I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GOOD HALLOWEEN!
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
A Day in Disneyland
A week ago I went to Disneyland with my daughter, we wanted to see it decorated for Halloween.
Even though I live about `12 miles from Disneyland, I had not been there for the past 10 years.
I was trying to remember how many times I have visited the Magic Kingdom, but I cannot really remember. Too many to count.
I've been there with my husband and daughters, with my in laws, with my daughters, and their husband/partner, and my grandson celebrated his 5th birthday there. I went to Disneyland with my mother and father, with my sister Nuri, and my niece Sonia. With my sister Mia I went a few times as well.
But since Marvin got sick I had not been back.
It has changed a lot. I remember when it was easy to drive and park, when there were no long lines to get into attractions, when you could buy a little ticket book...now they have huge parking structures, and the entry price has gone sky high. But the soul of Disneyland remains the same.
Lizzie is an old pro at Disneyland. She knows all the secret spaces, hidden areas and lovely paths. We got there at 9:00AM and decided to start with The Haunted House (of course). We were very lucky with most attractions in that there were no long lines in most of them. The Haunted House was nicely decorated for Halloween inside and outside. After that we went to Pirates of the Caribbean, minus the wenches, then it was the Jungle Cruise. We went to just about every place we wanted to go, King Arthur's Carousel, It's a Small World, Pinocchio Daring Journey, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Inside Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Railroad and Space Mountain.
We had a long wait in Space Mountain, so we decided to go check some other places and came back later, but by then it had closed for repairs. This is Lizzie's favorite ride so we got back one more time and luckily that time we just walked in right away!!! The only ride we missed was Star Wars, but the wait was about an hour and I was getting a little tired by then. Lizzie told we we had walked 6 miles!
I loved everything. It was a totally gorgeous day weather wise, and I enjoyed everything. The only low point was that I was looking forward to having a nice beignet at the French Quarter, but instead n they had some pretty awful banana fritters.
It was a very lovely day in Disneyland. It never disappoints . In the way home we stopped at The Source and had a delicious late lunch at The Huasteca complete with 2 mango Margaritas. A perfect day.
Even though I live about `12 miles from Disneyland, I had not been there for the past 10 years.
I was trying to remember how many times I have visited the Magic Kingdom, but I cannot really remember. Too many to count.
I've been there with my husband and daughters, with my in laws, with my daughters, and their husband/partner, and my grandson celebrated his 5th birthday there. I went to Disneyland with my mother and father, with my sister Nuri, and my niece Sonia. With my sister Mia I went a few times as well.
But since Marvin got sick I had not been back.
It has changed a lot. I remember when it was easy to drive and park, when there were no long lines to get into attractions, when you could buy a little ticket book...now they have huge parking structures, and the entry price has gone sky high. But the soul of Disneyland remains the same.
Happy girl!
You can see me and Lizzie in the mirror reflection
It's Magic!
I loved everything. It was a totally gorgeous day weather wise, and I enjoyed everything. The only low point was that I was looking forward to having a nice beignet at the French Quarter, but instead n they had some pretty awful banana fritters.
It was a very lovely day in Disneyland. It never disappoints . In the way home we stopped at The Source and had a delicious late lunch at The Huasteca complete with 2 mango Margaritas. A perfect day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Cambria 2018
On December 21, 2008, Marvin and I too a nice trip up the California coast to Cambria. I have very good memories of that trip, the Inn we stayed Cambria Shores , the room, the views, the town, Hearst Castle, the elephant seals, the little pretty town and stores and especially the beach and the sunsets.. We had a lovely time in Moonstone Beach.
I had been wanting to go back, and stay in the same Inn. I asked Lizzie if she wanted to come and she said yes., thanks Lizzie!!! So I made a reservation and agreed on a date and finally we left and took along Lulu for the trip. Lizzie talked about the trip in her blog, so I will just post some pictures and make some comments about the little vacation.
I had been wanting to go back, and stay in the same Inn. I asked Lizzie if she wanted to come and she said yes., thanks Lizzie!!! So I made a reservation and agreed on a date and finally we left and took along Lulu for the trip. Lizzie talked about the trip in her blog, so I will just post some pictures and make some comments about the little vacation.
First I have to say it met my expectations.
