Teddles.com

We got up early and watched CBS Sunday Morning before heading off for the College of the Desert Flea Market. I had seen a lap desk earlier in the month and I wanted to get two of them. I should have bought them the first time. He wasn't there this week. Damn. The glue guy wasn't either, but at least I have his email and a phone number to order more of that stuff. So we came home empty handed.

We talked to Chuck, Tom and Nick and arranged to meet them to have brunch. We went to the Ozz, which is the new name of the Desert Palms. (That place really changes hand a lot.) The food was fine and the place had a few good views, however my back was to the pool and the best "views".

Then we went to see the rental house that Tom and Nick just bought. It should be able to be habitable with a modest amount of money. I think they may be planning to do too much for a rental, but - not my business!!!
They headed back for San Diego and we headed back for Chuck's.

As we were leaving we spotted an open house two blocks away and decided to stop and look just for fun. It was a great little two bedroom house with a one bedroom casita in the back. The neighborhood has already upgraded and the property had been completely redone by the gay couple that owned it. What a great job they did both on the structure and decorating, but on the landscaping too.

The price was at the high end of what we will have to spend when our house sells, but nothing needs to be done at all to upgrade this property. I have to check the rents in the neighborhood, but.. It shows me that there are things available in our bracket and for even less.

Then Chuck took us to a house that Hildy has for sale. It is large and has three bedrooms and an area that could be converted to a casita near the pool. The yard is large and reasonable well cared for. The interior is fine and rentable as is. The price is really right. The only hang up is that properies on Farrell are had to sell because of traffic noise. I don't think we want to buy a property knowing it will be hard to turn in the future. But again, it let us know that there are houses in our range that are perfect for what we want to do.

Now if prices in the desert do continue to decline a bit more.......I wouldn't cry.

Later John and Andy came over to Chuck's and we had a great visit. Of course we talked real estate and retirement and alternatives and ...... Damn, I can hardly wait to make these changes in our lives. It was so great to see John and Andy too. They are two people that I love having in my life. We made plans to see them next week when we come back to the desert.

Chuck and Steve and I ate dinner at Crazy Bones in PS. It's a barbeque place, but let me tell you, Phil's Barbeque has nothing to worry about. Paleeze! I guess I'm just spoiled by the best here in the neighborhood. (A snag, in that when we move - no Phil's!)

Chuck dropped us off and we went almost right to bed. A busy and bibulous day.

This past week was really hard. I worked way too long for my back and way to hard for my head. Now enough of the blubbering.

After work we headed to Palm Springs in the motorhome. It was a smooth trip and we arrived at about 7:15, got setup and headed for Chuck's for dinner. Tom and Nick were there waiting and after cocktails we enjoyed a wonderful meatloaf dinner. I loves meatloaf!!

We talked a lot about the eventual move to Palm Springs and how much we are anticipating our new life, even though it can't be for a couple of years yet. We just love sitting there looking at the mountains and feeling the warmth of the desert. We're excited about being in an environment where we aren't ignored for our age. San Diego is horrible that way. Very age-ist. Ugh.

I've sort of decided that bartending for private parties and substituting at bars for vacations is what I might really enjoy doing for work over here. It's people oriented and I can control how much I work and when. That's important if we are to continue our RV lifestyle and I have no intention of giving it up. We love it too much. Plus we need to get out of the desert for a couple of the hot months.

Tom and Nick just closed on their first "flip" house in the Warm Sands area. They will soon start to work in it, cleaning it up, doing some structural changes, landscaping and a new roof. They will then rent it for a year before reselling it to buy another. I hope it works for them. They got a really good price on the house but properties are losing value in the desert right now so I hope they can turn a profit after costs.

Steve has talked about flipping as he is good at doing a lot of the work himself, and I can help with most of it too. We'll see, but I think this is not the time for us.

At the shank of the evening, we shuffled off to the motorhome, watched about a minute and a half of Saturday Night Live and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
A nice evening.

After a long and hard workday with 4 of Ken's clients - all wonderful - we hopped in the motorhome and headed for Mission Bay RV Resort.



We haven't been here since last summer and they have done a lot of work. They now have picnic tables and more trash cans. It's a nice park but in the summer it is very busy and filled with children. Now it is half empty and very few kids. Sweet.

