Far from the bright lights

After our day of Las Vegas excess, namely a Cheesecake Factory lunch and a double pepperoni pizza dinner, Dad and I atoned last night. We went to Trader Joe's shopping and I made salmon with sauteed vegetables.  Tonight, an old-fashioned meatloaf dinner he's been hungry for.

Floyd Lamb Park was peaceful and deserted this morning.



 Just us and the birds on a brilliant winter day.  I guess everyone is busy doing last minute Christmas stuff.

On the drive home, just for the heck of it, we followed a sign for "The Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary" and found a hidden treasure.

My sister has lived in Las Vegas since the 1970's, so I'm feeling pretty smug to discover a place she's never been.

The Gilcrease Orchard Farm Market is big and famous, but the little animal sanctuary is apparently owned by the "other" Gilcrease brother.  Once in the desert, the Sanctuary is surrounded by new housing developments.

A delightful place to walk the level paved paths, and see hundreds of animals. Exotic talking birds to goats, turkeys, turtles, ponies and pot-bellied pigs.

We've never been so close to a giant ostrich. What a winsome creature.  He had big, soft, lovely eyes like a horse. Who knew? Anyway, a new favorite place to go in North Las Vegas.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and I fly back to the rain tomorrow afternoon.

Have a wonderful weekend.