Hanging out at the Dairy

Hanging out at the Dairy
Darci(far left) & the Wrights at the Creamery

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Spring Break in the Desert


Me, poolside, within an hour upon arrival!

I'm up before sunrise today and the house is quiet. My Dad, the early riser is already off to the gym and has made coffee for us before he left. I slip out quietly to the living room, as to not wake my Mom and son. We're down in Palm Desert, CA visiting my parents on his Spring Break. It's been such a treat to warm up again after our fairly damp and cold Spring in Sequim.

My parents and my son ready for our workout

Blooming fauna along our walk

More vibrant colors

Life is easier when you're on vacation of course because the schedule you keep is your own; when to eat, what to eat, what activities to fill your day with or not! This process is easier yet for me when there is heat and copious amounts of sunshine involved; there is no need for long johns, Gortex or gloves down here, at least not to someone used to the 40-50 degree weather in Sequim, WA this Spring!


My turn to have a photo with my Dad and son Alan

We have several traditions when we come down however, like going to the pool almost daily,

A big "Hello"from son Alan
going to the College of the Desert Street Fair which runs every weekend,

My Mom & Alan under the palm at the Fair entrance

Protea en mass

The flower stand at the Fair entrance

A comedic pair of vendors with Alan

my personal favorite vendor booth is Deborah's Of Course Jewelry where I get a faux bobble or two every year,
My heart rate  quickens at just the sight of this sign


The ever gorgeous and bedazzled Deborah with me

sometimes we do lunch at the Fair also,

Alan had fresh chicken tamales and a lemon slushy

A date shake for my Mom

and we ALWAYS go to Mamacitas Mexican Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner! It's a small,  family run business with a casual atmosphere, which caters to the local crowd. They make their own salsas and the food is VERY authentic Mexican cuisine. This time we went for breakfast.

Dining alfresco at Mamacitas

My Huevos Rancheros

My choice was Huevos Rancheros; poached eggs on a tortilla, smothered in a mild enchilada type sauce with a few chilies and some melted cheese. These glorious eggs come with sides of rice and beans. Delicious as ever!

Alan's Carne Asada Tacos
My husband couldn't join us on this trip so he asked us to order Mamacitas' Carne Asada and think of him while eating it. Our faithful son did just that and pronounced them "Delicioso!" as well.  He also took a picture of the dish and sent it to his Dad's cell.

My Mom's Huevos con Chorizo

My Mom ordered a dish that I would definitely try again; scrambled eggs with sautéed Chorizo sausage. It was a little zippy, cheesy but with the eggs still a part of the dish.

Some Mamacitas wall art

The interior of Mamacitas

The entrance plaque which greets patrons

With full bellies, we leave Mamacitas' Restaurant with full intention to return again this trip for more authentic Mexican yumminess!

A glistening cluster of palms 

Bottle brush bush in flower

Cactus in bloom

This cactus reminded me of a sea creatures in it's colors & texture

This Spring's trip to the Desert is helping me, us,  recharge our batteries again. The change of pace and the change in climate are most rejuvenating!

Alan on the patio wall watching the golfers

As we shake off the "rust and moss" from our rainy Northwest home, I am grateful for this opportunity to bask in this dry, warm, arid location. Thanks to hubby for keeping the home fires buying while we're away and to my finishing The Hunger Games already and onto book #2 currently. Power reading while on vacation is a favorite pastime of mine!

Many blessing my friends!
Chow for now!

Sunset over the pond