The Inn had been modernized but everything remained the same :)
I like the views from the Inn and our room and the breakfast basket, and appetizers and brownies.
It was a little colder than we thought it would be, and I did the worst packing ever! I should have brought a couple sweatshirts, and some socks, and a nightgown. But I didn't grrrrr
I had been looking forward to a beautiful sunset, but when we got there....
Lots of fog...
Later the sun was shining among the fog This is one of my favorite pictures ,
It was magical.
And right before sunset, the sky cleared and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we sipped some wine
Lulu walked a lot, she enjoyed the boardwalk, and so did we :)
This is Nitt Witt Ridge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitt_Witt_Ridge
When we went to town, I wanted to go to a store/garden where I got the chimes for Marvin, Lizzie found the place and we went to check it. When I was there 10 years ago, it was called "Heart's Ease" but now is called "Spellbound" it's a cute gift shop, with uneven floors and chockfull of soaps, herbs, lotions and whimsical stuff.
This is the picture Marvin took of me in the garden in 2008
And here's one in the same spot taken by Lizzie in 2018
Some nice flowers in town
It was too bad that Lizzie couldn't quite enjoy and relax as much as she wanted. She had to work and I felt bad seeing her sitting with her laptop while I went outside walking and enjoying the views.
But we did everything we set up to do.
On the way back we stopped in Cayucos and got some yummy cookies
and ate a great clam chowder at Duckie's
The last view of the Central California Coast, Morro Bay
And then it was back home thru Los Padres National Forest, very interesting :)
It was full moon and it was awesome seeing the full moon over Los Angeles Basin on our way home.
I had a really nice time with Lizzie and Lulu. I enjoyed walking on the beach, collecting stones, and getting my feet wet, and walking the streets of Cambria. I enjoyed seeing places I'd seen before with Marvin, and I enjoyed seeing places I had never seen before.
Till next time Cambria!
Sunday, September 30, 2018
September recap
September was a good month
I had my hair cut and colored on the 8th
To Huntington Beach on the 11th and had lunch with N at Harbor House.
I attended a couple of workshops at the La Mirada Community Center on the 12th and 13th. One was a Health Fair for seniors, the other a crafty workshop.
It was nice talking with my sister Mia for her birthday on the 14th
Walk in the Park with Lulu a couple of days.
N came over on Sunday the 16th and helped with some stuff at the house and yard.
Took Lulu to the VCA for a haircut and bath, and a fecal test. $95.00
Short but nice vacation to Cambria with Lizzie and Lulu 23rd-to 25th
(I will write about our trip to Cambria in my next blog.
I had my hair cut and colored on the 8th
To Huntington Beach on the 11th and had lunch with N at Harbor House.
I attended a couple of workshops at the La Mirada Community Center on the 12th and 13th. One was a Health Fair for seniors, the other a crafty workshop.
It was nice talking with my sister Mia for her birthday on the 14th
Walk in the Park with Lulu a couple of days.
N came over on Sunday the 16th and helped with some stuff at the house and yard.
Took Lulu to the VCA for a haircut and bath, and a fecal test. $95.00
Short but nice vacation to Cambria with Lizzie and Lulu 23rd-to 25th
(I will write about our trip to Cambria in my next blog.
MOVIES I'VE WATCHED IN SEPTEMBER
BOOKS I'VE READ IN SEPTEMBER
Have a great October
Thursday, September 13, 2018
I keep trying
In my quest to find new and fun things to do in my Community, I enrolled in a workshop called "Get Crafty" It was free and supplies were included. It was for Sept. 13, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM
I mistakenly wrote the wrong day in my calendar, so yesterday September 12, I woke up bright and early and headed to the Community Center. There were lots of people around, many older but some younger too. I asked where the Crafty workshop was located and was told it was tomorrow the 13th (duh!) today there was a Health Fair. So since I was there I decided to check it out.
It was interesting. They had several stations where they checked your BP, sugar, heart, hearing, vision etc. Also had some stations advertising senior living solutions, care helpers, cooking healthy, public safety etc. I had my carotid artery checked and I'm happy to report it was fine (they check for possible risk of strokes). I also stopped to chat with a vector control area officer about the invasive tiger mosquitoes alert. I'm prone to be bitten by mosquitoes more than normal, those mosquitoes are ankle biters, so I learned to wear socks while gardening, among other things.
