Walking In The Desert

It's been a great week here in the desert. The temperatures are starting to rise a bit.  This week's highs were in the eighties and next week is promising nineties. 

You know where this is heading, don't you?  Last summer the highest temperature here was 120F / 49C.  

Change is all around now as one season gives way to the next.  I'm sure it's the same in your neck of the woods.

I like to get out for a walk almost every day. Walking just makes me feel good, especially when the weather cooperates.

By stepping out and moving my legs I keep myself sane(ish) and in better shape than I'd otherwise be as I sit behind a computer or a painting umpteen hours every day.  Operative word, "sitting". 

Sitting's not one of those nice active verbs. It's not like running, jumping, swimming, climbing, or walking. It's passive, reserved, shy, retiring, blah. Though I do like a nice sit after a long walk.  That's relaxing and restoring and not blah at all. It's also easier to read a book, drink a cup of coffee, or use a knife and fork, or type while sitting. I guess sitting does have a use. 

It's just that sitting and I have a far too intimate relationship. I like to keep my distance so I don't get sucked all nice and cozy into the armchair vortex of slothfulness. 

Walks give me a chance to "stop and smell the roses", admire the clear blue sky, or the mountain views along the way. There are so many beautiful things to see if you pay attention. 

I love watching the trees begin to unfold their leaves and the flowers open up to show off their goods. 
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I guess lots of people like this time of year because poems about flowers and spring are all over the place. You won't find me waxing lyrical with eloquent profundity about their beauty.  I'll leave that kind of thing to the likes of Mr. Shakespeare. Okay - here's a bit of one I like by Mr. Wordsworth. 

            ...
            Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, 
            The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; 
            And ’tis my faith that every flower 
            Enjoys the air it breathes. 
            ...
            William Wordsworth, Lines Written in Early Spring

Let me say simply that the flowers here are gorgeous. 

Of course, many pretty things have very effective ways to protect themselves. I'm not talking about bodyguards either but I've found the prettier the flower the more vicious the defense. Some of the plants that sprout flowers here happen to be prickly, unforgiving and can be downright dangerous. I wouldn't want to get too close. 

To get the best effect when you stop and smell the roses though you have to pay attention and appreciate them too. That's what I try to do. I'm usually irritating to walk with because I'm always stopping and snapping photos of things that I find interesting.  I'm kind of like a child. 

Have you ever seen a cactus flower?  It's quite a sight.

Here's a selection of photographs I've taken over the last week of flowers, shrubs, cactus, and trees here in Sun City Grand.  You can see them below in their fantasmagorical spring splendor.  The reds are really red, the purples very purple, the palo is quite verde, and the saguaro is just itichin' to pop.  I'll have to keep an eye on that one. ​

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I hope you get a chance to enjoy the changing seasons in the next month or so before you have to start mowing the lawn all over again. Every season comes with its chores. 

Until next week, I wish you peace.