Final Approach

 I want to give kudos to Jack for the preparation he tackles every year for our leaving. It is no small job, requires thoughtful planning and execution. I'm sure it's exhausting. He does all the driving back and forth each year and always asks if you need a rest stop and generally packs snacks. 

 I like to clean before we go.  Sand and dust inevitably creep through hidden cracks during those 6 months away. We cover electronics like the computer and the TVs with sheets. 

 Our once-a-week gardener keeps the yard maintained however every year something in the garden is sacrificed to the125 degree heat. 

Our kitty feeder neighbor is ready to take over for the Summer along with a backup who lives in the Ranch as well.

Spoiler Alert: My Summer plans involve teaching Wally the Squirrel some tricks.

Leaving Early

 Another hot day here. We've decided there is no reason to hang around, so we plan on leaving Thursday the 14th of April. The weather app shows a chance of snow showers in Shelton. I'll pack another sweater and one of the hats I've been knitting all year.

101

 Yep, 101 today but the good news is there is a cooling trend next week to the upper 80's. Grandkids left on Thursday. I am amazed at how fast the week passed. We had a busy, fun week and I hope we created some nice memories. They are both so mature, intelligent and engaging. Madison will graduate from high school next year and decide on a college. So far it looks like she is considering WSU (Washington State University in Pullman WA) where her parents attended, and where she was born, in the Pullman Hospital in 2004. Go Cougs! Rowan (age 8) can solve any problem, knows the answer to any question you pose, and will beat you at UNO. 

Now we begin the "staging" process, packing essentials and crossing things off the to do list, in preparation to leave the Desert and head to Shelton.

This NW girl is ready for some salt water, mountains and fir trees. My goal this year is to train Wally, the Squirrel, to do some tricks, and buy a kayak. 

Joshua Tree

Nice drive through Joshua Tree National Park today with a couple of stops to play on the rocks and watch rock climbers.   All of the campgrounds were full.  If I were so inclined and 20 years younger, I would camp up there just to see the amazing stars at night. Joshua Tree N.P is designated as a "dark sky" area. Less light pollution means amazing star gazing. We stopped at the Visitors Center on our way out of the park and bought some souvenirs.  These two are like a couple of mountain goats hopping up on these rocks. Grandma, of course is worried about snakes. Back home to cool off in the pool.

Living Desert Day

 Out of the house early to check out The Living Desert. There have been many changes since Madison and Rowan, and even Jack walked the grounds. We were able to see all the new babies: baby Giraffe, baby Addax, and baby Meerkat.  Also saw Wallabies, Warthogs, Goats, Wild Dogs, Ostrich, and many more. It got a bit warm for the kids who are not used to the temperatures, but we were out of there by 10:30 and back home to the pool to cool off. Watched a movie last night, played some Uno and tomorrow we cruise through Joshua Tree National Park.

                                                                Wallaby

                                                Grandpa and Rowan at the Oryx look out

                            When you go to The Living Desert you visit my goats, no exceptions

                                                        Rowan and the baby Meerkat

Welcome to Palm Springs

Busy every day. Sunday, we rest, then Monday The Living Desert

                                                        Pedicure and shopping day

                                                     College of the Desert Street Fair

                                        Labyrinth at Sunnylands and Flamingos at The Marriott

                                            

Spring Storm

                                             Enjoying the new blooms during a rainstorm

                                               

We enjoyed a brief but refreshing rain shower today. I like to walk in the garden and look at the plants and flowers when it rains. Jack reminded me that after three weeks of continuous rain in Shelton I may be tired of it. Meanwhile it is a rare treat.

Neighbors and friends are slowly leaving the desert and returning to their Northern homes. We are heading into the warmer, windier weather now just in time for the spring break crowds, BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament, Stagecoach Country Music Festival and Coachella.

Temperatures in the coming week call for mid 80's which should be perfect for the visiting grandkids.