Today I woke early again, and went to my crafty workshop. They had a long table with about 14 women sitting around it, all of them in their late 60's to 70's. One was talking on her phone with a friend and that's all she did., the rest were not talking, were very focused on their little books.We were given a little black book and the idea was to "decorate" it using the supplies on the table. I started mine at 9:40 and was done at 9:45. The "leader said I could put more embellishments, but I was happy with what I had ( most women used beads, feathers, lace etc.) Ghastly! I thought we'd do something else or at least get another book but no, that was it. So I said thank you and left.
I have said it before and I'll say it again. I don't like to do things in groups, or listening to conferences/meetings, and I don't care to be around older people and yes I know I'm one). So I may try some other stuff, but so far I am enjoying doing my own thing.
I mistakenly wrote the wrong day in my calendar, so yesterday September 12, I woke up bright and early and headed to the Community Center. There were lots of people around, many older but some younger too. I asked where the Crafty workshop was located and was told it was tomorrow the 13th (duh!) today there was a Health Fair. So since I was there I decided to check it out.
It was interesting. They had several stations where they checked your BP, sugar, heart, hearing, vision etc. Also had some stations advertising senior living solutions, care helpers, cooking healthy, public safety etc. I had my carotid artery checked and I'm happy to report it was fine (they check for possible risk of strokes). I also stopped to chat with a vector control area officer about the invasive tiger mosquitoes alert. I'm prone to be bitten by mosquitoes more than normal, those mosquitoes are ankle biters, so I learned to wear socks while gardening, among other things.
Today I woke early again, and went to my crafty workshop. They had a long table with about 14 women sitting around it, all of them in their late 60's to 70's. One was talking on her phone with a friend and that's all she did., the rest were not talking, were very focused on their little books.We were given a little black book and the idea was to "decorate" it using the supplies on the table. I started mine at 9:40 and was done at 9:45. The "leader said I could put more embellishments, but I was happy with what I had ( most women used beads, feathers, lace etc.) Ghastly! I thought we'd do something else or at least get another book but no, that was it. So I said thank you and left.
Friday, August 31, 2018
August Recap
What a difference a year makes!
Last year in August there were very (bad) things happening: Terrorism attack in Barcelona, huge floods in Houston. And at home, it was a bad month for Marvin, hospital, emergencies... pain, hip wound infection...I had a meltdown and anxiety, spider/bug bites galore. And to top it all, a total eclipse of the sun!
This year, August was a very good month, but missing Marvin...
August 1- Crystal Cove Park, Olive Garden
August 7 - Sandy got a cute turtle tattoo, her first. With N to San Juan Capistrano all day. Wonderful dessert at Les Hirondelles.
August 8- To Jersey School, lunch with Jennifer. Geezers.
August 10- Tristan got rear ended but he's OK, car was totaled :(
August 11- Jacuzzi party at home with teachers and friends.
August 13- To Porto's
August 15- Sandy and Marty's 25th Anniversary.
August 17- Get 2 pairs of Sketchers
August 18- Sandy to San Diego
August 19- With Sandy and Lizzie to El Cholo
August 20- To San Diego with girls and Lulu. Nice walks, L's apartment and rooftop, lunch and dinner in cool places.
August 21-Breakfast croissant, to Coronado, drinks at the Hotel lovely (fries yum) Lolita's. Take S to airport and drive to home.
August 22- 12 Sixty with L then she went back to SD
August 24- Podiatry and Los Alamitos Fish Company with N. Then home clean Jacuzzi etc.
August 27- To Hiccups and talk to Farmer's
August 28- To Long Beach. Gelson's Candy Cotton grapes. Drive around.
August 31- Lizzie to LM for Labor Day weekend.
Last year in August there were very (bad) things happening: Terrorism attack in Barcelona, huge floods in Houston. And at home, it was a bad month for Marvin, hospital, emergencies... pain, hip wound infection...I had a meltdown and anxiety, spider/bug bites galore. And to top it all, a total eclipse of the sun!
This year, August was a very good month, but missing Marvin...
August 1- Crystal Cove Park, Olive Garden
August 7 - Sandy got a cute turtle tattoo, her first. With N to San Juan Capistrano all day. Wonderful dessert at Les Hirondelles.
August 8- To Jersey School, lunch with Jennifer. Geezers.
