A SAD EVENT

On Wednesday,we all felt bad when we drove past the cactus garden at the office, and saw the top of the saguaro cactus lying on the ground. We've been in the middle of a drought zone in Casa Grande-the rain seems to go around us, so some people thought it was too dry. However, it had done what it was supposed to, and stored water within. I heard it was very wet inside. Another theory was that the birds nest sitting on the arm caused it. The more people you talk to-the more theories you get. The guys used a saw to cut the remaining top in an attempt to save it. What a shame!

MORE SUMMER BLOOMS

You may remember seeing a picture of these cacti with their bright yellow fruit on them around the edge of their barrels. You can still see where it was. Now they have an inner circle of flowers.

I've wondered what these bushes would look like with floweres on them, and they're quite unique.

Almost every kind of bush has flowers-all different colors. It's going to be hard to pick which ones to put in the yard. It's a good thing you don't plant until October!

SUMMER IN THE PARK

People who don't stay during the summer, never see their cacti and bushes bloom. Here's a couple examples. This yucca shoots up a long stick-the flowering part is way above your head.



They had a reddish tint, but you'd need a ladder to see them.

This cactus is really neat!

The blooms seem to only last one day, so each day it looks different.

Very pretty!

IMPROVED STREET

I would like to know what the Ludekings and Browns did to get a new street. We actually can't complain, since we're in the newer part, and our street is okay.
We had another dust storm a couple nights ago. Everyone else got rain, we got six inches-the couple drops were six inches apart! Eloy had quite a bit of damage from rain and wind. It seems like the rain goes right around us. We've had .8 inches so far this year-that's at least 5 inches short. Everyone needs to hose off their house, but might as well wait until Haboob season is over. If you look close Al, you might be able to see dust on your deck. It's the first place on the left for those that don't know.

BULLDOGS AGAIN!

Our five grandchildren in Omaha went to the various levels of school, but all were Bulldogs for sports. When we bought Blossom, we felt like we were kind of late getting the proper mascot, because Russ and his family had moved to Lexington, Kentucky a couple weeks ago. Boy, we were surprised to hear that the high school kids are Bulldogs again. What are the chances? Brian is a freshman, playing football, Jenna is a sophomore playing varsity volleyball, and Dan is a senior playing varsity strong safety. Now, if we can figure out a way to recycle our Bulldog clothes,-we'll be ready.

I GUESS WE'VE BEEN BUSY

Time flies when you're having fun. I've been concentrating on getting things settled inside, and letting the projects left in the shed, until I finish these projects. We've done a lot of shopping recently and we found two tables for the living room. They had a sale at Ashleys-buy one, get the second one for a dollar. Not only was that a good deal, but they fit the small spaces! Then we went looking for bedside tables and ended up at IKEA, and those prices were good. I've painted them to match the walls, and Don is currently putting them together. (I'm staying out of his way!) We're playing poker later, so that will improve his mood if he needs to. We have a new JoAnn's Fabric store down the street, so I had coupons for 50% off-so, I bought valence fabric for the kitchen and bedroom, so I can get rid of the ugly trailer kind. I'm pleased to say that after not using the sewing machine for 5 1/2 years, I remembered how to thread it-I guess that means there's a little grey matter left! The kitchen window is done and I'll do the bedroom this week. Since I've been watching for deals lately, (it's kind of a game), I had a picture of an Iowa corn field framed with a 60% off coupon. I picked it up in the Amana's-thought I'd need a little bit of home in the living room. I've included all my deals, so Jerry White will be proud of me-I've officially become one of the AZ old folks! The heat hasn't even bothered us-it's dry, you know. It's interesting that this year people seem to be coming back a lot earlier. I guess the weather has been hot and humid everywhere, so they decided it's better here.

OUR BIG NEWS

We've been very busy the last two weeks, going through all our stuff we brought back with us. We're getting close to being done. The repair man came down from Mesa to make the minor repairs that needed to be done to our new home. They have you wait at least a month to let things settle before they do the repairs. We've also had a few things fixed in the RV, so now we'll concentrate on selling it. We've been to the pool three times, including today, walked on the treadmill almost daily, and done a little shopping. But, we need to tell you about the new addition to our family! Many of you know we live in the newer area of the park with larger lots and it's also in the "dog area". There are only a couple of us that don't have dogs, so we thought it was time to get one. We decided that we wanted one that we didn't have to feed, clean up after or have to walk, especially in the rain. So, let me introduce you to our bulldog named Blossom.

Isn't she cute? She's quite the classy dresser! She's the only one in the neighborhood who doesn't have to wait for Jerry for treats. We spent a whole $18 on her at a 40% off sale. I'll bet that's a lot less than all the neighbors paid. I bet we never hear a peep out of her! So far, we really like her!!!