Do I look scared? These tarantula's are nicer than rattlesnakes. I will take them anytime.
This is a picture of our back yard.
We have full-hookups for visitors that stay with their R.V.'s
This is the west side of our house. Tom put in an outside sink
which is very handy when we work outside.
One day when I was washing my hands at the sink, I found a gecko inside it. It was quite interesting getting him out. But, as you can see, I accomplished the task.
Monsoon Season
I stood in one spot for quite awhile, determined to get this shot.
Tom was trimming mesquite trees and found this branch with the thorns on it. We have stepped on a few thorns but nothing like this big. Ouch! We have decided when the ranchers roamed this land, this is what they used for toothpicks. 
Tom's tomato plants
Bountiful crop
Tom found a vine growing in the backyard. When he pulled it out of the ground, he found all of these gourds. He brought them to me. I got excited because I could dry them and decorate with them. He said that they were on the patio for him to throw at the rabbits when they were trying to get into his tomatoes. 
Rio Bravo Sagebush
White-lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth
Butterfly Bush
Jackrabbit eating a mesquite limb
One evening Tom and I watched in amazement when this rabbit jumped into the water. Guess he was pretty desperate. As you can see by the dry land, it was hard for him to find water.
Tom wanted this picture of me with the tarantula. By the look on my face, I look scared but I really wasn't. Tarantula's do not frighten me, as long as they are outside. They are very harmless and so interesting. We often find their homes in the ground. They actually dig a hole and cover the top over with a web. I found such a web when I was out hanging up clothes. It is below this pictures.
This is a Canyon Towhee. I named him "Rusty" because of the color of his head. He is very tame. If he hears me call his name, he flies in for a treat. He doesn't stay long, just long enough to show his presence. Tom teases me and says that Rusty thinks that I am his "Mommy".