August 10- Tristan got rear ended but he's OK, car was totaled :(
August 11- Jacuzzi party at home with teachers and friends.
August 13- To Porto's
August 15- Sandy and Marty's 25th Anniversary.
August 17- Get 2 pairs of Sketchers
August 18- Sandy to San Diego
August 19- With Sandy and Lizzie to El Cholo
August 20- To San Diego with girls and Lulu. Nice walks, L's apartment and rooftop, lunch and dinner in cool places.
August 21-Breakfast croissant, to Coronado, drinks at the Hotel lovely (fries yum) Lolita's. Take S to airport and drive to home.
August 22- 12 Sixty with L then she went back to SD
August 24- Podiatry and Los Alamitos Fish Company with N. Then home clean Jacuzzi etc.
August 27- To Hiccups and talk to Farmer's
August 28- To Long Beach. Gelson's Candy Cotton grapes. Drive around.
August 31- Lizzie to LM for Labor Day weekend.
MOVIES I'VE WATCHED THIS MONTH
BOOKS I'VE READ THIS MONTH
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
San Diego
I was born in a big city, Barcelona. But after marrying an American I came to the US and have lived in small towns in Northern California, Idaho and now in Southern California. My two daughters were born in small towns, one in Northern California, the other in Idaho, lived in smaller towns until they went to the University. They now live in cities, one close to Salt Lake City and the other in San Diego.
On August 18th Sandy visited from Salt Lake City, she flew to San Diego, the next day she and Lizzie came to see me, and on Monday we all drove to San Diego, with Lulu.
San Diego is a beautiful city, with great weather, close to the ocean, with many restaurants and bars and fun places to go. I had not been in San Diego since the first time I went with Marvin to see Lizzie's apartment last year.. She lives in the 9th floor of an apartment building downtown San Diego. It's a very nice apartment.
From her roof she has gorgeous views of the Ocean, the baseball Park and the downtown area.
On August 18th Sandy visited from Salt Lake City, she flew to San Diego, the next day she and Lizzie came to see me, and on Monday we all drove to San Diego, with Lulu.
San Diego is a beautiful city, with great weather, close to the ocean, with many restaurants and bars and fun places to go. I had not been in San Diego since the first time I went with Marvin to see Lizzie's apartment last year.. She lives in the 9th floor of an apartment building downtown San Diego. It's a very nice apartment.
From her roof she has gorgeous views of the Ocean, the baseball Park and the downtown area.
After we rested a little we went out to lunch to a nice place near the ballpark,
then we walked around downtown.
There's a lot to see, I like cities! We stopped for a drink in a bar restaurant, can't think of the name, we sat outside, facing the street. We all had a beer. That place had an unusual bathroom :)
We left and walked around some more, I think about 5 miles :) Then went back to the apartment and the girls took Lulu for a walk. Later we went to dinner, again I can't remember the name of the Restaurant, but it was very nice and we sat outside. I remember I had Irish sausage and a strawberry cocktail that tasted of herbs. I wanted something sweet so we walked to Ghirardelli's where I had a nice hot chocolate with whipped cream. It was getting a little windy and it hit the spot.
And then it was back to the apartment, another little walk for Lulu and bedtime. Thanks Lizzie for letting me have your bed, I slept very well.
In the morning we went to a cute little french place for breakfast , they have great croissants! After a little walk to see the San Diego Library which is very close to Lizzie's apartment, we went back to the decide what to do until we had to take Sandy back to the airport. We decided to go to Coronado Island. It was a beautiful sunny day, warm but not hot. We stopped close to the Hotel del Coronado and they decided to get their feet wet , they said the water was warm, unusual for the Pacific :)
Then we went to the Hotel deck and had really delicious garlic fries and several adult beverages. Loved the Island Breeze!
We enjoyed our time there very much, it was pleasant, sunshine, breeze,
good food and drinks and great company!
It's a beautiful hotel in a great setting
We went back to San Diego and stopped at Lolita's for some nice Mexican food to go, which we ate at the roof. It was fun. Then it was time to start getting ready to go :( Lulu went for another walk.
She was thinking she liked city life :)
We took Sandy to the airport, then we stopped at Extraordinary Desserts and had my favorite slice of cake to go. And from there on to home! It was a full, fun few days with my girls!!!
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