Wow, I just saw that it has been six months since I did a blog post. I think that’s not allowed in the blogging world but such is life and here we are navigating life in a whole new way.
About three weeks ago we left for vacation to a place we’ve never been. I usually write daily during my travels so I can look back and remember as well as share my experiences and observations. For some reason with this dry spell of writing I did not do that so now I must rely on my memories, impressions, and lose the details of those days.
I think it has been extra rainy this winter (from what I hear of those who keep track of such minor details). I noticed my now-retired husband getting antsy and focusing on it a few months ago so I told him to book us a flight to anywhere sunny in March. Pick a place, I said… Hawaii? Florida? but not Arizona this time because we’ve done that numerous times.
Since he hates to fly long distance he chose Palm Springs and booked us in Miracle Springs Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California. That sounded lovely so off we went on March 8. http://miraclesprings.com/
The day before we left it suddenly occurred to me that one of my longest friendship person, Susan, lives in California in the winter. I had no idea where but I sent her a message on facebook and asked where she lives. Turns out it’s about ten minutes from our resort! So we arranged to meet for lunch one of the days we were there.
I also contacted another acquaintance. My historical research of the Skagit Valley and specifically the family of George and Lizzie Tietjen had brought me to their grand daughter several years ago. Marilyn is in her 80’s and has shared with me stories of her childhood and we have toured the Bow, WA, cemetery together in the past. Her husband, Loren, is 92 and my daughter and I had met them for lunch one day a few years ago when they were up visiting for the summer months.
Lee and I were invited to cocktail hour at their home while in Palm Springs. They live in a beautiful, gated community in a lovely home with a back deck looking over a golf course. They blessed us with hors d’oeuvres and wine and great conversation of their lives, family, and experiences. We felt so blessed when we left their home.
During our trip news of the “corona virus” was accelerating. We were sitting in hot tubs, swimming, eating out, shopping and visiting people. We had stopped at a walmart to get me some socks because I had forgot to pack them and we wanted to go on a hike. While we were in line a lady was telling someone else in line that the airport would close the following Wednesday. That sounded absurd but we didn’t engage in the conversation.
We went for a beautiful hike in Andrea’s Canyon. Wow! The archaeology, geology and stunning beauty of the power of nature was all around us. Those rock formations caused by massive earthquakes in the past were amazing. We were in awe of the beauty of palm orchards, a fast-flowing creek and waterfall, and all the flowers surrounding us. We did the one mile loop, enjoying the cool breeze and fresh air. https://www.indian-canyons.com/trail_maps
We continued our vacation with rainy days inside. I worked on my Etsy store, my website, and we ordered room service. We read and swam and enjoyed being together. We went to a date farm and had a wonderful breakfast and the most beautiful stroll through their gardens where they presented the gospel story! We ate dates every day and feasted on delicious food. We went for “scenics”. Out toward Joshua Tree National Park and down to the Salton Sea.
We spent one afternoon on a tour of Cabot Museum in Palm Springs. Oh how I fell in love with him! The house that Cabot Yerxa built and the story of his life was so intriguing. It would make a great movie! Every detail, every door, every window just blessed my heart. So much charm, wit, wisdom and creativity.
https://www.cabotsmuseum.org/
I plucked flower petals throughout our stay and pressed them in a notebook. Piles of bougainvillea petals flew home with us and are now becoming part of my largest “Petals as Paint” project – a 24″ x 36″ reclaimed canvas depicting the San Jacinto mountains behind a foreground of bougainvillea hanging on barbed wire.
Thus the Old and the New. We saw ancient sites, historic buildings, and old friends. We found a new love for a place that will be dear to our hearts for years to come. Since returning the airports are pretty much shut down, all socializing is canceled, and life as we knew it has ended. The world is in a frenzy against an unseen enemy and God is still on the throne. We are blessed and while I wish to stay home or in my studio, I continue to work full time in health care but not on the front lines. Thanking God for our health, his provision, and his peace as we navigate what it means to live in 2020.
