The Phoenix area receives an average of 5.5 inches of precipitation a year. We have received that much already in 2023 and the summer monsoons don't arrive until summer.  We are enjoying the beautiful weather and the flowers brought out by the rain. These are Argentine giant cactus flowers.  We see them each spring here in Gold Canyon and I think of them as Easter lilies of the desert.  In the past we have seen only white flowers on the plants. This year, there have also been several other colors, as well.  The ocotillo also are blooming.   So are other cactus plants. When we are not out walking and checking on the beautiful flowers, John has been using the scroll saw to make trivets and coasters. I am happy to report the bruises and swelling on my face are slowly leaving.  I still look rough, but I am getting better.

When it is spring break time in Littleton, Colorado, we are lucky to receive a visit from Eric and his wife Liz and two children, Kylie and John.   Getting together always means eating together.  Sometimes I prepared the food. One day, we visited the Cactus Grill here in our resort. They enjoy sitting by the pool and getting some sun.  We seldom do that but we did join them there one day. One evening, they took us out to eat at San Tan Flats in Queen Creek, a town just south of Gold Canyon. The restaurant has decorations from the old west    There is seating both outside and indoors.  We started outside and ended inside where we were out of the sun. After they left we returned to our routine, which means walking daily in our resort.  Unfortunately, Thursday I fell and did a face plant on the left side of my face. Saturday, I did it again, only this time I got the right side of my face.  I guess I wanted my face to be evenly bruised! Nothing h...