Kellye has arrived!

More champagne welcoming Kellye to the desert.  We picked her up today and quickly got her acclaimated to what we do here...drink Almond Champagne.  Then I schooled her in what she needed to do while she was here...all the places to see, all the places to eat, and all the places to just have fun.  She'll be a desert girl by the time we get back from the cruise.  I'm excited for her...there is going to be lots to take in while she is here.  I told Allan we're missing out on all of the holiday festivities....but Sooki is already looking forward to being with Kellye...I can just see it.

Off tomorrow for LA...board the ship around 1 p.m.  We'll be exploring for at least 2 hours finding our way around.  Anxious to meet up with Esther on Nov. 30th in Kauai...she'll be spending the day with us there.

More to come later...



"Have A Nice Day" at the Indio Performing Arts Center

Yesterday was our entertainment day (after working all morning on putting up Christmas decorations).   I know it is a little early...not even Thanksgiving yet, but wanted the decorations up for us when we go back from the cruise.   Had tickets to IPAC's performance of "Have A Nice Day"...a perky musical revue with a slew of 1960's and 1970's pop ditties promoting togetherness, sunshine and friendship.  It was a gentle spoof on the touring shows like "Up with People".   Karen and I knew and could sing all of the songs...but we sat back and just remembered those good ole days.   Allan especially liked the travel medley which included "Convoy" and "Take Me Home Country Roads" (the unoffical song of West Virginia.)  Then it was out to dinner on El Paseo...our favorite "Mama Gina's" where we all tried a different dish...and savored every bite. 

Today we headed to IMAX theatre for the matinee of "Happy Feet Two" in 3D.  It was Karen and Daryl's first 3D experience.  We were all trying to catch the bubbles as they popped out of the screen.  Loved it!  The singing was great again and Mumbles has grown up with a son of his own.   Had lunch afterwards at a great Mexican restaurant in Rancho Mirage...ate outside and enjoyed the sunshine.  We were all stuffed and decided that was dinner, too.

Now after "Have a Nice Day" and "Happy Feet"...we're all just smilin'.  Even Allan.

Celebrating Karen & Daryl's arrival

Finally we are all together again.  Allan got back from Elko late last night, so this is our first time to finally celebrate.  Of course, with Almond Champagne.  Karen & I shopped today (our last minute items for the cruise), while Allan and Daryl worked on the outside refrigerator, set up the Archos and put the Christmas tree together.  We're decorating tonight.  

Sooki striking her pose!

She loves it down here!  Here she is checking out the water feature in the back (before we put water in it). 

Had our first tennis matches this morning.  Couldn't wait to see everyone...most everyone arrived in mid October.  Met a new couple from Seattle...the only other Americans.   Got to stay on the winner's court 3 times this morning...then my pulled calf muscle started bothering me (from the ski conditioning class...what was I thinking about doing that class), so headed for the hot tub.  Playing with a group of ladies on Thursday. 

Allan will be gone Wed through Fri this week...has been asked to provide technical testimony in a concrete (not cement) lawsuit at Elko Airport.  So, I'm staying put in Indio with Sooki while Karen & Daryl go to Scottsdale to visit the grandbaby.  Allan may have to go for a week's testimony in February too, so I may be asking for girlfriends to come on down!  Will keep you posted.

Just got connected

Time Warner arrived this a.m.  We're happy campers now...cable TV, a land line phone and internet service.   Missed football on Saturday...WV won.   It is amazing how many e-mails one receives in 4 days.

Here I am at the Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade on Friday with the 29 Palms Marine Corps Band in the background.  Can't pass up men in uniforms.   They (Marine Corps Band) then had a concert afterwards...then fireworks.  Rained on Saturday here...so no tennis.  However, Janet was sick on Saturday...food poisoning from eating out...stayed in bed all day Saturday and started living on Sunday.  Sooki is happy...she gets to go outside now.

Leaving Tomorrow

We're heading out tomorrow...the car is packed, Sooki is feeling better, the TIVO is programmed for the desert (thanks to Jenny), the frig is empty and the bikes will be loaded tonight.  Jenny set up our blog so everyone can follow our adventures in the desert.  When you all get tired of the cold and snow, just log in and see what is happening with us.  Karen and Daryl arrive on Nov. 15th...then we head to Scottsdale to visit with her son's family for 3 days...then back to Indio.  Hopefully will get the house decorated for Christmas before we leave on our 2-week cruise to Hawaii (Nov. 23-Dec. 7).  Kellye arrives on Nov. 22nd to cat sit while we're gone.  Richard, Allan's brother, will be spending Christmas with us (Dec. 20-Jan 5).  Time Warner won't be coming to connect us until Monday (Nov. 14th), so will not be checking e-mail, unless I sit in the parking lot at the hotel to pick up their wireless.

Thanks to Susan and Connie for the "going-away" tea yesterday afternoon.  I'll miss you all...let us know if you want to come see us.