Cactus Flowers and Pickleball wind-up

This Prickly Pear is trying very hard to change its image and get cozy with bees and other flying insects. Unfortunately its bright and beautiful flowers will only last a couple weeks and soon it'll be back to its old aggressive ways again, trying to stick you as you walk by.

This is our mature Totem Pole in the back yard. I like it because it doesn't have spines or needles. This type of cactus tends to sprout new arms quite often but requires trimming to keep it balanced.

Not too long ago somebody was giving away Totem Pole arms they had trimmed from an overgrown plant. We picked up a couple 3 footers and took them home. We'll see if they survive the summer heat while we're away.

The process for transplanting is quite simple. Allow the cut end of the arms scab over and dry for 2-3 weeks. Plant them in sandy soil deep enough to prevent from falling over and give them a little water.
So far, so good. These two have been in the ground for a month and are still firm and healthy looking.  

Our Pickleball club had a wind-up party a couple nights ago. The theme was Hawaiian and as usual, we had a good time.  Everybody was joking about getting lei-ed, ha, ha,  especially the men. Come to think of it, it was only the men.