In late June, the monsoon rolled into town several weeks ahead of schedule. It began with a blast of white dust and mist, followed by a spectacular display of horizontal lighting (Tucson gets more lightning strikes than any other city in America).

Just before the rain, the creosote bushes perfumed the air with memories of the ocean that once filled this valley. Within minutes, the washes were flooded, and rescue crews were pulling cars out of the underpasses -- at the expense of the owners under Tucson's "Stupid Motorist" law.

We finished our porch just in time. Now there's nothing to do but unplug the computers, turn off the lights, and enjoy the show.