Spring comes early to the Sonora
Desert. It arrives mid-February with the
celebration of Presidents’ Day weekend.
Some people say we don’t have the change of seasons here, but we do. The fresh air and bright sun alert us to the
fact that summer is right around the corner, and that now is the time to enjoy
the weather. Something else emerges as
spring pronounces its arrival. I begin
to notice dust--dust on shelves, dust on pictures frames, and dust on the fake
floral arrangements! Spring cleaning is inevitable.
After a quick trip to Walgreens for cleaning supplies, I
return home and pick up the dust pan and broom, determined to get a handle on
this. Dropping to my knees I cautiously
peek beneath the bed only to find a horrific sight! Legions of dust bunnies stare at me, poised to
launch a full-on allergy attack! Startled, I cannot decide if I should accept
the challenge or retreat. At a time like
this, there is only one alternative.
I don my expensive polarized shades and hat for protection. I grab my husband, a water bottle and my new camera.
We head for the hills! I chuckle to myself as I step out of the
vehicle and my feet hit the soft desert dust.
As we hike, dust kicks up around us, and I don’t give a second thought
about allergies. In fact, particles of
dust glisten in the sunlight as joggers, dog-walkers, and families scamper
along the trail. Children and leashed
dogs of all varieties scurry up to the ridgeline while we older folks take a
little longer to get there.
The view of the city is spectacular, and an American flag at
the summit snaps with the breeze, reminding us that Monday is a national
holiday. We don’t spend long at the top,
but as we descend something else catches my eye on the northern horizon. A dozen brightly colored hot air balloons
begin their ascent, one at a time, in the distance. Their elegance lifts my spirit, and I soar to
them with the zoom on my camera. My sight
is fixed on them all the way back to the car where we shake the dust off our
feet and head home.
At nightfall I cleanse my body from the dust of the day, pop
an allergy pill, and snuggle in for the night.
Tea lights flicker in the darkness, and mellow tones of Native American
flute music transport me to another time.
I hear my mother’s voice and her all too famous words, “God made dirt,
and a little bit of dirt don’t hurt.” I drift
into sleep knowing that I will be safe through the night, protected by God and
an army of dust bunnies under my bed.
You've inspired me to hit the pavement for a good walk tomorrow. Thank you for a thoughtful and humorous post.
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