Adaptability and gratitude

Adapting to the world's record heat, and to eight months of a soft diet, are my main focuses lately. Today I watered again in 110° heat. And the dentist took my old denture that had been fastened to implants and relined it for a temporary denture. It was never made for that, and is too painful to wear. I get the implants installed in October. Then it'll be another four months before the new teeth can be attached to them. So I'm doing my best to adapt. 

I feel so much gratitude for so much. That the dental technology even exists for me to eventually eat normally. And having water to keep the oasis lush and green. It's doing just fine as long as I keep watering. Today I discovered there are two Crissal Thrashers hanging around. I heard them calling back and forth to one another. So cool! I got my best photos ever of the species.

It was dismaying to see a tiny bird stuffing food into the mouth of a huge fledgling cowbird. I believe the small bird is a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher.

Lots of dragonflies around to keep me entertained while watering. I think this one is an Eastern Ringtail.

Here's a shot I got of a Scissortail Flycatcher north of Alpine a couple of days ago that I rather like.

I have so much to be grateful for. I think my foot is getting better. It still hurts, and almost daily I do something to make it hurt worse, but I think I'm walking without limping. That means something is improving. I'm really grateful for my good life and health. I wouldn't trade lives with anyone.