April in the Coachella Valley

Welcome to my birthday month. I have always loved being born in such a pretty month. After running some errands on the 1st, we came back to the rig. Roy & Jackie came over for a visit and tour. They both gave Freeda the stamp of approval. That means a lot to us. They have been doing this for awhile and know what they are talking about. Their opinion's mean a lot to us. We had a nice visit and after they left, Eddie, Suzy and I sat outside in the sunshine. There was a nice breeze and it was quite lovely.

SuzyQ

That evening, my cousin Stephen and his wife Joyce came over to see us. We gave them the grand tour, and then had quite a lovely visit. We always enjoy seeing Stephen and Joyce when we are in town. They are really nice folks and I am proud to be related to them. After they left, we had a lovely Mexican dinner at home in Freeda.
Terri and Mel Smith came over for a visit on the evening of the 3rd. Again more wonderful Desert people that we love and enjoy seeing. I have known Terri for most of my life. She is an amazing person and I am honored to call her friend. Mel is one of the best men I have ever met. They are the kind of people that we all should try to be more like!!!!

Father Ned called Eddie and enlisted him in to doing a Pathfinder retreat on the 4th and 5th. Pathfinder retreats used to take place up in the mountains at a camp, but now they are at Father Ned's church in Bermuda Dunes. While Eddie was away all day, I took care of paperwork business, laundry and generally enjoyed some quiet time. On the 4th, Jackie And Roy had us over for chicken enchilada's dinner and key lime pie for dessert. It was GOOD!!!!! Again another GREAT evening with AWESOME friends!!!!

Lindsay & Suzy

Avery

Mommy & daughters

Sunday the 5th, Lindsay came over with her daughters. Lindsay is like a third daughter to me and is Elizabeth's best friend. The last time I saw her, Riley was a baby and Avery had not been born. It was good to see her and the little girls. They are both very sweet and well behaved munchkin heads!!!! It was to bad Eddie missed the visit. He has also always thought of Lindsay as another one of our kids. Linz and I had a great chat.

Riley

April 7th Jackie and Roy pulled out to parts elsewhere. It was SO great to be near them. Hopefully our paths will cross again in our travels. The campground is really getting empty. But due to Coachella fest, it will fill up pretty quickly. After we said good bye to the Holts, we drove out to see Russell, another good friend of ours. He lives in Oasis on a farm. It was a beautiful desert drive.

Eddie on the way to Oasis

Desert mountains

Beautiful day

Date trees

Grapes

Russell has a pretty big farm. The workers were out in the tractors harvesting the crops. It smelled SO good. A combination of fresh cut grass and strawberries. Russell and Eddie chatted about farming and water. I tried to get a picture of the camera shy peacocks. Never did get one!!!!
Once back at the rig, we went to the pool. The drive out to Russell's was nice, but it was hot and dusty. A dip in the pool was just what we needed.

While Jackie and Roy were here, I had asked Jackie about cooking in the Convection oven. She said it was just like using the regular oven. So I gave it a try. I baked some brownies in it. Well at least I thought I was. I set it all up, but noticed about a half hour later I didn't start it!!!!! Goodness. So I set it up again and this time made SURE it started. The brownies came out okay. I over did them. Learning curve time. I now know for next time.

On the 9th, an old friend  of Eddie's from the water district, Ruth, and her husband Paul, came over to visit us. They were sweet and brought us all lunch from In & Out burger. We ate, gave them the tour, and then chatted for quite awhile. Really, really nice people. Again that is one of the best things about our life right now. Family and friends.
In the evening when it was cooler, we started to get ready for a travel day on the 10th. We are only going to Desert Hot Springs, but there is still all of the travel prep to do. Eddie even hooked up the dolly so all we would have to do is load the cruiser in the morning. Check out time at Indian Waters is 10 am, so getting a jump on it seems like a good idea.

Thursday morning went very smoothly. We were loaded up and on the road just before 9am. We stopped at Denny's in Thousand Palms and had breakfast. Then onto Desert Pools RV resort in Desert Hot Springs.

