Fleas, Dates, Shakes, and Iron

It was still raining when we got up this morning, so we decided to stay local.  We started with a trip to another flea market, where we saw some of the most precious little pups. The one Donna is holding is just about a handful, and won our hearts. She is a teacup Chihuahua. Fortunately Pris was with us and brought us back to reality:  "I'm number one in this crib."

You know we're always on the lookout for something to eat, so these bacon wrapped brats caught our eye.

Fortunately, we were able to resist, and ended up getting 4 tacos and a quesadilla with drinks for less than $10 at a small stand run by a family.  All the tortillas were made on the spot, along with salsa and of course all the meals. The people were so nice that I had to practically force money into their hands....they didn't seem to want anything except happy people.  And they had alot of happy people!

After lunch, we went looking for a date, shake that is, and ended up at the Imperial Date Garden in Winterhaven, CA.

The groves of trees are very impressive, and so was the shake!











We had managed to get ourselves about 30 miles out in the fields northwest of Yuma, so the drive home was a drag, except that we passed the US Army Yuma Proving Ground and a roadside display of some of the massive equipment that has been tested there over the years.

Originally, this area was part of Patton's WWII desert training area, and has been improved and modified over the years.  The facility continues to test, monitor and "prove" equipment and ordnance during the equipments' production life.

Possibly due to the rain and cool weather, the Ocotillo Cactus plants are blooming a bit early this year.  I understand that they only bloom for a very brief time, so we were fortunate to spot this plant at the outskirts of the YPG display.