She's Back!

It is wonderful to be back in Palm Springs. 

I never tire of the view from the deck, or the shifting colours on the hills.

The bunnies have come back in force....

As have Fred and Ethel, our resident ducks.

Fred and Ethel were actually last seen taking a dip in the pool, but I wasn't quick enough on the camera trigger!

The bouganvilla has come back in force by my deck....

.

..and Kokopelli seems to have settled into my garden....

...as has his friend the road runner....

Friend Mariah has been here all week, getting settled into her new house, just five doors down from mine.  We are both thrilled!  We always thought we would retire somewhere in the sun, but never thought it would be in Palm Springs.  She loves her new place, thank goodness, as I had bought it on her behalf, and she came to it sight unseen!  Well, we pretty much had to do it that way - although manufactured homes are a dime a dozen, this view is not!  Anyway, she loves it, so all is well.  We spent the week getting her settled in, or, more accurately, waiting - for the painting, the carpeting, the tile, pretty much everything - and finally moving her stuff up from the other house in the last few days.  (how many people get to move in a Lincoln (Artie's) and an Audi convertible (mine!)?

In the midst of it all, we took a break for lunch with friend and former colleague Eric and his wife Maureen, who were visiting Palm Springs from Vancouver....

There's Eric, making the decision of the day - which wine?

and Maureen, tackling the other difficult decision, what to eat?

 

and Mariah, happy as always!

and the view at the Escena Golf Club was pretty good too!

Mariah left on Saturday, leaving a punch list of what needs doing at her place, but I got a few days off for good behaviour (and if you believe that - the good behaviour part - I'll sell you a bridge that is only slightly used).  Friend Robin from White Rock (who has a place here in La Quinta) came over yesterday, to see my new additions (previously mentioned new dining room set, television and the inevitable bookcases), as well as Mariah's new place, and we spent the day overeating at Sherman's Deli and walking it off all afternoon on the bike path!

And today, back to the routine - gym, socializing, and serious pool and patio time!  This is the first time I will really be here for an extended stay - but for a few days in San Francisco, until May 10 - so I am hoping I have intrigued you all enough that you will come to visit.  You are all welcome - there is a bedroom with your name on it, and the Allegiant flights from Bellingham are getting cheaper by the day!