Travis is turning 16 tomorrow. I asked him if he wanted a party. No party, but can we go to the desert? he asked. Wanted to return to Rancho Las Palmas, in Rancho Mirage, his favorite desert getaway, where we’ve been coming since he was a toddler burning his feet on the hot steps. (He’s sure to wear sandals now…)

Connie Orsak, RLP’s guest experience manager, made sure Travis would have a special time and make a great memory of his 16th, so this cake arrived yesterday after we did. Travis said, I have a cake with a chocolate palm tree and chocolate golf balls.

And it was lemon. His favorite.