More Bloomin' Cacti

As we wander around Valle del Oro, we are seeing more and more cacti in bloom. This Barrel Cactus is one of two in our next door neighbor's front yard. The dark spiky things are last year's blooms/fruits. The whitish lumps with brownish spikes are actually buds for this year's blooms. And, of course, the yellow flowers -- that almost look fake! -- are the blooms that are open so far.

This is the other Barrel Cactus in their yard. The buds seem to be a little bit fatter and further along. I'll try to remember to get another picture in a few days...

It was an absolutely lovely morning this morning. I took my cup of coffee, my iPad and today's copy of the Arizona Republic that had been tossed in front of Auntie Violet, and sat outside enjoying the sunshine and the bird songs.

Our neighbor across the street was pacing back and forth while he was waiting for his buddies to pick him up for a golf game. While he waited, he raked his side yard, moved his and his wife's bicycles so that they were lined up together, then wiped down the hand rail on his porch. Finally, he chatted with me a bit until his buddies finally showed up. He is from Ohio. They are planning to leave on the 10th and head home via San Antonio and Atlanta! Guess we're not the only ones planning a direct route home.