Mountains Around Us!

One day as we driving through our new surroundings I said to Tom: "Will we ever get tired of seeing the mountains?" I am just amazed each time we are out and about -- whether driving or walking -- at the beauty of the mountains surrounding us. No, they are no huge mountains like the Rockies, which I have only seen from the air, but beautiful close-to-earth mountains that add a special dimension to every day outings! Above is one of my very favorite views that we enjoy as we drive the short distance from our home to visit our niece and her family.
Another aspect of our new surroundings that makes life so special is the mix of homes, businesses, and agriculture. When we arrived in July, the cotton plants were rather small and non-descript. As time went on, I watched them with delight noting the maturing plants and waiting excitedly for the cotton blossoms. I had only seen cotton plants with the fruit (bolls) on when we visited on previous December or early January trips. So seeing the flowers was a greatly anticipated experience for me. Here is a field of cotton in bloom. I did not get close enough to experience a fragrance, if there is one; but just the beautiful white flowers was reward enough for me:-) Now I am watching the flowers turn into "fruit" and anticipating watching my first cotton harvest!
This last picture shows the mountains at twilight. This is a view that we have the privilege of enjoying any time that we are out and about in the late evening. I especially love walking at this time of the day. For one thing, it is much coolers, and the desert sunsets have such beautiful depth of colors.
I hope you have enjoyed experiencing "my" mountains via my blog. If you would like to experience them up close and in person, just let me know. Our guest room is ready and waiting for you!

Kids of the Desert

One of the most exciting things about moving from Michigan to Arizona (and especially the house the Lord allowed us to buy) was that we would be so close to four of our grandnieces/ nephews!! Here Tabor (on the right) and Chris (on the left) are engaging in a "sword" fight out in the backyard. Their "swords" are yardsticks with duct tape on them -- how creative!! They started with four and quit when only one "sword" was left, smart boys that they are. Tabor is in fourth grade this year and enjoys school. But he is always happy when it is time to go home. Chris is in 6th grade and is an excellent student. They are active boys who keep their parents busy in many ways, but life would be pretty boring without them around!!

Here you see Anna, the youngest at five years of age. She started kindergarten this fall and loves it. She makes friends easily, so ALL of her classmates are her friends! No wonder here!! When her mom is busy with church meetings or work, we get to pick Anna up and bring her to our house for lunch and a couple of hours of fun. She loves to play games, and here she is beating Uncle Tom at a game of War!! She also beats Aunt Judy at the same game on occasion. Here we find Anna and Amanda engaging in their favorite after-school activity: watching television. They are probably watching "Phineas and Ferb", which keeps us all laughing most of the time! Anna looks a bit perturbed here, and Amanda is concentrating on what is going on. Amanda is so happy to be in 8th grade this year and is an excellent student. It's fun to have a teenage girl around, especially as we watch her blossom into young womanhood.

Okay, I know, I know. These really aren't "kids", but they belong to the kids. Mattie, the black & white Boston Terrier, is 10 years old. Though she is slowing down at bit, she definitely can keep Chip (a three month old King Charles Spaniel) in line. Chip is cute and fun to have around -- well, most of the time. Watching them play brings a smile to one's face!
These are the "Kids of the Desert" that we enjoy so much. From time to time I will post a new blog about what is going on in their lives. I hope you enjoyed getting acquainted with them. That's all for now:-)