A Visit to the Edris House to Benefit our New Animal Shelter

On Saturday I attended an event to benefit the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, which is building a much-needed new, larger facility here in Palm Springs. The event was held at a private home, known as the Edris House, an historic Mid-Century Modern home nestled in the hillside overlooking Palm Springs. Built in 1954 and designed by famed architect, E. Stewart Williams, the structure is regarded as an excellent example of modern period homes in the desert. 

The current owner opened his home up to host the fundraiser, so the house itself was an added draw to donors. Like most cities, Palm Springs has an overpopulation of animals in need of adoption. There are so many great dogs and cats at shelters. Animal lovers from across our fair city turned out to help raise money to fund this new shelter, set to open late summer of 2011. Once the shelter opens, I'll post some photos here on the blog. But for this post, I thought I'd just share a few photos from around the home. It is the classic desert lifestyle I love and enjoy everyday.

the pool overlooks the desert floor

great hillsides surround the home

it was the ideal setting to entertain

I could have stayed all day, but soon it was time to go!

I've mentioned it several times over the years, but the Palm Springs community has a very active "season" of tourists, part-time residents and annual events. But we also host an amazing array of philanthropic events from the months of November through May. In just seven months, there are over 300 different charitable fundraiser events for non-profit organizations. Part of this has to do with the demographics of both full-time and part-time residents; who are at a stage of life with large fortunes and want to give back a bit. It really is amazing to participate or attend these events to see first hand how generous people can be. I was so pleased to see the turn out at this event and hope people continue to show their generosity to our shelter. If you want to make a donation to our shelter, visit their website to donate. You can also mail a donation to:  

Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter

P.O. BOX 4808

PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263

Easter Sunrise Service at the Top of the Tram

Happy Easter! This morning consisted of an early morning ride up to the top of San Jacinto Mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Amid darkness, I caught the 4:30 AM tram and in just 10 minutes I was at the top. You see, I had been planning to attend the Easter Sunrise Service at the top of our beautiful mountain, 10,000 feet high. In all the years I've lived here, I've never done it before, so this was the year! It was a non-denominational Christian service of hymns, a sermon and some time for prayer, all in time for dawn to break. When the service had concluded, everyone walked outside to view the sunrise. With the choir still singing, the outdoor speakers carried "Amazing Grace" to the peaks of Mount San Jacinto. These were the views I saw:

back inside the station, I saw the lily plants I had missed earlier, in the darkness

the ride back down the tram seemed especially beautiful this Easter morning

I'm really glad I awakened so early to participate in the sunrise service, it was special and memorable. Back at home, my own Easter Lilly plant was in full bloom, which made me smile. I love the smell of lilies in bloom. I sat down and took a few moments to reflect on the sermon earlier. I wish you all the blessings of Easter, to you and your family.

And now, its time to enjoy my Easter Cream Eggs!

Gnome Comes to Life in Palm Springs

It came to my attention that our garden Gnome was in rough shape. He was badly faded and in dis-repair after years of keeping watch so loyally for the past 9 years. There he stood, poolside all those years in the scorching hot, unforgiving desert sun and through many long nights in the cool moonlight, never a word or complaint. A local hummingbird brought the situation to my attention, whereby I realized something had to be done. After all, I didn't want a gnome uprising, revolt or protest, citing poor living conditions, lack of basic care and upkeep, and worse yet- no sun screen. I immediately took action. After all, not only did I wish to avoid a Gnome uprising of epic proportions, it was the right thing to do! 

I dispatched John to Michael's in Palm Springs to buy some Acrylic Folk Art craft paint. Fortunately his dad suggested we also buy some Krylon acrlyic clear coat spray with UV protection (see photo below)

Soon we were off and running. Rick's Gnome Restoration Service was born. A poolside studio was set up, to provide plenty of natural light, and also to ensure that our Gnome was comfortable. He stood ever-so-still as fresh coats of red paint were applied to his all-important official Gnome hat.

