Yesterday was a weird weather day. We had snow, snow mixed with rain and thunder snow. There is actually some left on the ground this morning, though it won’t last long. When I went outside, the snow crunched under my feet. That is an experience we don’t get very often around here.
Paw Prints in the Crunchy Snow.
We finally got some moisture in Big Bug country. Rain around the house, but snow at a bit higher elevations.
We got so much rain, I was sure the Big Bug would be running. As soon as there was a break in the storm, I said to my husband, “let’s go take a look at the creek!” Well, I’ve been wrong before. There was some water, but no flow. Not that I’m complaining, mind you. It has been weeks since we got any precipitation at all, so I am most grateful for this storm. We did get a ton of rain, but everything was so dry it must have just soaked it all up like a giant sponge!
We started to move plants into the greenhouse this weekend. There is more to do, but I think as long as we finish by the end of the week, all should be well. It was another beautiful weekend with highs in the mid-upper 70s and lows in the 40s. (11/4/12)
Friday was the first day since last spring that we were able to use the oven in the house. The high was only about 72 F and there was a nice breeze. It is such a relief after the oppressive heat of the summer. We baked some biscuits and a nice cranberry quick-bread. We cook outside all summer, but some things just don’t bake as well in the gas grill as they do in the oven.
It was a tad warmer yesterday, so we decided to do the pork roast out on the grill. Quite delicious!
The forecast for today is 80/44, which is still pretty lovely. I’ve decided to make note of the weather more often, especially this time of year. That way, in the dregs of the summer, I can look at these posts and remember that the beautiful weather will come again! Kind of like Fredrick* with a seasonal reverse. 
*Lionni, Leo, Frederick. New York, Pantheon, 1967. (I loved this book as a kid and still do!)
The pomegranates are getting ripe and the air is getting, well, not exactly cool, but cooler. The monsoon took a hike last week and I’m assuming it is gone for this year. While I enjoy the rain and storms, the humidity is oppressive at times. I’m glad to have back our drier Arizona air. We have been able to open windows at night again and it is lovely.
Finally, the summer has given up its grip. Two weeks ago we were still in the upper 80s. Last night a cold front moved in. We got a lot of rain and the mountains received the first snow of the season. The cooler weather feels great!
We always have a lot of birds in our area, but this time of year we see even more. Some of them are passing through on the way to their summer homes, while some hang around longer.
I wasn’t sure what kind of bird this was, but some Twitter friends helped with the ID:
This bright red Cardinal was keeping his distance…
At a safe distance.
Then he decided to come closer.
On the greenhouse.
And even closer…
On the fence.
Finally, his cousin stopped by for a brief visit before they both flew off.
Pyrrhuloxia
All in all it was a fine birdy morning!
