I flew back to Arizona on Sunday. After a week of cold and rain it was nice to get back to sunshine. Even if Monday and Tuesday were overcast, the hope of sunny weather was tangible. The sunshine and dry air is glorious.
It was so cold in Chicago when we left. The wind was biting and it was frigid, though the sun was shining. This little hyacinth was using up all of his energy to poke through and then he decided that it was time to bloom. A little early, but early colour is never wasted.
There is nothing like a blooming cactus. Monday was cool and cloudy and this guy was shouting God’s creativity for all to hear.
Tuesday was cold and rainy and I spent it inside reading and I started watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Those first two episodes were a slog to get through but in the end it was wonderful.
I walked up to the top of the hill again on Wednesday and even though I took a ton of pictures, this is the one that was the best. This delicate flower on this scary cactus was so striking.
These plants are in so many yards here. Some have the actual plum fruit on them, but this little flower was all by himself.
I went for a hike with my host Friday morning. Most of the blooms on the hike were past their prime, but then we rounded the corner and the morning sun hit these cactus spines with gold. I had already put my camera away, but I knew I had to get a picture of this cactus that I hadn’t seen on a trail before.
Yep, I trespassed into someone’s yard to smell this rose (heavenly spicy aroma) and then snap a picture. I couldn’t help myself. Roses truly are my favorite. It was the perfect end to a great week.
The Red House on the Corner 
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