Come with me…

.. to the Parker Meridien in Palm Springs. Actually, I’m just back from a last-minute weekend getaway there, and although I would have loved to take you with me, I thought the least I could do is post a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

To be honest, I left with a bit of a heavy heart this morning; Le Parker really is my favorite place on earth this time of year. The gardens are spectacular and everything is in bloom: roses, hibiscus, lantana, verbena, and succulents. It’s hard to believe the resort is situated smack in the middle of the desert.  I know I’ve posted about the Parker before, but I couldn’t resist sharing a few new photos of the garden in all its glory.

While I was there I also had the great honor to meet the lovely Coco of COCOCOZY.com, the very popular and oh-so-fah-byoo-lous interior design blog.  She and a friend of hers were gracious enough to invite me to dine with them at Mister Parker’s.  Over a bottle of Veuve and a delicious three-course meal, we gabbed about blogging, men, family, careers, and just about every other topic under the sun.  We were the last ones in the place; the maitre d’ literally asked us to leave so he could send his poor staff home. A fine social accomplishment, if you ask me!

The rest of the trip was comprised of a lot of lounging around, I’m not at all ashamed to report.  I should have been working on homework for Pricing Policy, one of the last classes in my MBA program, but I “accidentally” left it at home.  Oh well, somehow I managed to keep myself busy without it.  I made a big dent in Julia Child’s “My Life in France,” read the paper every day, and made a lot of friendly conversation with the Parker’s staff and colorful guests (lots of fascinating Hollywood types, though I can’t name names!)  I did get off the resort just once for a fantastic hike in Indian Canyons.  If you’ve never seen a 60-foot waterfall in the middle of the desert, you must go.  I do have a little video of the hike, which I’ll edit and post soon.

Meanwhile, I hope you’ll enjoy these photos and visit the Parker soon if you can.  The garden is lovely year-round, but the blooms are most vibrant in the springtime.