What a wonderful winter the Captain, Admiral & Contessa had in the desert of Southern California! We arrived on Saturday after Thanksgiving to our “new to us” haven at Desert Shores Motorcoach Resort in Indio, CA. Settling in took a couple months; but with the resources for a myriad of consignment shops and every retail outlet you could possibly imagine within 5 miles, a shell that had been neglected for several years began to take shape.
We had been here May of last year and contracted for some work to be done on the patio, including a pergola (essential for shade in the desert), outdoor kitchen and fire pit relocation, as well as repairs on a variety of “opportunities” that a neglected property provides. We were so thankful that when we arrived, the work done on the patio was everything we wanted, completed on time and under budget! We spent weeks with Emmanuel & his boys from EQ Landscaping, Jeff at Desert Lighting Solutions and a wide array of opportunities that begins to make this place “ours”.
Our “backyard” with the fountain & island in the lake behind us –
you can see our neighbors across the lake
We had a marvelous season and met some great new friends. And, just as in our boating years, having the shared experience of motorcoaching provides a camaraderie and connection that we truly enjoy. We also found a church home here in the desert in St. John’s Episcopal Church only about 4 miles from home. It is a small mission church with a compelling focus on multi-cultural celebration and inclusion. We are so blessed to have a loving church family in both places we call home!
We flew home for Easter and returned to the desert in mid-May. Contessa had been at “the spa” getting some loving attention – new carpet, upholstery and some minor repairs on her air conditioning. She is a happy girl and as ready to “get going” as we are! So, tomorrow, Sunday, May 26, we’ll hitch “the Toad” (Jeep) to her and we will be on our way! First stop – North Phoenix for one night and then to Sedona, AZ!
Contessa & The Toad Get Hitched 
Safe travels. Love you guys.
Sent from my iPad
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Love hearing all this.
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Dear Jann and Bill,
It’s so good to hear from you. Your western home looks beautiful.
Love you both, Barb
Sent from my iPhone
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What a gorgeous oasis you’ve created! Hard to imagine leaving it, but the road is beckoning! Have a wonderful adventure and enjoy!
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Your CA home is beautiful. I would love to visit you there one day. Hopefully, you will travel up to the Canadian Rocky Mountains soon. Your travels are always so exciting to follow. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels!!
Luv’ Jan
PS. CarolFrancis & I checking are checking out plans to go to Africa in October!!
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Please come visit! We’re more 3 months there & 3 months in NC for the coming year or so. Plan to do Alaska next summer with Peggy & Tom Perrotto. So hope Africa is do-able for you & Carol!! Miss You LOADS!
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Our California home looks so beautiful. We know it took a lot of planning and hard work. Look forward to reading
more of your travels.
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Bon Voyage my friends..stay safe and enjoy the journey. Can’t wait for the “updates” Rich and Eileen
On Sat, May 25, 2019, 8:04 PM Contessa & The Toad Get Hitched wrote:
> Contessa & The Toad Get Hitched posted: “What a wonderful winter the > Captain, Admiral & Contessa had in the desert of Southern California! We > arrived on Saturday after Thanksgiving to our “new to us” haven at Desert > Shores Motorcoach Resort in Indio, CA. Settling in took a couple months; > b” >
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