amount of fresh air intake, we become completely slap-happy and unable to control hilarity.  About everything.  And nothing.

The days passed much too quickly (isn't that true of most vacations?) but we packed in as much as possible.  We had a great time in the little town of Jerome, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Quince.  Tracy drove us up and down the mountain with great skill - I have to say that because she will most likely read this.  Her attacks on the Sedona round-abouts came later.  It is amazing what a minivan can do when piloted by certain people.  There were times when we were in "grave peril."

           Tiny restaurant, fabulous food

Hard to see, but the sign above us shows

 a woman's stockinged leg and reads "House of Joy"

It was time to get out on a trail and commune with the red rocks.  We hiked a newer trail that has become a favorite of mine, the Mescal Mountain trail in Sedona's amazing Boynton Canyon.  This trail winds around the base of the mountain, offering endless views and a hike that hugs the mountain side.  Intrepid Nerd Kim H was amazing, just a couple of months post-knee replacement.  We are still trying to identify some of the wildflowers that were in bloom, we enjoyed the lizards that were soaking up the warm sun, heard the songs of various birds and marveled at the blue AZ sky.

The Nerd Herd pauses at one of the many

 spectacular spots along the way

This Collard Lizard posed for us, showing off his striking colors

Time for "Survivor - Sedona!"  The new "must" for all visitors - rock hanging.  A spot along the Mescal Trail provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to try their skill at hanging off a mountainside.  At great personal risk (and more grave peril?) each one of us bravely completed the task unscathed.

              The Nerds watch in amazement as Kim G

                         demonstrates the technique

Just hang on!

        Alison defies gravity

Carol overcomes her fear

Kim H and her new      

 knee are fearless    

Tracy got the hang of it right away

Sarah makes it look easy

Suzi hangs onto her hat    

After the hike, we headed farther into Boynton Canyon down a 4.5 mile dirt road. Really, only 4.5 miles? Why did it seem like 10? Oh right...Tracy was driving. Over the rocks and around the bends, dodging oncoming vehicles and tour Jeeps...we arrived at Honanki. These Sinaguan ruins and rock art date from 1100 ad.

Suzi's favorite, Kokopelli

Undaunted by our Mescal Mountain adventures, later in the week we headed to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  After much oohing and aahing and shoppping, we headed for lunch at Shoshone Point.  Saw some elk along the way, and enjoyed the jaw-dropping views from this special place.

  Hugging the wall along the Bright Angel Trail

Friday was our day to cram in as much as possible - a wonderful morning hike on the Baldwin Trail and along Oak Creek; a drive up to West Fork in Oak Creek Canyon for a picnic lunch, birdwatching, creek inspection and wallowing in nature.  Shopping at the Navajo booths in the canyon, shopping in Uptown, dinner.  We really covered some ground that day, and it kept me from thinking too much about the impending departure...

Saturday morning again dawned clear and bright, and the Nerds were up early to pack.  Before I knew it, the white minivan arrived to take them all back to Phoenix and on home to IL.  Through my tears as they headed out, I knew in my heart how blessed I am to know these women.  To laugh and cry with them, to call them my friends.  Thank you - I love you all.

To all the Nerds who were unable to make this trip - please know that you were missed (and talked about often), and that you are welcome to visit any time!

   

    

Getting Joy-ful

Months ago, my friend Jeanette decided to come out for a visit in February.  The emails flew back and forth as we planned and eagerly anticipated her trip to Sedona.  I met Jeanette through the wonderful Kane County Certified Naturalists program, and got to know her a bit as our paths crossed at various classes and volunteer events.  But it wasn't until her visit that I really got to know her and learn how lucky I am to have another amazing friend!  The title of this blog is a play on her last name - Joy.  And that describes her better than any word I could find.

After meeting at the Phoenix airport, we headed south for 2 days in Tucson.  First a warning - do not ever stay at the Days Inn on Craycroft Road in Tucson.  LOL.  What a place.  The divided room turned out to be a good thing, as Jeanette wasn't feeling well that evening.  She was able to crawl into bed and close the door, get some much-needed rest.  From the smashed lampshade to the bizarre shower "art" to the ever-present clanging of the security gate...abundance of plastic plants (in a climate where things grow as if by magic), and the unsettling number of "No Trespassing" signs around the property...let's just say that one night there was quite enough!

                   Saddest lamp ever

The only decoration in the shower

was this candle painted on the tile!

