While the Fraser Valley had a touch of winter earlier this month...
...we were happy to be enjoying 'summer' in Palm Springs.
We spent the first few days at a lovely place we found on-line...
in Rancho Mirage.
Sunnylands...
also known as the Camp David of the West...
was right nearby.
And so we toured their gardens one day...
and the visitor center....
all free to the public.
The estate was the home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg...
and is a national historic site.
It was (and still is) a retreat center
...a place for national and
foreign dignitaries and diplomats to gather for summit meetings and
retreats.
The list of guests who have relaxed at Sunnylands include seven US presidents, the British royal family, and
many in the entertainment industry.
The Annenberg home is open to the public for tours on a limited basis...
but there were no tickets available during our time there.
Next time!
The BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament was happening while we were there...
formerly known as the Indian Wells Masters.
About 400,000 people turn out to watch world class tennis at this event.
We decided to join them one day.
We mostly cheered on the Canadian and American players (very quietly though)...
as they faced opponents from around the world.
Having never watched live professional tennis before...
I had no idea a sporting event could be that quiet.
One cheers by clapping after the play...
and standing up to take photos is not a good idea.
I know. :)
We spent the second week of our stay in Indio...
at our usual spot.
We walked above the golf course every morning before breakfast...
played tennis when we could get a court...
and floated down the lazy river on a double tube with books in hand for hours at a time.
We met up with friends for dinner on several occasions...
visited the weekend market...
and attended Southwest Community Church on Sunday.
Time went quickly...
and all too soon we were heading back home.
After two full days of driving...
we arrived back in our community just as the sun was setting.
Home...always a good place to be!
Home...always a good place to be!
We were ready for spring.
A wiener roast seemed like a good idea...
...and they thought so too!
The kiddos ran through the pasture...
quickly, before it got spread with liquid gold.
And we had paska for dessert.
After all...
Easter is coming!
And we had paska for dessert.
After all...
Easter is coming!
This is what spring in our valley often looks like...
the view from the kitchen!
We've had our share of rain...
...and some sunny days for playing tennis or taking a hike.
The pansies are blooming...
many trees are blossoming...
the lawn has yet to be cut (though it would have liked a trim by now).
Time marches on...
and we are ready for spring.
Are you?