Desert Hot Springs

We were registered and all set up by 12:30 pm. Kitty corner from us was a very familiar looking rig. Sure enough it was Bob and Tonja Woods from Ramona Canyon!!!!! Totally cool to see them again.
We took Suzy to Petco and got her groomed. While she was there, we stopped by Walmart and got new radio's. Our old ones had finally died. We had them for about ten years, so it was time to get new ones.
While at Desert Pools, I did my exercise and stretching in the pool. I also soaked in the mineral hot tub.

Mineral spa

It felt real good, and the minerals made my skin real soft. At the pool I met a real nice lady who told me about a store in Desert Hot Springs that has very nice swim suits at good prices, AND in my size. So on the 12th we went and checked it out. I was able to find a nice new bathing suit. My old one was looking pretty sad. We also hit Walmart and Eddie got a couple of new pairs of shorts. Time to retire the old ripped clothes!!!!

the band

Ladies & Gentlemen, Lucas Buendia on drums!!! 

Later that night we went to a little bar in Thousand Palms called Plan B. Armando and Sylvia had invited us there to hear Lucas play. He is the drummer in a band called Pocket Yellow. The wind had gotten CRAZY!!!! We almost didn't go, but thought how often will we have the chance to see and hear Lucas play. So we braved the night and went. Man O' man, we could barley see through the blowing sand. Everyone was going VERY slow. A lot of cars had their flashers on and were just crawling. We made it to the club, and were very glad that we had. The band was good. The club was a dive, and the cheese sticks a TOTAL waste of money, we couldn't even finish them. But still worth it to see Mando, Sylvia & Lucas.

Pocket Yellow

We enjoyed the music VERY much. They played some covers and also some original songs. It was a good time. They wrapped it up around ten, so it wasn't to late for us old fuddy duddys!!!!
On the way home I think the wind and sand was even worse. There were a couple of times we had to come to a complete stop because there was NO visibility. We were grateful to make it home safely. All that night the rig was a rocking and a rollin'. The wind was REALLY blowing. It kept both of us awake. 

Sunday Eddie and I went to visit Bobby & Jenny Salcido. Bobby & Jenny are old friends of Eddies also from Pathfinder days. I remember meeting them after Eddie and I were married and before we moved to Washington. They live out in the Indio Hills area, not far from Desert Pools, so this was a perfect time to see them. Now I have mentioned some really wonderful visits with friends and family. But I have to say that this visit was one of the most interesting and emotional visits we have had. Bobby and Jenny are just wonderful!!!!! They have the kindest hearts and spirits. They have been through some REALLY hard and bad times, but still have such a great outlook and openness about them that we all should try to live by. They touched my heart in a way that I am still feeling today.

Bobby & Eddie

Jenny, Bobby & Eddie

 As we were telling them about our plans, they invited us to stay on their property in between our Cathedral City and Indio stays. Again thinking of others. Really everyone, if you EVER get the chance to meet and visit with these beautiful people, DO!!!!!! You will be the better for it.

Sunday I went swimming and into the Mineral spa again while Eddie worked on Becca & Andrew's wedding invitations. He is SO enjoying making their invitations.

Eddie doing the invitations.

My wonderful hubby!!!!

Later that day, we went and visited with Margaret, Robbie & the girls. Being with them ALWAYS makes our day!!!! They are all so much fun, and a true joy to be around. We had hoped to be able to steal Lily, but they had a planed family science project. See they are all going to get up to see the "blood moon" tonight. Totally cool!!!! 

Our phive phavorite phabulously phunny & phriendly Phillips phemales.

On our way home, we did get some cool shots of the full moon.

Closer shot of full moon

Full moon

Desert Moon

After our Phillips family visit, we did some food shopping and headed home. We tried to stay up to see the complete Blood Moon, but only lasted long enough to get this shot.

