Happy Father's Day

It was a quiet Father's Day here, but we got calls from two of the boys and one daughter (so far).

After going out to breakfast, we made a couple of stops on our way home to find some artificial tree type plants for the courtyard. Now that we have the furniture we need to decorate the space and set the mood. Here's Max enjoying the sunshine beside the Black Bamboo.



We ended up picking out two Black Bamboos for the courtyard and one Flowering Clematis. We're watching for some wall hangings to add to the decor.










Here are some other pictures of the flowers Max and his kids planted earlier in the Spring.

* Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge

A Rare Game of Golf

I finally got out for a rare day of golf with the Three Lakes Ladies Club on Thursday. I must stop letting work interfere with golf. Now, I remember how much fun it is.

From left to right are the ladies I played with: Cheryl, Mary, June.

- Carol

Quick Trip To Wapato Point

Here is Max at the marina in Manson. On Monday, May 21st, we were able to sneak away to Wapato Point for a couple of days. One of my clients had a time share they were unable to use for the week so kindly they offered it to us.

Unfortunately, I had a golf event in Yakima early Thursday morning so we had to get back home Wednesday. We didn't get to take advantage of the full week.

But, we did have two nights at a nice condo at Wapato Point Resort on Lake Chelan at Manson. Being the week before the Memorial Day holiday, we beat the rush of the crowds and had a leisurely time just hanging out and taking it easy. We found a nice little Mom & Pop type restaurant in downtown Manson called Bison Bistro. We ate a light lunch there Monday and a hearty breakfast both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. I like supporting these family owned restaurants. They give friendly service and provide good food.

We went into Chelan and had dinner at MacDonalds pub the first night. We didn't try any of their ales, but we did have a great steak dinner. We figured since our accommodations were free, we could spring for a nice dinner together. Not being the gambling types, we never did get to the Mill Bay Casino.

Sometimes these short spur-of-the-moment get-a-ways, not far from home, are just as good (or better) than straying too far from home. This particular trip reminded us of our many trips, in days gone by, traveling up the lake and camping on our Bayliner.

The picture to the right is a blast from the past... a photo taken sometime in the late 80's of son Jeff with his now ex-wife Lena (don't know how he let her get away) and Max on the dock at the Lake.

Click on the image to enlarge if you want to see what they all looked like 20 years ago!

Thanks Wayne & Susan!

Happy Mother's Day

.Today was a Happy Mother's Day. About 12:30 this afternoon my assistant, Shelley, and her husband and two kids pulled up with a surprise for me.

Shelley had found a patio set at Home Depot I really liked and it was our plan for her to come over with their pick-up truck so we could go pick up a set. Little did I know they went shopping before coming over. Not only did they deliver it but they stuck around and we put it all together. Keith did the hard work of putting the chairs together. Shelley and I did the side table and most of the big table. Keith came along afterwards with his ratchet wrench to tighten the bolts up.

While Keith & Shelley worked on the project (in the background of top picture), the kids, Eli and Olivia, entertained themselves playing in the box the chairs came in.

Oh... if only WE were so easily entertained these days!

Thanks Shelly & Keith. That was an awesome surprise!

Apple Blossom Activities: Pancake Breakfast

It's Apple Blossom Festival time again in Wenatchee. It's an annual tradition for Max & I to meet our friends Carl & DiAnn and Tom & Jane at Triangle Park for the Kiwanis' pancake breakfast prior to the Grand Parade (the first Saturday in May).

Today was no exception. Triangle Park is also where the floats are staged prior to the beginning to the parade. After breakfast we like to walk around, look at the floats and talk to some of the participants.

In some ways it's better than the actual parade because you can get up close and look at your leisure... and even talk with delegates from the various cities. This year, according to the Wenatchee World newspaper, there are 119 floats scheduled for the Grand parade today.

Elvis Ate Here

Here are a few more pictures from our trip to Graceland. I am standing in Elvis' kitchen and Shelley is standing in the dining room.

Elvis has left the building and is out laying by the memorial fountain.

Remember, you can click on any image to enlarge.

