Top 10 Perils of Arizona’s Springtime

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SMB scarlett

I’ve now experienced 3 full “seasons” (do you even call them that here?) since our relocation to the Grand Canyon State last summer. Now, while the rest of the country anxiously awaits Spring’s arrival, we in Arizona have it…well… We have it rough…  

With our sun-filled mornings, splash-pad worthy afternoons, and perfect evening running weather, I only hope I don’t alienate my sun-starved Minnesota-dwelling friends as we in the West band together to peer through the flowering cacti toward Spring. To better show the suffering I reference, please come along on this brief tour of the Hazards of Arizona’s Springtime, as found in one woman’s backyard:

10) When It Rains, It Pours — literally!

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March 1st?? Anyone??  And we own nary a galosh, to boot.

Wait; that’s right — We love this.

9) You Fall and Can’t Get Up

…from the hammock…. to do nap time chores…

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8) Vitamin D Overdose

A preventable endemic, that is if it weren’t for Paddy O’Furniture and their killer tent sale!

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…which leads to #7 —

7) Dehydration

If only there were cool, clean bodies of water in every backyard……  Oh, right.  There are.

pic4 dehydration

6) Sleep Deprivation

…since the mild mornings and gorgeous sunrises might have you up too early.

pic7 up too early mountains

5) Cactus?  Pretty??

Despite all resistance, you might be inclined to pair the two words in a sentence.

pic8 cactus

4) Canker Sores

…from all of the lemon biscotti, grapefruit martinis and lime-laced salsas you’ve been consuming.

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3)  A Schnoz Full of Spines

…from chasing lizards into prickly pears all day.

(Hopefully this one is restricted to the 4-legged family members…)

pic 1 schnoz

2)  Dust Storms

…which never seem to be quite as bad as the TERRIFYING, BLARING iPhone alert makes them sound.

pic2 dust storm

1)  And this.

This.

pic 1 snake

This was in our outdoor half bath.  Discovered by my husband Mikel, in a rather compromising state.

I aged 10 years.  He said a word we don’t use.  Our neighbor saved us from it while we watched in horror and applauded in admiration.

Even so, we earned our “Official Arizonan” Brownie Badges.  We’re told they’re in the mail…

Regardless, when it comes to actual hazards – 1 out of 10 ain’t bad.

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Snakes notwithstanding, this is a great place to call home and I am happy that my family and I have joined you!  Of course, our days of outdoor pleasantries will slowly dwindle as Spring morphs slowly into desert Summer, so take advantage, head outside, and join me in giving thanks for the blessings that surround us this season.

pic6 open spaces park time

10 COMMENTS

  1. Ha ha ha, unfortunately Spring morphs into Summer far too quickly! As for the dust storms, they haven’t been as bad as they were a couple of years ago; those ones were pretty scary!

    Also, I’m a Minnesota native who lived in Texas for 4 years before moving to Phoenix 3.5 years ago, ha ha ha!

  2. Rebecca…I will be following your blogs! This was a giggle….and a reminder to love Arizona!

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