For a month and a half we lived on the desert, parked beside Uncle Edwin’s little house and kitchen trailer. The wind blew all the time. Every once in awhile a “duster” came along. That’s what the native’s called it but I thought it was a mini-tornado. If I had clothes drying on the clothesline the wind would scrunch them all up in one spot on the line. If Roland was out building a house he had to jump in the car for shelter and the wind would send his pile of lumber flying in the air, landing in a heap. One had to fight the wind to do any outside work.

One day we found a little Jack rabbit running on the desert. Roland placed him in my shoe to take a picture. He peed in my shoe. Then we set him free.

Baby jack rabbit

When April 11th arrived we celebrated Sandy’s very first birthday. Fascinated by the birthday cake she reached out to touch the lit candles. The ice cream and cake were a big hit. In the late afternoon, when it was cooler, Lesley took her for a ride in her wagon. Then she played outside in her playpen. 

We all enjoyed the desert. Roland found steady work building sheds and small houses. We liked being near Native Americans, watching them and learning their ways. The man always walked in front followed by his wife who carried the money to pay for things. The children were well behaved.

The landscape was dry and flat (and windy) but open, so different from all the trees in New England. The sunrises and sunsets were lovely. The sky was BIG.

While we stayed on the desert with Uncle Edwin, Roland built several buildings including a small store for Uncle Edwin to sell his wares; a tiny barn with double doors that opened to hang products on the inside of the doors. It stood near the street so passing cars could see the  inside.

The children, and Inky, our Cocker Spaniel, were loving the freedom of the desert. We bought a wagon for Lesley. She pulled Sandy around the front yard, and over to the goat pen to watch the goats. On quiet afternoons, when Sandy was napping, Lesley liked to draw. Here is a sample of the paper dolls she created, even adding bare feet to put on to go to bed.

Meanwhile the children were growing. Sandy would soon have her first birthday on April 11th and Lesley would be four on May 28th.

To those who are following this adventure in 1953 I must pause while I find some photos that I want to include. Please be patient. I’ll be back soon.