Say, anybody know the altitude of Joshua Tree? I'm guessing it's lower than where I am now because I never got the breath thing.

Not sure. Nearly passed out reading in Taos once, though, so I hear you on altitude adjustment.

It's not too bad. I'm only recognizing the discomfort as altitude because I had a hell of a time it in Peru. If I hadn't, I'd just think I was tired or coming down with something.

Either JTree isn't as high or the dry air counteracts some of the discomfort. SLC is amazing though. We're walking through Parker's little neighborhood and if you glance up-- snow capped mountain! I just can't get over it.

Is it as beautiful as it's always looked in her writing?

Betsy, its AMAZING. Down town is SwitzerlandClean. Her neighborhood is so sweet and human scaled and walkable and has wonderful markets.

Now I want to go to Taos, but not faint. In Cusco we had coca leaves to chew. None of those in Utah.

Actually, Trudy's in the Wasatch Mountains, a sub-range of the Rockies. Amy's neighborhood is actually in what passes for foothills in a mountain range that was once the border of a massive inland sea. Instead of actual hills, we have the former shorelines as benches on the mountains. In the sections where the lower slopes aren't covered in houses, you can see two or three distinct levels.

I believe Salt Lake is very close to a mile in altitude, so I'm not at all surprised Trudy's having altitude adjustment problems. Joshua Tree is probably half-way to sea level. I know the very long and steep Virgin River Gorge is between Joshua Tree and Salt Lake. Our area is definitely high desert region. If it weren't for the rain that's settling on us for the next several days, I'd expect Trudy to have low-humidity problems, as well.

In addition, Amy's in a gorgeous neighborhood of old trees and Arts & Crafts bungalows.

Trudy, have you been to Sugarhouse yet? Has she shown you the Blue Boutique and the naughty stores?

ChiKat and I are just back from our Lushtravaganza, armed with many pretty smelling things. She has Coalface, I have Eau Roma, so at least you know we pay attention around here. Plus bombs, lots and lots of bombs.

grilledcheeseinvitational.com

I'm icing my bruised thumb with a vodka tonic.

Aimee, that haircut looks great on you very flattering.

Nora, I bet those new layers are unleashing some of the wave in your hair. Pretty.

Now that I'm a coach (see bruised thumb) Emmett's practices are much more work. 2 hours of running around out there, getting kids to take infield. Pfoof. We've got another practice on Wednesday, and the manager will be gone so I'll have to run it. Eeep.

I'm home. But alas stories will have to wait till tomorrow. Wicked was amazing...everything I hoped it would be and more.

Night my Bitches!