From the Valley to the Sky

Matt and I have had a relaxing trip to Palm Springs. We have been staying at the Sky Valley Resort out in Sky Valley (about 20 minutes from Palm Springs) thanks to Mom Mamey for setting it up. We have a wonderful RV site and this park has a hot springs pool that is very nice. We've spent lots of time with Mom and I've had the chance to even see some friends from Figaro's as well.

Mom & I went out to eat one night at a delicious seafood restaurant (and I got my picture taken with the bronze Bono), we went to the Palm Springs Thursday Night Fair in downtown Palm Springs, and we spent time at her condo with Codi and Myeisha, her cute cats. Mr. B loves Mama Donna and had some fun times at Ruth Hardy Park walking through the grass, which is hard to find out in these parts of the desert.

Mom also went with me to meet up with Dave & Debbie Schy, who took us to their favorite restaurant and casino. I even played Craps with a little bit of help from them. Didn't win anything but for the first time playing, it sure was fun! I sort of get the idea, but will need to practice again soon. Thanks to Dave & Debbie for meeting up with us and taking us out. When a chef takes you to his favorite restaurant, you know it must be good and he was right! The pork chops were my absolute favorite! THANK YOU!!!

The next morning, Mom and I met up with Ron & Carol Berger for a fabulous brunch at the infamous Sherman's restaurant. The place is ALWAYS packed with people (a good sign it's great food) and I can see why. I had a plate of salad and fruit that was fantastic. Ron also took Mom and I on a tour of the new Figaro's Pizza Corporate office that is just blocks away from the downtown area and is so classy. There's even a grapefruit tree in the back and the fruit from the tree is delicious. THANKS to Ron & Carol for the treat of lunch. It was great to see and spend time with you.

I've been coming down here to Palm Springs for years and have always wanted to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up Mt. San Jacinto. Finally today was the day. Matt and I took the tram up, up, up to the 8,416 foot summit and it was worth the trip. We hiked for a couple of hours and it was like we were in a different area of the country entirely. It was about 55 degrees (a bit chilly compared to the 100 degrees down in the valley) but we took jackets and were well-prepared. Had a nice lunch at the restaurant and climbed around on the rocks. Matt even got to feed a cougar (fake, of course, but it looks real, right?) and hang off the tram (well, the one on the ground...) I definitely recommend the trip up if you're thinking of doing it. But dress appropriately - remember, there was still snow up there today, so it could be if/when you decide to go up too!

I had plans for the rest of the week (sorry Pamela & Brian for having to cancel our plans) and we were planning on staying through Wednesday, however, my grandfather, Milo Manning, passed away yesterday, April 26th in Le Mars, Iowa. He had a long and prosperous life and has many family members that love him dearly, including me who has great memories of time spent with him. I am flying out to Iowa tomorrow to attend the memorial service and funeral on Tuesday. We love you grandpa - you will be remembered with a caring heart always.

I will be back on Wednesday afternoon and from there, Matt, Bailey and I will take off and head towards Arizona. We're on our way to the Grand Canyon and then up into Southern Utah so I'll post once we get to our destination with more adventures, I'm sure. I hope all of my family and friends are doing well... remember it's important to tell people how special they are. Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and for the kind words for us and our safe travel. We have been treated with open arms everywhere we have been and for that, we are so very thankful!