Remember this bush/tree?

  I posted a photo on the blog sometime ago asking if anyone knew what these strange looking pods were on this bush.  Peg Keenan from Site 438 solved the mystery for me.  This bush/tree is Sophora Secundiflora, also "Mescal Bean" or Texas Mountain Laurel.  The pods contain bright red poisonous beans, but the landscaping book says the outer coat is so hard that they pass through the digestive system without harm. They can be drilled and used as beads. They can be used as a bush or trained as a tree which can grow to 20-30 feet. Book says it grows fastest in high heat, and is drought tolerant after established.  Sounds like the perfect plant for our Arizona weather.

I went to Peg's house for a photo and was pleasantly amazed at how pretty the blossoms are and they have a wonderfully fragrant smell.  Thank you, Peg, for the information.

 

 

 

Bauhinia blakeana: Hong Kong Orchid-Tree

Hey.....it is time to celebrate!  The Orchid Tree that is planted just outside the main office has its very first blossom open this morning!  

 (from Wikipedia) "It is the beautiful display of orchid-like blooms which make the Hong Kong Orchid-Tree so desirable for the landscape, the large, six-inch blossoms appearing in multiple shades of purple, rose, and pink during the summer, fall and early winter months, when little color is usually present in the garden. These flowers are sterile and will not set seed so the plant will not drop long pods as other Orchid-Trees do, and they will not become a pest in the landscape. This is often the Orchid-Tree of choice for planting in urban landscapes."

The tree was planted in September of 2010 so we're excited to finally see it blossom.  We had some hard frost last winter which definitely set it back a bit.  Watch daily for more blooms as the tree is loaded with buds right now. 

 

 

 

I cruised past the library this morning and always enjoy glancing in to see the latest puzzle that is in progress.  Our dedicated head librarian, Pat Schurr, was on duty making sure the books all find a home on the shelves.  Thank you, Pat and volunteers, who keep our busy library in order.

 

 

A Blast From The Past

Congratulations to Betty Roussy and her entire chorus of dedicated singers, musicians, and stage hands for a wonderful night of entertainment.  We need to give Betty full credit for the many many hours of work she puts into managing a presention like this.  We don't stop to think about the dedication involved as it is not only choosing the music, arranging the singers, choreographing the transition between songs, scheduling a room for rehearsals, HOURS of rehearsals, writing the program handouts, overseeing costumes, communications between players, etc.  So much work goes into each performance.  It is truly a LABOR OF LOVE.

We even had a special guest singer!

YMCA had the crowd singing and performing a well.

 

Speaking about dedication, congratulations also to the MANY folks who orchestrated the annual HUGE pickleball tournament last weekend.   

And......as I strolled down Cole Circle on my way home, I always enjoy the view of our local mountains.  I truly enjoy living here!

Have a GREAT day, everyone!

New Bird Sighting

We bird watchers are excited and delighted to spot a new bird in the resort.  If you go up to the big pool and watch toward the top of the palm trees, you'll soon see at least three of these beautiful Acorn Woodpeckers flitting from tree to tree as they bring in small acorns from the oak trees.  The clown-faced Acorn Woodpecker is a common bird of western oak forests. It lives in extended family groups, and all members of the group spend hours and hours storing thousands of acorns in carefully tended holes in trees and telephone poles.  

Howard Johnson spent some time with camera in hand and was able to capture three good photos for us.  Thanks, Howard!   Now I hope someone can capture an "in flight" photo so we can see the pretty underside of their wings with the black and white patches.  

 

 

I copied this photo from the internet so you could see the numerous holes these birds will drill to hold the acorns they accummulate.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Have you noticed the counter on this blog?  You readers rolled it over 100,000 views!!  That's awesome!  Try to remember to click in the little check box below the daily post.  It's fun for me to see how many log on to that particular day. 

I discovered that it is not just residents that visit the sight ... but extended families check in to see the action as well.  I found this cute message in my guestbook this week from Jim Ranniger's family back in Colorado:

"What a wonderful place to keep track of what my folks are doing! I get many e-mails from my folks talking about all the fun activities. With your blog I can see what they've been up to. Keep up the good work. We "kids" needs to make sure our retired parents are staying out of trouble."

Palm Creek Artists & Craftsmen

CONGRATULATIONS and sincere compliments go to ALL the Palm Creek residents who displayed their wares at the show yesterday.  Your finished projects are truly works of art.  We have so very many talented people among us.  I didn't take the time for a photo of everyone nor did I stop to get names, but thank you to one and all for a lovely showing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three One Act Plays

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Palm Creek playhouse!  Very well done.