A VERY BUSY WEEK

Last week was a busy one. Just as they began work on Dad's patio (see photo) I left for L.A. to visit Mother and the family there. We had a very nice visit. On Tuesday Aunt Anna and Aunt Cosie and Uncle Bob treated us to lunch at the China Inn. (See photo). We even ran into their friends, Mimi and Nadine. They both shared their drinks with Aunt Cosie. (Another photo). A wonderful time was had by all. I spent three days mostly catching up on everything with Mother.

While there I attended Mother of Good Counsel Church for morning Mass. They have just recently acquired my favorite painting of Our Lady of Guadelupe. Pope John Paul II is kissing her hand and she is comforting him. I really like it. It was painted by an unknown artist in Mexico. I am so sorry not to have his or her name. But I wanted to share it anyway.

I will soon take pictures of Dad's completed patio and get them on the blog. In the meantime, my love to all interested persons.

ANOTHER SWEET WEEKEND

This weekend's treat was a visit from Lisa. She brought her friend, Amberly, along with her. They arrived Friday afternoon. We celebrated with corned beef and cabbage. On Saturday we walked, talked, sat around the pool and had barbequed steak for dinner. After that we went to the dollar movies to see CRASH. Granted it is already out on DVD, but seeing it at a theater was better.

This morning we went to Mass and spent much of the day sitting in the sun again. Lisa had to leave around 4:00. It is always a sad time for me. She called three hours later when she arrived again in San Diego. I guess that she had a lot of rain and stormy weather on her way back. Hard to imagine. We have had cooler days lately, but still warm and sunny. Another wonderful weekend was had by all.

THE POST BIRTHDAY PRESENT & SOME SNOW

How about this? The coldest we've ever felt it in Palm Springs was last night----34 degrees. It rained much of Friday and most of Saturday. Then when the clouds lifted we had these beautiful sunrise views of the snow covered mountains. I did ride in the 35 degree temperatures in my pajamas in the golf cart to get these fabulous photos for you. Actually Ron took one of them just a bit later than sunrise. When I returned Steve was headed to the showers. Anyway enough of my fun pictures. Now to the big news.

Finally this morning Steve's birthday gift to Dad arrived. Steve had hoped it would be here last week, but it still needed some work. So Steve came out again this weekend to be here for the delivery. The golf cart arrived this morning. It is gorgeous. Dad was totally overwhelmed. He cannot believe what Steve and all his kids do for him. He actually choked up once or twice. He isn't accepting that we can't do enough for him after all he has never ceased to do for us. He is moved and very grateful. Steve has really gone all out this time. Just look at this little beauty. Enjoy. Dad intends to.

THE REST OF DAD'S BIRTHDAY

In afternoon Ryan and Kim arrived. We headed to the Cimmaron Cove Golf Resort. This is one of Ron's favorite places on earth. Note the photos with all the mountains in the background.

From there we went to the revolving Tram. It is one of the three largest and the longest and the highest trams in the world. We saw beautiful mountains at the top. There was even snow. We stayed until after dark and took the Tram down in the dark. How dramatic that was!

We had dinner at Billy Reid's, a great old fashioned restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. Back at Dad's, he opened gifts and we ended the evening. Wonderful day!

DAD'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

OK. Here's what we have thus far.

Friday afternoon around 4:00 Dave, Patty, and Steve arrived at Outdoor Resorts. We were all so happy to be together. So we pretty much just poured wine and had spaghetti and visited. No pictures.

Saturday, the "boys", (my brothers) embarked on some projects for Dad. They anchored down his awning, put together new patio furniture that Dave bought Dad, and fixed various other little problems with the new 5th Wheel. In the evening we just enjoyed each others' company. Dustin left around 9:30. It was so neat to have him here. I know that Patty especially soaked in her one on one time with Dustin.

This morning we all went out to breakfast at the resort cafe. Kimberly and Ryan should arrive around noon. We then hope to have lunch at a beautiful golf course with a view of the Palm Springs mountains. From there the plan is to take the tram ride up the mountain. This tram revolves as it goes up the cable, quite exciting. Dinner is to be at Billy Reids, a great old fashioned restaurant in Palm Springs. So those are the goings on and the plans. I will update tomorrow I hope and you can see what actually occurred.