Hanging In and Hanging Out

Or, Piddling Around and Catching Up at Camp Cordray

Springtime has melted into pre-summer out here in the Sonoran Desert, and we are settling in for the toastier months at Casa de Cordray. The desert is abloom, at least for the moment, but the triple digits will hit sometime in the next two weeks. In the meantime, we are enjoying our shady back yard and doing all the things to ensure creature comforts in the coming months.

We love the chilly nights and wee hours, and the blue skies and much warmer sunshine-y days. This is the part we often miss, having usually bolted as soon as the thermometer reads 90, or the second week in March, whichever comes first. Time to think like lizards and move only in the shadier hours. We know how it’s done. We eat when we want, sleep when we want, and rarely know what day it is. Ahhhhhh, retired life suits us just fine.

Our stunning driveway opuntia prickly pear cactus is in full bloom, as are the bougainvilleas. The bougainvilleas suffered frost-bite this past winter but recovered well with careful pruning.

Our flock of red bell pepper plants are flourishing. Once the seeds of one huge California red bell pepper, they fill the round table. Another half dozen or more pepper plants are not shown.

Two pots of rosemary, oregano, basil, and cherry tomatoes are doing well. We have expanded our aloe vera sections and have planted sage and lavender. The hummingbirds are flocking to our shady yard. We are so happy to have them! Being able to sit still long enough to watch the flowers, herbs, and veggies grow is one of the pleasures of staying home awhile.

Mexican poppies with their bee-buddies from the spring of 2020, when we took a little ride up to Wickenburg, Arizona.

We Cordrays are hanging getting stuff done, and also getting nothing done, depending on the day. Dan coated the roof of both the home trailer and the away cargo trailer with a cool white silicone seal. It made a huge improvement in the temperatures in both.

The pups have had no problem basking in the sunshine one minute, then laying in the flow of the fans and a/c the next.

Yep, all four of the road dawgs are enjoying the R & R, and the home improvements. We are exactly where we are supposed to be right now, and we are doing well.

The past few months have been rough for so many, with a lot of friends struggling with serious health issues, catastrophic news, and challenging situations. In so many cases, I am at such a loss to find the words that might help, but I assure you that I (we) have been storming the heavens on your behalf, praying for peace, ease, and comfort as you navigate the rough waters you are sailing through. We honor your struggles and hold you up in love and light.

Sending out waves of love, prayer, and peaceful, healing energy to everyone reading this, from our dusty little homestead in La Paz (peace) County, Arizona.

Blessings,

~Brenda Cordray

“The Desert Rose”

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