Alien Visits Palouse Divide Lodge - March 28 - 30

When asked if I wanted to come along on a scrapbooking weekend to Palouse Divide Lodge I said, "Sure, I'm always up for a little crafting."  But little did I know the long winter was still at the lodge.  This is me in front of some of the huge piles of snow that were everywhere. There must have been 6 feet on the ground with drifts up to 12 feet.  Debbie Kuntz, a Creative Memories consultant from Lewiston organized and ran the weekend and she is amazing.  I would like to recommend this bi-annual get away to any scrapbooker.
My friend Chocolate Mike was lording his ski experience over me on his holiday trip to Tamarack so it was good to get a taste of the ski life on this old chair lift.  Old school skiing.  Top that Mike.
Strangely enough, most of the women didn't leave the building all weekend long.  The only incentive to leave your table was that Debbie surprised you with gifts and treats while you were away.  Some people (Anita and Molly) got so carried away they pulled an all-nighter.
I am feeling so crafty right now!
And I met the nicest friends on the weekend.  This is the view from the work room looking towards St. Mary's.

Alien Visits Palouse Divide Lodge - March 28 - 30

I don't know why they are smiling so much because in a couple of minutes they would be doing this:
Their mid-flight comments and shrieking were edited out to maintain this site's PG rating.

Did I mention that some people got a little snow crazy?

This shot was taken half way up the hill to the old chair lift.  We vow to go back in the summer and see how tall the trees really are because with all the snow you can only see the tops.

If you can't beat them, join them.

What the heck is Bingo? Alien in an Alien Land

So no rest for the weary Alien after my spring break travels.  We're always on the go at the Shook household.  They asked if I wanted to go to McDonald Elementary Spaghetti Feed and Bingo night and I'm always up for adventure.  What's Bingo?
A gym full of excited parents, kids and teachers.  Strange green cards with red window panes that you flip over.  Random numbers and letters being called out.  For some reason I was glowing that night, maybe all the excitement.  We didn't win anything but I think I'm hooked.  Anyone up for a trip to the casino?

California Here I Come - Alien's Adventures on Spring Break

Yes, it's been almost a month since I got back from Spring Break.  I'm on California time people.  

Here I am at the Palm Springs airport paying tribute to other aviators.

Didn't I make it clear that Jennings talks too much to sit next too?
California was filled with lots of people and sites just up my ally.  La, la land indeed.
I don't know if I could live in California - this fixer upper was listed at $1.2 million.

And the natives are slightly hostile.  James had great fun in the courtyard of the condo every day waging World War 3 but I would rather get some rays.

Palm Springs Here I Come

Now this is the life.  We love pool time and got plenty of it.  Here I am at the hotel pool in Carlsbad.  
Don't worry, I have SPF 50 on.
A refreshing dip.
This gazebo at the hotel totally reminded me of my favorite movie, the Sound of Music.  Here I am on the gazebo - Just call me Rolf.
You are sixteen going on seventeen

Baby, it's time to think

Better beware, be canny and careful

Baby, you're on the brink

 

You are sixteen going on seventeen

Fellows will fall in line

Eager young lads and rogues and cads

Will offer you food and wine

Totally unprepared are you

To face a world of men

Timid and shy and scared are you

Of things beyond your ken

You need someone older and wiser

Telling you What to do

I am seventeen going on eighteen

I'll take care of you

Palm Springs Here I Come

So off to sunny California with the Shooks to visit Grant and Nancy, snowbirds who flee Seattle in the winter for the Palm Springs area.  I hear great things about living the high life in California.  So why is one of the first places they go for dinner is Teresa's Cafe in Indio?  Okay, maybe not ritzy but the #6 combo of beef taco, cheese enchilada, and tamale is to die for.  Mmmm, their red gravy.

The sunny weather and beautiful foliage is amazing.  I've never seen a Bird of Paradise plant before.
Our overnight trip to Legoland was great fun.  I thought of my friend alligator when I saw this Legoland display of the Florida swamp, all made out of legos.

The boy James came out of Legoland with new toys but I don't know about making new friends with these law and order types.