Terry & Betty,
When I lived in the rectory in El Centro, I discovered that October 18th [St. Luke's Day] was the target date for milder weather. my parish, Sts. Peter and Paul sponsored and Annual Fall Art Show with a Wine and Cheese Tasting. They had learned to always schedule it after St. Luke's Day and it began "The Fall Season" for many in the Imperial Valley.
I remember several September's when the water was dripping down the outside of the rectory windows with our AC set at 82-84 and the outside humidity was 80-90% and the temp was 105-110.
I know you two don't often tour churches 'cept in AK? but Sts. Peter & Paul has a fascinating story and wonderful art work in windows by the Judson Studio in LA, sculpture, mural art, architecture and furniture and liturgical appointments. See if Dr. Rice is available to give you a tour or find a knowledgeable person that can. Ask Dr. Eric Rice: (760) 357-2442 -another native Californian. it's well worth the trip. And if you like border carne asada, the local grocery stores have the best I've ever found. BG
I followed the Majorcan priest [he was rector in El Centro 25 years] that built it in the early 70's as a thanksgiving for escaping Franco and the ****'s and finding his way to the Anglican church. He planned for two decades as to what he wanted. It is not to be missed. The light pink marble in the narthex comes from the interior of Mexico. His spying bargains from Greece to Mexico saved over 50% in construction. His arguments with the architect and change orders raised the bill by probably 15-20%!
I have a hilarious story about one of the business men in the parish that toured with several other men of the parish and saw it for the first time. As Fr. Alorda gave them the tour this parishioner blurted out, "That tile looks just like a high dollar Mexican whore house!" To which Fr. Alorda quietly said, "And how do you know?"
If you ever visit, look for the overhead lights in the nave [pew area] and guess when and how I got the burned out floodlights changed every year.
I love that part of the world . . .