Al fresco living in the Desert Southwest

"You just couldn't stay inside, could you?" teased my husband, Wayne, as he returned from running errands to find me wandering around aimlessly outdoors.  And I was guilty as charged.  When days in the Desert Southwest turn mild, I find every excuse to step out the back door into a world of sunshine, flowering plants, and contented animals.  And those mild days arrive early in the Desert Southwest.  Now just passed the Easter weekend, daytime temperatures are already in the 80's.

My philosophy is you can't be too rich, too thin, or have too many outdoor seating areas.  Here are some of ours.

 A great spot in a courtyard for enjoying morning coffee and discovering new bright orange flowers on the pomegranate tree.

Mid-morning is the perfect time for brunch by the kiva fireplace because the sun has moved on to the west and left this courtyard well shaded.

 A fire built in the horno provides a comfortable spot to relax on a chillier evening after the sun has set.

A pear tree provides shade for a vantage point to check out vegetables, herbs, and roses planted in the garden.

A seating area, complete with horno, is a welcoming spot for bathers seeking a little warmth as they emerge from the pool and jacuzzi.

A seating area in a native plant yard is THE place to watch the spectacular, colorful sunsets common in the Desert Southwest.

Ready for an informal chat with your significant other?  This front porch swing was made for relaxed conversations.


Outdoor living in the Desert Southwest provides a boost to the senses...

whether it be soothing sounds of a bubbling fountain...

the exciting prospect of seeing a hummingbird at the feeder outside the kitchen window...

or catching a glimpse of one of the outdoor feral cats we pamper with food, water, and a comfortable place to sleep.  This is Tommy, the tomcat.

I watch the nightly national weather reports and breathe a sigh of relief that our area of the country does not have rain, snow or ice to contend with.  But wait!  What did the weatherman just say about spring winds for the rest of the week?  40 to 50 mph?  Oh yeah.  We do have those spring days in the Desert Southwest as well.  So much for al fresco living this week!