Our sunrises in the desert.
After I got back from Nashville, the concerts and parties began...here is a review (so I'll remember, too.)
First up...the College of the Desert Symphony's Christmas concert (12-12). A small symphony, but great music for college students.
Then Peggy and Allen hosted our Annual Tennis Christmas Party. (12-13)
Allan especially liked the Corvette poster in the background. The other, Allen, is a car nut, too.
Was still cool, but some even sat outside. Here are Danae and Pat (from Seattle), Mike and Ilke (live year 'round in Indian Palms), and Lucille (from Vancouver). Danae and I are now aqua fitness buddies...we meet every MWF @ 8 a.m. at the pool no matter what the temperature is.
Same day, Allan and I headed down to Palm Springs for their Annual Boutique Hotel Tour of 17 Inns. Many decorated in mid-century style. Love it!
Started raining, but we persevered. Found out once we arrived that the tour was cancelled, however 4 Inns stayed open just for those of us who were hardy souls.
Some great Christmas decorations...and once inside...hot cider was waiting.
Our favorite Inn was the Andalusian Court...where Lucy & Desi stayed...so Palm Springs!
The next night we went to Spotlight 29 Casino for the Eagles Tribute concert...of course, Allan and I couldn't name any of their songs before the concert, but once we were there...we knew them all.
Especially "Hotel California"...all of the old farts were standing up and waving their canes!
Then on Saturday 12-15...heard Jenny was down in Palm Springs...met her at Marilyn's.
Yes...here she is...Marilyn, not Jenny. What a statue she is!
Get the perspective?
There was even a dance concert in the park...my, so many Marilyn's.
And, of course, Scout, Jenny & Allan enjoying the concert.
Saying good-bye to Jenny...boo, hoo! See you back in Tahoe.
Allan was wondering what was on the other side of Marilyn...guess he found out!
That same evening we had tickets to Barry Manilow's "Gift of Love" Christmas Concert at the McCallum Theatre. And, what a performance that was! Barry still has it! He not only sang traditional Christmas songs, but many of his hits, of which, he closed the concert with Copacabana....brought down the house.
Next day (12-16), we headed to Palm Desert for the library's Sunday Sounds...the Sandblasters were singing...their Christmas concert. Just love barbership!
Then it was back to Lucille's (on right) for her Christmas Happy Hour...
Many of the same group from our Tennis Gang. Here we are with Peggy & Allen again.
This was the end of a five-day run of parties and concerts. I'm exhausted now!
Had two days to rest up before the Senior hike to Black Rock Canyon up at Joshua Tree National Park. Whew...it was a cold and windy day there.
We were all bundled up...needed a ski hat on. I had 4 layers going. During the hike, the only thing we could think about was getting in the hot tub.
On 12-20, went to Pete Carlson's for an outdoor concert by "Heatwave", the Boy's 'n Girl's Club Jazz Band of the valley. We're "Heatwave" groupies...go to all their concerts. Was chilly that night, too.
Then on 12-21, had tickets to "A Christmas Carol" at the Indio Performing Arts Center. A very interesting performance in the round...17 actors.
On 12-23, we were invited to Marian and Brian's house for a dinner party...30+ of their friends from the country club. (We play tennis with Brian.)
Loved Brian's nutcracker display...
Their nephew and niece performed for us all...they're music majors. Beautiful voices.
We didn't plan to look alike, but see how we ended up. They say, opposites attract.
The dinner was sit down for us all, Brian prepared all the food...amazing!
I introduced Marian to Almond Champagne, of course.
And, on Christmas Day, we were invited to Carol and K.C.'s home for dinner with Danae and Pat. Danae prepared mushroom lasagna, which was to die for.
Allan must have been a good boy getting invited to all of these parties!
We were considered the orphans (no kids to celebrate the holidays with for Christmas)...so we all got together.
And, to top it off...the sunset on Christmas Day...
Merry Christmas to All!
