There are no illusions here. June in Arizona is hot, brutal actually, but I love it. Typically we travel to the north country, enjoy boating, or we simply live in the pool. Anything to cool off is on the list of things to do. This year, with wildfires engulfing our state, we stay closer to home.
Luckily, there was time at the beginning of the month to teach a good friend how to use her Jeep for off-road travel.
OK…so I brought snacks and took pictures, but we all enjoyed the angles and dangles of Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona. Now she can enjoy some of the out-of-the-way-places we love too.

But home is where we hang our heart, and at the end of any day our watering hole is the best spot in town.
Just ask the grandkids.

My love of gardening continues, and the summer garden seems to be doing well, despite the heat.

But honestly the best part is that I can garden from in the pool.

What touched my heart the most this month, was the cute coyote pup that found respite, under a tree, near our patio. She settled in everyday about noon. She didn’t budge until my husband confronted her, and then she nonchalantly squatted in front of the Jeep, and left.
It was hilarious...to me anyway.
I figured that was the end of her visits, and instead she seemed to find comfort here. I didn’t encourage it, and let her be. I believe in letting wild animals stay wild, and honestly it was nice that the bunnies suddenly disappeared.
She was quite cute.
She has since moved along, and I am quite sure it had nothing to do with my hospitality, and everything to do with bunnies. I guess if she returns I will name her.

We did take advantage of some extra time and decided we deserved a grown-up night out. I promise, I tried to behave, but the waiter kept getting in my drink.
Cheers to him on that night.

Now with June behind us, I am reminded how life can be full of surprises, and even in he face of adversity we can laugh, and enjoy the tiniest moments for what they are. June also reminded me of how life can and should be deliberate.
Sometimes you need to wait and watch what destiny has for you, and sometimes it is in your hands.

Pay attention.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Mmm, attention paid. Your pool makes the heat seem almost bearable. Did the pup refresh in it too? I don’t think so.
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I just love you. Thank you. No, the coyote pup was by the front patio. If she made her way to the back we would have made sure she wasn’t quite so comfortable. Two toddlers running around, might not be a good match. We have seen them jump 6’ fences.
Thanks for stopping by.
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A lovely June Donna. Love the coyote pup and how you just left it to do it’s thing. This post is a good one for Changing Seasons, a photo challenge Ju-Lyn, Touring My Backyard, and I are now hosting
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Hi Brian. Thank you. I actually was inspired by your June 2021 post. I loved the chance to take a fresh look at my June photos and make something of them. I have already started notes for July. I DID link it to Ju-lyn, unless of course, I screwed something up. Lol.
How great to see how your blog and connections have grown. Trying to keep up, at least twice a week.
Thanks for your encouragement.
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I ma sorry Donna, of course I saw that post linking it to Changing Seasons but totally forgot.
Glad to be of inspiration ❤
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Always
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Sounds like you’re having a wonderful time. How on earth do you have a garden at this time of year? I tried growing some things last summer and they all died despite watering and providing something overhead for shade. My green thumb has turned black here. I really think that waiter needs to get out of your drink and into a pool. That would make more sense to me. 🙂
janet
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I can appreciate every word you wrote. The same happened to me when we moved here. I was a certified master gardener in two different states and I couldn’t keep anything alive. lol. That’s when I started frequenting the Botanical Garden. I took a Landscape Certification course and other specific courses about types of plants. I still struggle a bit, and have more of the “if you can’t beat them, join them” mentality. The gardening is different here. Go to local nurseries. They grow locally, so plants are adapted to our climate. LOL. yes. the pool is the place to be for sure. Thanks Janet
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Another cool post Donna 😎 – we take cool however we can get it! Your pool and plants look lovely. And oh my heart goes out to the little pup resting in the shade. I so wonder how the wildlife survive this heat. BTW – my yard plants look sickly. We need rain!
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We so need rain! We had one day a few weeks ago and I stayed outside in it. It was wonderful, and weeds come up nicely as well. Thanks Lisa
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You have definitely made the best of a very hot year Donna. Your pool with its surrounding shrubbery does look very inviting. Loved the photo of the coyote pup.
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Thank you. Life is was to short to be wasted. lol. I will always find something to do.
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Surprises, laugh, tiny moments, deliberate, wait, watch. Such wonderful words.
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Thank you.
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Clearly you’re enjoying the summer in spite of the crazy heat. I love that the animals are visiting you Donna!
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Always, enjoying everyday. Such a treat for the critters to join us. Thanks Brad.
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Such lovely words…
And to see your gardens flourish in the hot heat feels my heart with Joy. When I return to our gardens come October… I always need to give them tender loving care.
Happy Swimming while gardening!
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