Finding the Good

Last night Hubby and I had a million things to do at home after work. Our family has had some changes and stresses lately, good stuff, but big decisions.  We decided to leave our responsibilities and go to town to the home improvement stores and then to Kulshan for a sandwich and a beer.

Sometimes you just have to step away.

We weren't looking for the good but it found us.

At Kulshan, we asked two young women if we could join them at their table, they were at the table that we know to be the warmest spot outdoors. Hubby and I visited, made some decisions and enjoyed dinner. Then we started chatting with our table mates.  We had such a fun conversation with them. I think I recruited them to be Sisters on the Fly! It was so fun to get to know these women, to laugh with them and enjoy a beautiful spring evening.

On our drive home the sunset turned wild with color and light bouncing off the mountains.  As we approached the Wiser Lake roundabout I asked Hubby to turn and stop at the lake.  We enjoyed the sunset with an elderly couple that were fishing from the shore. Sometimes it was difficult to understand their English with a heavy Asian accent but we visited and laughed with them.  They weren't just fishing, they were catching.  Nooo, they don't eat them, but they have friends that will.  Apparently, it was hilarious that anyone would eat them.  But they enjoy catching and fishing and were happy to share cooking and preserving tips with us.

Sometimes it's easy to focus on all of the bad in this world. The media shares the news of horrible things happening.  Last night was a good reminder for me that there are a lot of good people and that there is middle ground over a beer at Kulshan or while sharing a glorious sunset.

I'm so glad we played hooky from responsibilities last night.

Sunshine and the Super Bloom

Hubby and I went to the desert for spring break this year. Mark and Karen came with us and Kassie's parents and friends were there too. Hubby's Mom shares her timeshare with us and one of our favorites is Wyndam in Indio.  Thanks Es!

 Karen and I love coconut cake and Tommy Bahama has one of the best coconut cakes. It ties for first place with House Without a Key on Oahu.

 When our guys were still traveling with us, we tried to have an educational day on our trips.  Once they were gone that fell by the wayside.  You may remember the Palace on Oahu or Pearl Harbor with the guys in earlier posts.

This year we brought back the field trip and went to Joshua Tree National Park.  It was in full bloom and we had a good time hiking so we actually went back for a second day. 

The field trip days are back!

 It was fun to climb on the rocks or walk on the trails. We packed a lunch and entered the park at the north entrance and exited via the west entrance on the first day.  The second day we used the south entrance and after some time in the park we left the way we had come in that morning.

 I want to give a shout out to one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Sheaffer. I wanted comfy walking shoes that were more like a sneaker and she found them for me.  They were great in the park and for morning walks, and just to wear with shorts or jeans. I'm wearing them with my favorite skort from Macys. These skorts are comfy for walking and great for camping and can be dressed up and worn out for a casual dinner. I have black too. And I think I may have to order the orchid print for Hawaii.

 The west park entrance has a cute little street of artists' shops and galleries.  All are closed midweek.

 I had a fun trip with Hubby.  I make the trip arrangements and get us there and set up and he then takes over and does the driving, mixes the cocktails and grills. #teamwork

 I wanted to pay tribute to U2 and their album Joshua Tree and my peeps are willing to play along with me.

Our travel day to get to PSP was a little crazy.  Our flight got changed due to the 737's falling out of the sky. We decided to only use carry on luggage. Seven nights, eight days and one carry one.  Stay calm.  It was a challenge for me and my shoes! Another blogger I follow is Shay and she has posted about packing cubes several times.  Her and her husband travel with their four kiddos and she loves the cubes.  And now so do I.  I drank the packing cube kool aid and loved using them. In one small/medium cube I packed 3 swim suits, 3 cover ups, 2 skorts, 2 tees for walking, yoga pants, sports bra, 1 tank and socks.

 Besides the packing cubes and an educational field trip, I have one more trip tip.  Instacart! I created a group cart for Karen and I, we filled it with breakfast items, we each did a dinner, a picnic lunch, snacks, liquor and sunscreen and lotion.  It was so great to have our groceries delivered within an hour of our arrival. Especially since our travel day was hectic.  Our stop in Seattle involved a bus, two trams and very brisk walking on the people movers to make our flight.

It was a wonderful trip with a lot of relaxing by the pool.  #poolside

Next spring, the Big Island of Hawaii for ten nights.  Aloha!

In the meantime we are getting excited for camping season,  Hubby is practicing his Dutch oven game plan.  One night we did rustic bread, baked spaghetti and a chocolate caramel cake. Delish!

Okay friends, I think we are all caught up and I need to clear the dining table today...

Yep, it's going to take all day.