Early morning photo outing

Well, Jake left yesterday and headed back home to the Adirondack Mountains. Since his departure, we've had even more earthquakes. I felt three yesterday! The first one made the couch shake and then the other two gently wiggled the bed. Enough to make me nervous thinking the BIG ONE was coming any minute!

Brian and I went out this am to do one of my favorite things while I am here. I love to scour the neighborhoods for old gates. Last time, we scoured many of the streets of the "old" neighborhoods and this year, we aimed for streets we had not been down. We could see many cacti just about to burst open into bloom. I think that due to the late rains, and some hot days coming, I bet we can get photos of a few more.

Finished succulent wall art!

Thursday - Crafty business

When Brian's Aunt and Uncle were in town a couple weeks ago, his Uncle created a succulent frame after they went to Lotus (a local greenhouse). We went to Lowes and got lots of succulents, purchased spanish moss and with the left over cactus dirt at home, created this.

Desert rain....

We had quite the wind storm last night. Upon awakening this morning, we could see lots of debris in the pool. Weather prediction was for showers today. Funny how it rains here...THere will be blue sky overhead yet suddenly you feel a few sprinkles and then you hear the hush of rain and then suddenly it's gone again.

Every day and every hour during the day, the sun and shadows present different opportunities of color and texture.

Color in the desert

Wow, can you believe how beautiful the color is in this flower? Early morning and late day photos are a requirement in the desert. The sun comes up slowly and gently begins warming the day. Once you hit around 9:00 am, the sun starts beating down like a drum to quickly warm everything around you. I would call it HOT out by 10:15 am.

Palm Springs

Well, we made it to Palm Springs after a long day of traveling. We received a wonderful treat and were treated to first class seating the whole way out. Fabulous!!! Well, day one's primary goal was to warm up. Check! Followed by a tanning appointment at 4:30. Nothing is ever easy is it? I get sprayed and feel like the Coppertone girl until the dogs shake on me and I start to drip. Haha then I washed my hands and they ran then I touched my neck and that ran. Holy moly, it was almost a bad deal. Luckily I stopped with the water and relaxed. When the tanning gal says don't get wet for 7 hours, she means it. I am sure that I have a run somewhere on me that i can't see but that'll be another story (once I discover it).

Zoku pops... look great but a little tricky. I learned this morning that you can't put in liquids that have fake sugar. Took about 2 hours to get them out of the container to start over. This next batch will be just some Pom poured in and we'll see if that one pops out.