Cold Snap

This was our coldest day in January so far - down to only +7C this morning and mostly cloudy so it didn't warm up very quickly although it did get to +20C briefly in the afternoon before cooling quickly as the sun went down (before 5 o'clock).  Fortunately, the wind was down to a light breeze today.  The golfers resumed play at 7:30 AM and managed to finish the tournament in late twilight this evening.


The Den Parents went to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church again this morning.  At breakfast in the fellowship hall after the service they met two friendly couples - one from Manitoba, and one from Ohio.  We bears overheard talk of locations to stay and contact people who knew about accommodation for "next year".  We even got to visit one couple's residence and they gave us some lemons from their backyard and we gave them a copy of our book. [They got the better deal!]  But, we're excited!  Maybe we can do this again - especially if we can sell over 10,000 copies of our book!?


We did some shopping and came home via the I-10 freeway.  Then we all watched the conclusion of the golf tournament on TV.  The Den Parents found it interesting to watch the players on a course they had just visited a couple of days ago, and some of the players they had watched were among the leaders.  Even more exciting was that Johnson Wagner tied for second.  He had been at a table just behind the Den Parents when they went out for their Anniversary Dinner on Friday night.  He is recognizable by his mustache which he has grown since his official PGA photo was taken.  See these videos taken today!


Tonight, the temperature has dropped already to +13C so we are all at home - watching our fireplace!


[Note: the coldest temperature ever recorded here was minus 7C in January of 1937 - brrr.]

Wind Day

The Den Parents had a nice morning.  They walked over to Old Town for breakfast and discussion.  [Den Dad has made contact with a shop keeper there who has a strong interest in history.  They have long talks about genealogy and such historical topics as the War of the Spanish Succession (1701 - 1714) - we listen carefully, but after awhile our heads hurt.]

Then it was time to go with Den Mom to her hair appointment.  Just at that time, a dramatic wind storm swept in.  The van bounced, the dust blew, debris swirled - it was maybe a little too exciting.  [If any of you were watching the PGA Tournament on TV, you saw some of the coverage, as play was suspended until tomorrow.]

Here are some photos:

Dust drove everywhere - with wind gusts up to 90 mph.

Water trucks out to spray a vacant lot so the dust wouldn't blow.

It didn't really work that well.

Shops had lots of trouble keeping their doors from blowing open.

It was a bit of an adventure today - but we look for more in the days ahead.

Anniversary Day

Today was the Den Parents' 33rd wedding anniversary.  They walked over to Old Town and had oatmeal porridge and coffee or green tea for breakfast.  Then they did some shopping in Old Town and then decided they would attend more of the Humana PGA Golf Tournament - so they walked over to the La Quinta Country Club (more than 2 miles away) for a nice afternoon of watching golf.  They got great seats right beside the 9th green.  If the golfers shot over the green they were less than 3 meters away. 
After they walked back from the golf course, they regrouped and then went to the Lavender Bistro for a lovely dinner.  We gave a card and a nice gift because they are great Den Parents and we're glad to be part of the family.  Happy Anniversary!!!!

Dorothy & Franklin Foster
January 20, 2012 (33rd wedding anniversary)
Lavender Bistro, La Quinta, California

 [On the other hand - it is now 4 days since we bears were out of the casita - let's bring on the adventures.]

 

Golf Day

Well today the Den Parents attended the Humana PGA Golf Tournament at the Palmer Private Club in La Quinta.  It has been quite a saga collecting the information to allow this to happen.  Confusingly, the tournament, in it's early days takes place on 4 different courses.  In finding the courses they were directed to a wrong course by a resort that is literally across the street from one of the real courses.  Then there was the parking.  Everyone knew there was only off-site parking with shuttle buses but opinion varied as to where this parking was.  One source said it was at at X; the next source said it used to be a X but this year it was at a new location - a vacant field; the next source said there was parking at 3 places but the shuttle buses for scooters were only at one - although not sure just which one.  Finally, there were specific directions to the correct site but when the Den Parents followed them today, the directions were to the Exit and they had to back track several blocks to find the entrance and then cross the vacant field back near the Exit.  Anyway - they finally got to the course and had a great day watching the golf and experiencing the atmosphere of a PGA event.  They saw some golfers they recognized from TV such as Justin Leonard, Rocco Mediate, and Rory Sabbatini.  This was a Pro-Am day so each group consisted of 2 pros and 2 amateurs (supposedly celebrities).  One of the surprising "celebrities" was Hugh Rodham (Hilary Clinton's brother).
The two major disappointments were that because of all the uncertainty about parking and shuttles, we bears had to stay home - and cameras were not allowed.  So below are some shots Den Dad took last week when we were researching, at a course near to us, but, as it turned out, not one of the host courses (although they share the same mountains).

Obviously - Mountain View Golf Course - in La Quinta, California

Just Chillin'

Another cool day here - Den Parents went to Old Town for coffee and a smoothie - then shopping for groceries at the Fresh and Easy http://www.freshandeasy.com/   We bears had to hang around the casita.  Looking for more adventure tomorrow.

A Cool Day

The Den Parents were invited to the Trilogy Country Club today.  http://www.yourresorthome.com/trilogy-la-quinta/  With Rudy still recovering - and Den Dad feeling a bit poorly today - that was the highlight.  Also, quite cool today (+8C over night; +18C daily high) [Sorry to those at home who really know what cool means.

One of three club houses at the Trilogy site.

Rudy Falls!

Jeremy here.  We all sat on the patio this morning to plan our day.  

 There was a lot of noise nearby so we went to see - and there he was!

A man at the top of a tree with a chain saw - trimming branches.

As soon as we got back to the casita, Rudy started playing around saying he could climb trees.

"It's easy," said Rudy.  "Just watch me!"

And then he started to climb a palm tree.

He got higher and higher - but then he started to show off.

One slip and he fell - directly to the rocks below.

We rushed to help him.  Fortunately nothing was broken but he was shaken.  We got him back to the patio where he rested.

Later, we moved him inside.

Rudy learned his lesson.  Don't try dangerous activities - even if you see others doing them.  They may have training, safety equipment, or are just being foolish.  Rudy (and the rest of us) missed out on a whole day of adventures.  Play safe everyone - Jeremy