Cactii of Arizona

We hadn't planned to take a trip to Arizona. Oh, I'd wanted to from the minute I'd learned my parents bought a house down there, but we didn't give it serious consideration one random Sunday. Sitting in the living room of my parents South Dakota home after a wonderful meal of turkey and biscuits with all the trimmings and before the traditional snore fest ensued, my dad popped the question. "We're headed back down to Phoenix for a week. Would you and Lori like to come?"

My husband immediately assumed I had set him up. You know, begged my parents to take me out of the frigid northland and all that, but I assured him I didn't know a thing. The last I'd heard they weren't heading back until fall or later. I held my tongue while my dad talked to Jeff about the excursion and silently jumped for joy in my head. I waited until the drive home to ask him if the trip was even possible. Throwing together a ten day vacation while leaving eight kids behind takes a little planning; not to mention some unsuspecting victims...I mean...kind individuals to watch the children.

Jeff was skeptical. His schedule is packed and simply taking off would put a crimp on both ends--a tremendous work load getting ready to leave and then the catch up he'd have to play once we play--the life of a single staff minister!

I let it lie. For a couple of days, I didn't mention it, but then I started to get calls to sub for the days the trip would take place. I needed to know if it was doable. Plus, Jeff needed a vacation. He hadn't taken any time off when we lost Judah and the extra load with me out of commition for a couple of weeks had taken its toll. A break would be good. A break in the hot, desert sun would be even better.

He agreed I could start making phone calls to see if we could find the unsuspecting victims, er, childcare providers to watch our darlings. I let no grass grow on my phone. I immediately started making phone calls to the various family and friends who had unwittingly offered to watch our children in the past and called in all favors. Within a day, I had lined up all needed childcare. The main providers would be Jeff's sister, Kristal, and her husband, Jason, who do not yet have children of their own. Hopefully, this experience did not quench their childbearing desires!

I could hardly stand myself. The plans fell in place and before we knew it, we'd joined my parents for Easter Sunday dinner with plans to leave the next morning at 6:00am. We fell upon the delectable Whiskey River Ham, a family tradition and the most delicious ham one could ever eat, along with all the fixins' and then followed Strasser lore by taking afternoon naps. Refreshed from our naps and the large amount of candy consumed from the Easter baskets, we talked about leaving Sunday night instead of waiting for the wee sma' hours of Monday. Within hours we were on the road. The looooooooooong road from South Dakota to Arizona.

We made the trip in good time and within the first view of the multitude of Cactii, I was hooked. I'd heard of the Saguaro a million times, but had never seen one. The are gigantic and crazy looking. But the really fascinating thing was how many different cactii we saw. The amazing part is that they bloom in April and we were there.

The following are just a few of the many cactii we saw and their beautiful blossoms. The Prickly Pear Cactus has lovely orange or yellow blooms and, if you're really hungry, can be eaten. The variety of cactii surprised me. I'd seen cactii in the store, but you know, to the untrained eye, they all look alike.


The furry ends on the cactus below startled me. They look friendly, but the fuzzy parts are all spines--sharp and pointy.

The Ocotillo to the left is my favorite. I love the tall waving branches with the stunning orange blossoms on top. I am working hard to convince my mom she needs one in her backyard. She was not as impressed with them as I was.

While out taking pictures, my friend and I saw a Gothic Agave (not pictured) laying out on the curb. Someone no longer wanted the lovely plant in their yard, so they hacked it out of the ground and set it out for the trash collectors. I felt a little strange carrying a 21/2 foot aloe plant six blocks to my parents home, but it was beautiful and free. Too of my favorite things. We transplanted it and it looks lovely alongside my parents AZ home.

Other stunning blooms captured my attention. The beauties below opened one night shortly after we arrived and lasted for brief two days: such a short time for such beautful flowers.

I was thrilled that our hastily planned trip coincided with the blooming of the dessert plants. How like God to bless our time of refreshment with added beauty in this dry and arid land.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

What a wonderful reminder of his loving care in our lives. Again, the whole of nature declares the Glory of the Lord.

We made it home safely in the middle of the week. The children were glad to see us as were their aunt and uncle.

I asked Jason if they figured they could have eight of their own after caring for ours and he said, and I quote, "Well, if we can take care of your eight, surely we can have one of our own." Music to my ears. I love babies.

Enjoy the beauty of the earth.

Remember to live, love, and laugh,

Lori