Janine and I

Janine and I took a much needed drive up the coast over Memorial Day Weekend. She flew in on Friday night, rented a convertible, visited a friend, and then on Saturday morning we were off. We started by meeting Janine's friend, Matt, in Malibu for brunch. Then we went to Ojai to ride horses with her brother. We got off to a rocky start, but enjoyed the ride tremendously. After riding, we continued up to San Luis Obispo (spelling of all names is dubious at best). We found a great Italian restaurant and enjoyed dinner and good Italian wine. They even had a fabulous bread pudding, my favorite! The next morning, after a quick Starbucks stop, we continued up the coast. It was an overcast day which, in my opinion, made the drive even better. We refused to put the top up, so we had the heater blaring the whole time and huddled in front of the vents. My favorite little stop on the drive was at Ragged Point. I look forward to going up there with John to take advantage of the hiking trails. Anyway, that is where I took the picture of Janine. Eventually we ended up in Livermore to stay with another of Janine's friends, Jean. She had other friends visiting also. We went out to a Mexican dinner where they told the waitress that it was my birthday and I got sung to by an older gentlemen. After a long night on the fl0or, we spent a lazy morning with Jean, and then drove on to the Oakland Airport to return the car and head our separate ways home. I love my little trips with Janine. I always come back feeling refreshed.

The Family Pictures

I was so excited when the disc of family pictures reached me by mail. I had thought they would turn out well when they were taken, but have been disappointed by professional pictures in the past. They are everything I could hope for and more. I am so happy with them. Thank you Heather for arranging the photographer and thank you to all the Parry's for showing up with your gorgeous smiles.

How I Spent My Spring Break

Ahhh, Salt Lake in the spring. The flowers are starting to bloom, the trees are showing their greenery, the snow is only making the mountains look more picturesque, all the roads are under construction. What more could a family ask for? When we heard that Mike and his family would be in Salt Lake, we had to join them. We have not seen them for over 2 years, since my dad's 60th birthday party, and we still needed to meet the newest member of our family, Jesse, Eric and Christy's son. We had a great time visiting with everyone. The kids really enjoyed their time together. Thursday was a busy day with family pictures at Wheeler Farm and then dinner at Dad's house. Steve bbq'd some incredible steaks and Christy made a delicious pasta salad. We brought a cheesecake to top it all off. The good byes were difficult but the memories will be with us for a long time.