JUST LIKE HOME

Sunrise Over Superstition Mountain

I have been saying lately that there just are not enough hours in the day to do all that I want to get done.  I am busy with so many things and have been tired when I do finally fall into bed.  So much so that I literally crash.  So I decided I need to get up a bit earlier in the morning to experience everything the day has to offer me.  I started last week getting up at 5:30 a.m and walking across the street to our beautiful clubhouse to swim with the ladies of the lakes.  We exercise and talk for about an hour, then I relax with my coffee before walking back home to start the day.  We arrive at just the moment that the sun rises over the Superstition Mountains.  What a great way to start my day.

Finding Just the Right Spot

While spending an amazing few days this already hot summer with my girlfriend at a resort not far from home, I took a little break from sunbathing to find a quiet shady spot to read my new "Artful Blogging" magazine. It was truly a serene setting to be alone.

Papilio troilus....

Better known as the Spicebush Swallowtail.  Isn't "she" magnificent?  My grandson and I had a peaceful morning strolling and I mean strolling through the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix this past Saturday.  We took our time, shared a large lemonade (his favorite part), and took pictures.  We watched the amazingly beautiful butterflies land on each of us and dart in and out of the fragrant and colorful flowers in the Butterfly Pavilion.  It was a warm morning probably in the 90s, but there was a constant breeze off the surrounding mountains and lots of shade from the trees and cacti.  Jack was excited to spend the morning outdoors and just really wanted to touch the fragile little creatures but he managed to  keep his tiny hands off.  His eyes were busy darting from one plant to the next and exclaiming in his own language to anyone who would listen.  I will show you more of the winged beauties soon, I have so many more!