“We are born again each morning. What matters most is this day.” Buddha
Gambel quail skitter about in this landscape. — Photo by Pat Bean
And Makes Me Feel at Home
My apartment has all the conveniences of a city just two blocks away, yet it’s sheltered from traffic noise by trees and a landscaped courtyard, and is bordered on two sides by a natural desert landscape filled with wildlife.
Seed pods against the desert sky.
I see Gambel’s quail skittering between the saguaro and ocotillo cacti and am serenaded by mourning doves, song birds and a great horned owl on a daily basis. A pair of Cooper’s hawks are nesting in a nearby near tree and yesterday morning I spied a bobcat on the edge of the apartment’s parking lot.
Tucson, I’ve discovered, is a place where civilization and Mother Nature coexist better than any other place I’ve ever lived. And here in the city’s Catalina Foothills that I now call home, most buildings have been designed to look like they belong to the landscape.
I truly am falling in love with Tucson.
The Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean’s Pat: Life in the Bogs http://tinyurl.com/bwlykyh And speaking of Mother Nature, she lives in Robin’s bog, too.
Pat Bean's blog 
My wife and I love Tucson and are driving their in our RV in about a week. If you feel like meeting us for coffee or lunch, let me know.
Yes. I would love to meet you and your wife for coffee.
Oh, good. I’ll be in touch as our schedule gels.
Never been there, but I love your descriptions. I had a friend who lived there for 5 years and he enjoyed it too.
Pat, Thanks for reminding me of how Tucson and the Sonoran Desert look and sound in April. My parents lived near the Rillito in the Old Fort Campbell neighborhood for 26 years, so I have many memories of birding and looking for wildflowers the foothills where you now live.
You’re welcome Susan. I love it more each day.
Pat, I have been in Tucson for almost nine years and I love it more every year. I am so glad to hear from others who feel the same way! (I live in a midtown apartment that is also fairly sheltered from traffic sounds; however, I have to drive a little bit (to the Rillito River) to enjoy the flora and fauna of the desert. My favorite places are Sabino Canyon and Gates Pass.)
I feel lucky that I chose it. Thanks for commenting.
I’m so glad you’re learning to love your new home, Pat. It sounds like a wonderful place — the best of both worlds (civilization and nature). Thank you so much for the Bean’s Pat. 🙂
I was really nervous about settling somewhere because no place called out to me as this is where you’re supposed to be. I had to be here for a bit before I accepted that I had chosen right. Thanks Robin.
I have planned on going to Tucson with my RV, but never made it there because of job opportunities. I still hope to get their someday.
I hope you make it Teri. I’m glad I did.