A Modest Proposal

When Lisa and I bought the Arboretum, the views had a sense of limitlessness and beauty. Sure, our neighbors, the Garlands, lived in their manufactured house, but it was way back there.

Our view of the Tucson Mountains was severely challenged when our backyard neighbors-to-be brought in loads of fill, and built a house on the (now) highest hill in the neighborhood. Like this:
















Lisa and I now have been talking about building a wall seven feet high and 40 feet long... we could build it ourselves for less than $500 and do the best we can. Or we could hire it done for about 3x more money. I was thinking about asking Wade, our new neighbor-to-be, to chip in for half the difference, but I've had another idea.

What if we could get Wade and Leah to buy paint, and I'll use my presently-dormant muralist skills to paint the view as it once was on their house. Something like this:



We could live with that....

Signs of spring

My friend, John Grimwade, wrote that he's now looking for signs of spring. They may well be harder to spot in NYC than here in Tucson, but I've started noticing them here.

Here are a couple pix from the Citizen's courtyard:









































And one from the Arboretum:













And, oh yeah, it's 75°. ;-)

The plants are in the ground

Lisa and I finally found time to plant the new plants that John and Joyce Grimwade gave us!








The Arboretum is now home to a Valentine bush and two varieties of Penstamon. Thanks, Grimwades!

My left foot

Well, here's Cameron (finally), sans cast.

Reminds me of the joke about the 3-legged cowboy dog who barges into a saloon, determinedly limps his way to the bar and yells at the bartender, "Where's the man who shot my Paw?"

Cameron is still limping around, favoring his left leg, but tentatively putting a little weight on it, trying it out. He likes for me to hold it in my hand. I think he likes the warmth.

The doctor said we should keep him from jumping down from things. As if.

He's a cat.

–Randy

Where'd that water go?

The birds at our backyard feeder were looking a little perplexed this morning.

Talk about hard water....

–Randy


BTW, I'm now blogging regularly about animals at Tucson Citizen Animal Alley

Arboretum goes international!

The Arboretum was blessed this weekend with a visit from our British friends, John and Joyce Grimwade (who actually live in New York City now). A great time was had by all.



The Grimwades generously treated Lisa and Randy to dinner at El Charro Saturday night. Our expectations were that we'd have to wait an inordinate amount of time due to Gem Show action, but were pleasantly surprised to be called to dinner before we could even get drinks! We never stopped talking during the meal. What fun, friendly and interesting people! We concluded with the ChocoFlan. Yum.

Sunday morning, the Abroretum was clean and shiny for brunch. Joyce called to say that they were on their way, but running late. Everything was in order when they arrived. Both Joyce and John had twinkles in their eyes when they revealed the reason they were late: not only had they brought three new plants for the Arboretum, but they'd made a side trip to buy them from our nursery friends Dave and Karen Kelly at Sun Valley Growers! How did they know about SVG? "We're living your blog!" John told us. And then they gave us this cute set of blocks in the approximate shapes of New York landmarks. We were and are overwhelmed and grateful. Thanks!



Following brunch (avocado-, mushroom-and-cheddar omelet, whole grain toast and jam, mimosas and coffee – Randy cooked), we all packed off to hike in Saguaro National Park: Signal Hill and Wild Dog Trail to the overlook. The hiking temperature was ideal, and though it was mostly overcast, sunlight would occasionally break through the interesting clouds. Both John and Joyce remarked how refreshing, though odd, it was to breathe fresh air. We do appreaciate that about the Arboretum.




We know it's a long way to come visit the Arboretum, but we really appreciate when friends make it out to visit. Our doors are always open to the Grimwades, and we hope they come to visit again soon. And you other friends... we'd like to see you, too! You don't even have to bring gifts. :-)

Kitties Meet Roomba: Hilarity Ensues!

I was working at my home computer last night. Topher and Cameron, our new tabby kittens, were rolling around on the carpet near the Arboretum's robot vacuum cleaner, Roomba.



Suddenly I heard "ta-ta-ta-tah-ta-tahhhh!," the sounds of "Charge" being played on a computer... which is exactly what Roomba sounds like when she's activated.

I swiveled in my computer chair just in time to see a rather confused and bemused Topher sitting atop Roomba, as she lurched forward out of her docking station and headed for the door. Topher was off and running to the living room after about a four-inch ride, and Cameron was nowhere to be seen, having dashed into Lisa's studio and hidden under the bed.

I followed Roomba to the living room and grabbed my camera. Topher was in the kitchen, watching Rooba intensely. Gotta give the little guy the daily award for bravery. He stood his ground even as Roomba sucked her way within a foot-and-a-half of him, and retreated only a few inches away behind a dining room chair when she came closer.

Eventually, Cameron came out of hiding in the studio... and hid behind the chair in the living room, peering around to watch.

What a riot! I sure wish I'd thought to shoot video to send to America's Funniest Home Videos. I could use that $10,000.