Amidst the decaying desert plants, clustering blooms are showing off. There were several of these along the path this morning as we walk in the desert hills by our home.

Hard to believe I used to hate the desert. I thought it was ugly. How wrong I was. Maybe I just grew up and started appreciating things more. The desert is alive with beauty, as are all landscapes, no matter how barren they may be, because life is there. Glorious life.

 

My husband and our German shepherd were blessed with lots of blooms on our walk this morning. There was also a bunch of garbage dumped along the way. Such a shame that people think it’s okay to throw their garbage anywhere–everywhere. That is one thing I will never get used to, living here in Baja Sur.

I accidentally had my camera set to “soft” so all my photos turned out, well, soft. Reminds me to check my settings before I shoot. But they are pretty photos in spite of the wrong setting.

Because there was a heavy marine layer this morning, the light was pretty good for photos when we got home. One of our cactus–called a tuna–has fruit this year. It’s the first year for fruit. This cactus has been through a couple hurricanes, but it comes back strong. Like us.

Here’s what it looked like when we planted it:

 

 

Here’s what it looks like now:

The marine layer has burned off. The breeze is blowing and it’s warm and comfortable as I plan the rest of my day. Retirement means you can enjoy the work you do–working in the yard, cleaning house, doing laundry, hanging it out on the line. It’s all good. Life in Baja has its troubles, like anywhere else, but there is nothing like it. Slow and easy, enjoying la playa, el desierto, los amigos, el jardin, y las tiendes. It’s a sweet, simple life.

Mi vida es muy sencilla.