"A Beautiful Friday in the Palm Desert."

The weather here in Palm Springs today was just perfect, sunny skies, no wind and temperature in low 70's. Started the day with a nice walk and then exercise on the treadmill at the fitness center. What followed was tennis with my son Chad and his fiance, Gina. The photos represent a view outside our Condo at Shadow Ridge and some lovely pictures of pink flamingos.

"Thanksgiving Proposal"

Thanksgiving was made particularly memorable this year with the announcement of Chad and Gina's engagement. The magic moment occurred on their drive from Denver to Palm Springs during a trek in Zion National Park. The happy couple is now looking at dates and locations for their wedding.

"Bocce Ball, Croquet Tennis and Much Fun!"

Today was a day of busy activities around the resort. The Grand kids were introduced to Bocce Ball, spirited tennis was played by Piano Man and Desert Princess, and croquet t urned out to be great fun. All the while, Baby Iris looked on with great interest. As a tennis player, I was also impressed with the well manicured grass courts.

"Sharks and Minnows and Baby Iris takes to Water"

Yesterday afternoon was spent in the pool and what a good time we had. Piano Man and Desert Princess talked Grandpa into a water game called "Sharks and Minnows". I was designated the Shark, and the object was for the shark to catch the minnows. Now, the pool was the largest I had ever seen, for me it seemed to be an ocean, because I was one exhausted shark by the end of the afternoon. In the meantime, Little Baby Iris, only 18 months was absolutely enjoying the water as one can see. And wow did Piano Man like the those giant water canons.....shot me down at least twice!!!! For tomorrow.....we will be on to Bocce Ball, Croquet, Tennis, Frisbee, and perhaps Horseshoes. Sounds like the old Shark can have a rest!!

"Thanksgiving Week in Palm Desert"

This week, our entire family is spending a vacation week in Palm Desert, which is in the Palm Springs area, approximately 400 miles west and partly north of Tucson. Daytime temperatures for this week will beher in the upper 60's with beautiful clear blue skies. Photos are taken from one of the villas where we are currently staying

"El Tour de Tucson this Saturday!"

The El Tour de Tucson is held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is one of the largest cycling events in the country. The El Tour is a fun ride attracting over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from throughout the United States and beyond, consisting of novice, intermediate, advanced, and professional riders.

Cyclists enjoy El Tour and its festivities simply due to their passion for cycling, while others choose the event as part of a healthy lifestyle change or even as part of their wellness program as a survivor from cancer or other life-threatening illness. Many are attracted to El Tour’s fundraising programs for its many charitable agencies, for which the event raised over $1.8 million dollars in 2009. What all riders of El Tour share is a desire to get on their bikes, meet great people and have a fun time doing it!

Participants may cycle 109, 79, 66 or 40 miles, plus the 6, 3 & 1/4- mile Diamond Children’s Fun Ride, open to all abilities. Main routes expose participants to scenic areas of Tucson, with beautiful vistas of its local mountain ranges - three rising over 9,000 feet- complete with the backdrop of the mighty saguaro cactus, icon of the Southwest’s Sonoran Desert. The Fun Ride offers an exciting 6-mile route, highlighting the many special cultural aspects of downtown Tucson. Course profiles can be rolling to moderately hilly, though the 40-mile route is basically flat and great as a family affair or for beginners! Two often dry but sandy river crossings will greet 109-mile riders, while 79 and 66-mile cyclists experience just one. No crossings for 40-mile participants. All routes offer aid stations, spaced each 7-10 miles, full police support at intersections and plenty of morale-boosting volunteers and spectators

"Hiking Sabino Canyon"

Yesterday, with beautiful weather in the mid 70's, I took time out to hike Sabino Canyon, which is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Residents and visitors alike find Sabino Canyon a popular recreation area that provides a place to walk, hike or even ride a tram, or for some push a stroller. Wildlife in the canyon includes deer, javelina, skunks, tortoises, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and a great variety of bird life.

"Cool Arizona Nights!"

Tucson, Arizona is located 2,467 feet above sea level. The city is located at 32.23 degrees north latitude and 110.92 degrees west longitude. Like all desert climates, cooling can be quite dramatic during the evening and night hours, especially as late fall and winter approaches. Tucson is no exception and this week the evening temperature has dipped down into the 30's with frost warnings. With that, flowers and herbs have needed to be covered most evenings. An added enjoyment, however has been gearing up using my outside jacuzzi. With the low light ordinance in Tucson (due to observatories) shooting stars, and even space stations are quite prominent as they move across the sky.

The rest of the United States returns to "Standard Time."

Unlike other states, only Arizona and Hawaii do not observe "daylight savings time." The only exception is on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, where "daylight savings" time is observed. I'll never forget the time that I was late for an early school meeting on the reservation due to this peculiarity. Thus, all states during the second week of November join Arizona on their respective standard time, Arizona being on mountain standard time.

When the sun was setting this past evening, the sunset was spectacular as the last rays of the suns settled on the red tile roof of my home. How beautiful!