After we got set up and had the obligatory celebratory cocktail, we went over and picked up Scott. We all headed to Hillcrest for dinner at Kitima Thai Restaurant on University for a delicious dinner. It was a bit expensive but really good. The ambiance was great, along with the service. We will go back.

Then we somehow ended up at Ben and Jerry's for a scoop of sweet, then to drop off Scott and back to the park. It was nice to have an early-to-bedder!! I was tuckered out.

Work has been difficult this week, but not impossible. Ken's clients have been really easy on me. They are patient and and understand the difficulty of replicating his work. They are also amenable to changes and that is really helpful to me. But... the stress I put on myself to perform perfectly does not make things easy.


So tonight we decided to get Phil's barbeque and eat at the Gathering. To our delight Larry and Chiva were there with Orv and Grace was there too. Then in came Tom and Nick to complete the motly crue. It made the evening a good counterbalance to the day.

After Pilates and Steve's cardaic rehab, we called Scott to see if he would like to go to Carlsbad to see the Flower Fields. He had no idea what we were talking about, but just like Scott, he was game. To tell the truth, neither did we as we have never before been to see them. So off we went. It was more beautiful and fun than any of us had anticipated. We really enjoyed the walk through the flowers on such a sunny spring day.
Of course we had to take our pictures as Ranunculas. I mean when will that ever happen again??


Then after fish tacos at Rubios and a quick trip into Crate and Barrel,we took the coast highway back down to La Jolla, through the smaller beach towns and along the coast so Scott could enjoy the ocean views. I think he had a good afternoon. We had a great time.

Scott Zoolander

One of the things we did this weekend is to plan the trip we didn't get to take for Steve's 60th birthday in December. With his second surgery we had to cancel the trip. Now Steve, Chuck and I are going to go to Cabo San Lucas on May 27th for four days. Were staying at the Finisterra Hotel overlooking the village. I like the old part of the hotel the best. It should be a fun trip. Relaxing too.

After Pilates and acupuncture, Steve and I ended up at Costco for needed things, some of which I, of course, forgot to buy. I'll have to go back later in the week. Typical for me.

Then I asked Scott for his help in getting Mom's computer hooked up with her new cable modem. Boy am I glad he was the one doing it! He was on the phone with Cox Cable for 45 minutes trying to get the connection to the internet to work, when they finally discovered it was a signal splitter that was the problem. It would have taken me at least two hours!!

Then we went across the boulevard to the Outback for dinner to thank him for his help. He is so very good to us, generous with his tech knowledge. I so appreciate it. We're going to miss his company when he goes back on the road.

It's Easter Sunday. I can't believe how this year is flying by. And of course tomorrow is tax day. Yechhh.

We snuck out early and made and Easter Bunny stop at Scott and Molly's house. I know that fudge eggs are not on his diet, but......it's Easter!!
And it was fun.

Then we went to the Gathering for brunch and abuse by our bartender Jack. That was fun too, but a nap was in order immediately following.

It was just a lazy day, which will be important Tuesday when I start doing more of Kenny's clients. It's gonna be hard work for while. I'm glad it is finally here though, as I have spent way too much time worrying about the schedule and whether or not it will work.

Today was Ken's last day of work. He is retiring and moving to Oregon. It's funny, but it wasn't as hard a day as I was thinking it would be. I'm sad for me as we have been some level of friends for 41 years and worked together for 35 of them. It's going to be strange without him working next to me.
..and yes I got a bit teary when he said goodbye and jumped in the truck and sped off. Heck, it's sort of like saying goodby to an older brother. (We don't always love what they do but they are an important part of our life no matter what.)

Now I have to face the schedule and Ken's clients that are turning to me for their hair. I don't know if I can do all of them justice as I don't work the same as Ken. I'll try and we'll see.

My biggest fear is the time on the books. Melding the two clientele's is going to be tricky. I have to make sure that I can maintain MY clients and have some flexibility to meet their needs. Ken's clients just have to come second to my own. We'll see how that goes over.
I have been stressing over this for weeks now, not sleeping, having anxiety, etc.
Now it's time to just get down to work.

Even with my back aching I went to Pilates today and had a new instructor, Porchia. She worked my butt off. I guesss I needed it as I got sore muscles elsewhere as the day went on.

