Good Morning World

A view from our bathroom window

 

Cactus Blooms

The Prickly Pear Cacti are beginning to bloom.  This Purple Prickly Pear is cool because of the pretty yellow flowers.

 

Keep Your Foot Elevated

 Randa and I are twins.  We seem to be becoming more and more alike.  Two years ago, on our visit to our dentist in Algodones, we both had a tooth extraction of the same tooth on the same day.  (It is more convenient for the dentist, no doubt.)

  Anyway, we just have spent several day trips to Algodones this month to take care of needed crowns.  It was a long process but it turned out alright.

 We also have been visiting the local podiatrist.  I had a spur removed from my little toe on my left foot.  I have been dealing with the discomfort of the spur for several months so I am glad to have it removed ( and straightened a bit too.)   It was done in Dr Bodmer's office quick and easy.  Randa had a different foot situation.  Her big toe on her right foot was heading away from the foot.  There was a lot of arthritis as well.  Her procedure involved day surgery at the local hospital.  The joint was scraped to remove the disease and then spacers were placed in the joint.  Dr B has done thousands of these surgeries so we decided to have the surgery before we go home because he is going to retire.  As soon as Randa gets the "all clear", we will head for home.  Meanwhile we both are wearing a boot on one of our feet.  

  We are twins, you know.

Agave in Bloom

Cedrus Island Agave in bloom

    

    I had this spectacular view on the morning walk in the Wallace Garden with the boys.  
 

Foot Work

    April is the Foot month.  At least for Randa and me.   I had a spur removed from my little toe on my left foot.  I have been enduring the discomfort of this spur rubbing against the other toe.  My local podiatrist, Dr. Bodmer, twice trimmed the callus to temporally lessen the discomfort but the s  olution was to remove it.  So yesterday morning, in his office, it was removed.  I have a boot.  My foot is well-wrapped.  It's a bit sore, but not much worse than what the spur had been creating.  I have meds, instructions to not get my foot wet and to avoid walking.  Bottom line is Randa is walking the boys. doing both tours today and tomorrow and I'm doing nothing.  

   Monday is our next dental appointment in Algodones , Mexico.  Wednesday was our first trip.  It's about 500 miles round trip to go get dental work, but the financial benefits totally make up for it.  I had a root canal which wasn't necessarily pleasant but it was quick and efficient.  There Cost - $350.   Randa is getting two crowns replaced  ( 620 ) and I will be getting a crown as well.  Randa paid 1350 in Canby and 800 for one she received in a town near here.  So you see that it is a no-brainer to drive to Mexico.  Our dentist Dr Montoya, is great.  We have been going to her for 6 or 7 years and our US dentists have been impressed by her work.  

   So our exciting life goes on.   Spring is here in the desert and the arboretum.

Ayers Lake in Reflection

 

Santa Rita Prickly Pear Cactus.  Yes this is naturally purple.

 

Easter Lily

I spotted this cactus on my morning walk.

The Easter Lily Cactus is aptly named.