Springtime - Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden, Las Vegas, NV

As the spring season approaches flowers begin to bloom; birds start to sing and we observe inspiring sights with colors everywhere. One place to really experience springtime celebration is at Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden. 

Each season, the enormously talented Horticulture and Engineering teams at Bellagio Hotel transform the 14,000-square-foot Botanical Garden into a showcase. Yesterday, we drove down to Bellagio to see an International celebration of Spring featuring four of the most renowned Spring festivals: The Chelsea Flower Show, The Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, the Tulip Festival in Holland and Songkran (Thai New Year’s, 13 April every year). 

The Chelsea Flower Show

The Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival

The Tulip Festival in Holland

Songkran

Here are few more photos of Springtime:

We hope as you look at these photos, you will experience resilience of spring, the continuation of health and forward movement as you see the promise of resurrection in springtime. Have a blessed day!

Today's Thought - Adversity

Proverbs 24:10 – “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”

Walt Disney made dreams come true, but he occasionally encountered some nightmares of his own—times when everything went wrong for him. Out of his struggles he developed an optimistic philosophy. “All the adversity I’ve had in my life,” he said, “all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me.” (Source: The Quotable Walt Disney. Disney Enterprises, Inc., 2001).

The strengthening power of adversity is universally true. Sports teams don’t win without opposition. Wisdom isn’t gained without mistakes. Leaders don’t rise to greatness without crises and tough times.

Don’t faint in the day of adversity. Remember a person’s moral strength is only seen when it is truly tested. The Lord draws near to us in tough times and helps us trust Him in days of difficulty. Hardship is sometimes a help to holiness, and roadblocks are signposts directing us in a better way. Lean on the Lord in adversity, learn from Him, and let Him lead you through it.

Have a blessed day!

Rachel, Nevada/Area 51 - Part II

Continue on our journey to Rachel, Nevada, we stopped at the world famous Little A’Le’Inn. An eatery, lodging, and endless information for UFO seekers on the Extraterrestrial Highway (NV-375).

Here we decided to support the small restaurant by having lunch. I had the world famous Alien Burger while Nan had Turkey Sandwich. We also checked out the unique wall displays of UFO photos.

A truck capture an UFO

Little A'le'inn Bar

World Famous Alien Burger

Wall displays of UFO photos

UFO Self Parking

In 1966 the producers of the movie Independence Day, which filmed some scenes in Rachel, gave the town a time capsule to be opened in 2050. 

Afternoon, we went back on NV-375 to Rachel, NV. Driving on we encountered signs declaring “open Range.” Digging little bit of Nevada Law, NRS 568.355 defines “open range” to mean “all unenclosed land outside of cities and towns upon which cattle, sheep or other domestic animals by custom, license, lease or permit are grazed or permitted to roam.” So the signs, NRS 568.360(1) immunizes cattle owners from liability to motorists for collisions with cattle (or other domestic animals running on an open range: "No person, firm or corporation owning, controlling or in possession of any domestic animal running on open range has the duty to keep the animal off any highway traversing or located on the open range, and no such person, firm or corporation is liable for damages to any property or for injury to any person caused by any collision between a motor vehicle and the animal occurring on such a highway."

Further down to Rachel, we stopped to take a photo of the Black Mailbox. Apparently this "Black Mailbox" is a mysterious meeting place for UFO hunters near Area 51.

Finally, we arrived in Rachel, NV. 

You can't see it with all the stickers, but the sign says, "Welcome To Rachel Nevada. Population: Human YES Aliens ?"

Rachel was founded in May 1973 by a local alfalfa farmer named D.C. Day. The community was first known as Tempiute Village, and then later as Sand Springs (Source: "A Short History of Rachel, Nevada," by Joerg H. Arnu, Jan 6, 1996).

The Historical Marker near the old gas station was missing the day we were there. It talks about D.C. Day founding Rachel, NV.

On Feb. 15, 1978, the town was renamed to Rachel after the first baby born in the valley, Rachel Jones (1978-1980).

Rachel Jones died on May 24, 1980. In memory of her, Rachel residents created a cemetery and memorial park.

Rachel, NV was mentioned in a two-part episode of The X-Files entitled “Dreamland.”

From Rachel, we drove about 10 miles on a dirt road to reach the gate of Area 51. 

Did we find any Aliens? The answer is No. But we did find many nice people who are kind and delightful. Great journey with a lot of historical knowledge surrounding the city of Rachel, Nevada. Until next journey, thanks for coming with us. Enjoy the photos. Blessings!

Rachel, Nevada/Area 51 - Part I

We took a trip out to Rachel, Nevada along Hwy 93 and Nevada Highway 375 (the “Extraterrestrial Highway). Rachel is 151.4 miles north of Las Vegas Strip close to Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51.

At the junction of U.S. 93 and NV-318/NV-375, we stopped at an uncanny rest area with punchy character. E.T. Fresh Jerky “the best Alien jerky in Nevada” as they say. It seems like an endless range of jerky from Buffalo, Elk, Turkey, Venison, and Beef. We purchased few Alien jerky to help with their business.

Driving on NV-318, about 0.7mi on the corner of NV-318 and NV-375 we stopped to take photo of famous “Extraterrestrial Highway” sign.

Continue North on NV-375, we visited the Alien Research Center. Outside, a 35-foot-tall sheet metal alien sculpture named “Fred” invites curious travelers. 

It’s a gift shop that sells UFO, SciFi and other probing items. 

There is nothing around except a nearby ranch which is on a private property, viewable only from the highway; the rest is desert.

We’ll continue with part II, and tell you about Little Ale’Inn, Open Range, the Black Mailbox, etc. 

Thanks for reading and enjoy the photos. Blessings!