Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, and welcome 2009! New Year's Eve turned out to be quite exciting. The night started out at home with some close friends, relaxing over conversation to catch up on the goings-on of life in Palm Springs. We had dinner reservations at my favorite restaurant, Melvyn's (the same place we went for Christmas dinner). It was very busy with a well heeled crowd. Gentlemen were generally in suits or tuxedos; most ladies wore fancy dresses, gowns with sequins or feathers, and were dripping in diamonds and pearls. The entire ceiling was covered with balloons throughout the dining room and lounge which provided a festive atmosphere throughout. After our sumptuous dinner, we hit the lounge to enjoy the live music and a good round of people watching too. Of course I managed to stop for a New Years Eve photo with my usual martini. Next, we went to the home of a MAJOR singer celebrity who invited us to their home here in Palm Springs. I cannot reveal whose home it was, and I did not take any photos (although it killed me not to do so). I want to be invited back, so I shall respect this person's confidentiality. Suffice to say, it was a major thrill to be in his home. The house is perched way up high on the side of the mountain, with a spectacular view of the desert floor. I chatted with this super famous person for quite awhile and really enjoyed the conversation. While at the party, another famous celebrity showed up, a well-known actress who I've always admired. She looked great and was there with her husband. (Sorry to be so clandestine with the details). Anyway it was a fun evening and a memorable way to ring in the new year.

above: photos from Melvyn's restaurant, with all the fun balloons covering the ceilings. It was a great night out!
New Year's Day Video
I've prepared a New Year's Day video for you with my web cam, I hope you have time to check it out, either from YouTube or the Blogger video further below.

Happy New Year to you.

-Rick Rockhill

New Year's Day Brunch

January 1st, 2008 was a beautiful sunny day in Palm Springs. I was invited to a New Year's Day brunch at a friend's elegant estate in the legendary Las Palmas section of Palm Springs. The Las Palmas neighborhood is comparable to Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, but the homes here have much more land. That was the one thing that irked me about many of the homes in Beverly Hills- they cost a fortune, and they are right on top of each other. Anyway I digress. Since this was a private affair, I am limiting my photos to respect the privacy of the hosts and the guests, some of whom are titans of industry and dignitaries who relish their privacy.

above: the view from the house looking west, toward the beautiful San Jacinto mountains. The tables were beautifully set with linens and flowers throughout the grounds and around the pool. guests could meander and relax. I enjoyed a Bloody Mary by the rock water fountain in the far corner of the property, enjoying the music that was piped throughout the grounds.

above: the patio was an inviting and comfortable place to chat with some
shade from the mid-day sun.

above: Chef extraordinaire. This is Marilyn from St Louis, a faithful reader of this blog. She is the cousin of the hosts and is visiting Palm Springs over the holidays. She was cooking for days and did a marvelous job. Her apron reads: "Because I am a culinary DIVA, this kitchen was designed for Moi". (Mags, I think you need one of those too)

above: I couldn't wait to dig into the brunch, which was delicious. The white hydrangea floral centerpiece was stunning.

above: My favorite part of any meal. Dessert. I was mostly good and only had a few but I literally had to leave, otherwise I would have emptied the table! It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon filled with stimulating conversation and lots of laughs. I made a few new friends and celebrated old friendships as well. A perfect way to ring in the new year. Steve, thanks for a wonderful party!
-Rick Rockhill