Monsoon time

The monsoonal flow has finally gotten organized and the afternoons are cloudyand sometimes
exciting. Thunder and lightening shape our activities, as we enjoy watching the action over
our heads or near the mountains. Today there are lots of rumbling sounds -- no rain as yet,
but it is early. Last evening we had rain, wind - perhaps some gusts in the 50-60 mph range.
Still little rain overall this year, but with the monsoon as disorganized as it has been, it isn't
surprising.

Our ground squirrel family is growing! Finally saw two babes yesterday. After losing most
of the colony to a large bull snake last year (my goodness, he had an appetite ) we are pleased to see the two adults are raising two babies. They live under the huge mesquite out back -- have
lots of tunnels and holes around the area. Enjoy a diet of birdseed (courtesy of us) which
falls from the feeder, as well as mesquite pods, and other pods native to the area. They like
our water pan for the birds and we help out with carrots - small pieces as treats when we
see them out.

The ground squirrel is really pretty cute creature. A soft tan when it emerges from it's winter
hibernation, he turns a stronger brown as the summer progresses. A bit larger than a
chipmunk, these little creatures are part of the ecology of the healthy desert.
Our area had many more of these, as well as quail, snakes, etc. when the desert area across
the way was undeveloped when we arrived here. Development of these wild areas costs
a great deal in loss of natural environment, thus living creatures. Some sadness in that.
We miss them when they go back into hibernation later in August. Emerge in March to gather food, socialize with their neighbors and raise the young. Hope the colony becomes a healthy thriving one in the next couple of years