Monsoon skies in Tucson Arizona

The amazing sunsets of our monsoon season just don't seem to quit. We've had some rain too which helps the cactus and other plants store up moisture for dryer times. I haven't played much with my new camera- being more comfortable with my little point and shoot, but I got it out the past couple nights and took these shots of the sunset.

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Up on the rooftop

The weather was gorgeous yesterday afternoon with a high in the 70s, which made me long for Spring and real gardening weather again. As I wandered around my yard I spied the ladder my son had left leaning against the back of the house. I decided to climb up on top of the roof and take a look around. Up I went and suddenly I had a whole new way of seeing things.

I was first distracted by the view of the neighbors big pine tree, that rises up, overlooking the North side of my house- right over the bird area. It is quite a tree for this desert area, and drops beautiful pine cones into my yard. The birds love this tree, hanging out in it most afternoons. The Hawk likes it as well.

I caught my shadow on the tree and wasted quite a bit of time just waving at her! :)

I finally realized that the birds had gathered on the telephone lines behind me and seemed to be watching me. I considered maybe a neighbor or two might be as well so I stopped playing with my shadow and moved along.

I wandered over and looked down at the little patio area leading to the front door. The big olive tree shades this area and also keeps it littered with olives, leaves and other tree debris. I have a few succulents planted in this bed, and a couple of pots with succulents. There are also spiders I transplanted in here but they are not doing well. Mostly it looks like Olive tree cast-offs have taken over. I've also got some early bulbs coming up in here although you can't see them from the roof. I've tried a variety of plants and bulbs in this area so I have no idea what they are but I can't wait to find out.

I looked West-out over the neighbors rooftops. The house nearest me is empty- a victim of the mortgage problem, and the cooler remains uncovered during the winter. There has finally been some activity to clean up the very overgrown yard though so I suspect the bank is finally getting going on things.

And looking North out to the Santa Catalina's. I love those 3 palm trees and must have hundreds of pictures of them by now.

This one is looking out front- to the West- at the big scary cactus area! I have all my potted cacti sitting out there catching the sunshine during the day- and then I lug them back to the protected area when the temperatures dip.

And the other half of the front area. As you can see I am big on space and short on having anything planted. Seven of the little Mescal Bean trees are planted out there so if I live long enough I might see them bloom!


And looking at the side yard my much enjoyed bird feeding area. I have a few more things planted in this area. Of course there are no birds to be seen- they are still on the telephone wire watching the slightly crazy lady with the camera.


The biggest of the Cholla, right next to where the feeders are. There are plants in those rock circle- but they've gone away for the winter!

And the small backyard- where I really don't do much gardening, but the Tangerine, and Orange trees are back here. In the center back is a small Pomegranate tree that was rescued last year and is doing well. I can't wait to see if I get fruit this year.


It was getting late in the afternoon and the Catalina mountains were turning purple.

The view to the west was gorgeous too.

The sun was sinking fast.


Hope you enjoyed my rooftop views!