Quilt pic's and Harbor Freight

After this mornings time in the pool, we decided that today was a good day to get out of the 5th wheel and a bit of a drive. First stop was Joanne's of course, as I needed some special thread for a table topper quilt.  Then, off only Highway 111 to Souplantation for lunch. We had gone there with 4 other couples on Christmas Eve, and with a coupon in hand, it was just as good today.  Of course, it is always nice to drive through Indian Wells, with beautiful grass boulevards, roses planted in the gardens between the driving lanes and the incredible fountains and landscaping of the gated communities. Since we have not driven very much in this area, we continued for a bit on Highway 111 after lunch, and lo and behold the new Harbor Freight store just about jumped out at us. I advised Donald he had better check it out, especially since there were big tents set up outside, likely with some tool deals. Now, why this brand new Harbor Freight didn't build next to Joanne's, I have no idea. Likely a mistake on behalf of the marketing person. Or, cheap rent in Indio, where they did locate. Donald said the store was big and with wide aisles, very nice. I read my quilting magazine, in the warm sun coming in the truck windows, while he was checking HF out. For our Canadian readers, HF is like Princess Auto.

Speaking of quilting, I promised pictures of the latest projects, so here goes:

Valentines Runner - teaching/leading class on this Jan 30

mini twister. block size small than a nickel.Never again!

Christmas wool felt kit

 

Today I will be working on a batik table runner and finishing the binding on a large batik quilt.  Tonight is some fun, as I am on a team with some swimming buddies for Trivia Night at the clubhouse. Donald will be enjoying football and our wonderful English dramas on T.V.

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.