A Very Special Visit and a Day by the Sea

Last month, My daughter was in Southern California for a college event.  She had one day free and we were thrilled to spend it with her.  We picked her up and headed to San Diego.  It was a gorgeous day!  It was sunny, the temps were in the 70's, and we were all together.  Perfect!

We had a delicious lunch and went to Seaport Village to walk around the shops and along the water.  This is a view looking back toward downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter...

This restaurant looks so rustic and cute sitting out over the water.

This Seagull looked so peaceful and happy paddling around the marina.  The water was so clear that we could see his feet moving.

We sat by the water and watched the boats go by.  We even saw a seal or sea lion (I'm not sure which because he was far away) playing in the water. 

There are a lot of interesting boats to see down there.  There are military ships, small sailboats, tour boats, kayaks, and much more.  A couple of years ago, we saw a fancy boat/yacht that was so big it even had a helicopter on the top deck!

We later drove north to Encinitas for a walk along the beach.  It was wonderful...the parking lot had plenty of spaces and the beaches were wide open.  In fact, there were times that it seemed we were the only ones there.

Gorgeous!

There's always so much to see with the gorgeous scenery and the surprises along the sand.  This plant that washed ashore is pretty with it's delicate leaves and pretty pink color. 

 We had to be careful where we walked because there were thousands of tiny, blue, jelly fish that had washed ashore.  Some were about the size of a dime.  The larger ones were a couple of inches wide.

These jellyfish have a little sail on the top to propel them across the water.  I just looked them up and it turns out that's their only means of locomotion.  Because of that, they're subject to mass beach stranding.  We've seen them in years past where there were so many of them that the beach looked like it was covered in paper trash.  Their technical name is "Vellella".  If you look closely, the inside, center part has rings (click on the photo to see it larger).  So interesting.  The blue color is pretty too.

Sadly, there are lots of dead bees along the beach.  We've been seeing more and more of them over the years.  I'm not sure if it has to do with whatever is causing so many of them to die or if it's just a natural occurrence.  Either way, I watch where I step so I won't be stung!

We saw quite a few ladybugs that day.  Here's my daughter with one on her hand.

Looks like he posed for a photo!  

This outing was perfect for trying out my new camera.  I'm amazed how I was able to get a photo close up of a seagull flying high above me.  I'm anxious to see what else my big, zoom lens can do!

After our walk on the beach, we headed a little further north for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Las Olas.  And, then, another walk along the beach in Carlsbad to see the sunset.

I spotted a tree on our walk to the beach that had fuzzy, yellow, blossoms.  Aren't they cute?! 

These surfers were pretty far down the beach and I was surprised how well my camera lens did.  I'd like to go back down there with a tripod on a good surf day and see if I can get some good pictures of surfers riding the waves.

I always love seeing sandpipers.  They're so cute!

What a wonderful day we had together!  It couldn't have been more perfect!

Daddy and daughter!

We watched until the sun slipped away. 

We dropped her off that night with lots of hugs, a little sadness to say goodbye, and anticipation of seeing her again very soon.  It's been tough with her living in another state but we cherish every moment we have together even more than we did before.

Road Trip, Days 15 and 16 - Missouri and Family Found

The third week of our road trip started heading back west, toward home.  It began with an important stop in Missouri to see family.  Not just any family...my dad's family that we recently found and reconnected with.  It was a meaningful stop and maybe even more so than I can understand or put into words.  I know this because just starting to put this post together has me choked up.  It may be hard to find the right words to explain this story but I will try.

My dad grew up in Missouri and my mom spent most of her life growing up in California.  They got married and lived in Missouri for a short time but ended up back in California where they raised my brother and I and have remained for over 53 years.  The miles between the two states made it difficult to see my dad's family much when I was growing up.  I feel like I barely knew my grandparents, uncle, aunt and cousins.

My dad worked for Santa Fe Railroad for many years.  So, we were able to travel by train at a discounted rate or free.  My mom took my brother and I on the train to Missouri at least a couple of times.  However, I remember only seeing my grandfather (my dad's parents were divorced) on those visits. I also remember my mom taking us in the basement to hide when my uncle came over.  I didn't understand this then and I still don't.  It just seems that my mom didn't like my dad's family other than my grandpa.  We did see grandma when my dad came with us.  But, the cost of traveling so far didn't allow us to see them very often.  I wish I could have seen them all more often and gotten to know them so much more than I did.

I remember my grandfather coming to see us only once or twice.  My grandmother, however, came to see us many times.  So, it's interesting that my mom lead us to believe grandpa was great and grandma wasn't.  I'm not sure what may have happened to make her feel that way.  I've even talked with my dad about it and he doesn't understand it either.  But, it makes me sad that we missed out on getting to know all of my dad's family.  

My dad's parents both passed away when I was in my early 20's.  Then, somehow, we lost contact with my aunt.  I had very few memories of her but they were all great and it bothered me that we didn't know how to contact her.

