Boyce Thompson Arboretum (the place)

  Arrived kind of late to BTA, a little before 5PM, and considering I hadn't eaten anything today other than a bagel, cup of yogurt, and a handful of cookies, decided my first order of business would be dinner at Edwardos Pizzeria in Superior.  Superior is changing.  A new Family Dollar, a new medical clinic (at least I think that is what the sign said at 50 mph), etc.  Edwardos hasn't changed though.  I used to go there for lunch when I worked at BTA.  Eva, the owner, was nice enough to let me bring my own salad and then I would get Ranch dressing and iced tea from her.  Really enjoyed the opportunity to visit with her tonite.  She said all the butterflies and birds have left, at least at her house. 
  The area has been so dry this year.  Earlier in the summer the Picket Fire scorched a lot of the land between Picketpost Mountain and BTA.  How close did it get?  The palm trees behind the BTA sign at the front entrance have black trunks.  I'm curious to see the place in the daylight tomorrow.
  My history with BTA goes way back, back to 1984 when I completed a summer internship there.  From 2003-2008 I was the education director.  I must admit, there is a side of me that wishes I had not left.  I was given a lot of creative freedom during my time, and I think I carried that torch well.  I left BTA at the beginning of 2009 to be closer to my family in Ohio, and while the job situation in Ohio has not worked out like I had hoped, I have been able to spend some quality time with my parents, and they have received the chance to get to know their grandkids.  I really do think that family is important, and should trump career. 
  During the brief daylight that I had today I was able to chat with Ricky and Tammy, both groundskeepers, Bruce the business manager, and Sally the gift shop lady.  It was as if I had never left three years ago. 
  Tomorrow I will participate in the CAZBA annual butterfly count.  CAZBA stands for Central Arizona Butterfly Association.  I and a few other folks started CAZBA five or six years ago.  Marilyn Pavelin was the ring leader of our rag tag group I guess you could say.  The organization has really blossomed.  Marilyn has stepped back some to spend time with friends in California, and of course I have moved on to Ohio, but the group still chugs along great.  Makes me feel good to have been a part of it.
  Its raining outside!  WhooHoo!  I am staying in Apt. A.  A very old adobe house has been divided into three separate living quarters.  I lived in Apt. A the first 18 months that I worked at BTA, because my family had to stay behind in Pine to try to sell our house.  It was in Apt. A that my first novel, Hostile Lookout was born.  Apt. A has changed some, for the better.  New blinds, carpet on the floor, new paint.  Oh the stories I could tell about life in Apt A.  During my summer internship in '84 I lived in Apt. B.  That's a whole 'nother set of stories.  You'll have to buy Butterfly Rider the book to hear those tales!