We are enjoying our views and the quiet...

 

Our Location: Empire Ranch, Sonoita, Arizona

A very quiet night last night, no wind, no frogs, no howls, no dogs, just quiet. It was deafening. I will admit, I slept in this morning and didn't see the sun rise, exactly. I was awake but still in bed. I know, I'm such a sluggard. 

The views are vast and far reaching here at Empire Ranch.

Cactus growing on the side of the roadway going toward the ranch house.

A single bud on that cactus.

After breakfast we opted to head out for a walk. We walked up to the main ranch road and strolled along for a fair distance keeping in mind that while it was all down hill going this way, it wouldn't be the same coming home. We made it though, and managed to accomplish more than our 6000 steps in the process. 

The colours are so appealing to me...

Those banks are high and cut away by the rushing waters that cross this ranch after a rain.

That is cement to hold the road crossing in place. It stops erosion and undercutting of the roadway.

The sun is shining, the wind is rustling the grass and it is such a haunting sound in the quiet of day. I can understand how day after day after day of this sound could be a problem for some people. It's very lonely and desolate, leaving a yearning for company. An emptiness of any hope or warmth. Of course it's not that way for everyone. Some people find it comforting, like an old friend come to visit. The familiar hum of a favourite tune might possibly be heard if you listen hard enough.  The gentle caress of loving arms and lips might be felt by others. The wind is a mistress totally unique to each person she touches. 

I don't think I would ever tire of this view. It changes constantly.

The road way leading to the ranch house, it winds on for some time yet.

It's very hilly here, lots of valleys and knolls, nothing is level.

The views out the windows are wonderful and remind me why I so enjoy looking at them. They change with shadow and light, they grow and diminish, they almost breathe a sigh at the end of the day. They offer beauty and life, they offer excitement and sanctuary. They call to an inner spirit, freedom and adventure. Of course they also offer brutal realities, death, hunger, darkness, sickness and fear. Centuries they have stood and witnessed our rise and fall, our victories and defeats and they have stood and watched, silent in their observations. They of course are the mountains, they call to me, much like the sea calls to a sailor or the skies to a pilot. I wonder why?

You can see the edge of the ditch/waterway that runs through the grass.

The trees are not tall but offer some shade, but do not touch, they are thorny.

With only my phone, I can't be sure but I think those may be pronghorn antelope mixed in with the cattle.

Not my usual post but one that seemed to flow from fingers today.  I have those days when writing seems to be necessary and other days when it seems a chore. I'm sure all of you fellow bloggers know what I mean when I say that. 

You can see the cattle off to the left.

And now the antelope are wandering away from the direction my feet are taking me.

Yep, that's us down there over that rise.

Today was a chore day for me. I did all the inside of the windows and screens, changed batteries, did some weather stripping, and a few other little chores, including taking, editing photos, writing this blog and just enjoying the day. 

They were so dark this morning they were almost black and now, the sun makes them much less foreboding.

A great place for a stroll, you can see the wind making the grass dance!!

Very sharp and pointy, careful not to touch.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

It's really not flat out there.

 

Until next time.....

 

Take care, be safe, 

Deb