Then I went to the accupuncturist to get other areas relaxed. He's really effective in some areas and not in others. Maybe it will just take time.

Went out to Mom's and finalized plans for Paris and the cruise down the Seine in September. Really looking forward to that trip with Pam, Steve, Mom and me.

I did Mom's hair and got her ready for her trip to Kentucky again. She leaves early in the AM. I do worry about the weather back there since they have had so many big storms and tornados in Tennessee. I'll just be glad when all the work is done, the property is sold and she just has to visit when she goes back. All of this cleaning and managing and worry is not healthy for her.

Sunday morning and feeling lazy. There's a lot to do to get the house sparkling again for the open house this afternoon. Everything looks really nice, it's just that I can see all the dead leaves and stuff laying on the carpet that no one else would ever see. It's a curse, but I like things just right when showing the house.

The agent showing the house today is somebody new that is trying to build her business and asked if she could hold it open for David. She did a wonderful job and gave a great report, telling us that there were at least 2 groups that were very interested in the house. Now if they will just make an offer!!! Then buy it!!!!!!

While the house was open Steve, Buster and I went over to Scott's RV to play. As Buster and Molly ran around Steve noticed some sticker weeds ,so between the two of us we weeded the grassy area in his space. Scott was busy building a drop down shelf that will hold electronic stuff later on, but he was soon finished.



We headed off for Scott's favorite Del Taco for a bite and then to Fiesta Island Dog Park. Boy.. I never even knew that was there. It's really giant and takes about 40 minutes to walk around the whole thing. (One has to remember that it is on the water and bring a sweatshirt!) It's good for Buster to be encountering other dogs and he is getting better about barking. I think he is getting his self confidence. Hurray!

After dropping Scott and Molly at their home we headed back for the house. I made some spagetti and we stayed in for the evening.

Friday was pandemonioum as Kenneth's retirement nears. His clients are panicking and trying to guilt me into taking more of them. I have taken too many of them already. I'm beginning to panic regarding my schedule and how I will maintain my own clientele while trying to fit some of his into the time.

BUT - the big reward was going to dinner with Nancy and Scott. They have just met and live only spaces apart in the "B Movie". (We call the Coastal Trailer Villa Park the B Movie because it used have some pretty shady folks living there, just like in the B movies.) They seemed to hit it off, as they should with both being great people.

Me, Nancy, Tim (the waiter), Steve and Scott


Well, we went back down to Lotsa Pasta for another good meal. Carol bought all of our wine and drinks, which is so nice of her to do. She spoils us every time we go in. As ususal, we laughed and chatted and laughed some more as Nancy made us drink more. Then off to home and falling asleep in the big chairs upstairs with the TV blaring.

A typical Wednesday with some interesting exceptions.
I started accupuncture therapy for my back. Needles. I hated them, then loved them when I was a junkie, then hated them again. Of course the accupucture needles are a bit different. Ironic for me though.

In the afternoon/evening we got together with Scott as planned. Scott told us another of the Quartzsite boys we missed meeting was in town for the day and was meeting us for dinner.

Trucker John. He just got his license for driving big rigs and is seemingly having a great time. He seems a nice guy and we were happy to meet another friend of Scott's, who also knew Robb and Joe, Ray and Frank and Andy and who knows else.
I noticed that Scott has since forwarded to me John's journals of his time on the road. I'm looking forward to reading them.

I also got a note from Robb and Joe from Kelowna. Glad they made it home. I need to write them back and hear the out come of the trailer floor episode.
They invited us for up for a dinner party and wondered what menu we were preparing. Ha ha. I love those boys.

We got up early, said goodbye to Chuck and headed back to San Diego. We had even more birthday celebration coming this evening.

We put the motorhome in storage and unpacked our stuff at home so we could sit back and have a few moments to rest before dinner.

Mother decided to take the family group out for a nice dinner to celebrate my birthday, cousin Barbara's birthday (4/14) and Steve's, since he was recuperating from his second surgery on his real birthday. We went to a relatively new restaurant called Island Prime down on Harbor Island near the airport.

Mother and her escort, the handsome Sandy Strong, arrived right on time with Barb and Ron. Pam showed up nearly on time. This was a miracle coming from Orange County after work. Good going Pam!!

