Palm Springs- swimming in Elvis's pool!

May 31 - June 1 ,09

 Palm Springs California- 100 degrees 

We have an old friend living in Palm Springs that Liz met on a booze cruise in Puerto Vallarta 20 years ago. Over the years we have visited with him either in Calgary ( he used to live there and still has a few friends there) or Liz has made the trip to see him twice now in Palm Springs. He's 80 years old so you never know when it will be the last time!

Bowen was very excited to meet Cliff and see the semi famous house that Elvis Presley once lived in. Cliff and his 83 year old partner of 39 years have lived in this house for over 20 years. It's just a few doors away from the home of Liberace and across the street from  the home of Alan Ladd  but Bowen wasn't at all interested in those places. Elvis rules!

Before descending on our friend we decided to tour Palm Springs a bit. The over - the - top  home decor stores are plentiful as are the gourmet food stores. We settled on a $5 ( american!) gelato for each of the boys and a much needed pedicure for Remy and Liz. Remy's pedicurist could not get over the sad state of his feet and has consequently shamed him into a regular foot care regime.

We couldn't resist taking a peek at Liberaces' old house that happens to be for sale. It seemed like a good photo op to drive the van around his driveway too!

Off we went to Cliffs house, proudly displaying our newly softened and buffed feet looking forward to a swim in the pool.

We weren't there for more than 10 minutes before the entire family was frolicking in the wet coolness while Cliff continued reading his novel in his air conditioned house. He was a generous host despite the fact that he was recovering from 2 recent surgeries. We enjoyed a great meal of spaghetti and meatballs while Cliff poured us copious glasses of white zinfandel from the box. At 80 years of age he has decided given up drinking so was eager to deplete his stock of cheap box wine ( his words, not mine) 

The evening was spent around the kitchen playing backgammon while the boys lounged in Cliffs bedroom watching their beloved TV. We camped out on the street which made for a bad nights sleep not because it was noisy but because we had to sleep with the doors wide open to alleviate the heat and Liz was worried a neighbor might come a knocking to see what the heck this old  van was doing parked in the otherwise perfect and shiny  street.

We never did see Cliffs partner, Harry, as he spends most of his time at the casino these days  but we had a great visit with our spirited old friend. Bowen thinks Cliff is the coolest "old guy" he has ever met.

-Liz