To My Favorite Kids,
I just wanted to drop a little note to let you know how much I miss you. After a long car ride, I have made it to Arizona. I saw lots and lots of cacti along the drive. While coming here, I drove through "Joshua Tree National Forest." I couldn't help but think how fun it would be to have a field trip with my favorite kids to see this pretty desert landscape with Joshua Tree's and Cacti.
The Arizona deseret is filled with Saguaro Cacti. These plants grow very slowly -- perhaps an inch a year -- but to a great height, 15 to 50 feet. The largest plants, with more than 5 arms, are estimated to be 200 years old. That's ancient! Most old Saguaro have 5 arms and are about 30 feet tall. WOW! I think it is amazing how big this ancient plants grow.
The best part of the Saguara Cactus is the flowers. Creamy-white, 3-inch-wide flowers with yellow centers bloom May and June. Clustered near the ends of branches, the blossoms open during cooler desert nights and close again by next midday. The sweet flower nectar, together with the color of the flower, attracts birds, bats and insects. I guess it is a tastey treat in the hot desert. :D
After a lot of hard work, I am almost done unpacking. Without a pile of boxes in every room, our apartment is looking more like home - just hotter:D.
It is still hot here. Yesterday's high was 110 degrees. WOW! We drink LOTS of water - and frozen chocolate milk on a straw - fudgsicles.:D
My days are busy unpacking and job hunting, which keep my mind busy. However, when I have a quiet moment tears fill myeyes and heart for all I miss at home in Salt Lake. Throughout the day, I think about my kids and what they are doing. I know they are having lots of fun with Mrs. Panter, but wish I could be there with them.
The little things are what I miss the most: caotic mornings with 15 kids telling me about silly adventures after school, quiet taps on my shoulder to get my attention, the lull of talking in the classroom, big eyes looking up at you (even though you are the short teacher), small hands staying in at recess to help, big smiles, and twinkles of laughter.
Most of all I miss my goodbye hugs. So I am sending one through this letter and hope it gets to you. Remember I am always in your heart as your best friend and cheerleader. When you need a little cheer or hug, just hold your owl and my love will find you.
I can't wait to hear how much fun you have had with Mrs. Panter this week.
Sending Pixie Dust,
Mrs. Yates
500 North Metro Blvd.
Apt. #2288
Chandler, AZ 85226
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