It is so funny to see a story about Arizona on the national news during our monsoon season. They act like we are having these horribly dangerous storms and it is so terrifying, and then they usually show a picture of a wall of dust as it moves through the valley.
Little does everyone know that we look forward to these storms. It brings the possibility of rain, spectacular sunsets, and cooler weather after the storm. The monsoon was in full swing this last week, and we got some great downpours. Because we don’t get very much rain it is a real treat. Here is a few ways you know you are in Arizona during a rainstorm:
1. When the monsoon hits, you pull your chair up to the window to watch it rain.
2. You wake your daughter out of a sound sleep to tell her it is raining. She doesn’t even get mad at you for waking her up, but hurries out of bed so she can watch the rain.
3. You grab your camera and take pictures of the water pouring off of the roof.
4. You text your husband at work to let him know it is raining at home.
5. After texting your husband, you get on Facebook to let all your friends and family know it is raining. There are already 30 status reports on your news feed talking about how happy they are that it is raining.
6. You walk around your house smiling.
7. You think 110 degrees really doesn’t feel all that bad if there is rain involved.
8. You decide to take a drive just so you can see the rain drops on your windshield.
9. The car in front of you is only going 10 miles an hour on the freeway because no one in Arizona knows how to drive in the rain.
10. When you go to church on Sunday, the pastor mentions the fact that it rained and the entire congregation claps and cheers.
So if you see some tragic story about a rainstorm in Arizona on the news, don’t worry, we are all happy here. In the meantime, in case it isn’t raining where you are, here is a delicious popsicle recipe made with fresh blueberries and lime to help you get through the summer heat!
Blueberry Lime Popsicles
-
2 1/2 c fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp. lime juice
- 1/3 c sugar
- 3 Tbsp. water
- Place blueberries in blender or food processor.
- Add the lime juice, sugar, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Pour liquid into a fine-mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Use a spoon to smash berries and get as much liquid as possible into the bowl.
- Pour blueberry puree into popsicle containers. Place a few fresh blueberries into the container as you pour in the puree, if desired.
- Don’t fill all the way full as the puree will expand when freezing. Insert sticks into puree. Cover with plastic wrap, pushing sticks through the plastic.
- Freeze overnight. When ready to eat popsicles, place bottom of container in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the popsicles from the container.
Recipe from Bon Appetit Magazine, June 2011
Cook AZ I Do 
Sounds good Shari, did you like these popcicles? How was the consistency?
I have found a few popcicle recipes here http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/popsicle-recipes?page=1. I think the Thai Iced Coffee and the Strawberry Balsamic Basil sound the most interesting. I’ll let you know after I’ve tried them.
I did like these popsicles, Ginny. They were sweeter than I thought they would be. You taste the blueberries more than the lime. The consistency was just like a normal popsicle from the store, kind of icy. I think next time I might substitute lime for the water, and see if the flavor of the lime juice comes through more, but I did enjoy them very much. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
LoL with the rain…..
the pop ice sounds perfect for my tropical climates
Thank you for laughing at my jokes about the rain, Dedy!:) These popsicles would be perfect for a tropical climate – very refreshing. They were super simple to make, too. I appreciate you stopping by to comment.
This. Is. Brilliant. I am bringing this recipe with me to a family get-together in a couple of weeks. These are going to be a hit!
I found the list about rain amusing but also very interesting. Such a different climate than the one I’m used to. The next time I see Arizona + rain on the news, I will think of your post and how people don’t mind being awakened from a deep sleep to watch the rain.
Thanks, Ruth! I hope your family likes them. They were fun to make. You mentioned we live in a very different climate than you. Do you mind if I ask where you are from? Everything on this list actually happened at one time or another during the monsoons. That is what happens when you are rain deprived!:)
I live in the Canadian Rockies, where moisture isn’t usually a problem. 🙂 That’s one of the reasons I love reading your blog — besides the photos and the good writing, I like learning about life in a different climate. Although, I must confess, sometimes I get a little envious of gardening talk early in the year when we’re still shovelling snow! 🙂
I have seen a little bit of Canada, and it was so beautiful (the western part). Also, my husband went to visit his uncle in northern British Columbia a couple years ago. I got to see the pictures, and it was amazing. I can see why moisture isn’t usually a problem there!:) Thank you so much for your kind comments about my blog.
Absolutely TOO funny, Shari! I remember when we lived in Scottsdale in the 80’s, we would CELEBRATE the monsoon rains! I just love the second photo in your blog! And I’d not only like to thank you for such a sweet summer popsicle recipe, but for also bringing back such happy memories of my very brief (5 years) time in the wonderful Valley of the Sun! PS: It’s been raining torrentially here in SC and we are now wetter than Miami and New Orleans (the two top wettest cities in the country). My garden is basically drowned this year! Oh well, thank goodness for fresh markets who truck fresh produce in! xoxo!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Roz! I am so glad I brought back happy memories to you. CELEBRATE is the perfect word for how we feel when it rains. I’m sorry about your garden this year! That must be disappointing. Every year is so different with a garden, isn’t it? You never know what is going to grow well and what isn’t, if anything. It sure is fun trying, though. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
This one really made me laugh. I need to stop reading your blog now because I am getting so hungry.
Thanks for your comment, Andy! It’s always such a fun surprise to see you here. Maybe you can pick something from the blog that I can make you when you come home for Christmas!:)