Big Guy is an environmental scientist and, right now, he is spending a lot of time in the Palm Springs area for work.  Following our miscarriage Big Guy was able to stay home for a couple of days, but eventually he had to leave for work in the Coachella Valley.  So, I exercised my prerogative as a chronically unemployed person, and I went with him.

I like the Coachella Valley.  It is much different than Southern California’s coastal towns or the LA/OC suburban metroplex.  It is harsh and raw, hot and cold, severe and disarming.  In short, it felt a bit like my soul, post D&C. It felt like I was coming home.

I didn’t do much while in the Valley.  I hung out at our hotel and knitted. I got a pedicure.  And, I watched a lot of crap TV, like the Jerzathon.  That was awesome.  Congrats to Snooki & Jionni and their impending baby and nuptials.  God bless it.

I also did a short hike on the Lykken Loop just outside of Palm Springs.  I may have overestimated my physical recovery from out-patient surgery.  Fifty yards down the trail I was already nauseous and woozy.  Not one to quit, I forged ahead with my earbuds blasting Bon Iver and the Jezabels.  Dear sweet Jesus.

The view from the top of the rocky, hellish, hike was nice.  But not nice enough.  I ate an orange and left.  The ravens and buzzards were circling over my head.  They could probably sense the death hovering over me.  Besides, one can’t cry while severely dehydrated on the top of a craggy, windswept, HOT hill.

I retreated to town and ate one of the best Eggs Benedict I have ever tasted at Cheeky‘s.  I’m convinced the bacon made the dish, but it may have been the hollandaise sauce.  I’m sorry I only have a picture of half the dish.  I ate the other half too fast.  It was that good.  I coudn’t wait.  I figured I better eat my fill of sugars and carbs before I started The Cleanse.  (Gag.)

Finally, Big Guy got a day off, and we really did find a desert oasis.  I’m grateful that I have a partner that can express and share pain and grief.  It makes this process much easier.