Palm Springs

February: Palm Springs was probably the last work conference for Dad for a long time.

It's a barren desert city built in a prehistoric sea bed between two mountain ranges, covered in lush green palm trees, and sustained by a giant secret underground aquifer. Very unique, and Mom would probably come up with a metaphor for it if she wasn't so tired.

It's famous for music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, and being the vacation spot for old Hollywood royalty like Frank Sinatra.

It's also famous for being nestled next to the San Andreas fault.

The last major earthquake from this fault in 1906 is well known for the damage in San Francisco, with the next Big One predicted for 200 years later. Let's be honest, the way 2020 is going so far, nobody would be surprised if the Big One hit early.   

It was beautiful, and the food was yummy.

These two were blissfully unaware that this would be their last date night until 2021.

It was a good one, with dinner at Frank Sinatra' old house.

Serenaded by Ol' Blue Eyes himself.

Nana and Papa

February was a lucky month for a visit from these favorite people. We got a week with them in the blissful days before the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality.

They got to see a baseball game,

enjoy weather that was warmer and sunnier than Boston,

and make memories with us.

There were hardships, like the lack of Schwepp's Lime,

and learning how to navigate Self Checkout.

But we only remember the epic desserts.

 

And the ridiculous meal planning that Mom does before going with Dad to his work conference.

Tennis

This spring, we discovered a love for tennis.

We continued our love of all things beautiful, and art.

And of course, Mom and Dad continue to gently encourage golf as another lifelong sport.

Minor A

New level, new devil. Ryan and his buddies moved up to the Minor A league this spring. It was exciting, and also humbling. 

In this league, the kids are an average of 2 years older, kids pitch the whole game, and they are really good. 

It wasn't fun to lose with an average score of 11-4 most games, but it was a good lesson on working hard to meet the new level.

And it was still fun to play with friends.

Mom and Dad love when he applies his own eye black.

2020 Happy New Year!

The year started beautifully. 

Then, in early February, a real tornado passed close by our house, causing us to shelter in the pantry at midnight. We didn't know that night was foreshadowing for the entire mood of 2020. 

Sweetens Cove

Dad likes golf, so playing at this secret course with a cult following was very special.

It is a gorgeous course, like being dropped onto Kiawah Island.

It's 9 holes, and you play to different flags on each round. The course name comes from the original settlement, Sweden's cove, near Chattanooga.

It's hard to capture the rolling hills and difficulty in pictures.

Second time around you play to the white flags.