                                                                                                        

Even tho still not feeling quite right, Jeanette was amazing and determined to see Saguaro National Park and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.  We enjoyed the loop drive through the park, marveling at the thousands of giant Saguaros, each seemingly with its own personality.  Like snowflakes - no two were alike!  The weather was perfect, the sky was AZ blue, and we spotted a jackrabbit and a few brittlebush in bloom.  We stopped for a short walk along the Mica Trail, but before we could begin we met a gentleman who is a seasonal ranger at the park.  During our chat we discovered that not only was he a retired teacher from West Chicago...but he was Jeanette's high school English teacher!  How incredible is that? 

Jeanette with Mr. Leitner

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum - what a place!  We saw many of the indigenous creatures in their native habitats, many more of our favorite Saguaros and a wonderful hummingbird house.  It was Saturday of Presidents' Day weekend, so we did have to share the place with thousands of other bipeds.  We crammed in as much as possible before heading north to Sedona.

Jeanette woke on Sunday feeling much better, so we took our first Sedona hike along the Baldwin Trail.  This beautiful little 2 mile loop skirts Oak Creek, with jaw-dropping views of Cathedral Rock.  The next few days were spent on morning hikes (Mescal Mountain and then Little Horse to Chicken Point), a picnic (in the car - quite chilly up in the canyon) at the West Fork Trail Head, a bit of sightseeing, a bit of shopping and non-stop yakking and laughing.

Hanging around at Chicken Point

I think she's having fun!

Of course, our time went by much too quickly and we were soon back on the road to the airport in Phoenix.  So sad to bid good-bye to my "Sedona Sister" - until we meet again!

Meanwhile, back at Casa Neglecta...

A bit of progress here and there.  New kitchen backsplash is in and love it!  Very happy with the tile choice and the difference it makes in the appearance of the kitchen.  Electrician coming this week to install new ceiling fans and light fixtures - good-bye 1970's decor!

Bird activity in the yard is at a frenzied pace.  Have never seen so many juncos in one place!  Trying to entice Western Bluebirds into the yard, and nearly killed myself falling off a ladder after hanging a nesting box.  While digging weeds yesterday, I looked up to see...a male bluebird on a yucca stalk!  I hope he tells his friends of the fresh water and bird buffet over here.

This Canyon Towhee got into the house

and led me on quite the chase. 

 Caught him with a blanket,

administered TLC, and happily saw him fly away.

I'm anxious to try my hand at vegetable gardening here.  Have been to a couple of seminars, planted early peas and lettuces, and hope I might have success with a few things.  The Coop of Doom is gone - yay!  Because that area is fenced in, I am going to use it for my little farm.  Our weather has been wild lately - on Friday we had quite the snowstorm, on Saturday we had a mix of snow and rain, and on Sunday I was digging weeds in the warm sunshine.  The winter bursts we get here are short-lived and I'll gladly take that over the recent snows in IL.  Altho I do really miss snowshoeing with my pals!

The Sedona International Film Festival was wonderful!  I've never been much of a movie-goer, but I saw 5 films in one week and loved everything.  I volunteered on the last day, handing out and collecting ballots for audience votes.  We had a great time at the KebMo' concert on opening night - so excited that Keb came to Sedona!  I chose all environmental documentaries with our pass package, plus one for which I bought a separate ticket.  I highly recommend all of the following:

Carbon Nation - about climate change and the innovative ways people and companies are working toward lessening the impact on the planet

Chasing Ice - a photographer set up cameras to photograph shrinking glaciers (Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Glacier National Park) and put together time lapse images of the changes.  Breathtaking!

Pad Yatra - a group of people follow a Buddhist leader on a hike across the Himalayas.  They collect 800 pounds of plastic along the way, and teach local villagers how to avoid its use and impact.  Amazing that plastic soda bottles find their way to the roof of the world...

Go Ganges - two young American guys travel the length of the Ganges River in India.  An amazing journey, and they are hilarious as they try to negotiate their way by any means possible.

Any Day Now - the one non-environmental film I saw.  Based on a true story from the late 70's, of a gay couple's attempt to adopt a teenage boy with Down Syndrome.  Alan Cumming ("The Good Wife") is incredible in this thought-provoking and heartbreaking story.

I am now anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Nerd Herd!  Six of my wonderful friends from IL will be here in early April.  I know I will enjoy sharing Sedona with them and look forward to spending time with everyone.  I have really hit the jackpot in the friend lottery!

Happy Spring!

Getting Un-Stuck

My least favorite month of the year is over - yay!  I'm sure it has to do with spending 30 years in the Midwest - the holiday rush is over and the long, bitter winter just beginning....I convinced myself that once January was over, I could make it through winter.  Unrealistic perhaps, but whatever gets one through, right?

