73 F/ 23 C

A more usual 
day for weather and one
we appreciate

~carliewired

Coffee came first at 7 AM. I was pouring as the sun was flowing into my kitchen. I was to be off to plein air paint for 10 AM, so breakfast was slow. 

The Yuma Conservation Garden is staffed by volunteers and only open on weekends. We trundled in from the parking area and made straight for the duck pond. 

Jets roared overhead deafening us for several moments, then did not return, thankfully. We sit along the south edge of the pond between water and a gauge wire fence. The pond is directly in line with the runway of the Marine Air Base right across the highway. We enjoy the pond but not the noise 

We were five painters today. The wind posed a few challenges, but the air temperature was comfortable. I sat with my back to the sun to make my pencil sketch. My friend P brought her pastels, one had acrylics, one oils and one used mixed media. 

The large specimen saguaro cactus near the pond is very impressive. I have to look way up to see the crown. 

I'm sad to see the old windmill falling apart. I was told that they'd like to repair it, but if it is taken down to do so, it cannot be replaced. There are bylaws preventing structures so close to the airport runway. 

The ducks are always the centre of attention at the pond. Truly, I could watch their antics all day. I noticed a pair of geese that were unfamiliar to me. A little research tells me they are African geese. I also saw several pairs of ring-necked ducks like those I will see at home. The usual white domestic ducks were present in good numbers. There seems to be a lot of mixing of duck breeds. There are many ducks with some feature of a mallard, but with other colours and combinations.  I caught the turtles coming up to snitch the food left for the ducks. 

I was surprised to see some rather large fish in the pond I hadn't noticed before. I was told there was one very large carp, some bass and others I don't remember the names of. 

By 11:30 the temperature had risen to 21 C from 15 C when we'd arrived. My cranky feet had had enough by then so I took myself away. 

I'm remaining at home with packing on my mind. I will work at it hoping not to leave the house a mess as I depart.