Several years ago, shortly after I'd decided to try Facebook, I thought of looking for my aunt.  I found her!  And, she was excited and happy that I did.  Wow!  And, my dad was thrilled to be reconnected with his baby sister!  Yes, folks...Facebook can be a blessing...not just an addictive time waster.  ;-)

Soon after I found her, we worked together via phone and the Internet to locate my uncle.  No one was answering the phone at his place and my dad was worried.  I started calling nursing homes.  It just happened that the first one I called was the right one.  He passed away shortly after that.  I never knew him very well either.  Luckily, my dad was able to see him one more time.

Since I found my aunt, she's been to California and we were able to spend an afternoon together.   Her grandson/my cousin's son was living in California for college and we got to meet him.  This time, we were going to get to see her and cousins that I hardly know and meet her husband.  We were excited!  They were too.  :-)

We had hoped to leave Memphis by sun up to get to her house by mid day.  However, the heavy storms prevented us from leaving until mid morning.  So, we didn't get to her house until around 6 p.m.  That was a bit disappointing but we savored every moment we had together.  She made us an amazing meal and we spent hours chatting and getting to know one another more.

We enjoyed the views of the lake from her beautiful home and dock.  My daughter sat on the dock watching the sunset and the lightning bugs.  We ended up talking late into the night.

I loved seeing pictures of my grandmother that she had hanging on the wall...

She was so pretty.

These were grandma's parents...

The next morning, my aunt brought out old photo albums that belonged to my grandma.  What a treat that was!  This picture blows my mind!  That's my dad's mom in the center, with her arm around my mom's mom.  To me, it says that my grandma (dad's mom) was a sweet and caring person.  Quite different than how my mom had talked about her all my life.

I recently had a chance to chat with my dad alone and we talked about a lot of things.  He said grandma was a very sweet person.  This pictures shows that.  It makes me even more sad that I barely knew her.  It comforts me to have heard from my aunt that grandma had my picture by her chair and that she loved me very much.  She even loved to crochet and did so in the chair next to my picture.

I was lucky enough to live near my mom's parents and was quite close with that grandma.  I have great memories with her.  Although she died by the time I was around 10 and grandpa passed away a few years prior.  So, my time was limited with them as well.

There were even pictures of me as a baby in one of those albums.

Look how proud my grandma was of me...

Here I am with my parents.  What a tiny wagon!

Hey...I remember that rocking horse!  :-)

A happy moment!

I love my mom very much.  However, she's always been a very negative person about most everyone around her, especially me.  I've tried to help her see the good in life but I realize that she's the only one that can change.  And, at this point in her life, it's unlikely that will ever happen.

Luckily, there is one thing we've been able to connect on.  It's something that she doesn't find bad in and it's our "happy place".  It's crochet, knitting, sewing and crafting.  We can talk about those kinds of things without it becoming stressful...it's all good!  Ahhhh!  I'm so grateful to her for sharing her love of crafting, knitting, crochet, and sewing with me and for all she taught me.  It's a passion for me and I can't imagine life without it.  And, without it, there would be no happy place to meet my mom.

 I've been trying hard for years to figure her out, things she's done, and why some things happened.  I have figured out a few things and some pieces have come together.  I realize, however, that I will never know or find all the pieces.  And, I'm finally okay with that.  But, I've found some of the most important pieces and we're back together!

Me and my Aunt Linda!  :-)

The next day, we drove a couple of hours away to see my cousins.  The time was short but better than nothing.  And, it's just a start!  I'm sure we'll all see each other again and again!

Somehow, I didn't get a lot of pictures of everyone.  Pictures were being taken by various phones and cameras but this is the only one I got.  Hopefully, next time, we'll have more time together and we'll be sure to take a lot more photos! 

Road Trip, Day 5 and 6 - East Texas

The fifth day of our trip started in Austin, Texas with a short drive to East Texas to see family. The drive was gorgeous!  We went through rolling green hills with lots of trees, flowers and farms. It looked like a story book.  Perfect and beautiful!

We made a stop along the way to visit a yarn shop called, iPurl in The Woodlands, Texas.  I found it online when I started planning the trip.  I've been following them on Facebook and in May they posted some great tools they'd gotten in the shop.  I was hoping they'd still have some by the time I got there.

We received a warm and friendly greeting when we walked in and the entire visit was nothing but enjoyable!  The people were super nice, the selection of yarn and supplies was wonderful, and they had lots of inspirational projects displayed around the store.  And, yes...they had the tools I was hoping for.

I finally got a lucet!  I've been wanting one for a while but haven't found any in yarn shops until now.  This one is made with beautiful cherry wood and it comes with directions complete with photos.  I'm so excited to give it a try!

The other tool I was hoping they'd still have was one of these yarn ball holders.  It spins and keeps yarn easily available but doesn't let it tangle.  One of the sweet ladies in the shop said it's one of her all time favorite yarn tools.  They not only had some left, they also had a choice of finishes.  I chose this dark wood one.  I love it and I'm so excited to try it out too.

