Desert Rains

 July 27 - August 18, 2025

Tombstone, Arizona

Have I done anything in the last three weeks? My first thought is no, nothing. Certainly nothing exciting, maybe nothing blog-worthy. Let's see.

A positive highlight that extends beyond the immediate, Bill's last hand surgery seems to have done the trick. He's very happy to be 99% pain-free. Happy to be off the pain killers. Happy to get back to long sleeps each night. So yay!

I'm moderately optimistic that my own three-month-long health issue has finally been diagnosed with the outcome of treatment pending. Nothing serious, just annoying. You know, like old age.

Staying in one place, it's especially appreciated that Mother Nature continues to bring us daily pretties and funnies. 

The eastern skies on fire at sunrise.

Adding a single curtain allows me to read and watch the birds during the two hours the sun rises from mountain top to above the roofline.

There's something so mesmerizing about a fluttering and waving breeze.

Tessa and I take short walks each morning when she's feeling most "perky". We go until she starts to lag behind then turn around for home. She enjoys exploring with her nose while I keep an eye out for snakes. The waking desert is most beautiful.

Pre-walk zoomies on a cooler morning.

We have several large beaver tail cactus on the property.

Desert Bird of Paradise, a favorite for bees and hummers.

The forecasted "heavy" monsoons have yet to materialize on our little hilltop, but we continue to have daily storms around us with occasional rains landing here. On the hottest days we have ribbons of blue rain creating fringe over the horizon, never touching the ground.

Male rain comes down in powerful torrents creating streams that race each other to low, dry spots where they stand together for a short time before being soaked in, swallowed or evaporated. One seeks shelter.

Female rain falls lightly, hesitant to disturb what it touches, slowly soaking in where it lands. When they last long enough, small puddles eventually form before being soaked in, swallowed or evaporated. One is invited to walk among the drops and drizzles. 

The former washes while the latter cleanses. I'm grateful for both. There is no shortage of water in the desert. Just a shortage of common sense on how to respect the resource.

Jeff captures this micro-dump in the distance. 

Blue rain-fringes to the south.

A light afternoon breeze carries female rain onto the porch. Later in the week a stronger male rain drenches the porch in seconds. 

Another awesome shot from Jeff's evening walk.

What do family members Cassidy, Ezra, Bill, Jeff, Big M and Little M have in common? August birthdays! From two to 69!! Four down, two to go as of this post. No pics for the "not kids"!

Miss Cassidy enjoys her special day.

Turning 10 is a big deal for Ezra who did something special each day for a week - starting with Universal Studios on his birthday. School started the next day.

BFF Janis and I read The Last Woman Standing, a novel loosely based on the life of Josephine Earp - my favorite "character" in the saga that defines Tombstone. It's fun to read about places that are remembered or still exist today. I collect a few pics to send to Janis. Just because.

After living (in sin!) with Sheriff Behan, Josephine moved to the San Jose boarding house. 

Josephine spent her days here with her good friend Mollie Fly. They were both at the back of the gallery during the famous shoot-out that happened next door.

Tombstone had two newspapers during the Earps' years. The Tombstone Prospector supported the Cowboys and Sheriff Behan while The Epitaph was a friend to the Earps. Note which one still stands - and prints a monthly historical edition.

The intersection of 5th and Allen streets includes the Oriental Saloon, originally owned by Wyatt. The Crystal Palace on the NW corner included the office of Marshall Virgil Earp on the second floor. Virgil was shot in this intersection, losing the use of his arm.

It's interesting living in a town on the historic register - one that celebrates it's story all year long. Our property is on the corner of Curly Bill and McLowery (no idea why they misspelled McLaury).

Walk-downs are a local tradition for honoring deceased locals and those recognized for having an impact on the community. During the Val Kilmer Tribute weekend, over 100 locals and visitors participated in the walkdown for "Doc". 

So no, not very exciting. But amazingly the kiddos are heading back to school already. Exciting for sure. Milestones are happening. Memories being made.

Elliott starts pre-K - how is this possible?

Day two haircuts for Elliott and Ezra.

Sisters Penelope and Magnolia send Reese off on her first day of kindergarten - wow!

Big M and Little M ready for another big year.