Edna, some years H. lineata are so abundant here in the west that they are a pest. They are also one of the most widespread species of Spingidae world-wide. Being both diural and nocturnal fliers is probably why they are so easily noticed, even by folks who have little interest in Lepidoptera. Sherry, we can, but only the Black-chinned is always a year-round resident here; some years the Anna's, Costa's, Calliope or Rufous stay year-round; and all the other species are rare strays not seen in high numbers here. In SE AZ at places like Madera and Ramsey Canyons, they get way more species than we do by getting species from all over Central and South America. I've spent a lot of time at Madera Canyon, and just over the hill from Ramsey Canyon in Sawmill and Garden Canyons on the Fort Huachuca MR doing Lepidoptera. These areas are magnets for southern and tropical species not found anywhere else in the US normally, and is where many species records are first established in the US. Madera is known world wide for its Lepidoptera and Coleoptera as well as its birds. Both areas require a special permit to do Lepidoptera that is not easy to obtain (unless like me you've had the permits many times before and so have a history with the authorities). The Friends of Madera Canyon (aka The Riot Cops) is always a hoot there doing everything they can to deter you from the bugs there. A hoot because most of them are also octogenarians. LOL The state issued permit over-rides their jurisdiction, so I always looked at them as just cute old pests and was always friendly with them to leave a better impression of Lepidopterists. Larry, the leps pretty much ignore bottlebrush here. The hummers and other nectar feeding song birds love it though. Susan, when a thunderstorm wakes up a desert and makes it come to life, the literal wall to wall color and sweet odors that follow leave it anything but barren and colorless for a few weeks. Just between you and me, my favorite place on earth is still the high Rockies. If it wasn't for the deep snow and bitter cold that's where I would die. The pictured plant I think it is a variety of Tecoma stans.

Well we had an odd thing happen today. I called the sales center, manager on vacation. Whoever answered the phone said here is the # to the AC guy call him. Called and talked to his wife asked me bunch of questions does it do this is it frozen? OK husband will call for appointment. Meanwhile knock at the door its the AC guy! He was looking for a house with a problem, NOT OURS! My wife told him wrong house right problem. So he took a look anyway. Found a main trunk laying on the ground under the house. Said he sees it alot. Screwed it back together correctly and was on his way. Boy its cold in here! We were on our way for window units this weekend too. He saved our buts from melting. Now to get it level...... Thanks Rory

No questions are stupid.. the hot flash usually produces a very warm sensation in the head area.. and sweat follows..not always but most times..you may just experience an unnatural warmness without the sweat at times. It may start at the head and travel downwards through the entire body..its different with each individual.. this can be followed by chills as well, sort of a cooling off period..so basically you can switch from hot to cold in no time at all.

"Lady lawyer" (changed my screen name) is still in on the fun (even paid my $15) but things have been busy, busy, busy! The baby is now mobile (watch out!) and keeps me and his daddy running and laughing, he is quite the little "entertainer", he has little "tricks" he does just to make us laugh (he's either going to be an actor, like my little brother or a lawyer, like me). Work has been hectic too, some of the matters I have been handling recently have been extraordinarily complex (but that makes it all the more interesting). Then there's the seemingly never ending stream of baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and unfortunately, two funerals in the last two weeks alone . . . thank goodness I have a vacation coming up!