We were seated at a great round table in the windows overlooking the harbor and the skyline of San Diego. A beautiful view in every direction that could be seen in daylight through dusk to darkness with the skyline lit up like jewels.

The menu was varied, and not inexpensive. Mainly there were appetizers, salads, composed entrees (I asked and that means they have side dishes with them) and the steak page. The steaks were ala carte, including only a rub, a California cuisine style butter, or a similar styled mustard. Side dishes were on the opposing page and included things like macaroni and gruyere and pototoes au gratin, a fancy spinach dish and panceta wrapped asparagus.

We started with scallops with a risoto that was delicious and crab cakes with selection of greens. Both were delectable and gone in short order. Some ordered salads that were dinner size, and by the time the steaks came most every one was filling up and ended up taking at least some part of their dinner home.

(My, I sure am focused on food....Maybe that is why I have this current girth?)

It was a very special evening thanks to Mom. We really enjoyed being with everyone and seeing her with a handsome man again. Yay Mom.

Sunday morning came early as the time changed last night to daylight savings time. That is the best birthday present I can get. More evening.

Chuck showed up at the appointed 8:00 AM, and while we were not quite ready, we soon headed off for the College of the Desert Flea Market. Another must in the desert. It's really got a lot of good stuff,... and it's share of junk. We found some things we needed and left by 10:00.

We went to Michael's on Date Palm for a wonderful breakfast. The food is always good, and they do a substantial breakfast. One of our favorite spots.

Chuck had some houses to show us over in Desert Hot Springs. They were new construction based on Mid-Century design. One of them was great and the other just iffy. I just could never live in windy DHS. It was fun though so we headed back to Palm Springs to look at a new neighborhood based on Mid-Century designs by a well known architect and expanded to meet todays standards for space. It was a benefit for Habitat for Humanity as a designer showcase. The six houses were furnished by local designers and really done well. It was worth the donation.

We stopped for a cocktail, of course and then headed back for a nap before the evenings doings.

We did an early dinner at the Rainbow Cactus restaurant and it was really good but more than we had anticipated food wise. I was still full from breakfast.

We then went down to Toucan's (my favorite bar in PS) for the Sunday night drag show. We had to get there by 7:00 for an 8:00 show just to get a table. I have to tell you, this show gets a crowd! They were shoulder to shoulder and in the walkways to get a good view. Glad we had a table.

The show was really fun and much better than the other we had seen in Cathedral City. The talent was good, mixing comedy with glamour and drama. It was fun, but we only stayed for the first show and headed back to Arenas Street for a nightcap at the Street Bar.

Omigawd, they had Karaoke. BAD Karaoke. But the people watching was good and we stayed for a while until it just hurt our ears too bad.

Then off home and to bed again.

Today is my birthday. Yep. April Fools Day. And it fits too...

I had to work for at least part of the day. What I didn't know was that the folks at the shop were going to make a party of it.
There was a card that everyone signed ( something we haven't done for years) and Buni bought Cheese Crisp Specials from the Mexican restaurant for us all. And then our new hairdresser Wini baked my favorite cake and brought it in. What a sweet surprise.

I also got enough Belvedere Vodka to fill a bath tub! Thanks Loxie, Mary and Susan!! Now everyone thinks I'm a drunk. Well, at least I'm fun

I got so many phone calls and well wishes. I just don't feel worthy of all the attention, but I have the birthday that everyone remembers. April Fools.

Then just as we were getting ready to leave for Palm Springs Sweet Scott came over with a birthday card and a huge helium birthday ballon! He is so thoughtful and as I keep saying, a treat in our lives.

We got to Palm Springs and found our site at the Palm Springs Oasis RV Park and got hooked up and set up and called Chuck with whom we were having dinner. He took us to La Vaularis Restaurant in PS for a wonderful meal in a glamorous old Palm Springs setting.

La Vaularis was originally a private residence way back, then a private club and now a public restaurant. We got to dine in the courtyard, a must if you ever go there. The clientele were all well heeled. The food was elegant and the service was perfection. Thank you Chuck. Thank you thank you thank you.

By that time I was in my cups, so to speak, and it was time to call a halt to any more birthday. Off to bed before I fell asleep where I stood.