The State Tree of Arizona

 Do they still have state trees, birds, etc.?  Well, regardless, I know what the state plant of Arizona should be.

But there probably isn't a state soil.  If there were, here is what the state soil of Arizona would be.

Just yesterday I gave up on an evening walk with my little dog because she got into the cholla again.  I had the needle-nose pliers along, and she is getting braver.  But still, when she squeals, it wounds me. 

If this sounds too critical of Arizona, how would you experience the sweetest pleasure of the desert unless it was set up by brutality?  The contrast is exquisite.

What could be more fresh, kind, merciful, and gentle than a desert after rain?