“ Out of the hottest fire comes the strongest steel” Chinese proverb

We’re half way thru the year and still alive. Not that the desert hasn’t tried its best to crack our resolve by throwing its worst at us. By day the mercury climbs to 115F in the shade and at night lowers to 90F with 40% humidity. Throw in the occasional flash flood where two inches of rain in half an hour causes the dry wash to become a raging river capable of erasing roads and leaving areas of quicksand capable of swallowing cars. Yes, the desert wants us gone but we’re too stubborn to get the hint.
But worst is the boredom of the mind that comes with routine. Waking with the dawn to carry out small chores before it gets too hot to move. Finding something to do during the midday heat that requires little or no movement or exposure to the heat while not simply passing large chunks of time asleep. You can only read or watch moving pictures or surf the internet for so long before you want to scream out in frustration. Time moves but it’s passing brings no relief from the ennui of desert life. Visitors find this place amazing but we look around at the surroundings the same as a walled up prisoner.
Which is why we so appreciate the odd guest or sight see-er, anything to break the monotony. Though sometimes we have to question why they show up during the hottest part of the day. We’re quick to invite them into the shaded living room and while they are interested in asking us questions we are more intrigued by them. “Where are you from?, How did you find us?, What brings you out into the middle of the desert?” are the usual queries to strangers.
Then we have our great friends who know a little of our discomfort and stop by to offer sympathy. They bring an evening of laughter and stories, some beer and ice, some more materials to build with or make into art. In fact we would like to thank Patrick and Tad, a couple of Charlie’s Clamper friends, for stopping by with food and other sundries. Greg for always showing up with his generous spirit. A BIG thanks to the team of Holiday and Benton for their construction skills and adventurous escapades. Scott B for a couple of sleek racing cacti. HKK for mailing us some art. Lindsey Haun for giving us a shout out on her video credits…. and if I missed anyone know that it was appreciated, whatever it was that we forgot.
As for the physical improvements to the place, we are always experimenting and trying to better our lot in life. Placed a couple of small exhaust fans in both containers to help move the hot air out. Wired in 14 solar panels to the big system and this morning at 4 a.m. connected 6 small panels together with the plan of replacing the inadequate wind generator. Strengthened the back wall and roof of the music room after the storm to protect the ashes and piano and on the backside put up some shelves. Sue has been working daily on the duck pond and Phil will be back soon to continue work on his project Transverse City.
So that’s the ramble for this month and hope to see some old and new faces soon.