Indio, California: Mother Nature keeps teasing us with one or two days of sunshine – but no real heat – then gives us a day or two of clouds and rain. Of course, it will rain today because we are having our bus washed this morning.
Anyone living in the Coachella Valley should not complain about much-needed moisture, especially when we are treated to a rare super bloom of color carpeting the desert floor. Good timing for us. We are heading out across the desert (in our car) this week and our route (to Las Vegas) will take us through valleys bursting with color. We are also enjoying the flight of millions of Painted Lady butterflies migrating north from Mexico [insert border wall joke here]. The butterflies are everywhere – and they fly FAST.
We are going to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament – again. Mary and Steve will join us, so we will have a fun week – no matter if the Ducks win or stink-it-up – while sipping on ridiculously expensive cocktails in the T-Mobile Arena.
Oregon school colors are yellow and (conveniently) green, having us appropriately attired for St. Patrick’s Day. Though we will be away, I will still make a few of our annual favorites when we return. Especially my Irish Soda Cake, as Leo loves it so much.
This quick bread is more like cake than bread, comes together quickly, and due to the buttermilk has the nicest texture. Not overly sweet, Irish Soda Bread is also nice for breakfast or tea time. If you can find a package of extra-large/jumbo raisins (Wild Harvest or SunMaid make them), this is the time to let them shine.
If you are not a fan of corned beef or are vegetarian, make a pot of my Beer Cheese Potato Soup to celebrate the Wearing-o-the-Green. This thick soup will chase-away the cold… or even snakes?
I will updating from Fabulous Las Vegas!
Until my next update, I remain, your Irish correspondent.
RV PARK: The Motorcoach Country Club