We deliberated about the color of his jacket (blue or green, blue or green. hmmmm. I tried to contact the Palm Springs Gnome Society, but they were closed (it was a Saturday). So we made an executive decision to go with blue. I think he felt left out of the decision because his back was turned when we started the blue jacket.

There was no question about the color of his belt. Brown. The Gnome giggled nervously as the tiny paint brush stroked his belly. I did my best to respect his personal space and maintained absolute professionalism at all times.

Hair and skin care was another matter. The Gnome was thrilled to get a deep cleansing facial and rejuvenating skin creams. He opted for a type of gnomey-collagen enriched substance to minimize wrinkles. I went to work and performed his skin and hair treatment in spot of shade. He smiled happily throughout the procedure. At this point I wish to put to rest any of the vicious rumors of any botox use on the Gnome. They are scurrilous attacks on him, so please!

While the Gnome waited for his skin and hair treatment to complete, I assessed his fingernails, a good manicure seemed in order. Naturally, being a Gnome he thought that was nonsense, and resisted any such treatment. 
Instead he continued to grip his axe handle firmly. I took that as a sign not to argue, so I let it go.  

Wearing my Tillman Rose Parade t-shirt I toiled away

Darkness fell and my Gnome Restoration Service was still underway. I had to let the Gnome know that his pants needed mending and fresh color. I checked his inside leg and measured the waist too. I had sufficient green paint to go to work. It is tricky business painting a Gnome's paints, let me tell you. I held him very steady as I painted around his nether regions. I nervously kept an eye on his hand which still gripped that super-sharp axe. One false move and he could have swung!

Soon darkness enveloped the patio, and yet I continued to toil away. The Gnome was getting antsy, but I still had to address his base and footing areas. A few coats of paint on his black books and he was as good as new. I think he wanted to wander off at this point, but I asked him to remain in place, with his feet firmly planted in the base. Being ever-so-polite, he complied with my request. Such a good chap.

The restoration was nearly complete, it had been a long day and the Gnome was tired from a full day of restoration and rejuvenation. The soft glow of the patio light was comforting and made the Gnome feel relaxed. He still needed a spray of clear acrylic, but that wouldn't be applied until the next morning. And so he rested for the evening.

Even the Palm Springs Gnome Society would approve

Early this morning, just after dawn, the Gnome had found his familiar place poolside under a palm and near his favorite Sago plant. I looked across the pool, smiled and waved to the Gnome and said 'Good Morning!' I'm quite sure he was smiling back at me too. But I hadn't had my coffee yet.

Woodstock stands happily in his garden

I went for my morning swim and went to the edge of the pool for a closer look at the Gnome. I reminded him that he would still need a clear coat spray sometime today. He protested, saying that he didn't want to be shiny and be laughed at my other Gnomes in Palm Springs. I assured him that I had matte finish acrylic spray, so no one would know he was wearing a protective finish. There was one last demand from the Gnome in his rights and privileges. He wanted a name. All these years he never had a name; frankly it never even occurred to me. Gnome rights! Gnome respect! He chanted, and mumbled something about contacting the Palm Springs Gnome Society tomorrow. I realized the error of my ways and agreed he deserved a name. My nieces chose his name: 'Woodstock', because he has an axe and chops wood. So the Gnome will henceforth be known as 'Woodstock' and shall live happily ever after in my garden in Palm Springs.

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Torme's Jazz Bar & Restaurant in Palm Springs

This past weekend I finally checked out a new hot spot in Palm Springs called Tormés. Located on North Palm Canyon Drive, it is a jazz bar and restaurant is  named for singer Mel Tormé whose high-tenor voice was so smooth beautiful & velvety he was nicknamed the "Velvet Fog". If you don't recall, Mel Tormé, was an accomplished American musician, jazz/pop singer, composer and arranger. He was a drummer, and actor in radio, film, and television, and a prolific author of five books. No doubt most people are familiar with his most well-known classic holiday song "The Christmas Song" (also known as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" which he co-wrote.

