Loved the story. I didn't know wildflowers bloomed in the winter. A lot of your traditions are the same here in New Mexico. In fact, I think Arizona borrowed a few! Albuquerque is much different than Phoenix. We're at the far northern end of the Chihuahuan desert, and our altitude is close to 6,000 feet, so it gets plenty cold here, but still very dry. Nobody ever wants to come to New Mexico. They think it's hot like Phoenix. We only get on average 5 days a year of 100 degree temps. But that is changing. I love Phoenix (especially the TeePee Restaurant!), but I'm fine here.