Bugs and blossoms

On Friday and Saturday we hung around the ranch enjoying two very rainy days. Skies were overcast, the air was cool, and much-needed rain came down.

As the weather cleared up Saturday afternoon, the moisture brought a few changes. This little guy (over 1" long) appeared on our deck and caused a bit of consternation until we learned online that he's a juvenile Giant Mesquite Bug and not poisonous or harmful. I'll still keep my distance!

Overnight, our Texas Ranger bush went from 99% leaves and maybe 5 tired ol' blossoms . . . to this!

And when we came home from town this afternoon, the small bush is an explosion of blooms! We've enjoyed these colorful plants in Tucson for years, but I had no idea how quickly they react to monsoons.

I hope you had rain, too, if you needed it!