Nah, we're not missing the snow.

It seems like I start so many blog postings with ' where does the time go?'. While the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs area remains pretty darn cool at night, the sunny mid mornings and afternoons make up for it.  Donald looked up the temperature for Palm Springs for yesterday, 2012 and it was 81 F last year.  This year in 2013? Well, a balmy 61 F. Of course, we cool weather Canucks can hack it. Well, maybe those who have just newly retired and making their way south for the first time. Now, for the rest of us... come on Mother Nature and warm up the spring.

We did golf yesterday, and I think the almost daily swim laps and aerobics are helping with the long drives.  Donald might have to join me, as he is ready to throw out his special 'driver'. He said he needs new grips on it.  I suggested duck tape with the sticky side out. Hmmm... he was not amused.

Dinner out last night ( No, Mom - this was the first dinner out this winter, we don't do it all the time ) with Mel, Deb, Margo, Roger and Rick and Paulette.  You will have to check Rick's blog posting for the fancy picture from his fancy camera. I think those people look like they are having too much fun.

Donald headed off to Pancake breakfast at the hall this morning with Rick, and Paulette and myself headed out at 7:15 am to Monica's Quilt Shop for the annual garage sale there. Some bargoons, but not a lot.

I have been quilting like crazy with the Clubhouse group, and there are a number of new quilters.  I have been asked to teach an easy project, so a few have their fabric requirements in hand and I will be doing this with them after we get back from Quartzsite.  Pictures next post.

Just so we don't feel like we need to stay in the Shuswap this winter, our neighbours graced us with a reminder....

Metal roof, some snow has slid off

Best Wishes and Merry Christmas

On this Christmas Eve, we offer our best Christmas wishes, health and happiness to all friends and family, wherever you may all be.

Today, after swimming and water aerobics in the morning, we gathered with 4 other couples to try out a new place for lunch: Souplantation.  It was just wonderful.  All fresh ingredients, with an extensive salad and vegetable bar, 6 different kids of " made from scratch " soups, pasta dishes, and desserts.  Lunch for both Donald and I was a total of $13.00.  The staff was also wonderful, considering it was all help yourself food stations.

This evening is quiet, watching Foyles War on television.  Tomorrow, it will be swimming in the morning, and then getting ready for Christmas Dinner at the clubhouse at 2:30.  Pretty quiet but missing family and :( grandchild!!!!

Happy Christmas!

Baby, it's cold outside

Watching the weather reports from home or other places certainly makes us reflect on how very lucky and blessed we are to be in the southwest at this time of the year.  As with all things though, there are opposites to every situation.  While you may not miss the snow shovelling or ice scraping car windows, we do miss the beauty of new snow in evergreen trees and a winter landscape for the Christmas season. Most of all we miss our children and their families. This time of year in the Coachella Valley in indeed their winter and this morning was 3.1C! Brrr. However, here comes Mr. Sun warming everything up, and by 11:00 AM we will be outside with our coffee in hand, warming in his rays.

We seem to be busy doing whatever, and the time flies.  Christmas dinner at the main clubhouse is what we will do on Christmas Day and Donald has been asked to carve our table's Turkey. Oh Boy. HA! His words, not mine. We have been offered an electric carving knife and it might be a good idea to borrow it! I will be cooking a vegetable ( carrots ) and bring some pickle dishes.

Panko Carrots

* large carrots, cut up, cooked and drained, saving 1/4 c. liquid
2 TB diced onions
2 TB horseradish
1/2 c. mayo
1/2 c fresh parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. panko crumbs

Toss the cooked carrots with the rest of the ingredients and 1/4c. carrot liquid, cover with panko crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes at 375 F.

Well, 15 minutes to my 8 am lap swimming time....I may have to wear a touque to the pool!

Seniors behaving badly?

Ok, that was Donald's suggestion for the blog title! Last evening, we had a wonderful time at a concert: The Moody Blues!  It was fabulous.  The venue ( The Show at Agua Caliente, Rancho Mirage ) was totally sold out, and we of course had the cheap seats and could watch the people who had floor seats. The cheap seats were still very good, especially with 2 giant jumbotron screens showing the stage and people in the audience. Now, that was entertaining as well!  Yep, lots of (us) in our 50's and 60's showing up with our hair down, long skirts and rockin' on.  In particular, a fellow who could not resist dancing in the aisle and being shown back to his seat and told to sit a number of times by the usher.  Well, it was dancing music for sure and perhaps a dance floor in front of the stage would have been a great idea. It wouldn't have been a mosh pit! Seeing and hearing Nights in White Satin played by the group was thrilling.  Yes, there was lots of room by your seat to dance, and I sure was.  Couldn't resist, and because I wasn't in the aisle, o.k. by the ushers! You can check it all out at : www.moodybluestoday.com

Today we went with our Wisconsin pals to Pancake breakfast at the main clubhouse, and then to College of the Desert for the Outdoor Street Fair.  Of course, a quick trip to Joanne's fabric shop on the way home was in the schedule as well.

Tommorow Donald will be spending time watching the Seahawks win. Yes, win. Oh, and Kim will be quilting in the north hall, and rooting for the Seahawks in spirit.

We love a marching band

Things are busy around the ol' RV site as we try to decorate for the holidays. Try is the catch word here, as it somehow always seems to looks like a put together mess. Oh well!

Last evening we headed over to Palm Springs for the Festival of Lights Parade and it was wonderful! We staked out a seating place near the Hyatt Hotel fairly early after picking up a couple of Christmas baubles and some cards.  There was a sushi place across from us, and we enjoyed a tuna roll and california roll while waiting for the festivities to begin.  Well, begin they did!  The opening was of course the Colour Guard, followed by a 250 piece marching band! Marvellous! I love marching bands, and the parade had about 10. Whoo hoo!  www.psfestivaloflights.com

Yes, we had to stake out our parade watching place early as about 80,000 people come to watch the parade, noted to be one of the ten best Christmas Parades in the US. Needless to say, traffic was a little busy after the festivities, however, we were back at the rig in just over 45 minutes, so it was not horrendous.

Today's fun activities are grocery shopping :( and cleaning up around here. Maybe some laundry. Exciting times.