Beginnings of the "Blood Moon"

Tuesday the 15th was another travel day. Again not a long one. We went back to Cathedral Palms RV park in Cathedral City. Regardless if it is 50 or 500 miles, there is still all of the breakdown and set up to do. I wasn't feeling very well that morning, so we were a bit behind schedule. Desert Pools closes for the summer on the 15th, so they were anxious to see us leave.
The next day we ran some errands. One of them was for both of us to get our hair cut. Neither one of us has had anyone but Robin from Point Roberts touch our hair for several years. So this was a scary prospect. We braved the unknown and went to Super cuts in Cathedral City. Now Robin had told Eddie that he just HAD to find an ugly hair dresser. I am sorry to report that we did not follow her instructions. All of the gals at Super cuts were cute and very nice. They did a good job on both Eddie and I. No it wasn't Robin, but it will do.
While I was still having my hair done, Eddie went to get the Cruiser washed. We were hoping that the wind shield would clean up. It was pretty dirty from the wind storm. But sadly the sand had damaged it beyond repair. I called our insurance and they scheduled a glass repair tech to come out on the 17th to replace it.

Before heading home, we went to visit an old friend of Eddie's named Ruben Gonzales.

Hills outside of Coachella

He has this VERY cool place out in Coachella. It is kinda like an art compound. There are lots of sculptures and art pieces around. This place is SO cool.

Highway 10 leading towards Arizona

They hold parties and events on the grounds. Ruben invited us to a party on Friday night, but it didn't start until 10 pm. That is almost my bed time, and past Eddie's!!!!!

Eddie & Ruben

Ruben showed us around. Eddie and Ruben talked art. I was hopeful that maybe a mural project could be put into the works. Eddie had worked on murals with Ruben's brother Jessie.

We stayed and toured the compound till dark. Eddie and Ruben caught up with each other. I snapped pictures of everything. This place really is something to see. I bet a party here would be a BLAST!!!!!

Thursday the 17th, the guy from Safelite showed up at 8:30 just as scheduled. He was VERY nice and did a real good job. When he was done, I went and spent time in the pool. It was very clean, cool and refreshing. We had a nice dinner in and just enjoyed time together.

The next day, Eddie took of to visit Tammy and take her on errands. I opted to stay home. Diego from Sun Shades called. I had spoken to him while we were at Desert Pools about making us some shades for our tires. He had in what he needed and could come out and do them within the hour. So we now have shades for our tires. These were something we knew we needed to protect our tires from the elements. I spoke to Diego about doing shades for the windshield and front windows. He can also do them, but we just don't have that in the budget right now. Diego did a very nice job. 

Tire shade

Done by Soul Shades

While he was working on them, I called and had a nice phone visit with Dana. We got caught up a bit. I sure do love and miss that girl!!!!! 

After Diego left, and I was off the phone with Dana, I thought I heard something funny. That is at least funny for the desert. I heard rain. I then noticed the sky getting darker and the wind kicked up. It was crazy!!!! There was also thunder. Eddie called and I told him about the crazy weather. He was in La Quinta, and it wasn't raining there at all. He was on his way home. I told him he better put the top up. After the storm, there was a beautiful double rainbow out.

Stormy sky

Rainbow 

Freeda in Cathedral City

Saturday April the 19th we were invited over to Margaret & Robbie's for an early Easter dinner and also to attend Margaret's baptism into the Catholic church. We are both very proud and happy for Margaret. We were also very honored that she wanted us there to share this moment with her. 

Martha checking out the deviled eggs

Yummy cake

Margret and Rob

Margaret, Debbie & Martha

Special moment

A glowing Margaret

Being silly

Olive

Rob and his aunt Mary

We had a VERY good ham dinner and the BEST potato dish ever. Margaret had also made cake. Everything was so good. Rob's aunt Mary was there. We have heard such wonderful things about her, and all are true. She is VERY nice lady, and we were thrilled to meet her.

After dinner, we took off for the church. It was Saint Theresa's in Palm Springs. It is a very pretty church. The mass was quite long due to it being Easter eve and baptism's. Lily and Olive were the only little ones to go from the Phillips family, and they were both VERY well behaved. It was a lovely service.

