Perfect Pacific Grove Visit

I had no idea that I would have a lovely stay in Pacific Grove. I decided to arrive on Friday evening when I realized that the fog was hanging too low and too long in the inland valley. I was afraid to drive across the state in the fog. Now, I feel I was given a gift! I stayed in this lovely bed and breakfast. It was a short walk from the ocean and from Pacific Grove Middle School where Jessie taught math and where her life's celebration was to take place. All was perfect!

I can't believe my luck! I have never stayed at a bed and breakfast before, and look at my entrance! My room was in a nook, tucked behind other rooms with a porch and little garden. Inside, I had a fireplace, too! I thoroughly enjoyed my decadent night!

After I settled in to the bed and breakfast, I asked for a recommendation for dinner within walking distance. I was given several possibilities. The Red House Cafe was one of them. I had a lovely portobello mushroom sandwich with a green salad. Hmmmmm!! Good recommendation. I took a walk along the path above the beach after dinner. I walked about 45 minutes and left with a desire to return in the morning.

Do you understand why I am always willingly to move to Pacific Grove when I visit?

This little beach is know as Lover's Beach!

Saturday morning was stunning. The sun was shining and the beach was clear blue and perfect. I was lucky to get up in time to take a walk for over an hour before I needed to be back at the bed and breakfast for a quick shower. It was a perfect way to begin a day of celebration!

Jessie was my dear friend's mother. Diane and I have shared many of life's major events: new jobs, a dedication to teaching, weddings, children, family events, and a deep love of our mothers. Early in our friendship we took our wonderful mothers to breakfast. We wanted our mothers to meet because they were so important to us and we were becoming such fast friends. Diane, her brother Scott and her sister Georgia, rejoiced in the life of their mother today, and we who were witnesses were blessed. They shared their memories, their last moments, and Jessie's favorite poems and book, A Gift From the Sea. We all recognized Jessie's spirit and were renewed in our own pledges to serve those around us with our love, intelligence, and dedication.

Walk in the Snow in Arnold with Haley

Haley and I headed up to Arnold on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the sunshine and the snow.

Haley loves to run and roll in the snow. Snow is second only to water! We weren't able to walk as far as we would have liked because it was too icy for me, but we enjoyed the short version!

Collin's First Haircut

He's lost his baby curls!

Happy New Year 2011!

My former colleague at Sonora High and good friend,

Mandy celebrated her birthday with a surprise party

given to her by her husband. Here she is just arriving

with her father. They had been horseback riding! A huge

bonfire was burning and dinner was ready to be enjoyed.

A great way to ring in the New Year!

Happy Birthday, Mandy!!!

Christmas 2010 with the Erquiagas

Haley arrived for Christmas, too, but Collin liked
her better when she was on the other side of the
window!

While Josh and Collin chased a soccer ball,
Heather spent a couple of minutes with Owen.

We spent Christmas Eve with Josh's family in Reseda.
Here Josh is playing with the two cousins, Collin and Owen.
Owen is wearing his cousin's Christmas outfit from last year.
Having an older cousin is great!



Collin and his daddy!

Collin is sitting at his new table playing with the stove

and dishes Heather received when she was two from my mother.

Nothing is better than playing with my grandson!

Uncle Tom with Aunt Melissa and Collin!

My brother and sister-in-law, now known as Great-Uncle Leo and Great-Aunt Anges were with us, too. We missed our father, who remained in Medford with his "sweety" Mardi.

Here are Melissa and Collin enjoying Christmas 2010 at Heather's house! They played cars on Collin's new track from Grandma and Poppa Erquiaga!