Ya Never Know

Went to help my daughter pick up a couch she bought and we were in one of the oldest parts of Ventura called "The Avenue" which is largely commercial and some very old, low income, small homes.  You probably could not be in a more obsure area.  In addition to that we are pulled into the driveway to the back of the store, loading the couch and a car pulls in behind us with Maine plates.  Turns out that the young lady is from Sanford and is in school at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, about 30 miles north of here.  Just weird that this would happen in this location.

St. John's Visit

Hooked up with gal pal Cheri for a tour of the hospital.  Saw several old friends and really enjoyed the visit.  We are planning another get together sometime next week and will expand the number of peeps attending.

Hanging Around

Due to the extreme heat in the southwest we have decided to extend our so cal stay for a month.

St. John's Hospital Lunch

Had lunch today with  my very close friends from St. John's Hospital.  This was a core group of employees that actually made St, John's what is once was.  From left to right Cheri Andrews, Nancy Gill, Me, Mary Gregus, Rick Hixson, Susan Turner & David Knapp.  Cheri & David are the only ones still there, both of them over 30yrs service.  It makes me extremely happy to still be close with these beautiful people.

Santa Barbara beach & harbor

Santa Barbara is one of CA's gems and the beach/harbor are just gorgeous.  Nj couldn't resist taking some shots of this beautiful view and the palm trees.

Hippies vs Surfing USA - Santa Barbara, CA

One of the nice things with growing up in the 60's was the recognition of two distinct lifestyles.  It seemed you were a surfer or you were a hippie and not much in between.  Tammy and Norma went up to Santa Barbara to enjoy the sun, ocean, and craft show.  It was also exciting to see a hippie wagon and a Woody.  Nj also took a picture of our daughter, Tammy by the hippie van.

Christina, this was not an orginal Woody but more a middle age one!

Our So. CA furry grandchildren in drag!

Tried to take pictures of Lola and Dolly wearing a wig.  Didn't work out very well.

Lunch

Went to Bobbie's Mexican Food today, probably the best mexican food in Ventura County and the only known place you can get a potato taco.  That would make Christina happy.......  Actually they are quite good. 

Sadie and Friends meet the Pacific Ocean!

Yesterday Tammy, Robin and Norma took Sadie along with Lola (the doxie,) Dolly and Betsy (two Bostons) to Rincon Beach, unfortunately Tim didn't feel well so Missy couldn't go.  Sadie loved it!  Of course the little dogs just wanted to chase the ball but Sadie thought she was at the spa and loved lying in the ocean.  Only one slight glitch when we took her off leash and she headed back to the car.  Fortunately a gentleman grabbed her and held her for Tammy to bring back.  It was a fun afternoon and Sadie slept like a rock last night.

Ye Old Animal Shelter - Camarillo, CA

On Wednesday, 8/17/11 Norma made a visit to the Ventura County Animal Shelter aka her stomping grounds for 21 years.  There have been some physical changed to the shelter itself including a community cat room that just opened last weekend.  Fortunately there were still many dedicated staff that she worked with still there.  Had a great afternoon and her favorite lunch or dinner, El Pollo Loco!

At the end of the visit this picture was taken.  From left to right is Donna Gillesby who is now Dep. Director (Norma hired her as a kennel worker) Norma, Sandy Carlsen, Former Dep. Director and who introduced Norma to Maine.  On the far right is Marilyn Baca who started as an ACO approx. 3 months after Norma and just celebrated 30 years at the shelter.  All good people!!!

Grandpa Tim and little Josie

Needless to say, Tim is smitten with his youngest granddaughter.

Jelly Belly Factory!

Today we took the "free" tour of the Jelly Belly Factory which was most interesting.  Lots of robotics as well as employees on the production lines.  Didn't realize it took so many steps to make one of those little beans but it does.  Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside factory.

Of course, the "free" tour dumps you out in the candy store and it is impossible to get out without buying a few things.  All in all we enjoyed the outing very much.

Spencer's swimming lessons

You will have to forgive us for doing a bit of bragging about our grandchildren.  Because we don't get to see them very often we have a habit of "showing them off" when we get a chance.  Here are some pictures NJ took yesterday at the pool.

California Driving

After driving in Maine for the past 10 years I've become spoiled.  I have had to re-learn how to drive in Calif freeway traffic and I had forgotton how inconsiderate Calif drivers truly are...just saying (venting)

Sacramento

Arrived yesterday and are staying at Cal Expo (state fairgrounds).  For all you right coasters if you ever get out here you will need to head for In & Out hamburgers for lunch as they make the best (argueable I guess) milk shakes you'll ever have and top that off with Pollo Loco (crazy chicken) flame cooked chicken that is simply the best for dinner.  For you vegatarians they also make a pretty good bean & cheeese burrito.  Looks like we will be here until friday and will then head for Paso Robles and attend Jake's birthday party, his 10th.

Grandkids, Sacramento, and Fairyland!

Gotta love a warm sunny day to spend time with our two youngest grandchildren, Josie (17 months) and Spencer (4 years old) in a place called Fairyland.  We even allowed Logan (Dad and oldest son) to come with us. Took a break this afternoon as the kids and us old folks needed a nap!

Redding, CA

Nothing exciting to report, easy drive over to Redding from La Pinre, OR.  Will be seeing 2 of our grandchildren tomorrow, Spencer & Josie, children of our son Logan and his wife Kristy.  Will spend several days with them in the Sacramento area.  Looking forward very much to the visit.

Moving On

Finally got the new rig loaded today, BBQ with the Browns tonight and be on our way tomorrow morning.    Looking forward to being in Sacraento mid day monday.

Cascade Highway & a surprise picture #4

We took a beautiful scenic ride today along the Cascade Highway.  Found this beautiful lookout near Bend, OR.  Even the dogs enjoyed the outing.

How many of you can tell what Tim is doing?