Perspectives

The citrus trees are blooming and an orangey-lemon scent permeates the air. It is the most exhilarating feeling to be immersed in such heavenly aromas when one does the simplest things, like going to the mailbox, or taking a walk, or opening a screen door.

There's been a bit of a heat wave (for this time of the year) in the desert with temperatures soaring into the high 90s for the last week or so. People who live here year round are a little distressed, as they worry that the summer heat will be starting early and lasting longer than usual. And it can get very hot! Temperatures soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks on end.

"Usually, I don't mind the heat," one woman told us when we were out to dinner one evening. "It's hot, but it's a dry heat and that makes all the difference." Her phrase reminded me of my days in Saskatchewan where the winters are harsh. People described the cold as being a dry cold, thereby implying that the cold wasn't as bad as the cold in more humid places. When I lived in Ottawa, I found this to be true. I felt way colder there, even though the temperatures weren't as low.

This morning we woke to the roaring sounds of Santana winds in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs and all the surrounding areas. The Santana's rage at over 60-80 miles per hour and even higher in the mountain passes, often uprooting trees, tearing off palm fonds, snapping poles in half, and generally wreaking havoc. The sand storms can ruin the paint finish on cars and even pit windshields. In some places, road advisories warned people not to drive because of poor visibility due to the swirling sand. This is a little reminiscent of the snow storms in Saskatchewan!

Jerry and I stuck close to home today, only venturing out to take Sidney for his walks. Although our little enclave of homes has a lot of protection, Jerry had to stake one of the trees to prevent it from being uprooted by the winds.

This morning Jerry and I spent part of the morning picking the last of the fruit from the trees in the garden. The picture above is just a sample! Already buds are beginning to flower for the next batch of oranges, lemons and grapefruit. Once the trees begin to flower, they emit the most delicious citrus scent that permeates the air.

The first time I ever experienced the thrill of eating an orange fresh from a tree was in Spain. And having spent most of my growing-up years in Saskatchewan means that I never take this pleasure for granted. Vitamin C never tasted so good!