It’s that beautiful time of year again here in the Coachella Valley, when meteorologists draw blue wavy lines over the rest of the country and we get the sun. Today it is in the low 70s, the sky is blue with only a few wispy clouds, and the mountains are covered in snow. So if you are in a place with fog, rain and snow and you can’t even think about leaving the house to go shopping without putting on your thickest coat, I have a few words for you: “What are you waiting for? Give me a call. It might surprise you! “
I love the desert. My favorite moment is at night, when I can sit on my back porch and watch the mountains change colors. It starts out as a subtle change at first, the craggy peaks slowly turning a darker shade of brown. The sky changes to a crescendo of pink and the mountains farthest from the sunset reach Mother Nature’s crayon box and turn bluish, then real, and finally settle in shades of purple and crimson. The eastern sky darkens when the first star twinkles. The moon has already risen, catching the last glow of the setting sun against its white disk. I go back to the mountains and look at the hills …
It’s that time of year when the outside calls. The temperatures have been remarkable, and not just at night. If you haven’t dusted the barbecue, you’d better get out the hose and wire brush, because it’s a good time to fire up the grill and have some steaks with your wine. Share the evening with your loved ones. It’s too easy to miss the good times. The routine of work will still be there waiting for you. I promised. But one thing you’ll never regret is the memories of enjoying a good laugh, an obscene story told for the hundredth time, or the smiles you’ll get from the people you love.
I have a friend who loves to sit on his patio, share a good meal, and watch the golfers go by. He’s a great commentator on the dos and don’ts of the perfect game. However, I never see him on the street. Another friend of mine does not let a day go by without her being on a court, a field or a field with a ball, a stick or a racket. I love them both and am happy to share many mornings and afternoons with them. That is what makes life here in the desert so special. The mornings are beautiful and the day is getting better with each passing hour. The sunsets are spectacular and the restaurants are entertaining and delicious.