A RESPITE — The Weekly Opine

A balcony table at Wilma & Frieda’s in Palm Springs, while enjoying breakfast, is the perfect place to start a week of relaxation. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Time to chill

So far, Chicagoland has experienced a relatively mild winter. A couple bouts of single-digit highs and just a few snow days, each producing a rather tame 1-3 inches. (That sound you hear is me knocking on wood.) This winter continues a pattern we’ve seen in recent years; reasonable temperatures and less snow than normal. It’s getting to the point where I worry the company that clears snow from my driveway may declare that working just three days each winter is not worth the trouble.

Nonetheless, getting out of town never felt better. And there’s not a better place than Palm Springs, California, when it comes to escaping the Midwest in February. Sunshine, mountains, friendly people, excellent restaurants, fancy shops and good music equaled a splendid time. (The resort we stay at during our annual trip is in Rancho Mirage, an easy drive from laid back Palm Springs and also near low-key chic Palm Desert.)

As expected, temps mostly in the 70s in the wintertime desert felt comfy compared to the 30s left behind in Chicago, and the 20s that greeted us upon our return home.

9 photos speak louder than words

The trip went smoothly, until it was time to head home. Friday’s flight was scheduled for 1:45 p.m. but was delayed for five hours, then delayed another five hours, then outright cancelled. After the second delay some of us scrambled over to the ticket counter and booked flights the following day. We were delighted when American Airlines offered hotel vouchers. So, we spent an extra night and caught a nearly empty flight home Saturday morning.

Check out these pics…

Look! Up in the sky! It was surprising (and cool!) to see a SpaceX rocket streak across the sky transporting satellites into orbit. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

The view driving on Dinah Shore Drive never gets old. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Remember Oz’s man made of tin? Here’s a Palm Springs house made of aluminum. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

The great Mikael Healy still performs at Melvyn’s. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Beverly Hills has Rodeo Drive. Palm Desert has the El Paseo featuring upscale fashion, restaurants and art galleries. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Established in 1960, the Purple Room has hosted many big stars. Check out the quote on the wall! (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A rainbow appeared on our next-to-last morning. (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

These words of wisdom on the wall of a Palm Desert retail shop should replace the Pledge of Allegiance. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Reality settled in as we approached O’Hare Airport. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Here at home there are two signs the annual spring re-birth is near; it now stays light until almost 6 p.m., and I have my supply of Girl Scout cookies!