The excitement of turning 69!

Shady patio

We finally arrived in the desert (Indio) where we intend to spend the next five months. We reserved our space sight unseen so were a bit apprehensive to see if we'd made a mistake. Fortunately, the place has turned out to be better than we'd hoped.

View from patio

 This is a condo park meaning the sites are owned by individuals, not the park. Many sites are occupied by what are called Park Homes which are basically 400 square foot mobile homes that look like small houses. Most owners start out in an RV like us, then eventually migrate to these semi-permanent dwellings. I know this sounds pretty confining but remember this is the desert, so much time is spent outside.

The park has great facilities including a very large swimming pool, gym, small nine hole golf course, as well as the usual retiree shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocce ball... all free.

The place is filled with Oregonians, Washingtonians, and Canadians. It seems to be a happy group of people celebrating the fact that they have survived life in pretty good shape. Residents are required to be over 55 and no pets are allowed. I never expected to stay in a place inhabited by "old" people but I have to say most of the guys we've seen seem to be in good shape and active... no walkers, canes, or oxygen bottles.

Johnee and Immi

Dr. Jill and Jasper

Once settled in our new space (where we intend to be through March) we drove to LA to see Johnee, Lisa, Immi and Jasper for a couple of days to celebrate Johnee's 39th birthday. The kids are a hoot and Johnee and Lisa are over-taxed and stressed with all that is involved in the modern urban lifestyle. I'd like to scoop 'em up and take them to a deserted island for a couple of months so they could get some rest... but that's probably not going to happen.

Cooper-Millers at Marriott Valley Course

Thanksgiving week was a delight... lots of golf with the Cooper-Millers, then Thanksgiving dinner with them at Jim and Mary Montgomery's. Always great food and conversation at their home in LaQuinta, this year enhanced by the addition of Jack and Sandy, new friends from Oregon.

Celebrating my 69th birthday

My sneaky friends posed while I slept

I turned 69 the day after Thanksgiving. Our friends the Stortons threw a birthday party at their place in the Oasis Country Club. As you can see from these photos, I was very excited about the event. Yes these are actual photos. I guess the best comment I can make in defense of my apparent lack of involvement is that turning 69 is not very exciting, no matter how good the food, copious the wine, and delightful the conversation.

We are looking forward to connecting with our Southern California friends and relatives in the coming weeks.