Here in  Arizona, I'm finding that with many January days above 50 (and even 60) degrees, plenty of sunshine, it is less to dread.  But I'm already getting spring fever and anxious for things to green up and flowers to bloom.  Time passes quickly enough - I need to stop trying to rush everything.

I've been stuck in neutral for quite a while, getting nothing done in or around the house and not hitting the trails.  Gorging on junk food, packing on the pounds while killing brain cells with mindless tv...the worst possible combinations.  Just after the first of the year (nothing like resolutions, right?) I set a goal to hike at least 20 miles per week.  I did great for the first week and then was felled by what I thought was the flu.  Turns out it was the head cold from hell and I was miserable for several days, but not nearly as bad had it been the flu.  There went the hiking program.

The weather is rebounding from a couple of cold snaps (and even an inch of snow!), so I'm trying once again to get moving.  I painted an accent wall in the master bedroom, preparing to paint in Otis' room, in the process of ordering new window treatments...that flushing sound you hear is money going down the dark hole of a pit. 

Front yard on New Year's Eve

Had a great hike yesterday on a trail that is new to me - the Mescal Trail.  Only about 3 miles round trip, this beautiful, easy hike skirts Mescal Mountain in Boynton Canyon.  The trail was quite muddy from recent rains, but what's a little mud when the sky is blue and the scenery is breathtaking?  It's a new favorite trail, and one that I will enjoy sharing with friends who visit (along with the 100 other favorite trails).

Trail view

Love how this Juniper found a way to grow

on this ledge

Most exciting news for now?  Pal Jeanette will be out here in two weeks - I am anxiously awaiting her arrival!  Trying to keep up with her should get me unstuck, for sure.  Or it might do me in...we shall see.

Next exciting news?  Some of the Nerd Herd (6 at last count) are heading here in early April.  Jeanette could not come during that time, so she's getting a jump on the group.  For the rest - won't this be a fabulous week of Nature Nerd-ing, sightseeing, talking/laughing/eating/drinking?  Based on our brief trip to see the Sandhill Cranes in IN a few years ago, there are bound to be lots of laughs and great memories to be made.  Luckily, we won't be straddling any time zones...

Have been on a couple of good bird walks, saw a few javelinas (including 2 babies), attended an outdoor concert at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix (imagine, in January!), saw a Ruby Crowned Kinglet at my feeders yesterday (first time seen in the yard), did some weeding (imagine, in January!), continuing with Rangering and will be helping out at the Sedona Marathon this coming weekend. 

I learned to make tamales and if I say so myself, they are delicious!  They freeze quite well, so I'll be preparing huge batches in anticipation of company.

My first batch of homemade tamales

The Sedona International Film Festival takes place in February and looking forward to seeing some great indie films and a performance by KebMo' on premier night.  Also have a mosaic class just after Jeanette heads home. 

"Garden Totem" made in my first mosaic class -

will be fun when I can plant flowers with it!

Writing this made me realize there are lots of fun things to look forward to.  That's a good thing - the busier I am, the less homesick I feel.  Reminds me of Dory (Ellen DeGeneres' fish character in "Finding Nemo") -

Keep Swimming!

Getting into Woods Canyon

Woods Canyon is a beautiful, secluded place south of the house.  I can access the main trail via a social trail - right out my back gate!  The early section crosses some old ranch land that still has rusted water tanks and troughs in place.  And although I've never seen any cattle out there, I have seen cow pies so there must be a few still in the area.

Today I decided to go farther along the trail than I have previously been.  I think the complete route goes about 11 miles into the Canyon.  I doubt I'll ever get that far...but it was a perfect day for a 4 1/2 hour trek.  I'm not good at guessing distances, but estimate I did about 7 miles round trip.

This easy trail is mostly level, with a few gradual climbs.  Dry Beaver Creek runs through here, and only has water after spring snowmelt and most likely, after monsoon rains.  There are hundreds of sycamores and cottonwoods lining the washes, and many of them today still have their golden autumn leaves.

           The sun shines through the colorful leaves

                         of an Arizona Sycamore

I followed these elk tracks for quite a while along the trail, but never got lucky enough to see the large guy (or girl?) that made them.

The phone from hell finally comes in handy -           

 to show the scale of these prints                     

It was a beautiful day for a hike - a bit chilly at first, but I soon took off my light gloves, jacket and ear band.  The sun was warm but the breeze was cool - just right!  Not a lot of bird activity, mostly Juncos and Scrub Jays - but I did see a small flock of Bridled Titmice.  A very cute, active little bird.  So active that I can never get a photo of them!

