Dreams from Biancavilla

  We left Laura and Megan‘s lovely home, as well as my new full-on crush, their dog named Winnie, to head for Palm Springs.  Poolside at Laura and Megan’s  Winnie Sunset over neighbor’s house I guess I can get snacks on my walk But occasionally, a bit of northern Minnesota shows up We were joyfully greeted in Palm by our friends the Edbergs, who whisked us away from our hotel shortly after we arrived, and brought us to a fun tiki bar called Bootlegger Tiki. These two are always fun, always have some new adventure brewing, and were curious about our first Sicily jaunt. So many fun and engaging questions! We primed ourselves before heading off to Boozehounds, a restaurant which serves both humans and dogs. The food was incredible, although I can speak only for the human food.  I had the pork belly ramen; Joe had the sea bass fish & chips; we all had cocktails, wine, etc.  It was an evening of way too much fun that ended far too soon! No chance to sleep in or sleep off anything the ne

  We spent a breathtaking afternoon at the Desert Botanical Gardens to see “Chihuly in the Desert”. No further words are needed. Enjoy the scenery: “Fiori Boat” 2018 “Desert Towers” 2008 Octopus cactus in foreground  “Opal and Amber Tower” 2018 “Salvaged Ironwood” sculpture  In 1980, Phil Hebets originated a tree boxing methodology that enabled over one million native plants to be salvaged rather than bulldozed. The salvage process allowed municipalities to pass ordinances requiring native plants to be saved and replanted in developments. These events, together with revisions to Native Plant Laws, championed by Phil, completely changed the face of landscapes in the desert southwest. Shade Garden “Lime and Lava Red Tower” 2021 “Neodymium Reeds” 2016 Artichoke Sundial “Red Reeds” 2016 “Sol del Citrón”, 2014 “Desert Fiori” 2021 “Aqua Blue and Amber Chandelier,” 2011 Kniphofia variation Stone carving (permanent garden fixture; not part of Chihuly exhibit) “Neodymium Reeds” 2016 Desert Prai