Little Spring

I am here in Arizona.In reading I find that Arizona in the Papago Indian language
means
"little Spring".
How appropriate, I am here as I needed a little spring, a break from our cold weather, some sunshine and all that vitamin D. Golfing is the main draw for most "snowbirds" but for my husband and I it is our grandchildren. My grandson is a caring gentle spirit and my grandaughter a sweet energetic chatter box.I have always been a fan of Dr.Andrew Weil, author of books ,written with information for optimum health. I can't help when I am out and about hoping I run into him .
My son's home is located in North SCOTTSDALE...a desert oasis.This area has some of the most natural landscapes in Arizona. The home developments have successfully preserved what is natural. A master planned community that has it's own shops,golf, and lifestyle set among the desert. What is obvious, is that there are few tall buildings or signage to obstruct the breathtaking desert views of cactus and mountains. Pinnacle Peak,Long Mountain,Black Mountain, just to name a few.
Nature and civilization have found a happy union in this gracious land .Wildlife is abundant,the concept of dry barren desert simply does not hold true in this lovely place.I find a surprising mix of colourful plants and prolific animals living year round in this temperate climate.
We are never surprised in hearing the cry of the coyote as we fall asleep.

Miracle Moment

This morning as I pet Paisley I see the morning doves. On the fence,trees and throughout the garden cooing their familiar song.I am drawn to a particular pair on the fence nuzzling one another gently pecking at each other's head with much tenderness.I peer through a closer window and see that they are mating! I am witnessing an intimate "miracle moment" of nature! Last summer my neighbor pointed out one of her hanging baskets filled with trailing flowers and in the centre was a nest with a morning dove sitting on 2 eggs!We watched that dove patiently sitting on her nest, day after day rain or shine and some days in the direct sun guarding her precious gifts.The eggs hatched,she nutured them long enough until one day they flew away. No they did not leave our gardens.I put out seeds and water daily and continue observing these tiny gifts.They did hang around throughout the summer,I would see them under trees,near my pond,on my garden sculptures.They add to the calming energy I enjoy in my garden. I wonder are those mating doves my grown up "babies" returning?

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sing the tune
Without the words
And never stops at all" quote from Emily Dickenson

Solid Ground

As I leave my appointment with oncologist my mind takes me back to 2 yrs. ago when I walked these same corridors but with a heavy heart. Then I was having radiation treatment for breast cancer and felt as though I was stepping into the darkness of the unknown. I felt a kindred spirit with other patients I passed. We had all experienced coming to the edge and with faith hoped there would be something solid to stand on. I am blessed in that I walked the journey and again stepped into the light!
I am on solid ground the cancer is gone!
I pass by the reception desk and notice a display of knitted head warmers for women who lost their hair from treatments. How pretty and colorful they are I smile. I ask the receptionist for the pattern so I can knit up a few and donate them to the hospital.
I step outside into the sunshine look up at the blue sky.. close my eyes and take in the warm rays and sigh.. how wonderful I am whole healthy and healed!


"You gain strength, courage and confidence
by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face....You must do the things you think you cannot"
Eleanor Roosevelt

Kindness

I awaken to a surprise of light snow flurries that blankets the garden. What happened to the Spring like weather of the past week!I check the temperature -2°C with wind at 28 km/h. I throw out my routine ration of peanuts for Patches with "special" treats of nuts spread w/ peanut butter(all natural ) Soon he happily arrives but today I decided to put out a small bowl of water am I spoiling him! I am in awe as I watch him eat, he is practically hairless on the front part of his body yet he is able to survive this bitter cold as I sit indoors with my woolys on and the fireplace burning! Scampering up to the treats are 2 more squirrels and I notice both have symtoms of MANGE, hairless patches on back of neck! Is there an epidemic amonst these animals? All three enjoy sips from the water bowl.I suppose with global warming we are bound to see a change with nature. As I sip my green tea I read:
"practise kindness and goodwill toward all animals, tiny and huge; the entire kingdom of life on earth such as the forests, the deserts, and the beaches; and all that has the essence of life pulsating through it." Yes my motto.

Patches

I throw out my morning ration of peanuts to Patches. The squirrel I named because much of his fur has fallen out. How did he survive the bitter cold winter, what has caused this condition. I find out from a friend that Patches has MANGE caused by a mite infestation. Skin becomes irritated and itchy results in scratching and hair loss. Sad to see but little can be done to help. Mange may be nature's way of eliminating the weak so the healthiest survives. I must do all I can to ensure Patches stays healthy. I put out walnuts spread with peanut butter that I mixed in Vit. E. Stay healthy and fill up sweet Patches. You came to the right doorstep,I believe it was divine intervention.

For more information on MANGE, click here for a good article

Sleeping Beauties

Warm Spring weather has finally arrived how wonderful I feel with the warm glow of sunshine..time to explore the garden and see what the sleeping beauties have in store for me.