Visit to the Pattersons

One morning we went to Corona del Mar to visit our nephew Andrew Patterson, his wife Shannon and their 3 little girls, 4year old Reese, and 8 month old twin daughters Brynn and Paige.  Regretably in the excitement of our visit we forgot to take a picture.   However on the right is a picture of their lovely new home.

Andrew took us all over to see some of his construction projects which were amazing.   Below is a picture of a recently completed project in the Newport Beach area.   One of our favorite aspects of these homes is the glass walls that open to create one large garden family space.  Oh if we could have that in Seattle!

Clean Car!

One morning while visiting in San Clemente, Al took off and had our car washed!   He came back and said we had a NEW car.  After about 1800 miles and touring through heavy rains, desert dust, birds and insects we really needed it!

Visit with Great Grandpa Fred

We spent 4 days in the San Clemente/Dana Pt area to visit my Dad and sister Barbara.  At 96 Grandpa Fred is enjoying life and most especially Barbara's wonderful care and attention.  He spends much of his day sitting in his comfortable chair watching baseball or Fox News!  He spends time with their dog Susie and sometimes gets out for a walk in the neighborhood using his walker.   Dad loves the contiuous California sunshine and moderate temperatures!  

Leaving Rancho Mirage

We had such a nice visit with our dear friends Bobbie and Larry Morris at their lovely home in the Springs at Rancho Mirage.  After driving 1600 miles it was so nice to have a respite from driving and a washing machine.   Over the weekend we celebrate Bobbie's birthday and Easter.  On Sunday we went with them to church at St. Margaret's Palm Desert.  We were sad to leave but for them 5 days was probably ENOUGH!

Coachella Valley Preserve

We drove a short distance to the Coachella Valley and had a super hike through the desert.  We entered via a palm oasis that was believed to be hundreds of years old.

From this Vista we could look west toward Palm springs and the surrounding desert.  It was HOT and very dry.  (when we got back to the car the temp was 100F)

This was another Oasis surrounding McCallum Lake (aka a pond!) a stop along our hike.  The "lake" straddles the San Andreas Fault and is very alkaline.  Al commented that it must have been a huge disappontment to arrive at this water and find that it could not be drunk!

Visiting the new visitor center at Sunnylands

These are the gardens at the new conference center at Sunnylands the
estate of Walter and Lee Annenburg.

We have arrived at Larry and Bobbie Morris'