I looked up the company that made these wood tools and it turns out they came from California....where I'm from!  Funny how I never saw them in yarn shops at home and had to come all the way to Texas to find them!  I'm just happy to have them and happy they're handmade in America.

I'm so into crochet thread lately and always on the lookout for pretty colors.  iPurl had lots of it in a few different brands.  I had to get some!  I already have in mind what I want to make with it!

While my items were being added up, I noticed some cute purse handles hanging near the cash register.  Yes, I had to get some of those too!  Aren't they cute?!

They had them in several different colors but I had to have the red ones.

I think they'll look super cute on a black felted purse.  Or, who knows...maybe another color!

As she bagged up all my goodies, she put a little gift inside for me...

a set of cute little stitch markers...

My daughter even bought some yarn!  It's a beautiful sock weight yarn with pinks, oranges and (I think) some purple in it.  It's pretty!  She's planning to crochet a lacy cowl with it.

We enjoyed our visit to iPurl so much!  I think they enjoyed our visit too as we chatted a lot and before we left they took our photo and posted it on their Facebook page...

I wish we had a local yarn shop where we live.  And, I wish it was like iPurl!

Not only did they have great stuff and wonderful people but they also have lots of classes, stitch-alongs, charity project stitch-alongs, groups, etc.  It sounds like so much fun!

Back on the road...we headed north to visit my wonderful aunt and cousins.  We had a wonderful visit!  I love them so much!  I'm not posting any photos of them though as mine all turned out blurry (my daughter got good ones). It's always wonderful to see them and spend some time together.  Since we live so far apart, we don't get to see them very often.

We were excited to find out they have Cardinals and were quickly on the lookout for some.  It didn't take long.  My aunt re-filled her bird feeder and they were there in no time.  They were, however, quite hard to get pictures of.  In fact, they seemed camera shy.  We could walk near the window and they didn't always fly away.  But, as soon as we tried to take a photo, they'd fly away.  I did get a few from a distance though.  I just zoomed in with editing to get a closer look.

Here's a wider view to see her lovely yard.  It's so green!

Here's one of the Cardinals.

See...he's looking at me and about to fly away!

There were lots of other pretty birds there that we do don't have at home. I just wasn't able to get pictures of them either.  Oh...and my daughter saw her first firefly!

My aunt had Passion Flower vines on her fence .  I'm always fascinated by them.

I posted this one on Instagram.  I used an effect but it really was purple.

Isn't it amazing?!

Hopefully, Ladybug won't mind me posting her picture.

She's my aunt's dog and she's such a sweetheart.

I finished knitting my Gap-tastic cowl while I was there. It was perfect timing too!  It may be summer but people and businesses seem to keep things extra cool in the south with AC's turned up high.  I actually wore it for a while in my aunts house.  Ahhh...it felt so good!  I'm happy to report that my handspun Merino yarn is very soft and not itchy.  Yay!  I posted this on Instagram that day...

I had to get a photo of this before we left.  It's an antique child-sized desk that someone gave to my aunt when she was a child.  My mom played with it as a child too.  And, I got to have it for a while when I was little.  I have great memories of having this in my room.

Our visit was short but wonderful!  After a day and a half we had to hit the road again for our next destination...New Orleans, Lousiana!  I'll start posting about that as soon as I can.
The hotel we are at right now has bad wifi and I am finishing this on my cell phone.   It is quite challenging...to say the least!

First Draft

Whew!  Life's been so busy lately!  Time for a little blog catch up...

We went over to my husband's parent's house for Easter.  It's something we do every year.

This year had an added surprise and extra fun.  My sister-in-law rode over on horseback.  

Not just any horse.  She rode over on a draft horse!  

I already love horses but this guy was amazing!

He was beautiful and huge!

Here's my daughter on him...

Check out the size of his feet next to my father-in-law...

Hubby rode him bareback...his favorite way to ride.

That's his sister standing next to the horse...

He had a huge smile on his face.

I think he really enjoyed this.

I was nervous about riding him and tried to pass on it but they all insisted.

I'm so glad I was able to get past my fear and go for a little ride.

It was incredible!

I've never ridden a horse that was so well trained and responsive.

He did absolutely every little thing I signaled him to do and with NO hesitation!

My sister-in-law rides for the sheriff mounted posse and this is the horse she rides.

He's been through lots of training and testing and it shows!  He's amazing!

Here's an example of the size difference between the draft horse and a regular horse...

Since I had my knitting, as I almost always do, they kept 

urging me to knit while I was up there to get a photo.

Funny, huh?  But, it's not as crazy as knitting in a waterfall!

This was a first for all three of us to ride on a draft horse.  I sure hope it's not our last!

I wish I'd had my camera with me that day to get better photos of this gorgeous horse.

At least we had our cell phones!  What fun!!!  Thanks, Kim!  :-D