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rebeccmeisterAs the subject line says. Time to repack all the things and get ready to set sail for the east!
So I took myself for one last morning ride. There were some good monsoon clouds today, although they haven't dropped much rain.
There's a vermilion flycatcher hanging out on one of the tree supports.
That was fun to recognize.
So much cloud-watching. Look at how it's raining over there, but not over here.
Goodbye, Western Canal. I'll miss you all over again.
Maybe by the time I return these next 5 new luxury housing buildings will be finished and full of even more lakeside occupants.
Hopefully the golf course in the foreground remains as it is. I'm not sure if it's in active use anymore, but it's nice to have a patch of desert there.
I noticed this sign before, but only just now managed to stop and read it and take its picture. One of the oldest remaining original irrigation ditches in the valley! I transcribed the plaque in the photo caption (on Flickr if you click through).
One last expedition to Infusion Coffee and Tea. They have a really good-looking collection of loose-leaf teas for sale, which has further won me over. Also, it's really hard to beat a well-made, fresh-baked chocolate croissant. I appreciate that these aren't oversize or overly complicated.
--
Then, back to the house. It's flood irrigation day again today, so I took more photos of the process, just because it's so fascinating to participate in.
Front yard before the flood:
The smaller plants are definitely looking thirsty.
Floodwaters on their way, carrying more of those desiccated ornamental (sour) oranges further along:
I took a closer look at the scene of the fleeing cockroaches and crickets this time. Same thing as last time! There must be a nice hidey-hole down there.
Floodwaters reaching the front:
And, filled.
It generally takes a couple of days for the water to fully soak in and irrigate the trees.
The pond is refilling, to the relief of the tiny fishes that live there and eat mosquito larvae:
----
While eating lunch at the antkeeping table, I heard a small "thunk!" on the windowpane. To my dismay, it was a small warbler, stunned. I figured I should offer it a little bit of water, just in case, but that I should otherwise leave it alone.
About a half hour later, it was gone, so hopefully it recovered okay. I hate seeing preventable things like that.
On a bike ride the other day, I encountered a bird who had a much less fortunate encounter.
Thank you, Arizona, for all of the adventures and beautiful sights. I'll miss you, as always. But I'll be back again, I just know it.
So I took myself for one last morning ride. There were some good monsoon clouds today, although they haven't dropped much rain.
There's a vermilion flycatcher hanging out on one of the tree supports.
That was fun to recognize.
So much cloud-watching. Look at how it's raining over there, but not over here.
Goodbye, Western Canal. I'll miss you all over again.
Maybe by the time I return these next 5 new luxury housing buildings will be finished and full of even more lakeside occupants.
Hopefully the golf course in the foreground remains as it is. I'm not sure if it's in active use anymore, but it's nice to have a patch of desert there.
I noticed this sign before, but only just now managed to stop and read it and take its picture. One of the oldest remaining original irrigation ditches in the valley! I transcribed the plaque in the photo caption (on Flickr if you click through).
One last expedition to Infusion Coffee and Tea. They have a really good-looking collection of loose-leaf teas for sale, which has further won me over. Also, it's really hard to beat a well-made, fresh-baked chocolate croissant. I appreciate that these aren't oversize or overly complicated.
--
Then, back to the house. It's flood irrigation day again today, so I took more photos of the process, just because it's so fascinating to participate in.
Front yard before the flood:
The smaller plants are definitely looking thirsty.
Floodwaters on their way, carrying more of those desiccated ornamental (sour) oranges further along:
I took a closer look at the scene of the fleeing cockroaches and crickets this time. Same thing as last time! There must be a nice hidey-hole down there.
Floodwaters reaching the front:
And, filled.
It generally takes a couple of days for the water to fully soak in and irrigate the trees.
The pond is refilling, to the relief of the tiny fishes that live there and eat mosquito larvae:
----
While eating lunch at the antkeeping table, I heard a small "thunk!" on the windowpane. To my dismay, it was a small warbler, stunned. I figured I should offer it a little bit of water, just in case, but that I should otherwise leave it alone.
About a half hour later, it was gone, so hopefully it recovered okay. I hate seeing preventable things like that.
On a bike ride the other day, I encountered a bird who had a much less fortunate encounter.
Thank you, Arizona, for all of the adventures and beautiful sights. I'll miss you, as always. But I'll be back again, I just know it.
