HAPPY EASTER FROM THE VEGAS DESERT...

Spring is upon us here in the dry, sandy desert landscape - she doesn't produce much in the way of the lasting blooms that most people are used to (not to mention ours are usually nestled amongst sharp spines - our bunnies have longer ears and feet, too), but when the season begins, Mother Nature provides a pretty vivid one. One of the best places in town for the bright cacti blooms is Ethel M's Cactus Garden...it's the best place in town for Easter Candy, as well.  Jack (this was a young one) knows it - I know it.

A quick stop the other day - a little early for the full effect, but a few early bloomers made the trip worthwhile.  Once the cactus start blooming, it's over in a flash...for an entire year.

Dangerous beauties!  The cactus in the upper left has the most beautiful pale blooms, and the most deadly looking spines.

From my house to yours, Happy Easter - Happy Spring!  XOXO...Tanya

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE - 4/14/14's BLOOD MOON

My "12-year-old self" had me outside in the backyard between 10:30 and midnight (PST) last night, watching the progression of the total lunar eclipse that resulted in a gorgeous Blood Moon (and see that cool little star on the right hand side?!).  I cop to humming strains from Pink Floyd while sitting alone on the ground, hoping it was too cold, and late, for scorpions.  From my 12-year-old self to you, Moon Man and Mom, since I know the Denver skies weren't conducive to star gazing last night...

No mistaking this for anything BUT what it was, this time around (for those that caught the Space Station post a few months back) - I still never went and bought that tripod, but managed fairly well.  These, and the set of photos below, are in clockwise order, starting from the upper left.

Lunar eclipses occur when the moon is in the "full moon" stage and passes through part or all of the Earth's shadow, darkening the moon's typically bright glow.  During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is entirely immersed in Earth's shadow, and can take on a dusky "blood red" color, due to the scattering of sunlight through the edges of the Earth's atmosphere.  Such moons are sometimes nicknamed "Blood Moons"...(FOX NEWS SCIENCE)

Last night's lunar eclipse was the first of four total lunar eclipses to occur between April 2014 and September 2015.  If you missed last night's happening, the next will take place on October 8th, and is also expected to be visible from much of North America.

"And if the band you're with starts playing different tunes, 

I'll see you on the dark side of the moon"...Pink Floyd's Brain Damage

THE KING OF COOL - BRYAN FERRY at THE PALMS

Yes, most DEFINITELY "The King of COOL"...legendary BRYAN FERRY, frontman for the classic 70s band Roxy Music, and an incredible solo performer, in his own right...last night at The Pearl inside the Palms Casino.  Surprised with tickets purchased at the beginning of the year by my dear friends, Jackie and her sister Christy (for whom the buildup/anticipation was almost more than she could bear last night).  A FABULOUS!!! concert - I don't remember when I've seen a sold out crowd THAT animated or more "into" a performance!  Thanks for the evening out, Chicas...music and laughs shared among friends, and all was right with the world, for a few hours at least.  Loved this cover of J. J. Cale's "The Same Old Blues"...

And for those not quite sure who we saw, one of Roxy Music's signature songs from 1975 - Love is the Drug...attack of the FLASHBACK!

A HEART LIKE MINE...DWIGHT YOAKAM

First night out, 2 weeks post-surgery...couldn't have asked for a better way to spend it - 10th row, center stage, watching Dwight do what Dwight does best.  Back in a few with an updated blog, but enjoy the toe-tappin' happiness below, in the meantime.  Happy April - it's truly "in like a LION" in Vegas today...looking forward to the LAMB days!  XOXO