Tormés Jazz Bar and Restaurant is owned and run by Melissa Tormé (daughter of Mel Tormé) and her husband Ed Wald. I've had my eye on the place for awhile since they opened but have not been able to check it out until now. Tormés has a warm and inviting club atmosphere and is easy on the eyes. A sizzling bar area leads into the main dining room, where a tight stage sits as a focal point. Banquette table booths line the walls, creating a cozy, clubby feel. The walls feature restored vintage photographs of many of the great vocalists of jazz and standards, from Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Garland, and of course Tormé himself.

We were seated promptly in the main dining room at a great table by a cheery hostess. The evening had a rough start when we sat at the table for 25 minutes before our server greeted us. I was fuming, just seconds away from calling the restaurant from my table to ask for a server. HOWEVER, our server quickly apologized for the oversight. It was a snafu on table assignments or something. I made a point of informing her that I am a "local" and hoped the restaurant would impress me. (Believe me, it can be a very long summer for restaurants once the tourists leave). For restaurants to survive year round, they usually need support of the locals to hold them through the off-season. To her credit, she stepped up and made it right. I was happy with the service and food, and will definitely go back.

A diverse menu with reasonable prices, Tormés offers everything from veal piccata, filet of beef, halibut, salmon, gourmet pizzas and a range of perfect appetizer light dishes too. The live music truly adds to the atmosphere and makes Tormés feel different from other dining establishments in Palm Springs. 

Here, local and national musicians are headlined continuing Palm Springs' long-running ties to entertainment. It is rare to find supper-club type restaurants thriving and doing both music and food well. Tormés has a good vibe and should do well here in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Savant gives it a "Three Palm" rating, so check it out. 360 North Palm Canyon Drive 760-327-1773

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A Bowl of Antioxidants & Health

One of the most important decisions one can make every day is what is consumed. Experts tell us that what we eat is equally important as what we don't eat. Fresh, whole foods, minimally processed- particularly dark colored vegetables and fruits are excellent. Processed, prepared foods laden with too much salt and sugars are bad. Everyone knows that, right? If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to avoid things ready-to-eat in a package, and look for fresh foods. I've been trying to consume more berries. Deep, dark colors like blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are packed with antioxidants whose health benefits are numerous and well documented.

I am also a fan of dates. Living in Palm Springs, we grow all sorts of dates right here in the Coachella Valley, so its easy and inexpensive to buy dates. Dates are pretty good for you too. They are rich in potassium, calcium, sulfur, iron, phosphorus, copper, manganese and natural oils. Just one a day helps add to a balanced diet. Interestingly, dates are known to help with intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, diarrhea, and relieve constipation too. Dates are not like prunes. I dislike prunes, but love dates. You can cook and bake with them, or eat them raw. I like to slice up dates and saute them with things like chicken or pork. I like them up for salads too. Lots of ways to enjoy dates and get the health benefits along the way.

So the next time you are thinking about what to snack on, go for a bowl of fresh mixed berries, and throw in some dates too. If you want to buy some dates grown here in the Palm Springs area, there is a local date farm called Shields  You can order dates online from their website. You can even follow them on Twitter @ShieldsDateGrdn (As always this is not a paid post, just me offering information).

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A Visit To Mount San Jacinto

At the moment, it seems that most of the US is covered in snow, with cold, icy conditions. Rather than being a jerk and boasting about the weather here on the desert floor of Palm Springs, I thought I'd take you 10,000 feet above sea level, up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountain. A quick ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway brings one to another climate, just overlooking the desert floor. Welcome to Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Here, the temperatures are usually between 30 and 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor below. During the summer months when it is 100 degrees (or more) the tram offers an easy escape to cooler temperatures. During the winter months, the top of the mountain receives a healthy share of snow. Being an east-coaster by birth, at times I miss the snow, so its a real treat to walk in the snow even if just for a short while. Last week while up at the top of the tram, someone in my group (who is a native Southern Californian) had never seen or touched snow before. She was thrilled to make a snowball for the first time.

