Amy and David: New Years Eve in Palm Springs

We're criss-crossing to the Valley so that we can see a few friends. But first, David and I grab dinner at our favorite Aztecan food at Huaraches la Azteca in East LA. Amy used to eat here all the time when she was working in this neighborhood.

We ask for a large cup of their homemade guajillo chili salsa to take back with us to West Virginia.

Especial para niños with avocado and their special guajillo chili sauce.

We find the quality of Mexican food to be severely lacking where we live. All of the Mexican food in WV comes from one region. Every restaurant collaborates with others for the ease of having the same exact menu, each including a column that details how you pronounce certain foods, and how you should eat it. Real Mexican food North of the Border in Los Angeles has no contest!

Before long, we land at the Loomis house with Christmas cookies from Gerard's. We have just enough time to catch a cup of tea with Aunt Pat who is visiting from Colorado. We exchange stories of snow and studies.

We have breakfast with Rick and Sharon in the morning and then meet some friends for Dim Sum in Monterey Park. We have so much fun that we lose track of the time.

We spot a Tribble truck on the way to Pasadena to drop off some Christmas cookies for Joan and Paul.

And then before we know it, our Pasadena adventure is over. Its time to head out to Palm Springs for a Loomis New Years tradition.

It feels great to be back in Palm Springs, a place with so many relaxing and food-filled family memories. We feel so lucky to be able to share this time again. And we come with new appreciation for the vast and open desert landscape, having recently come from the very intimate space between the hills of WV. While we wait for Rick and Sharon to arrive, we check out some bikes and take a spin around our favorite neighborhood, surrounded by quiet homes and palm trees.