Rob and Margaret

Lily is letting her light shine

Lily, Rob, Olive & Margaret

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day. Eddie got up early and went to mass at Father Ned's. When we got home we headed for Sky Valley to have Easter with the Preston family. Terri and Mel had invited us. It was also a surprise birthday for Terri's younger sister Stacy. The Preston's were surprised and happy to see us. It was great to see them. Five out of the six Preston kids were there. Robin was sick and not able to make it. It was SO great to see everyone.

Auntie Barbara & Wesley

Terri, Mel & Uncle Richard

The birthday girl, Stacy

Terri & Mel

Preston grand sons

Uncle Richard

Preston people

Surprise to Stacy

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

Cousins Stephanie (Stacy) Crystal (Robin) & Brooke (Lisa)

We stayed until just after 5 pm. We had a wonderful time visiting and catching up with everyone. I just LOVE the Preston family!!!! They are all so kind, giving and some of the hardest working people I know.

As we were leaving, Father Ned called. He wanted to treat us to Kobe's for dinner. Eddie had told him that my birthday was in a week, and he wanted to take us out.

Koi fish pond at Kobe's

It was a good show

Our chef Johnny

Our Chef was Johnny. He was real funny and we had a good time. the other people at our table were real friendly and also a lot of fun.
Eddie and I have always enjoyed Kobe's. We have been to the one in Vancouver, B.C. several times. After dinner we sat outside and visited with Father Ned as the sun went down.

Eddie & Ned

Old buddies

Koi fish pond at night

It was such a nice night, we drove home with the top down. It was the perfect end to a perfect day!!!

Monday April the 21st Eddie put in a second drawer under the dinning room table. He had done one awhile ago, and it works so good, that we got another one. It gives us extra storage space that we can always use in a motor home.

New drawers under the table

Eddie did a GREAT job

After Eddie was done, he left to check out some art galleries. Debbie, Martha & Lily came over. We chatted for a little bit. Martha and Debbie had a better tour of Freeda, and Martha got to visit with Suzy. We then went swimming. 

Debbie, cousin it (Lily) & Martha

Debbie, Lily & Martha

Lily

We had a very nice girls day and enjoyed the pool. I had nice talks with both Debbie and Martha. It was good to reconnect with them and I  am really glad they came over and spent this time with me.

Tuesday the 22nd we traveled to Bobby and Jenny's house. As we got there the wind started really kicking up. Bobby had been outside to see us back in and unhook, but it got chilly for him so he went in. After we got hooked up and a bit settled, Jenny came over and took the tour. She stayed and chatted for a bit. Before she left, she invited us over to have dinner with them. Their son Andrew, his girlfriend Kim and their baby daughter Alyssa also all live there.

Yummy dinner

Andrew, Eddie & Jenny

one of the several peacocks that hang around

 One night Eddie got our little barbecue going and we had yummy burgers.

another great evening at Bobby & Jenny's

Just down Dillon road there is a place that had some cool carvings and sculptures. We just had to get a picture of them.

That is one big bear

I thought these were all extinct!!!

Our digs at Bobby & Jenny's

The neighbors across the street have about 20 peacocks that roam around free. They are such beautiful animals. They are also VERY noisy. They would wake us up around six am every morning. Better than an alarm clock!!!!!

alarm clock peacock

Thursday the 24th, Jenny was getting ready to go out and run some errands. She went out back to let Eddie and Andrew know she was leaving and tripped over an electrical cord. She scraped up her knee pretty good and bruised it. Eddie did a little first aid on her, but she ended up walking with a crutch and had to keep ice on it. We felt horrible. It was our electrical cord she tripped on!!!! But in true Jenny fashion, she did not let that keep her down. She is truly an amazing woman!!!!