People don't often associate snow with Palm Springs, but I assure you we have it- several feet in fact. Its just 10,000 feet above where I live everyday. Most of the time I just look at the snow capped mountain from my back yard while I sip my cawfee in the morning. As a side note, this photo (above left) is of the desert floor, looking back down onto Palm Springs while at the top of the mountain.

This photo at left is while up on top of Mount San Jacinto along the hiking trails. Nature offers such beautiful scenery, all we need to do is take the time to appreciate it. People often ask me what I like best about living in Palm Springs. My answer is always the same- the incredible beauty of nature. This is probably not the perspective of Palm Springs one might expect to see here on this blog, but it is very real. It is also my own little way of showing empathy for the rest of the country dealing with the snow. Hang in there! And if you really can't take it anymore and just need a break, come visit us in Palm Springs.
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Palm Springs Rocks!

aerial photo: city-data.com

I've been living in Palm Springs for nearly a decade, and yet each day I am pleasantly surprised by the natural beauty of the California desert. In my forty-something years I've lived in New England, New York, San Diego, Chicago and London, but I'm the happiest living here in Palm Springs. I often credit the majestic San Jacinto Mountains as a source of happiness and serenity. I could stare at them for hours and still look forward to the next dawn or sunset, where the sun casts an incredible range of colors across the peaks and foothills. What is it about this huge rock-land mass that holds my fascination? The thought of the sheer force and energy that caused them to rise above the surface from plates shifting angrily deep below the earth's surface some zillions of years ago. I'm fascinated by the seemingly ever-changing range of colors from the position of the sun, the atmosphere, presence of snow, ground cover, etc. How is it that a large brown mass could possess such beauty? After all, it really is just rock and dirt, right? Or is it?


Often times I think about all the people who have lived in and around these mountains. Long before air conditioning, native Indians thrived here, finding water from the natural springs deep in the mountain canyons. I wonder about all the other people who have also stared at these mountains for generations, to find peace in the shadow of this great range. Pardon the pun, but these rocks really ground me and make me feel happy.


Perhaps that is why I decided to add a few boulders to my own yard. My yard has a desert landscape motif, low water consumption with generally a lot of cactus and palm trees. I decided what was missing were a few big rocks. So last Sunday, I journeyed to the tiny town of Whitewater, just outside of Palm Springs to shop for rocks. Yes, you read that right, to shop for rocks.


Rock-shopping is more complex than you might imagine. There is color, size, weight, shape and texture to consider. We drove around their massive land area to find a few good rocks. I took photos of the ones I'm considering. If you have any favorites, I'd like to know which one(s) you like best, and why. It may sound silly but I want my own yard to have a geological connection to the massive San Jacinto Mountain that I spend so much time admiring. Then I can sit on my own rock and spend more time staring at the mountain they came from.


Oh, and please resist any smart remarks about my last name and this post. The irony of this didn't escape my notice. (Yes, I'll have my own Rock-hill when I'm done) but I'll never really own them, I'll just borrow them from the earth for a few more decades and pass them on to someone else to admire.

Rock #1

Rock #2 (center)

Rock #3

Rock #4 (all 3 combined)

Rock #5

OK, so which rock(s) get your vote?

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A Piece of Palm Springs History Continues to Thrive

If you've been reading this blog with any regularity over the past few years you have undoubtedly seen numerous posts or reference to Melvyn's, my favorite restaurant in Palm Springs. I suppose one might say I'm a regular there because I love the service, food and ambiance. There aren't many places like it left in the US; they still prepare certain dishes table side, by a staff of professional career waitstaff. Their head waiter, Bobby Bolduch is a fixture there and is a real pro. Just last week I heard that Bobby is about to reach his one millionth preparation of Steak Diane (prepared lovingly table-side at Melvyn's). In fact I believe this milestone is set to be covered on the Today Show soon. 

