Monday, October 13, 2008

Oh Give Me a Home . . .


Under the palm trees where the pina coladas flow.

I still can't get the smile off my face.

I don't even know where to begin. I feel like talking about what a wonderful time I had while the rest of the country, heck, the world, sits with bated breath as their life savings dwindle down to next to nothing might be a tad insensitive.

You can call me insensitive, this "momcation" was much needed - recession or no recession. But if it makes you feel any better, I did vacation pretty darn next to nothing, minus my airfare (I didn't use a Priceline negotiator so I probably paid way too much for that). And I travelled with my girlfriends who only eat one meal (and a few snacks here and there) a day, so my food cost was next to nothing.

[Don't ask about my cocktail budget, I'm not telling.]

I honestly did not think I would like Palm Springs as much as I did. I knew I would have fun, because I have fun no matter where I go and any vacation with friends and without screaming children is well received, no matter where it is - but I do think I mentioned earlier that vacationing in Wasilla, AK would probably be out of the question for obvious reasons.

[I'm not completely convinced that Obama is the clear winner, no matter how much I tell myself so I just won't be convinced until Nov. 4 is over and even then it could be a while . . . but back to the story.]

Palm Springs was wonderful. Adding to the wonderfulness of the trip was the fact that my friends and I were literally the youngest people there. Seriously. Logging in at 34, 35 and 36 made us the youngest by a mile - and you can just imagine what that will do for a girls ego! I am thinking of returning to this desert every year just so I can show those old folks how to dance! In fact, we did dance with, I believe, one of the oldest people in the state of California and if any of you know him - I'd love more information. His name was Arnold Ostern. He told us he sang in every night club in San Francisco back in the day. I don't doubt for one minute that he was telling the truth.

He rolled into the Mexican restaurant with his hands steady on his walker. You couldn't see his eyes behind his dark, dark glasses but I am sure they were twinkling. He owned the place. Well, not really owned it, but you know what I mean - the man had presence.

When he summoned my friend Amie to his table to see if we would all dance with him, we could not refuse. I'd kinda been tapping my toe to Honky Tonk Woman under the table and was just about to dance by myself so this definitely made me look less stupid.

[When you're 94 you can get away with just about anything, including asking 3 much younger women to dance around you in a circle, waving their arms in the air like they just don't care . . . you can even ask them to come over the next day for a dip in your pool, but don't be offended when they politely decline. When you're 94 you can also talk 2 of said younger women out of their addresses so that you may send them one of your records and a letter you wrote about why you should be the next president. I can't wait to be 94.]

I could not make this up if I tried and this was only one night of our "momcation!" One night!

I know my stories keep you on the edge of your seat, but what you really want is the photographic evidence, right? These will have to do until my friend Amie emails me the photos that strangers took of us cutting it up on the dance floor:


The pool. I could live in those chaise lounges 24/7. All I'd need is Starbuck's and happy hour!

Dinner at Tommy Bahamas.



Hiking at 8,500 feet above sea level.

Oh. My. God. We were up pretty high!


I can't wait to go back someday!

Who's in?

18 comments:

flutter said...

oh, ME!!

Liz said...

Beautiful! And the sweet old man. Oh yeah.....sign me up!

Kristin said...

Me! I want in! I love the desert during Indian Summer... absolutely the most gorgeous time of year.

Looks like a great time and the next trip you will have to deal with me driving down for a day of vintage shopping and margaritas.

Girlplustwo said...

love it.

Anonymous said...

And wear a purple hat, right! 94 is an age where you can pretty much please yourself, and I hope to achieve it.

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

aww i love these pics! i'm so glad you had fun!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Palm Springs is quite relaxing--especially without kids and with friends--it's perfect.

Kyla said...

Looks like FUN!

Anonymous said...

Me. Pick me!!!

xxxooomom

Kellan said...

I'm in - I'll meet you by the pool and be there when you get back from the hike - HA!

I loved the story of the elderly man - how cute was he!?! I'm glad you had such a good trip - it sounds wonderful!

Have a good evening, Carrie - see you soon - Kellan

Amanda said...

Jealous. J-e-a-l-o-u-s. And proud. Go mama!

Anonymous said...

Oh I am soo in.. I love the hiking pictures.. sounds like a wonderful, much needed break!!

painted maypole said...

when I went on a cruise I danced with a lovely older gentleman... hubby was sick below deck, although even if he had been well he would not have danced with me!

glad you had a great time!

Anonymous said...

Lucky! I'm glad you had a good time! :)

Jen said...

So glad you had a fun time! Thanks for sharing the pics! That view from your hike looks amazing!

Anonymous said...

It suddenly occurred to me that we've never taken a cousins vacation. Hmm...

xoxo

Anonymous said...

I know this 94 year old man you are talking about. He is an amazing man and when he told me to google his name to find this story, I like you was reluctant to do. It is not that I did not beleive him, it's just that I could not imagin who would write about dancing with him. Arnold you inspire me at my young age of 33. Rock on....

Midnight Wolf said...

I'm a friend of Arnold's too, and I find him amazing. The man is oozing life out of every pore and he never stops. I only hope I am half as sharp as he is when I am in my "golden years".