I am writing from you in Palm Desert during our last trip staying at Gigi’s condo.
We are here for spring break, and we’re in a line of family staying here the last month before a new owner takes over. I have been coming here for something like 25 years now, and it’s bittersweet to know this is the last time we get to stay where Gramps and Grams lived. I was emotional on the drive from the airport and walking into the quiet, picture-less condo one last time without hearing Gram’s welcoming voice and conversation.
That said, your Mom and I motivated to come back to this community in Palm Desert to continue the tradition. Although we couldn’t afford to buy the condo we can afford to come back for a monthly rental and it’d be nice to think of extending spring break to two weeks and maybe inviting Aunt Nina and family or other friends to use a condo for a week to help split the bill. I know that your Mom can use the desert sun once a year. She sparkles with a tan.
We mixed things up this trip and visited Indian Canyon outside of Palm Springs. What a treat. The hike along a stream was lush with trees and lizard zigzaging the trail. We saw a big horn sheep atop a valley peak and a rattlesnake slowly making its way under an uncut palm tree. You were whiny on a lot of the hike because you were so hot and found a better attitude once we went off trail to climb some boulders to follow the waterline. There’s something about climbing that takes your mind off the discomfort of everything else.
We’re about halfway through this trip and I’m hoping we all get to enjoy some more fun and quiet time. You deserve some R&R after a lot of time in second grade. We’ll continue to balance play time in the pool with screen time and sightseeing to mix it up. I’m thankful for the warm sun, sweet grapefruit off of Gram’s backyard tree and a lot of family time on this last trip to the family condo.
Love,
Dad