Saying goodbye to cactus, family

I have one in my dining room and I bet you can’t guess what it is.

It sits in front of the patio window, in between a silk fig tree and a chair. It is not the friendliest thing to bump in to . . .

Can you tell what it is?

It is a fishhook barrel cactus. One of the uncles gave it to Ashley when we visited Arizona a few years ago.

Have you ever backed into a barrel cactus? Don’t try to. It actually hooks into your skin.

I’m getting ready to leave Arizona and I am glad that I have a cactus at home to remind me of the southwest. Do you know how many species of cacti there are out there? I’ve been told over 2000, but who knows.

I do know that you cannot dig up a cactus. You will pay a heavy penalty and can go to jail. Anyway, let me share what I know about cacti.

First, a gorgeous cactus is the saguaro. The saguaro is similar to a tree. From what I understand, some can grow to 45 feet tall and live to 150 years. The saguaro can blossom. In fact, the saguaro blossom is the Arizona state flower.

Another favorite cactus of mine is the Ocotillo. This cactus grows long cane-like branches. They can also grow to 25 feet and have red flowers. This cactus looks great in a front yard.

Another adored cactus of mine is the prickly pear cactus. This cactus has leaves that look like flat pads. My mother-in-law used to tell me that the pads are like branches and that is where the prickly pear stores water.

Although, I have never tasted a prickly pear, the fruits are supposed to be edible. They are a vegetable and you can make them into jelly. I understand the prickly pear is rich in fiber and helps to keep blood sugar stable.

I suppose my final favorite is the cholla. Cholla cactus can have yellow, green, or orange flowers. These cacti can grow to one foot and up to 16 feet tall. The cholla stems are so brittle, that they break off easily and therefore, regularly reproduce. For that reason, the cholla has been referred to as a jumping cholla.

Well, I must say goodbye to the cactus and my family. To the prickly “pairs” of my trip, the grand dogs, Munster and Dessa, and grand cats, Psycho, and Wacko, you will be missed.

To my little barrel cactus Malia, you are hooked into my heart with your sweetness.

I bid farewell to my little cholla Ethan, who jumps and throws things, little Ethan things are everywhere.

I say adieu to Samantha, my caring and thoughtful daughter-in-law. You are gorgeous and have a long slender figure like the ocotillo.

And to Adam, my stalwart saguaro, you are a great husband and daddy. In that magnificent southwest panorama, you stand tall, just as the saguaro, working hard for your family. This enables Sam to stay home with the kids. Thank you.

As for me, my family continues to grow, whether in the southwest, east, or north. To my little Arizona Macks, don’t grow too fast, until I can see you again.