The Living Desert

You haven't heard from me for a couple of days. Mostly because we have been just soaking up the fabulous weather and wandering around town indulging ourselves in pool time, pedicures, and good food. 
But today was special. We met up with our friend and my former colleague Cathy McPeek, who moved out here in 2008. Cathy and I shared our work days, sitting side-by-side for seven years, and today, picked up right where we left off. Cathy is a keeper at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Those who know Cathy know she is a true lover of all kinds of animals. And she has a special place in her heart for the big cats. At the Living Desert, she has found a way to act on  that love every day. 
Cathy took us on a behind the scenes tour where we were up close to the animals while they had their morning meal. We learned how they manage the animals for feeding, transport, and medical care. And we visited the commissary where we saw how they prepare their food. We watched three cheetah sisters on their daily run and met Frankie, a very tame Kit Fox. It was fun to see that several of the animals recognized and reacted to Cathy's voice.

Next, Cathy took us up in the mountains where we enjoyed expansive views of the valley below and the Salton Sea 50 miles away.

After a delicious late lunch at Pinocchio's, Cathy took us on a driving tour of several neighborhoods where we had a close up view of some mid-century modern architecture. Thanks, Cathy, for a wonderful day!