And now, the rain!!!!

It poured this afternoon in Palm Springs. We had been warned. We put up all the umbrellas to wash down the last of the ash from the fires. Very refreshing but still H O T. The rain was C O L D!!!!

Here's a couple of photos .. raining in the pool (as if nobody doesn't know what that looks like) and one of our bespoke, patented, avant  garde, genuine Palm Springs designed heat deterrent pool rail cover, (Zip ties are extra!!).

Spectaular Lightening show

Tonight, August 22nd we had the most amazing light show. Forked lightening (no thunder) which went on for, oh, minutes. Looking south from our patio, way up in the mountains towards Idyllwild. Hopefully this doesn't mean more fires.  Looking out, there is a glow. Gulp! Not more ash and smoke. Cough,  cough!!

We are stocked up with batteries for our flashlights just incase! . LOL!! Unfortunately we don't have a camera worthy of taking the pictures. We do have several wind up radios!!!!

Still here!!!

We survived the fires. There is no more wood-smoke permeating the air and we can blink without tearing up. There was a moment this afternoon when we thought it was starting again which came to nothing.

Excitement on Sunday - one of our water heaters stopped heating water! It's a good job we have hidden trillions which saved our ass. Luckily no guests wanting to shower but it was the water heater for rooms 7, 8, 9 & 10, laundry room and our kitchen! Oh well, always something as they say

We are replacing all the patio screen doors on rooms 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. Danny is doing a great job. Would you believe they are not all the same size.  LOL!

Oh, Oh, I nearly forgot ... bathroom windows replaced for rooms 2 & 3. Finally the last original windows from 1949 gone. See them on e-bay and bid well!!!!!

Update

The fires are still burning. Over 6,000 acres so far. I love the smell of wood smoke but only in the autumn when people light their own fires. The ash is still falling but not as much as yesterday. Devilishly hot today not that we're complaining (102 at 1pm). The wind isn't helping.

We went to Bongo Johnnies for lunch today. The other patrons must have thought we were
 crazy out of  towners as we sat on the patio in splendid isolation!!! That's OK. What's a bit of ash in your red wine/burger? LOL

Eyes still smarting, ash still falling, wind blowing, weather still hot. A long way from England we are! Oh, the thunderstorm we had whilst in Stratford. I'm most whistful!!!  Cough,  cough!!

Wild Fires!!

I forgot to mention, when the taxi came to pick us up at 4am July 16th to take us to the airport, the smell of wood smoke in the air was evident and the ash in the pool was obvious. The taxi driver took us via Downtown/Taquitz to show us the fire on the mountain ridge. At the airport people were sweeping up ash from the public areas We were delayed for an hour taking off to San Francisco, not because of the fire or fear of the jet taking in too much ash and crashing. No, the usual .. weather at SFO. That didn't matter to us ... it cut down our stop over by an hour so only four hours wait instead of five. Incidentaly, the United lounge at SFO in one word ... crap!!

Tonight the fires are back and at 6pm we couldn't see the mountain because of the smoke. Ash floating down, smoke causing eyes to stream but far enough away not to cause us any real concern. People have been evacuated to Hemet (it must be bad). About 2,500 acres burnt so far and many homes/buildings gone. We really have considered registering with the American Red Cross to use this place as emergency accommodation. I'm sure the victims wouldn't mind the hooks in ceilings/St. Andrews Cross etc. We'll be sure they are only here during the week!!!!

If all we have to worry about is smell of wood smoke, ash in the pool and having to wash down the patio, then life isn't too bad!!! Cough,  cough!! Pass me a tissue!

We're B A C K!!

OMG, I (again) can't believe how time flies!

However, we are back from our vacation to England safe and sound. Yes, we were there for the birth. No, it didn't affect our trip at all. In fact it just passed us by because we chose not to listen to the crazy media frenzy.

Dennis and AJ looked after the place while we were away. The only fly in the ointment was not being able to reply to e-mails or check our voice mail messages. Nothing to do with British technology, more to do with our devices. Will be more prepared next time.

We did everything we had planned to do and everything fell into place. It's funny how things work out, especially after planning for so long. The one and only night we spent in London we went to our favorite restaurant, Maggie Jones' where we have been going since the 70's. Fabulous as usual and still  as expensive yikes!

Anyhoo, here we are safe and sound. I have to tell you, United Airlines Business Class is not what it is made out to be. I believe the United Business Class has been dumbed down and you get the service that once was United Premium Economy. God help Economy Class. Actually, the flight out upstairs on an aged 747 wasn't bad but the flight and crew on the way back on the 777  left a lot to be desired. Neither way did I get my first choice meal. Poor me.

Visited friends and family but it was the first time back when I haven't been able to see my dear friend Pegi.

Open for business now, guests in from San Diego and Tucson AZ, A fairly quiet weekend. Time will tell.