Lasagnanniversary We buy a latex mattress per an acquaintance’s recommendation. Let’s just say mistakes are made… unless the goal is to sleep on a marshmallow. Lesson learned: before plopping down your cash, sleep a few nights on what you are gonna sleep on every night!

We love our Four Seasons stays. The mattresses are amazingly comfortable and as luck would have it, one could buy one! Well, a new one, not one from a hotel!

During our last stay in Hawai’i we try the “plush”, or medium, firmness. Now we are in Scottsdale to “try out” — if you know what we mean — the “firm.” A great way to celebrate our 26th Lasagnanniversary.

Desert Rose There’s only so much “trying” we can do, so we squeeze in a visit to our favorite botanical garden, jDesert Botanical Garden. DBG never disappoints, where the manicured gardens are immaculately maintained with a crazy variety of plants from all over the world.

There’s always something new to discover. Assana falls in love with the Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) plants scattered around the gardens. The big fat butts, and gnarly naked branches make them look like something Dr. Seuss designed. We spend a lot of time discussing where we can find one of these plants, and how to transport it to Grande. Lo and behold, the only plants the gift shop carries is the Desert Rose! Two plants purchased and carried home. Boom! Fingers cross that they survive.

Mariposas As a lucky bonus, we happen to be at DBG during a butterfly release: 5000 fresh butterflies released in their enclosure. A great treat.

The trip is successful. We both like the feel of the firm mattress. One more Grande decision done. What else is left to do?