Spring's Awakening

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Spring has arrived in the southern Arizona desert.  Spring arrived quickly in an unexpected burst of blossoms on the two trees in our front yard.  I think one is an ornamental cherry tree but I'm not sure about the other.  Tom thinks it might be a peach tree.  One of our three (!) rose bushes is blooming and there are more roses every day.  This is accompanied by poppies in my father-in-law's yard and a green quilt of leaves on the usually spiky, barren spines of the ocotillo, one of my favorite cacti.

While Tom and I have visited Arizona almost every year since we've known each other, visiting during all four seasons.  These visits were a long weekend here and a couple weeks there.  Never have I experienced a full cycle of the seasons.  And, since this is also our first Spring in our temp house, I'm pleasantly surprised by trees that blossom and rose bushes too.  I wonder if I had mistaken resigned myself to no blossoming trees with this move to the desert.  It's all cactus and sand, right?!?! 

I'm trying to enjoy Spring while it lasts because I'm sure Summer will arrive prematurely, as it probably always does in a desert.  Knowing that Spring is fleeting here are some photos for you to enjoy.  Perhaps you are still dethawing where you might live.  Soak in the promise of Spring!  It's coming soon. 
Blossoms on what I think is an ornamental cherry tree
Mystery tree - perhaps a peach tree?
An unexpected bird's next
Roses gone wild - Clearly did not prune last Fall

Poppies at Dad's
I want a sea of poppies on the property
I'll probably have to plant them because Tom's only found one.
Last weekend we took Colt for his last puppy shot.  In the back of the Vet's there were these beautiful blooms.  I think this was a palo verde tree.

I'm having to use the assistance of the internet to bring you two of these ocotillo photos.  I haven't gotten any photos yet of the flowering ocotillo so I had to get some help to show you the beautiful flowers on these cacti.
Borrowed photo - this is an ocotillo
My photo - Caution: green leaves temporarily hide the spikes
Borrowed photo shows the red tassel tops - so cool!
I'm keeping my eyes open for more Springtime flowers so I'm sure I'll share more.  When I was outside this morning taking pictures of the roses I figured I'd take a picture of our temp house.  Here is where we lay our heads for now.  We are definitely so blessed. 
Home Sweet Home for now

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