With the crazy cold weather we've had this spring more often than not (its cold rain again today), I doubt the evening primrose have come into bloom yet Edna. The Brassicaceae would be up in bloom well before the Onagraceae on the Mojave. The two most common yellow species around here are O. primiveris and C. californica. The californica could be called weedy looking, but not the primiveris. BTW, the main reason I used to pay attention to this group of plants had nothing to do with Lepidoptera. When I lived in St. George, Utah I was a member of the Utah Dept of Ag team that did the spring Gopherus agassizii counts. The desert tortoise in that area fairly reliably timed their emergence from their winter burrows in the spring to the blooming of two specific species of sand primroses that grew in that area. They rely on the blooms for a substantial feast at that time of year with the grasses just starting to come up. Anyway, that was the best time to get fairly accurate counts of an areas total DT population. I also did raptor and lepidopteran studies for several years for the UDA for a new wildlife preserve they were designating in that area mainly to protect critical habitat for DT's, Golden Eagles and two particular species of Lepidoptera. Lots of fun... miss those days.

I would do what you suggested and let the cat out of its box from time to time, but I would make very sure not to open the car doors while the cat was loose in the car, and it would probably be a good idea to prevent the dog from going near the cat. Maybe have one person take the dog out of the car (before you open the cat's carrier), and walk the dog, while the other one stays in the car and gives the cat a chance to do its business. Under no circumstances should anyone open a car door while the cat is free. By the way, the cat may well retain its "business" of both sorts until it gets into its new home and feels comfortable. I once flew from Boston to Tokyo with a cat and arranged to spend one night in a hotel in L.A. just so the cat could use its litter pan, but it didn't. No ill effects, however! I was quite worried at the time. As to the food, many cats only get to eat once a day and are fine with that, so do whatever you have to do to minimize the need for it to "go". Feeding well in advance of the trip will also help prevent motion sickness. During the trip, I would offer it water once in a while, though. You are also aware that once you get to your new home, the cat shouldn't be allowed out until it has really settled in--say for a week or two, right? (Because they sometimes panic and go off trying to find familiar surroundings.) Of course, if it is always an indoor cat, there is no problem with that, anyway. I hope all goes well with your move. We brought two cats here from Japan when we moved, and have had no problems.

Thanks, JOYY. She was in MANY 28-day programs, and even a six-week one a couple yrs. ago, but kept slipping and getting nearer death each time, so if she graduates, I told her she'd be practically bullet-proof. This program teaches one to cope w/ANY kind of stressful problem and to make better choices in life. I have faith that her life w/be different when she comes out. She kept saying "If I had only listened to AA and followed the teachings, and I'll never take AA for granted again, or be ungrateful for anything". Thanks again for concern.

Casey: how long is a "few days"? If you go thru north, then Valley of Fire SP (beautiful), Hwy 15 IS my DH favorite road to drive on, Springdale and Zion NP, Mt. Carmel tunnel and hike on the east side of it, Checkered mesa. If you have enough time: Bryce NP and Kodachrome SP. If not head south-east to Rt.67 to north side of Grand Canyon. Then to Page for a hike thru Antelope Canyon (I like Lower better). Then around to Rt 64 (Rim drive). It is all very scenic but a lo-o-ong drive. If you only have time for GCanyon: drive thru the Rim drive. If you have time to hike, November is a good month to go down to Colorado river and back in one day. If not all the way down, then atleast to Ahh Point from Yavapai point trailhead. Grandview trail is nice (steep) short hike. Yuo can take bus to Hermit point and hike along the rim back to village (9 mi) or take bus along the way back. Sunrise is good at Mather Point. Sunset at Hopi point (must take bus) or down at Ahh point (must hike). Good luck :o)