Training in Memphis

My assistant, Shelley, and I went to Memphis earlier this week for some training with a large (make that HUGE) investment group we work with out of southern California. There wasn't much time for "fun", but we did sneak out of the last days session about 30 minutes early to get to Graceland just before closing Wednesday afternoon.

We had a lot of fun on the trip and learned a lot too. In the upper left is Shelley and me at Elvis' front door. The lower right is the beautiful Cascade mountains as we were flying into Seattle on the way home yesterday.

You can click on the images to enlarge them more.

McMural in Toppenish

I just love all the beautiful murals in downtown Toppenish but was surprised to find a McDonald's had also gotten into the spirit.

Toppenish is a good rest stop location, so we generally stop her to get Max a chocolate milk shake and me a coke.

Anyway, there was a beautiful mural of Ronald McDonald giving balloons to some Indian children. I made a post with some of the other beautiful murals in downtown Toppenish in May of last year. Click here to access them. Be sure to click on the various images to enlarge them.

These pictures hardly do the real one justice, but I had to try. The upper left is most of the full mural, and lower right is a close-up to "try" to give you an indication to the detail. I guess, an a non-artist type person I am just blown away by such talent.

Sunset in Corbett, Oregon

The sun was setting on our wonderful winter vacation, after over 6 weeks away from home. One more night and less than 6 hours of driving and we'd be back in the comfort of our own home in Wenatchee. Trips are always fun, but getting home is always oh so sweet.

After two long days on the road, we arrived at Clair & Beverly's house in Corbett on Saturday night. We arrived just as the sun was setting and I was compelled to take a few pictures from the deck before I even announced our arrival. It was almost too late. Clair & Beverly have a fabulous view west toward Portland and they get lots of wonderful sunsets. This is just example.

We had a nice visit during the evening then Max & I enjoyed a trip to the hot tub... then Clair gave each of us a nice massage so we could sleep good. That was a nice treat.

-Carol

Weather Delay

Whenever we travel we watch the weather channel for the storm patterns that might affect our journey. Our scheduled departure from Palm Springs on March 1st didn't look too good because of storms coming through the Siskiyou Mountains where we would be traveling on March 2nd. We spoke to our condo landlord and they gave us permission to stay a few extra days (at no charge) if we wanted to. We did decide to stay one extra day which was all we needed for the weather pattern to clear for smooth sailing home.

With the bonus day, Dorothy McIntire, invited me to join her at one final ladies day event at Cathedral Canyon Country Club. At the upper left are Dorothy, right, and another member named Marge. Not sure of her last name. Anyway, we had a great time and it was a perfect day for one last game.

After golf, I went back to the condo and packed up for an early morning departure the next day. Here is Max standing in the flower bed in front of the condo we'd be saying goodbye to early the next morning.

We've learned that it's best to get out early in order to get over to I-5 before the morning rush hour traffic hits. We were out of our driveway in Palm Springs by 4:00 a/m. and in stop-n-go rush hour traffic by 5:59 am. Once we hit I-5 at 7:00 a/m....it was smooth sailing from there on. I am sooooo glad I don't have to deal with that traffic everyday. Wenatchee here we come!

Today Shirley, Max & I went up the aerial Tram to the top of the world. From the top of the mountain, at about 8200 feet above sea level, you can see the valley floor and (to the left) the windmill farm, generating clean, renewable, power for the valley.

We had lunch at the cafeteria, perused the gift shop then took the ride back down to tram central.

After a short nap back at the condo, we went looking for hors' deourves at Babe's Restaurant (at The River complex) but discovered they no longer serve them for happy hour. We were told this is an inexpensive dinner... but it has been discontinued. Strike One.

While at The River, we took this pictures of Max and me.

So, we went to the Fresh Grille at Rancho Las Palmas where we were told they serve Krispy Creme Bread Pudding. But, they no longer have it on their menu. Strike two.

We ended up at the In-N-Out Burger joint which seemed to make everyone happy. In-N-Out is actually a cool place to eat because they have a very simple menu. Hamburgers, Fries, and drinks. Nothing fancy... no complex choices. Just burgers, fries, and drinks.

On the way home from the In-N-Out, we stopped at Stater Bros. and bought some Krispy Kreme doughnuts as a substitute for the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding we didn't get to have.

