Arizona "winter"

Arizona is recuperating slowly from the defeat of "their Cardinals" in the Super Bowl last weekend. It was a good game and the Cards almost pulled it off but the vaunted Steelers ended up with the win. We watched the game at Kramers' next door. it was a beautiful day and there had been lots of golfers going by all day and at 4 oclock - not a soul on the course! Our weather has been good since we have been back - we had about 10 days of cooler than average and cloudy days but mostly it has been in the mid to high 60's and sunny. The plants are pretty dormant but I noticed yesterday that several in the front are beginning to bloom. The bouganvilla which had looked pretty ratty are starting to put out lots of new leaves so flowers shouldn't be far behind. Bouganvilla are so showy and vibrant - they bloom all spring, summer and fall. Don has been adding to his agave collection - buying two last week - "potatorum" and "Queen Victoria" - he has his eye on a couple of different varieties in yards around the development. Since agave put out "pups" like cactus - Don has hopes of convincing the owners to let him have a pup......much less expensive than buying them! In fact, several friends are saving pups to place on the waste areas of the golf course and in the common areas of the development to fill in or replace dead plants. a good "green" idea, I think. Planning a trip next week to Florida to visit Ron and Katy Ketcham at the home they are renting there - also in the works is a train trip to the Grand Canyon with Kramers. We are looking forward to visits from Laura, Bennett and Maryn in a couple of weeks, the Andersons and possibly Albrechts around March 1. March is pretty open so far, so let us know if you plan to visit!!!! We do love company. Talked to all the kids and grandkids last night. It helps to hear their voices and sometimes see them via the webcam. We miss them all! We plan to play golf together today at Las Colinas. It will be my first time out this spring.....keep your fingers crossed. M