Get ready for a sizzling summer at Shangri La Ranch! We've got a fantastic lineup of activities and events planned for July, along with a sneak peek at what's coming in August and September. Plus, we've got some important tips to help you stay safe and comfortable during these warmer months.

July is here, and with it comes a refreshing wave of activities and events designed to help you beat the heat and make the most of your summer! 4th of July weekend includes: The Cafe being open for lunch on friday, Saturday music by the pool with DJ Gaz and Dance at night with DJ Frankel, Sunday will conclude the weekend with poolside music as well. July 12th holds Skinny Dip Day with the annual pool picture at 1pm. Our sparkling pool remains the heart of the ranch, offering a perfect escape for swimming, lounging, and cooling off. 

Green waste: what is it? Essentially, it is the broken branches, fallen leaves, seed pods and blossoms, pruning and clippings, and any other organic material from a plant, bush or tree — and SHANGRI LA RANCH generates tons of it. Most of the debris can and will be mulched into a compost that is available for gardens here as well as local organic farms, so it’s actually not waste at all!

We remind you that each resident is responsible for maintaining his or her lot. It can be a tough job, especially in the summertime when temperatures are well past the century mark and the weeds grow like, well, weeds! The maintenance crew thanks everyone who takes to the challenge and helps keep our community looking nice as well as safe from fire hazards. So now the question is: “where can I go with all my garden debris?” Notify the office when you have green waste ready to be hauled away. If there is an abundance of material, request a trailer and one will be brought for convenience. Also, let us know if the branches are too big, too high, too heavy, and you need help.To make the composting process real easy for everybody, please refrain from dropping off green waste at mulch pile. Instead, simply leave cuttings and debris by the roadside in front of your place and our crew will pick it up. We also have a utility pick-up available so now the chipper can go mobile if necessary!
The Ranch invested last year in a new Vermeer BC700XL brush chipper powered by a Kohler Command Pro 25 horsepower, 747 cubic centimeter internal combustion engine with electronic fuel injection, a Hewlett-Packard 5710-A dual-column gas chromatograph with flame analyzation detectors and … oh sorry, got carried away. Well anyhow, Don is quite proud of it!
It is an amazing machine but it cannot chip everything, especially succulents like agave, aloe vera, cacti, and the like. These plants are very fibrous which the internal blades will not cut. Also, if debris has been raked or shoveled, it cannot go through the machine because rocks and pebbles are a giant no-go. In the past, the compost area became a tangled mess of material that can and cannot go through the chipper. 
Here are tips to make this process work:
 BRANCHES – pile in one direction to make them easy to pick up and feed into the chipper;
 CACTI, SUCCULENTS – keep separate from other debris and visible (no surprises);
 USE NO BAGS – they are difficult to lift and empty, an unnecessary waste and, again, no surprises;
 WEEDS, SEED PODS, LEAVES, & BLOSSOMS – rake into a pile or place in a bucket (trash barrels are available by the chipper or request for one to be delivered).
Let’s double down on that second point. Recently, a new pair of gloves was rendered useless because a pile of oleander branches were laid on top of some nopales paddles and the Fiberglass-like needles were immediately woven into the fabric. Needless to say, the fingers were not amused.
We are working together to make this process easier on everyone and to keep our home on the Ranch beautiful.

Summer in Arizona is synonymous with sunshine, but with that beautiful glow comes the responsibility to prioritize safety. Whether you're enjoying our refreshing pool or exploring the surrounding desert, a few simple precautions can ensure your summer is filled with nothing but good times.

First and foremost, hydration is key. The dry desert air can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Electrolyte-rich drinks can also be beneficial, especially if you're active. Sun protection is equally vital. Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply frequently, especially after swimming. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, light-colored clothing offer additional protection from harmful UV rays.

When using the pool, always supervise children closely, and never swim alone. Be mindful of pool rules and depths. If you venture beyond the ranch, inform someone of your plans and carry ample water. Be aware of local wildlife and their habitats, and avoid disturbing them. By taking these simple yet effective steps, you can ensure a safe, healthy, and incredibly enjoyable summer here at Shangri-La Ranch

The Sonoran Desert is home to an array of incredible creatures, and one of the most remarkable survivors of our scorching summers is the Harris's Antelope Squirrel ($Ammospermophilusharrisii$). Unlike many desert animals that are nocturnal, this small, spry rodent is often active during the day, even when temperatures soar.

So, how does it manage? The Harris's Antelope Squirrel employs a fascinating technique known as "heat dumping." When its body temperature rises, it flattens itself against cooler surfaces, like rocks or shaded patches of ground, allowing excess heat to dissipate. It also has a remarkably efficient circulatory system that helps regulate its internal temperature. Furthermore, they are adept at finding shade and will often dart between shrubs and rocks to avoid direct sunlight. Their diet, which includes seeds, fruits, and insects, also provides them with much-needed moisture. These clever adaptations allow the Harris's Antelope Squirrel to thrive in an environment that would be unbearable for many other animals, making it a true symbol of resilience in our desert landscape

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 TBSP lime juice
• Zest of 2 small limes
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• Nilla Wafers, Graham Crackers or Fruit for Dipping

Instructions

1. Combine cream cheese, lime juice and zest, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on high for two minutes.
2. Next, add the heavy whipping cream and mix on medium for one minute.. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator before serving. Serve with Nila Wafers, fruit, or graham crackers for dipping.

The fun doesn't stop in July! As we look ahead to August and September, we're already cooking up some exciting plans. Anticipate events like our 3 DJ Dance where each of our DJ's play a few songs and then move on to the next and other themed dances. Stay tuned for more details on these and other fantastic events as the dates draw closer. We can't wait to share more good times with you all!