Roses in November

This morning, the oldest girls were up early and out the door to get to the Diocesan Center by 8:30. They each needed another fingerprinting for work – Megan for her job at the Ss. Simon and Jude parish school, and Laurent for a new gig she’s just landed as cantor for weekly school masses at another parish school across town.

Most schools, including GCC, were closed for the observance of Veteran’s Day, and although we did not have any particular events to attend, I thought it would be a good morning to take the kids out for some fresh air. So we loaded up and headed over to Sahuaro Ranch Park to see the sights.  I knew the roses would be in full bloom this time of year, and hoped we might catch a glimpse or two of some peacocks.

We were not disappointed. The rose garden was captivating and I could have spent even more time there with my camera than I did, were I on my own. As it was, I caught just a bit of the loveliness in my lens. Soon enough, however, Laurent and Megan arrived, and we wandered off through the orange grove to the other side of the park, by the corn field and grape vines. Peacocks are not at all obliging when it comes to posing for photos, and are constantly on the move. Not fast, mind you, just never still.

We didn’t stay too long, as the littles were antsy and thirsty and “hungee” – so we took a final group photo on the porch before heading home for an afternoon of school. One of my favorite aspects of homeschooling teenagers was taking place on the living room couches while I worked with my first grader on math and phonics. Jacob and Geneva engaged in a lengthy and vociferous debate about cosmology and philosophy, with neither admitting defeat when they were called upon to halt for supper. I look forward to eavesdropping when next they renew their debate. 🙂