California - Part 2

 Southern Cal:

Driving south on 101 as much as possible, I have to start with Jackson Browne's "Running on Empty" - and not just because of his reference to that, but also because when I look back, I find myself wondering the same thing - I don't know when the road turned onto the road I'm on ...

Spent one night in San Luis Obispo - I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd arrived before dark, but was late getting out of San Fran area.  The traffic out of the city was awful, but once I got far enough away, out on the Pacific Coast Highway, it got much better.  Looking out at the endless Pacific Ocean always soothes the soul for me! I followed my GPS instead of my instincts (should have stayed on 101) at the top of LA and, again, traffic was crazy.  But eventually I made it to down to Orange County where I stayed near the John Wayne Airport.  My niece and nephew live in OC, and I wanted to be close to them for my time in LA.

I had the BEST time seeing them, catching up, and spending quality family time.  I spent time with Viva and Terry (her husband) and their kids, Max and Eve - such a lovely, loving family! We went to Baskin Robbins almost every night after dinner (hoping that I am now the kids' favorite auntie - ha!). Lady and JuJu, their dog, were best friends after Lady finished her Cujo act! We watched the first Paddington Bear movie, and now when I get back I look forward to watching the second one with Hugh Grant as the villain! I met my nephew Jordan's girlfriend, Hayley, when we went to dinner.  She and I bonded over our love of murder and mayhem - we just leave the middle-man out of it now and text directly. I loved having quality time with both Viva and Jordan who I absolutely adore, and don't get to see nearly often enough!!  Here are pics of me with Viva, and one of Jordan and Hayley:

I also got to spend time with my sweetheart of a sister-in-law, Barbara, and went down to where she has a couple of booths at an antiques mall, and snagged a couple of fun things. Here she is with Viva and me:

Of course, I have to share one of Lady and JuJu playing together.  They wore each other out!  It was great - not enough energy to bark at other dogs - ha!

And last, but not least, San Diego!! This was just about halfway through the trip, and I wanted to spend a few days (4) in my favorite place for "R&R" - just for me. I booked a room at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort and got a room with a patio. Sure, the view was of the parking lot, but it was a short walk to a large park, and to Mission Bay. This was far from The Eagles' "Hotel California" but it has to be included in here - and this is my favorite version - from their "Hell Freezes Over" tour after they got back together.

Lady and I spent time exploring some of my favorite places - Balboa Park, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach (where I lived when I was stationed there) and Mission Beach.  I did a little fun "house hunting" in Senior Communities (modulars) and looked at a lot of condos online.  Alas, that will have to wait until I win the lottery ... A pic from my patio, and one of what would have been a beautiful sunset except I was waiting at the light because I knew I wouldn't make it back in time before it was gone. I think I need to spend more time there!!! (In San Diego, not stopped at a light).

Again, not impressed with the pictures I've taken, or the few numbers.  I was just enjoying as much as I could, and kept forgetting to capture for posterity!

Next up - Las Vegas and Salt Lake City ...