Spring in the Desert

After a couple of days in the 90's the desert is showing signs of spring. In this sparse landscape you have to look close, but they are there. The Aloe look dry and dead, but have put put flower stalks that will soon bloom a glorious red/orange. I can't wait for the Oriels to come through and

hang on the blooms, sipping nectar.

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Spring bulbs have put out their green leaves and the very tips of the Ocatillo are sporting new flower buds.

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The big Nopal Cactus outside of my bead room window is covered with tiny flower buds.

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However, local lore says we'll still have a frost. There are two stories around here ... one says the Mesquite trees will not leaf out until after all chances for a frost are past ... and the other is that the last frost will occur after Easter. The Mesquite trees in Tucson & Phoenix all show signs of green leaves this past weekend, but those in my yard are still bare and dead looking.

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I love the colors that come when things bloom here in the desert and I'll have to keep an eye out for beading opportunities based on Mother Nature's colors.