After 5 days in Joshua Tree, we headed to Borrego Spring for Thanksgiving, a family tradition I finally participated in! We filled half of the Palm Dessert Campground with friends and family. Once again, I got to visit with my granddaughters. Of course, we had to practice swimming and get to cook’n. We made a delicious Cranberry Tangerine Cake for the big day!
Naturally, hiking was at the top of everyone’s list, and off they went as I nursed my knee. My previous days of hiking had wreaked havoc on my torn meniscus. What is a trip to the desert without off-roading a bit? We set out to explore Ricardo Breceda’s cool iron artwork when we heard the air quickly escaping our back right tire (we had replaced all the tires when we first landed in San Diego). Ruby and Eva sang all the songs they knew while waiting in the dark for the repair truck to arrive.
Evenings were great with family and friends under the stars. My son even drove down from Washington to enjoy this family tradition and for us to have one more hug.
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.