THE JOURNEY CONTINUES….The West Coast Loop!

I haven't written in awhile of our country-wide journey but I will do my best to quickly catch up!

OUR ADVENTURES CONTINUING MAY 2018!

My wish was to be back in Southern California for birthdays and holidays before heading to Chico for Brandon's college graduation in May.  Birthdays are important in our family celebrating mine in March, Kaylyn's in April and David's 30th birthday in May.   

Cabo San Jose

My sister and brother-in-law (Jean and Jeff),  invited us to join them in Cabo San Jose for four days.   Having never been to Cabo, we got to experience a more resort type vacation and spending time with my sister, made it perfect. I have to admit being able to spread out in a comfortable condo was a nice break from our little home on wheels. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool with a view of the Pacific ocean,  made new friends from New Zealand, and got to experience the local culture. 

Perry and Jeff  got in a game of golf while Jean and I indulged in massages……I could get used to this!  After a few afternoon cocktails, we convinced our husbands to get fish pedicures.   Jeannie and I were entertained watching our husbands get their toes nibbled on by hundreds of small fish. 

Hmmm. looks of enjoyment, confusion?

That evening we enjoyed dinner celebrating Jeff's birthday at a restaurant that was an incredible dining experience.  The cab driver knew the back roads to "Flora's Field Kitchen"  quite well and I have to admit I was a bit nervous riding in the cab.  We sped up a dirt, bumpy road for a half mile taking us to the resort type restaurant.  Walking past many boutique shops, Jeannie and I knew we had to stop and window shop after dinner.  The restaurant was lit up by hundreds of outdoor lights and our table for six awaited us.  The gourmet meals were farm to table that not only tasted fresh but were well presented.  It was a great overall dining experience for all of us including our new friends from New Zealand.      

Birthday Dinner at Flora's Kitchen

Enjoying our New Zealand Friends

DAISY!

In 2012 with my Mom passing away in San Diego, Kaylyn sadly returned to college in Oregon. Leaving family and missing her Nana, I encouraged her to find an animal to love.  She did just that in finding a Walker Coonhound named Daisy.  She adopted Daisy from a young family that could no longer care for her and Kaylyn provided her with love and attention that she deserved.  As Kaylyn moved forward with college and travel plans,  Daisy would remain with Perry and I.  Not one day did we look back and think this sweet natured dog would ever leave us.  She had personality galore and was quite the "snuggler".  She loved all of us and had an abundant amount of energy until being diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2018.  We hoped her swollen lymph nodes were an infection but sadly the Veterinarian gave her two months.  As she slowed down during this time, Perry and I continued to make her as comfortable and happy as possible with daily doses of medicine and as many hikes as she would handle.   The quick, daily downhill spiral of sweet Daisy was difficult and the final day of her life was thankfully spent back home with Kaylyn and David where they could say their good-byes. We had many good years together especially the year and a half of traveling around the U.S.   Everywhere we went, she sparked conversation and getting plenty of attention. Throughout our journey people instantly took to Daisy by her sweet disposition,  entertaining them with her "bay"  (a type of howl) and happy "thwapping" tail. 

 

Our travels are different now with just the three of us (Perry, myself and Gracie) but sweet Daisy will remain forever in our hearts.

Chico

Leaving our beach spot at NAS Point Mugu, we headed to Chico for Brandon's graduation.  Anxious and excited for our youngest to graduate, there was a certain amount of relief knowing all three kids were done with college.  Throwing a party for Brandon and his (also graduating) roomie Tim,  there was a non-stop busy pace with party preparations.  There is no proper description (e.g. adjectives) for your typical college boys house with Brandon and his roommates falling into this category.  I would have said it should have been condemned by the Health Department,  but that would have been unfair to Brandon since he refused to cook in the food/scum caked stove, refrigerator and microwave (yes, this meant many meals out $).  This is (as I've been told) part of the whole college experience! 

Needless to say, we were very proud of Brandon for graduating within four years with a degree in Finance. We were also excited to spend time with him outside Bend, Oregon for a whole week!  Graduation festivities were wrapped up at lunch as David and Kaylyn prepared to drive back to Southern California, Perry and  I continuing our adventures north to Oregon.