I call this saguaro Old Man. I found him while walking a wash near my daughter’s home here in Tucson. He fell over and bit the dusk not too long afterward. — Photo by Pat Bean
Saguaros come in all sizes and shapes. Is it my imagination, or do you think this one is giving the finger to the low-flying balloon. — Photo by Pat Bean
“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses.” – Alphonse Karr
Heat’s Up in Tucson
A cholla cactus in bloom. — Photo by Pat Bean
The temperature was 115 here in Tucson yesterday. Yuck! You need to be a cactus to survive in this weather, I think.
And then I remember that in 1956, I moved to the Texas Gulf Coast and didn’t have air conditioning for the next 10 years. How I survived, while changing cloth diapers (four kids in five years) continually for seven of those years, I have no idea.
I guess deep down I’m as tough as a cactus. Or once was. My outdoor adventures currently are confined to walking Maggie in the early mornings when it’s still a bit cool. She just gets taken outside long enough to do her business after that.
And a barrel cactus. — Photo by Pat Bean
Anyway, it seemed an appropriate day to post some of my cactus photos. I hope it’s cooler where you live.
Bean Pat: One of my favorite blogs is Brain Pickings. And I especially like these words of Albert Einstein, which seem especially appropriate these days. http://tinyurl.com/ydhxg629
Pat Bean's blog 
That first foto looks like someone has carved it into a totem pole. No wonder it didn’t survive. Keep cool — wear a loose t-shirt that is damp (whether water or sweat), then fan yourself along your body, very cooling. 🙋
I’m happy that we’re still way below 100 here in the Texas Hill Country.
It actually got up to 116 here in Tucson yesterday. Which is why instead of doing something outside I’m going to take my 8-year-old visiting great-grandson to go see Captain Underpants today, his request. Stay cool Pit.
Will do. And you, too. Enjoy the movie and the A?C.
beautiful pictures! thank you…I lived in Goodyear for a year and Yuma two winters. I discovered the beauty of the desert and loved the desert theme I saw carried out in so many yard. I also have a LOT of pics. can’t part with them.
I moved to the Sonoran Desert in 2913 and have been amazed by the landscape. Thanks for commenting Rosepoint.
Hats off to your thoughts Thorny Neighbors written amazingly.
Loved the way of drafting the post…
Your first saguaro looks like it should be a Star Wars character!