There were butterflies along the way - now I'm thinking it will be interesting to see how late in the year they are still around.  I saw Cabbage Whites, Checkerspots, and this California Sister perched on a pine tree. 



One last shot of the trail on the way back.  Gotta love that AZ blue sky!  And oh yeah, the red rocks...



Getting Into Fall

Wow, time has flown since my last post.  And since the move - 6 months already!  Here it is, mid-October and summer is over - at least according to the calendar.  The autumn weather here is spectacular.  Days are still warm, even hot (mid to upper 80's), with lots of sunshine and clear blue skies.  Overnight lows in the 50's, so the a/c is off and the windows are open.  Great sleeping weather.  Great hiking/gardening/reading/doing anything - or nothing - weather.

The weed wars continue, and my side isn't winning.  After the summer rains, many more things grew and bloomed and spread.  Some were nice - a reappearance of globe mallow and four o'clocks, broom snakeweed providing widespread color (yellow) in the yard and along the trails.  Lots of asters, camphorweed and gaura.  Finding wild morning glories and scarlet creeper trailing along the ground and up the fence. The Devil's Claw really went crazy!  The plants got huge, producing dozens of seed pods that are beginning to split and form their "claws."  Mary O collected some of the pods to send to a Supai friend - hopefully, some of my dried pods will be used in her basketmaking!

Unfortunately, lots of nasty things as well - Palmers Amaranth, the dreaded Puncture Vine, an unclassified spurge that I consider a scourge.  All of which have dropped their seeds so that next year they will most likely run me out of town.

Haven't seen any mule deer in the yard for a while, but almost daily fresh deer scat.  I know you're out there!  George the Roadrunner has been MIA, as have the quail.  Still hearing the Great Horned Owls in the wee hours of the morning, and a Guilded Flicker arrives each evening to hang around under the eaves on the front deck.  Spike the Horned Toad visited a few days ago.  Had fun taking photos, and even got brave enough to pick him (her?) up...while wearing gloves.  Very cool little creature, and I hope he (she, they?) hang around.  There are certainly enough rocks and weeds out there to provide shelter.

Gotta love that face!

My beautiful daughter Kelly was here for a week in early September, and we had a great visit.  She enjoyed some time at the condo pool, and we had fun playing tourist and visiting Jerome.   Dear friend and hiking buddy Mary O was here for a few weeks.  Went on several hikes, a birdwalk in Flagstaff, and toured a Lava Cave (also in Flagstaff).  We always have great adventures - including a hike on the remote Mooney Trail where we came upon tracks (and scat!) of a black bear.  Suddenly, Mary was very interested in my hiking sticks!

Black bear print - I'll refrain from

posting the photo of the scat

After many weeks of anticipation....Peggy, dear Peggy!  My wild and crazy friend from my days at the Food Bank came to visit (I have made so many wonderful friends through volunteering - I sure am lucky!).  We had a busy, fun week as I dragged her here/there/everywhere we could manage to get during her (too short) time here.  She was the perfect houseguest and game for anything (she made me say that).  We had 3 great hikes, a day in Jerome, a day at the Grand Canyon.  Lots of laughs, good food, girl time. 

Always amazing at Shoshone Point

It was fun to use my home-made prickly pear syrup* to whip up Prickly Pear Margaritas - delish!  On our last night, we had a lovely dinner outside at Tii Gavo (at the Enchantment Resort).  Watched the full moon rise behind the red rocks and while driving back through Boynton Canyon - we HOWLED.  If you've never howled at a full moon, try it.  You'll like it.  And if you are one of the Luney Ladies from home, you can back me up on that one!

*My first ever try at harvesting Prickly Pear fruit and making syrup from its fuschia-colored juice!  Took some time and lots of caution to avoid the spines and glochids, but the process was easy and fun.  I managed to perforate my skin only a time or two, and also kept from splashing the juice floor to ceiling.  It is now frozen for future use (baking, toppings, and the all-important Margaritas!).

    Prickly Pear fruit, fresh from the cactus!

Pureed fruit - amazing color!           

Prickly Pear Margaritas - Cheers!

All jokes aside, I am thoroughly enjoying my duties as a Volunteer Park Ranger.  Meeting people from all parts of the world, hopefully giving them a smile or two and contributing to good memories of their time in Red Rock Country.  Funny how many people I meet from IL - a couple from Bartlett, a fellow from Aurora, others from Barrington and Arlington Heights and Schaumburg.  Lots of people from Italy (many of whom take our photos) and the UK (people from Wales are surprised that I've heard of their country!), Spain, China, Japan, Australia...and some very cute boys from Luxembourg!  All of the other rangers with whom I've worked have been terrific, and I'm proud to don my cowboy hat and head "uptown."

