A Wild Little Guy, with Color of Turquoise

It’s time so I expected to see him. They say the desert tortoise becomes active during the summer monsoon season so I’ve been watching the trail leading down to the wash for signs. I was not disappointed.

Since we arrived in Tucson three years ago, our tortoise sighting has been an annual event. Fortunately we live on land where native cacti, grasses, wildflowers and fruits proliferate, so it’s not unusual to have a tortoise as a neighbor.

But somehow the sighting makes me feel closer to my dad, who died in the late 1970s. I desperately missed having my father with me for special times, like the birth of our son, or watching Brett grow up, or moving here to the desert. When I see the gentle, lined face of this land reptile I feel my dad here with me. It signals to me that my dad likes our little wild spot in the foothills of the desert.

This year, true to schedule, after a big rain, the tortoise came rambling up the south boundary of our land. In a gesture of friendship, I offered him some lettuce. He stared at it for a long, long time (and allowed me to take this photo). The lettuce was not to his liking (never is, why won’t I learn he doesn’t need our interference?!) He stayed for a minute then turned and quickly made his way back to the wash just below us.

I wished him well, this stoic, beautiful independent soul. And thanked my dad, once again, for sharing a moment with me in the desert.

Living in Harmony (California, that is)

Made my way down the Pacific Coast Highway this past week. An amazing countryside; a raw and powerful coast. Leigh and I enjoyed the trip but will return in the fall, hopefully to do the trek again, at a different pace with longer stops in San Fran, Big Sur and several smaller nooks and crannies along the way. Possibly tie in Oregon with such a visit? Oh, I can dream.

Priceless moment for us on this trip: seeing blue whales traveling north. Awesome.

The pix shown here is just one from our California travels, of a funk-ily awesome spot called Harmony, California. Population: 24. It's a former dairy town, once bustling with customers like Hearst (who would stop there for milk and cheese on his way home to his ranch/I mean castle). Now Harmony is a small arts center, hidden between Cambria and Santa Barbara. Once again, I thank Peggy for the tip, and for an opportunity to stop and meander in Americana found off the beaten path.

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine

Stephen and His Magical Bicycle

My brother Stephen is visiting us. Even 110-degree heat doesn't deter family love! I am happy when he visits. Always good conversation and fun times. And quiet times just sitting and looking at the mountains and sunsets.

My brother Stephen is a cyclist. And he is a crafter, too. He handmade this beautiful bicycle! He purchased fine tires from Germany and installed them on the bicycle yesterday. Now he's out riding this morning and sent me this beautiful photograph from his ride nearby our precious Catalina Mountains.

Enjoy Stephen, but don't stay out too long. The sun is up. Monsoons cooled it down slightly last night but beware our hills and heat.