After nearly a month, I finally made it back to the cottage. Many things kept me from going up north. I really missed Bill and canyon life. He adjusted well to his new job but realized that it just wasn't a good fit for him. He did enjoy staying at the cottage and fixing it up while living there.
Our neighbor, Troy, has been a real help to us. He worked on our bathroom, put an entrance into the area behind the cottage, and installed baseboards. We have earned our scorpion, mouse, and tarantula badges. I guess humans and nice critters aren't the only life in Oak Creek Canyon.
The telescope our kids gave us has provided some amazing sights - star clusters, nebulae, and a satellite even traveled across the viewfinder. We are getting very knowledgeable about constellations thanks to an astronomy book they gave us.
Momma bird took two whole days teaching her three babies how to fend for themselves. It has been fun watching two broods of baby birds get raised. But we took down the nest. It is so noisy and messy. Still it was fun.
I feel like a pioneer woman gathering wild blackberries and spring water for the tomato and cucumber plants growing in our side yard.
Meals are still enjoyed at Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market. A photo I took was changed into a wonderful canvas print and presented to me from the kids as a birthday gift. Upon showing it to Daniel Garland (the market owner), he basically bought it on the spot and hung it up. I feel so proud and will get another one to hang in the cottage.
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| Ranger Bill |
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| Wild berries for the picking |
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| Blackberries delicious with breakfast |
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| Baby birds #1 and #2 |
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| Baby bird #3 |
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| My photo hanging in Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market |
