Palm Springs Area

Yesterday I took Betty on a roadtrip. We left Menifee, drove to Temecula and then to this overlook on Highway #74. Behind us, looking North, is the Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Indio metropolitan area. Off in the distance to the North is Joshua Tree National Park.
It was a beautiful day after three days of rain over the weekend. I can't complain about the rain, though, as California needed the three inches we received and much more. And there was no snow where we are parked!! There was lots of snow to the Northwest in the Big Bear area.
Warmest regards, Gus

Palm Springs, CA

When I was in Palm Springs last month I visited the 26-foot Marilyn Monroe Statue that was on loan to the City. The statue is going to moved to Philadelphia in the near future.
While I was downton, I also attended a performance of the Fabulous Follies. The guest star of the Follies was Maureen McGovern, who sang "Over the Rainbow," "Blues in the Night," and seven other songs.
This is the last year (23rd) for the Palm Springs Fabulous Follies.
Warmest regards, Gus

USS Midway, San Diego

Last week when I was in the San Diego area, I took the trolley tour and stopped at the USS Midway and got to see this statue representing the iconic picture taken in New York City during the parade at the end of WWII.
While in San Diego I was able to get to Coronado Island several times, and it brought back memories of my trip there in December 2009 when I went with Sami to run on the beach by the Coronado Hotel. Sami is still happy to be with Chris and Dani in Colorado Springs.
I have very fortunate to be in Southern California this winter, where the weather has been great.

I am still trying to "fix" my blog connection issues. Hope this finds all well.
Warmest regards. Gus

I apologize for not posting anything recently. I have been having trouble with my connection to the blog. I hope to get the technical problems resolved soon so I can post some pictures from Palm Springs and San Diego.
I am currently in Menifee, CA, and will be here for several weeks.
Warmest regards. Gus

Christmas In Lake Havasu City

 While it is not quite Christmas Lane In Pojoaque, NM, cousins Jim & Pat did manage to get some Christmas lights strung on and around the motorhome. The candy cane lights are hanging on the awning, there are some chile lights in the window and around the sign post, along with rope lights on the ground.
Hope you have a great 2014!!
Warmest regards, Gus

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Musuem

 Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dalla, Texas.
The museum has many interactive exhibits for people to learn about the United States during the two terms of George W. Bush. There is replica of the Oval Office and some of the many gifts which came from foreign countries.
I really liked the temporary exhibit of the Christmas display which was not seen in 2001 in the White House because of the recent attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Many of the employees of the White House had built replicas of the homes former Presidents had lived in either during their early lives or later in life. The ornaments on this tree are homes, churches, etc. from across the U.S.
Warmest regards, Gus

Vicksburg National Military Park

Yesterday I had the chance to visit the site of the bloody fight for Vicksburg, MS, and the control of the Mississippi River during the Civil War.
The Mississippi River was strategic for the flow of  farm and manufactured goods up and down the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, as well as the upper Mississippi River. When the Confederates blocked the river to Union traffic at Vicksburg, a consideraable advantage went to the South to win the war. By July 4th, 1863, General Grant was able to starve out the city and take control of the Mississippi River. Combined with the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania at the same time, the tide was turning toward a Union Vistory.
What a shame so many people had to suffer and die because some "leaders" could not compromise!!
Warmest regards, Gus