Sky and Temperature: The  low temperature ranged from around 56, 57.The highs were around 82 to 86. It is feeling warmer. The skies are clear with a few clouds some days and on Friday almost all overcast. We may get some rain next week.

Land and Water: The ground is dry and some places it is cracked . There was no rain this week.  Water is only in lakes and ponds. The pools are warming up, almost warm enough to swim in. One student reported that the temperature of her pool water is 60 F. Another student jumped in his pool this week. It was COLD. It will be a while before pools are warm enough for swimming.

Plants: The orange trees are in bloom and the fragrance of fruit tree and acacia blossoms fills the valley.  Plants are getting greener.  The summer grass is starting to get greener.  Some spots are still brown because the grass hasn't had much water. The tree we are observing has turned from buds into leaves.  Fruit on orange and grapefruit trees are getting ripe. Some fruits are falling on the ground. Nectarine and other fruit trees have new blossoms. Weeds continue to grow.  Some blossoms are falling off fruit trees, and making piles of white blossoms on the ground. A layer of yellow pollen was seen on the cars in the neighborhood.

Animals: New minnows are swimming in the lake.  Scorpions have been seen crawling around. Birds are starting to build nests, and are constantly singing. Wasps were seen building new nests. Hummingbirds are getting nectar from the nectarine tree.  Flies are buzzing around near the grass. Crickets are chirping at night. Spiders are crawling around. Bees are getting pollen from the flowers. A lizard was spotted on the ground. A rattlesnakes was spotted in the mountains.  They hibernate during the winter and usually start coming out in March.  Birds are making nests in the saguaro cacti. One student thinks he heard a mountain lion roar while on a hike in the mountains.

People: Our field day was this week.  All of the students in the school went outside for a morning of fun and sports together.  We travel to stations as a class. Some of our activities include: tug of war, crab walk races, running the hurdles, hula hoops, football relay, parachute, cage ball kick over, basketball, and scoop in ball. We traditionally have field day the week before our spring break, because after spring break it usually gets too hot outside. On our field day, Wednesday March 12, most students wore shorts and a tee shirt out side. Some people wore sweats and soccer shorts. Most students still wear long pants and tee shirts to school. Sweatshirts, light jackets and sweaters are being worn in the morning.  Spring sports of soccer and baseball have started.  Next week we're off for a week of spring break.  Hope you have a great week.