Thanks, there does seem to be a lot to learn about arid-land gardening. Got a couple of books from the library on it, may plant some tough chollas rather than leafy things.   But, there is a raggedy old tree in the back yard, obviously has a great root system and drought tolerant, which was cut down and has sort-of continued to grow from its stump, with lots of leaves and jillions of suckers. I just started the process of cleaning that up, and will hopefully save a few main branches and their shade. I'll have to count that as my tree-planting effort, saving it from the carpenter's strong urge to rip it out with an excavator.   Also doing something similar with the desert willow in the front.

I can't begin to consider Christmas decorating or planting things that need consistent watering. My goal now is to get cards in the mail, get the bed done so I can move two dressers out of the middle of the living room floor, maybe find time for 2 refinishing projects, and buy a vehicle before January travel. Stay afloat in Gaelic, and pursue some music and mineral related goals. Life's niceties will have to wait til next year.