“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't, they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
― Ray Bradbury
This past week of road tripping has been filled with inspiring, summer scenery. In Las Vegas, I have to say the conservatory at the Bellagio hotel took our breaths away with their floral finery. For this seasonal display, their inspiration was the jungle, and wow, did they deliver!
All the displays are made from bits and pieces of florals, greenery, seeds, and wispy vegetation to create these life-like creations. The elaborate work is amazing, with no detail left undone. The giraffe in the feature picture reached up to dizzying heights. I loved the exhibit above of the zebras poking through the gilded frames--the picture doesn't do it justice, they stand at least 8-9 feet tall! On the upper right, see the black with white/gold spots?
It's a ginormous snake, coiled up on the palm tree trunk!
The lion king of the jungle was there too, flocked by birds in this paradise!
No monkeying around here! Leopards and birds with a tropical waterfall in the background!
With the magic of Las Vegas, we went from safari in the jungle to looking out across the fountains of the Bellagio over to the Eiffel Tower and Paris balloon whilst enjoying a leisurely lunch. It was a relaxing way to end an exciting, sunny day!
Our summer road trips have started out most fine. We're hitting the road again soon, stay tuned for more driving adventures! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Huge #ThankYou!
I so appreciate everyone who is reading my latest tale! I hope you are having fabulous time at the estate and enjoying those Monkey Glands. Just, well, you know...be careful! #Dun-Dun-Dun 🍇💀🍷
#MurdersWeWrite Noir and Pulp: Shadows, Dames and Fedoras!
Join authors Bibiana Krall, Cynthia Raleigh, and me (Amy Reade will rejoin us next time) on Sunday, June 12th at 4 PM EDT for our next, deadly chat in the Murders We Write room on the Clubhouse app. See you there!
A famous historian becomes history this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Clare Chase, Mystery at Lovelace Manor, an Eve Mallow Mystery Book 8, 5 ⭐
When Eve Mallow volunteers to help with Lovelace Sunday, the annual event commemorating a romantic interlude from the past that occurred at the stately Lovelace Manor, she soon runs into troublesome undercurrents. All is not well between the sister managing the estate and her younger brother who will ultimately inherit it. Will the family sniping dampen the festivities?
Television historian, Cammie Harington wants to bring the history of the manor into the public light, staging a festive, hot-air balloon launch to kick the celebrations off. When tragedy strikes, Eve believes the disaster may not be an accident. As she probes the relationship between the unlucky historian and the manor owners, she learns of jilted relationships and dark secrets that threaten to reveal the true history of happenings at the manor. As the deadly deeds continue, will Eve's sleuthing result in her becoming a victim too?
Author Chase weaves an intriguing whodunnit with unexpected twists. The characters, settings, and storyline kept this mystery lover entertained! I look forward to reading more of this cozy series, highly recommended!
Next up in the reading queue:
Atomic History Revealed!
During our visit in Las Vegas, the OH and I visited the National Atomic Testing Museum. I can't believe after all these years traveling to Sin City we never went to this treasure! The history, exhibits, and films gave you a great overview of this amazing time in scientific research and revealed many facts I never knew. Mercury, NV was the site for the majority of atomic testing--I can't believe the military and civilian watchers were fitted only with goggles---the atomic fallout from the blasts wasn't thought to be that bad... #GASP.
Truly a fascinating visit and I was able to pick up a bit of swag for my writing room (love my Miss Atomic Bomb 1957 sign 😍). I also tried a new libation labeled 'Rocket Piss'! In actuality it was a bitter butterscotch soda--probably won't be buying it again, LOL, but my OH is going to put lights in the bottle to keep things glowing!
👈As for this display item, not quite sure what scientific thing they had on their mind... 😲 #WhatHappensInVegas...
Welcome to my world! Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend, friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Speaking of SWAG, I hit the royal jackpot with my Platinum Jubilee goodies--ornaments, another tin sign for the writing room (I'm running out of wall), an almost royal cap, and Queenie sheep wrist warmers from across the pond in Yorkshire🥰! Hope you were able to watch some of the festivities--the Brits certainly know how to put on a show! #HearHear Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑 #QueensJubilee
P.S.S. Well, I wasn't in London for the Jubilee, but we did see and walk along a certain famous bridge from the royal city now standing tall in Lake Havasu! 💖👑 #LondonBridge
That jungle display must have been incredible! The Bellagio is on my bucket list. I've heard so much about their green displays.
The jubilee was quite a sight, wasn't it?? When those jets flew in a "70" formation I almost lost my mind. And the Paddington skit was unforgettable.
Have a great week, and safe travels! I'm sorry I won't be able to join you on Sunday.
Another wonderful Wednesday! When I first glanced at this week’s gorgeous photos, I thought it might be your pool area. Love the Bellagio! My sister was married there, and we (sis and OH’s) are all going to Vegas this summer! I’lol share this post with her. Lots of other wonderful Royal razzle dazzle in this list, too! I’m reading Blood on the Vines! Enjoy your road trip!
Jubilee, the London Bridge and Miss Atomic Bomb, seem like a proper news headline for a cozy mystery.🤩
I throughly enjoyed reading your new release and clapped for the happy ever after ending. Thinking we all need that right now…
Have fun and be safe road-tripping and wow in the jungle display. It‘s always fun to read your blog and look forward to them every Wednesday!