The interior of the house has come along...somewhat.  I have actual furniture now, and fewer boxes stacked in every corner.  Would love to cover these white walls with some soft colors, but have to decide on hues and find someone to paint the living area.  All of the flooring is done and the guest room is complete (hint, hint!).

Somehow it all still feels temporary, especially this time of year.  For the last several years, I've spent most of October here and then returned home to IL.  Perhaps that's why I'm feeling that my time is winding down here...but when Halloween comes and goes, I shall remain.  For the first time, I'll witness the real change of seasons here from autumn to winter.  The fall colors will fade, as they do in the midwest, but will not be followed by any extreme weather.  And I can live with that!  Last week in Flagstaff, I enjoyed the first snowfall of the season up at the Snowbowl ski area.  Elevation above 9000 feet.  Gorgeous views of the mountains and the golden Aspens dusted with snow - but I drove less than an hour back to Sedona and left it all behind for temps in the 60's.  And as my bud Teresa said, if I'd continued driving south another hour, I would have seen the saguaros growing and the temps above 70.  Gotta love it!

First snow of the season

Aspen leaves hanging on

Getting Stoned

A couple of weeks ago, Fred Flintsone delivered 18 tons of river rock to the yard.  When I ordered the rock, I was told it would not be as much as I thought.  I pictured a mountain of rock as high as the house.  They were right - I'll need more.  But this was certainly enough to get started.  Yet another one of my "it seemed like a good idea at the time" decisions.

   

Fred backs up into the driveway












Pouring crushed river rock along the west side of the house





I rented a rototiller, and set out to un-compact the flattened, neglected, weed-infested soil.  Afterwards, it was nice to see red dirt that was "fluffy" compared to its formerly concrete-like state.

As if having to finish spreading all this rock was not a big enough job, I decided I would create a path from the driveway, downhill to the flattest part of the yard.  That meant weeding, raking and smoothing the path area, laying landscape cloth, and hauling - bucket by bucket - the larger river rocks to create a path edge.  All of this while dodging the mere thought of snakes and tarantulas...After that, countless wheelbarrows full of crushed rock to be dumped and spread onto the path.  Except for some fine tuning, the path is now done. Yay!

Beginning of the path

Longest part of the path

Curving toward the end

End of the path - with Devil's Claw

growing in the rocks on the right

I had been searching for a native plant called Devil's Claw.  I have known of it for some time, as Native Americans use it in basketry.   Was lucky enough to get a few seeds a while back, which I planted and carefully tended on the north side of the yard.  Nothing ever sprouted, and I forgot about them.  When I was working on the last part of the path, a plant was growing that was unfamiliar to me, so I laid the path around it and let it grow.  Then I discovered the flower underneath the large, fuzzy leaves - Devil's Claw!  I have since found 3 more plants scattered in the yard, and 2 by the gate.  I don't know if the seeds I planted got redistributed by bird or beast or magic, or if these were waiting to sprout after I disturbed the soil.  In any event, I am happy to find them and look forward to seeing them produce fruit and after that, the pod and "claw" that give the plant it's name.

     Devil's Claw - Proboscidea parviflora

Devil's Claw flower

I plan to place a bench, bird feeders and bird bath at the end of the path, along with flowers to encourage hummers and butterflies.  There are some nice wildflowers growing in the yard, along with far too many noxious weeds.  Puncture vine (the name says it all!), purple nightshade, filaree, bindweed - will someday, hopefully, be choked out by native flowers such as globemallow, Mexican hat, twinberry, gaura - and many more.  I have sown some seeds for both flowers and native grass (Side Oats Gramma - Bouteloua curtipendula), and am nothing if not determined.

Each sprinkle of rain brings new weeds, but with any luck, new flowers as well.  I have been saving seeds collected and purchased, both at home and locally, and it could be fun to see what pops up.  It could be discouraging, too, as I've already killed a number of plants purchased here.  Gardening in the high desert is not for sissies!

Seed sorting on the front deck -

my KCCN friends will know this is not quite

the production of Mixing Day at Aurora West,

but I have a bigger stash than I'd thought!

Here's to some good rains for the remainder of Monsoon season (and for the parched Midwest), spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and maybe a hike or two when I decide to drag myself away from Casa Neglecta.