Baby It's Cold Outside!

This past week has been very varied as we took a brief hiatus from the desert warmth.  We did start the week making a trip up Coyote Canyon.  It is amazing at the difference in the vegetation in the past week to ten days.  The last time we took the drive, there were no signs of any blooming.  On this trip, we were thrilled to see some of the ocotillos blooming and a few agave plants (century plant) are starting to bloom.  The ocotillos appear to be totally dead but there are spears of orangish-red flowers.  And the agave starts out by looking much like an aloe plant with a spear similar to asparagus growing up the centre and is eventually topped by clusters of blossoms.  The best part was seeing some desert melons.  They looked good enough to eat but I was afraid to try them as I wasn't sure if they were edible.

Mid-week, it was time to head back home for a brief visit.  While we arrived to frigid temperatures, we were greeted by some warm hearts.  It was great to see the kids and spend great time visiting with them.  We have always said the it is January but it is never cold the entire time we are home - it is usually warm when we arrive or when we leave.  Well, this year it is definitely when we leave.

The biggest challenge is the freezing rain the day before we came home which created a dangerous, slippery surface.  Unbelievably, the streets are all pretty good - parking lots and driveways - not so much.  We were told to walk like a penguin to try to avoid a fall - so far so good - let's hope it continues.

Our trip is winding to an end and by next week this time, we will be out of the ice and cooler temperatures.  Until then, I hope everyone has a great week, and for those of you who are living with the ice conditions, be careful and stay safe!!  Thanks for stopping by!!