Life is full of alternatives.

More Fun In Palm Springs

My cousin Shirley St. Clair, from Eugene, arrived on Friday night and we've been busy ever since. Yesterday morning we had to do the College of the Desert Street Fair, of course. Shirley loved the Street Fair, but I am the one who scored a lot of really good purchases.

We had dinner (Saturday) at the Black Angus. None of us were starving so we took advantage of a "Dinner For Two" special... and split it amongst the three of us. There was still food left over to bring home.

Today we had reservations for the afternoon matinee of the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Before the performance, we had breakfast at Ruby's Cafe then lingered around down and wandered into a few shops. As a single woman, she's always got her eyes open for an interesting man... and she found one in a T-shirt shop. (See picture above)

This other picture is of Max with a bronze of Sonny Bono, prominently displayed in central downtown Palm Springs.

Back to the Follies... No pictures are allowed to be taken inside the theatre and no description can do it justice. You just have to experience the action and incredible costumes. The youngest performer is 54 and the oldest 83. It's truly amazing.

Here is an excerpt from the Follies website:
"The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a world-famous, Broadway-caliber celebration of the music, dance, and comedy of the 30's and 40's, with a cast old enough to have lived it. Now playing through May 20, 2007 is our all-new 16th edition entitled Gotta Dance! (And do we ever!!!)

The Follies has proven, beyond a doubt, Billie Burke's (a.k.a. Mrs. Florenz Ziegfeld and a star in her own right) famous quote, "Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese." We pledge to remain true to the spirit of the 20's, 30's, 40's and promise to provide a world-class entertainment experience at every performance!"

If you ever get to Palm Springs... The Fabulous Follies is simply a must!

Lana, Rob, & the Girls

Lana, Rob, Rebecca & Michelle came over from San Juan Capistrano (about 110 miles away) for 3 days last week-end. They arrived on Friday and left Sunday evening.

Here is Grandpa Max on the condo patio with (from left to right): Lana, Michelle, Max, Rebecca and Rob. Lara is loving life at BYU and wasn't here for the photo opportunity.

Saturday, as reported on the post below, Rob & I played golf where the elite meet hook and slice. Lana, Max and the girls hung out around the condo and pool area. Sunday Lana, Rob and the girls all got up early and went to the College of the Desert Street Fair while Max and I slept in. Max & I hope to go again this week-end when my cousin, Shirley, is here from Eugene.

And here at the lower right is Grandpa with Michelle and Rebecca. Pretty good looking trio, I'd say.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get some more posts done before heading north to the "real world" next Thursday.

Carol

A Different Kind Of Vacation

Whew... it has been a different kind of vacation. I have, literally, been working (via phone, computer, printer, scanner, Fax) every spare moment and haven't taken any time to write or post pictures on the blog for some time. Sorry about that. It's not that we aren't having any fun, but I haven't taken a lot of pictures like usual.

Last Saturday (Feb 17th), my son-in-law, Rob (right) was able to arrange a game of golf for him and me with the owner of the local Jag, Bentley and Land Rover Dealerships. David Murphey, the car dealer, is in the middle of the above picture. The guy on the left works for David. They were the nicest guys and we played at The Club At Morningside, a very exclusive private club (designed by Jack Nicklaus) at which David is a member. Every fairway is lined with million dollar (plus) homes. It was a wonderful experience in how the rich live!

Carol

Max & Cousin Lowell

Every year when we come to Palm Springs, we get together for lunch once a week at the Olive Garden with Max's cousin, Lowell Williams and his wife, MaryJo.

Max & Lowell's Dads were brothers. Max and Lowell both grew up in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Lowell and MaryJo now live in Edmonton half of the year and Palm Desert the rest of the year.

Carol

College Of The Desert Street Fair

Our annual tradition is to go to the College of the Desert (COD) Street Fair the first week-end we arrive in Palm Springs. This is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 - 2:00. We were so lazy yesterday, we didn't get there so today it was definitely in the plan. It's important to get there early before it gets so busy you have to park a long way from the actual vendors. There are courtesy carts running around to pick people up, but they aren't always available when you want them.

