Flower Power

This gorgeous work of art bloomed overnight! I was keeping an eye on it throughout a scorching Arizona day and the bud seemed to ripen, but hadn't opened by nightfall.  5am was magic hour!

Which explains the light....by noon the flower was fading.

                                          
                                     No subtlety here. Ostentatious is the order of the day.

These  bloom overnight and wilt by noon.

                           It is a treasure hunt each morning to capture nature's fleeting beauty.

Delicate pink seashells....

     Hedgies are some of my favorite variety of cactus. Their first year and they bloomed!!

Hedgehog cluster throwing out some color




This barrel cactus  is a rescue. My husband found him overturned and left to wither  in the Arizona sun.

This morning's thanks offering.

This is an Arizona Queen of the Night. They are difficult to spot in the wild as they resemble dried out cholla and they need the protection of other plants. This one acclimated to our yard, but has not flowered yet.  There is a photo gallery of them in their natural habitat and a rare picture of the flower.  

Can you discern the new growth?? Maybe it's a bud!!

Cholla grow like evil weeds here. But, even chollas need love!

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           I can take no credit for our gorgeous yard. My husband tirelessly maintains it.
   He has turned out to be quite the "cactus whisperer". Despite their ability to grow in conditions that resemble Hades, they can be very temperamental. Each variety has their particular set of needs. Orchids would be a cakewalk after this!!
The weather has been brutal already, but promises to cool down to the 80's for the weekend!!
Trying to stay hydrated......Ruth

175 days and counting.....

Collections happen. It is the moment of internal dialogue that brings it all home....
"Yes, but THIS one is [fill in the blank justification]" as you add another "must have" to your growing hoard. Everyone collects something, admitted or not. I did the happy dance yesterday when Brightneedle's "Ghoulies and Ghosties" arrived (how do!?). It was the verse ~ a Cornish prayer from the 16th century, that got me. The funky lizard wasn't bad either.

Brightneedle "Ghoulies and Ghosties"

I purchased "Darcy and Elizabeth at the Zombie Ball" ostensibly for my son. He is ready for the zombie apocalypse and is routinely distressed at my failure to prepare. This {of course} required a visit to Brickarms so the couple is fully equipped with a bloody cricket bat and machete (very British!). 

The Sampler Girl "Darcy and Elizabeth at the Zombie Ball"

 

 This chart is for my husband (generousity is becoming). Each block o' the month features a corresponding complaint. Though my darling husband is exceedingly patient and tolerant {no sniggering, people} it seemed fitting.  And, once again....Zombies sealed the deal.

Raise the Roof "Crabby all Year"

 This I purchased just for me because it seemed morbid as a "gift". "When I am dead and buried and all my bones are rotten".... Who doesn't love that sentiment?  Snakes and rats amongst the skeleton ~ yum.

Birds of a Feather "Remember me on Halloween"

So...to get in the mood for my favorite holiday I kitted up "All Hallow's Eve" from The Goode Huswife. Small enough to complete this year and practice my finishing skills on.

Perhaps, once the invasion I will be safe.