Wooden beams~SkyWatch Friday 052810

I looked up and saw these beautiful wooden beams in the garden center at the Living Desert Reserve last weekend. Aren't they interesting? Behind them are several California fan palms. SkyWatch Friday for May 28, 2010.

African village~Window Views and Doors, Too~May 27, 2010

This is the gift shop of the African village at the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA. When we arrived last weekend, it had not opened yet because, as members, we got there an hour before it opened. I love the roof and the shadows it makes! Window Views and Doors, Too for May 27, 2010.

"S"...ABC Wednesday, May 26, 2010

"S" is for SHADE. Shade is very important to us who live in the desert southwest. Being in the shade can lower the temperature outdoors by several degrees in the SUMMER. Even on a mild Spring day, being in the shade can lower the temperature. This shade is at the Meerkat Cafe at the Living Desert Reserve, in Palm Desert, CA. After walking around for an hour last weekend, my uncle and I stopped here to sit in the shade. Isn't it a beautiful patio? There were several hummingbirds buzzing around, getting nectar from the shrubs that were blossoming. Other small birds enjoy the shrubs, too! ABC Wednesday for May 26, 2010.

Unusual plant~Living Desert~That's My World 052510

Saturday morning was a gorgeous one here in our desert and I was able to visit the Living Desert. I spotted this unusual plant near the African gardens. I have no idea what it is. Maybe one of you know? The lone one towered over 10 feet above us, while the bunch was about 4 feet high. That's My World for Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

Statue~Round Robin Challenge 052210

I went to the Living Desert Reserve with my uncle yesterday. He is in his 80's and enjoyed getting out and about with his camera (a Nikon). We got there before the park opened, since we are both members. Unfortunately, the giraffes weren't out, so I took a picture of the giraffe statute outside their enclosure. The keepers were busy cleaning up and their alfalfa was up high (their breakfast). I wish we had seen them, but maybe another time!

Round Robin Challenge for May 22, 2010. Here's the link to Round Robin: http://roundrobinphoto.blogspot.com/

Mistletoe tree~SkyWatch Friday 052110

This dead-looking tree is full of mistletoe. Trees here in the desert do get mistletoe and, as you can see, this one is loaded with it. I believe it is a palo verde, since there is another one like it across the parking lot. SkyWatch Friday for May 21, 2010.

How long does litter last?~~Think Green Thursday 052010

I came upon this sign at Red Rock Canyon, which is located outside Las Vegas, NV. Against the beauty of the red rocks, it really gave me something to think about. Three years ago I started a plastic bottle recycling program at my school. I recycle the bottles the kids bring me and send the proceeds to a horse rescue in Northern California. Sometimes $40 will rescue a horse off a slaughter-bound feedlot. The kids have been pretty good about bringing in bottles from home, although this year, with the economy like it is, they aren't participating as much. Think Green Thursday for May 20, 2010.