We love walking up and down the aisles just looking at all the vendor's wares. There is everything from shoes and socks to jewelry, furniture, luggage, purses, fruits and vegetables... and just about anything else you can imagine. There are even massage tables for the weary.

We always hit up the sock vendor for our years supply. You can get 3 or 4 pair of quality socks for just $5. Mostly we love looking but we did buy socks, a pair of new tennis shoes, a small nylon shoulder purse and some strawberries.

After our adventure at the COD, Max was hungry so we stopped at Carl's Jr on the way back to the condo. Here is Max with his "Famous Star" burger and a Chocolate Chip Mint milkshake.

Life is Good. Stay tuned...

On Vacation. Not Off Duty

Even though we are technically on vacation, Max can attest to the fact that the first thing I do wherever we land is to set up my mobile office. Here is the office corner in our Palm Springs condo... Printer/Fax/Scanner/Copier, laptop computer, and cell phone. You would be hard pressed to give me an assignment I can't handle with this equipment and my two fabulous trusty assistants, Shelley & Perci, back home!

Bring it on...

Carol
Carol's Wenatchee Blog
Carol's Top Properties Website

Settled in Palm Springs

Whooooooo eeeeeee! We are finally settled in Palm Springs until the end of February. Here is the view from our patio, overlooking the green and up the fairway in the other direction. Do you see the little duckies on the water?

It's been a wild ride getting here. We've been on the road since January 15th, but I've been so busy working every spare moment I haven't even had time to post to the blog. But, hopefully, I'll have a little more time now.

Things are going well back home. We are pleased to hear it is cold and snowy, making us feel good about spending the money to be here! My two assistants are doing a great job of helping me take care of in-the-trenches details. My business is so much bigger than in the past and I love having them working with me.

We spent the first week in San Juan Capistrano, California with Lana & Rob and Rebecca & Michelle. Lara is happily settled in at BYU. The second week we spent with Max's sister, Connie, and her husband, Bill, in Sun City West, Arizona.

But, now we are here in Palm Springs and looking forward to some fun in the sun. We arrived Thursday and are pretty well settled into our condo at the Cathedral Canyon Country Club.

It's been a cool winter in the south but the forecast for tomorrow is 80 and mid 70's all of next week. Perfect.

We went out to dinner and Karaoke at the Club house last night with our friends, Bud & Dorothy McIntire, who live across the street. She is the one who arranged this condo rental for us. Bud loves to sing and the rest of us were content to watch him and the others with good voices (or enough drinks not to care). Bud and Dorothy were members of the Wenatchee Country Club before moving here several years ago. They still have kids in Wenatchee so come back to visit during the summer.

We don't have any golf games scheduled yet, but I will probably play with the ladies club next week. I think it's Tuesday. We have some other friends who stay on a short golf course not far from here. Haven't called them yet. This may be a course I can get Max to try to play 9 holes.

We were going to head to the big flea market this morning, but instead I actually slept in. Didn't get up til 9:00. I was amazed. I was awake at 7:00 without any inclination to get up and going.

That's enough for now. Will try to post some pics and commentary from earlier in the trip... and keep up from here on out.

-Carol

Max & Carol Williams

Here we are during a lunch break at Macayos Mexican restaurant on our last day in Arizona with Connie & Bill. The giraffe and zebra were watching us during the entire meal.

They took us out for a drive toward Scottsdale to see some of the sights and, particularly, the decorative walls along the freeway system.

Golf With Barb & Leonard

On Monday, January 29th I had the pleasure of reuniting with Barb & Leonard Keeler for a game of golf. They moved to Buckeye, Arizona (from Wenatchee) last summer and are loving it. We played at their local course, Sundance. Sundance is a very fun and, definitely, challenging golf course.

This was my first game since having back surgery and I was so pleased that my back did not give me any trouble at all. My game did have other "issues" but, in all honesty, I couldn't blame it on my back... unless a subconscious grimby was lurking in my brain, messing with my swing. Last year I kept a golf blog, logging each game throughout the season. This year I think I will just post games here on our regular blog.

According to Barb, Buckeye is the fast growing city in the state of Arizona. It is forecast to be the second largest city in Arizona within 5 years!