Melvyn's is a hip and swank connection to Palm Spring's Hollywood history. Many of the legends in entertainment have dined here over the years. It remains so today and now a new generation of young Hollywood continue to flock to Melvyn's themselves. 
Continuing on the theme of great restaurant staff, I just read a great article in The Desert Sun about the Maitre d'Hotel, Brian Ellis. I've had the pleasure of knowing Brian for a number of years and consider him one of the finest Maitre d's I've ever met. He was trained in the "old school" methods and can make anyone feel welcome and special. 

I've hosted a number of parties at Melvyn's and he always handles the details with class, style and precision. Everything runs like clock work, and as a host to a party of guests, that means a lot. Just last week I had a dinner party for 30 people on several nights. One of the three evenings was at Melvyn's; and my group told me it was the most memorable experience of all the dinners.


There are lots of great reasons to visit Palm Springs, and Melvyn's is one of them. For locals, Melvyn's restaurant is a place I can drop in mid-week for a quick meal, or for special occasions too. Whatever you reason, be sure to check it out and experience a piece of Palm Springs history.


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Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala 2011

Last night I attended the 22nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, one of the most glittering social events in Palm Springs. Each year I am continually amazed at how huge this event has become; today it is second only to the Golden Globe Awards event in Hollywood (the Academy Awards/'Oscars' is number one). 

Several hundred press/media groups from around the world pack the red carpet to capture the magic. Palm Springs still has a certain 'je ne sais pas' allure from its early connections to the Hollywood film industry. During dinner last night a celebrity friend remarked that there were more actors, directors, producers, writers and studio executives in Palm Springs these days than during its golden era hay day in the 1950's and 1960's.

Events like these cannot happen without its sponsors, of which there are many. Legendary jeweler House of Cartier is the Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes Benz is the official vehicle of the festival, and Penfolds wines is a producing sponsor. Those companies truly add a huge glamor factor the evening.
Of course, the Film Festival is mostly about the films being screened. However the Awards Gala is the glitter that helps generate world wide interest in the festival- and media too. Hundreds of limousines arrive bringing more celebrities that I could name here. During the evening I saw Dame Helen Mirren, Penelope Cruz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, Colin Firth, Diahann Carroll, Robert Duvall, Natalie Portman, Rita Rudner, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Amy Adams, Aaron Eckhart, Jimmy Van Patten, Jesse Eisenberg, Jack Jones, Javier Bardem, Carey Mulligen, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Loggia, Oliver Stone and Mart Hart.

To give you an idea of the sheer magnitude of the press covering this event, I took this photo at one end of the red carpet. There was another entire section of press and photographers around the corner. Just in the front is actor Michael A. Newcomer ('A Thousand Cuts') and his date Willow, posing for photographs.

Robert Duvall and his wife

Amy Adams looked stunning.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was channeling Audrey Hepburn

Once inside from the red carpet and away from the prying eyes of the media, guests relaxed during the cocktail reception, amid huge vases of red tulips atop every bar and table. Pedfolds definitely made their mark with red branding throughout.

The Red Queen would have been pleased, beautiful vases of red tulips lighted from below

I took this close up for you Judy....

Chocolate mousse and vanilla cream with fresh raspberries

The Awards Ceremony

Carey Mulligan: Breakthrough Performance Award

Colin Firth: Desert Palm Achievement

Presenter James Franco

Presenter Jake Gyllenhaal

Jennifer Lawrence: Rising Star Award

Presenters Mark Wahlberg & Amy Adams

Presenter Oliver Stone

Ben Affleck: Chairman' Award

Dame Helen Mirren congratulates recipient Colin Firth

Toward the end of the evening I was feeling artistic with my camera and tried to take a number of creative artsy-fartsy photos, none of which had the correct exposure except this one, of the bottle of tine and the tulips. I liked the way the diamonds surrounding the vase refracted light. Shortly thereafter my camera battery bit the dust and was doing strange things. We made a quick escape and headed to the after-party at the famed Parker-Palm Springs hotel, which went on into the wee hours. When I walked into the hotel lobby, there was Ben Affleck sitting on a sofa chatting with guests, while Colin Firth stood just a few feet away sipping a glass of wine. It was a night to celebrate the arts and world of entertainment, and that is exactly what we did.
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