ALL THAT'S LEFT NOW ARE HEAT AND SAND...

...not quite hot enough to turn the sand to glass, but you won't be able to convince most that live here of that in a few months time.  For now, the bees are loving the few blooms that are left.

Ocotillo on the left; two different, interesting textures from one yucca, to the right.

Hard to see, but he's in there...

These look like Dotted Swiss to me.  Really dangerous Dotted Swiss.

And for those with a sweet tooth, THE sweetest kitchen in the Vegas Valley - ETHEL M'S FACTORY TOUR.  A self-guided tour along the machinery and conveyor belts, ala Lucy and Ethel (you know you were thinking it); ending with a small sampling of milk or dark chocolate, and a chance to pick up a "souvenir" or two dozen.  Open seven days a week - never a charge for the factory nor the gardens, and always a fun get-away from the hustle and bustle of The Strip.  The blooms are done until Spring next, but the cactus continue to amaze, year-round - they also decorate with lights for Christmas.  Drop by for a slightly different view of Vegas.  Happy Sunday - tomorrow is a BIG day!