While we were in Cathedral City, Eddie had picked up some vinyl flooring free from a flooring store. So on the 26th, he started to replace the carpet in the bathroom with vinyl. this is something we have been wanting to do for quite some time.

the floor project begins

Eddie cut and pulled up the old carpet and padding. He then had about a gazillion staples to pull up. That took a long time to do. Thank heavens my honey bunch is a VERY patient man!!!!
I was glad to see the old nasty carpet go. Besides, who wants carpet in the bathroom area anyway. One day we hope to be able to replace all of the carpet, but will be satisfied to get at least this much done now.

carpet is gone, now to remove the pad

stripped and cleaned

Once the floor was all prepped, Eddie cut the vinyl to fit in our odd shaped area. What he had was remnants, so he had to do a "patch work" I was worried about this from the get go, but after all it WAS free!!!!

glue time

After the cutting, Eddie put down the glue on the floor, AND the door knob, and the sink, and the carpet, and the bottom of his shoe. Needless to say there was glue EVERYWHERE!!!!! Thank heavens for Goo Gone.

it is a sticky job

Then Edie got busy and laid down the vinyl that was in a total of 4 pieces to be able to work. I think he was having a fun time working on this project. He enjoys doing things that makes our home nicer. I am glad he is such a handy man.

ummm not to sure about this floor

Once the floor was all done, and cleaned up, we both took another look at it. It just wasn't working for us. You could still totally see the seems. I told Eddie to just hold off and not go any farther until we figure out how to proceed.

We stayed at Bobby And Jenny's until the 28th. Over the time we were there we had some wonderful visit's, great meals, and generally awesome time. the whole family are just down right kind and loving people.

view out our living room window

Eddie at Bobby & Jenny's

another wonderful evening with the Salcido family

Jenny & Bobby

yum yum

Enjoying a great meal at Bobby & Jenny's

a giggly Alyssa

On Sunday the 27th, my birthday, Kim made us tacos for dinner and brownies for dessert. I am not sure if Eddie said something to her or not, but she nailed it on my fav's. Thanks ever so much to Kim for the best birthday meal I could have asked for!!!!!!

Welcome to Pushawalla!!!

Pushawalla street was a VERY welcoming place for us, and we were SO blessed and happy for our time there!!!!!!

Monday we got all ready for the mini move back to Indio. We decided not to load up the Cruiser for such a little hop of a trip. We said good-bye to Bobby. Jenny had already left to run some errands. We were back at Indian Waters and hooked up by one o'clock. I then ran into North Indio to get some dog food and some supplies. I also picked up some lunch from Goody's Cafe. There is one in DHS that we ate at, and found it to be pretty good. Once back at the rig, we ate and hung around home. It had gotten pretty hot, so we cranked up the air conditioners for the night.
The next day we did laundry. Our spot is right across form the laundry rooms, so VERY convenient. We wanted to do all of the bedding and catch up on laundry. Everything felt so dusty from the wind blowing. It always feels like heaven to sleep in freshly clean sheets. On my trip to the office to get quarters, I saw a roadrunner again. I guess they like staying here as well!!!!! 

Wednesday I hit the pool and did my exercises. I missed doing them while at Bobby & Jenny's. Eddie and I looked at the floor again and decided to go to Home Depot the next day to see if there was some kind of seam repair kit available. There really wasn't, BUT they had a roll of flooring that would fit our space in one piece. The best part it was only 24.97!!!!!! What a deal.
On Friday morning, May the 2nd, Eddie got up bright and early and started on the 2nd floor. This one came out MUCH better. We are both very pleased with it!!!!!

getting the trim ready

looking good!!!!

He even put in a transition between the living room hardwood floor and the new floor. There was not one there before, and it REALLY makes it look clean and sharp!!!!!

vinyl floor number two, looks MUCH better

finished floor!!!!!

Eddie got the trim and thresholds down and now we have a beautiful new bathroom floor that we are both happy with and proud of. Good job Honeybunch!!!!!!!!

looks GREAT!!!

That brings us thru April and into May. This is a good place to stop for now. Once again we hope you are all well and happy. Stay safe everyone!!!!!