ANOTHER WONDERFUL GIRLS' WEEKEND

Last weekend I was blessed with another visit with my best girl friends. I flew north to Walnut Creek on Thursday afternoon. Mary (Woolley) Schaub and her husband, Fred, picked me up at the Oakland Airport. Her sister, Roseann, and my cousin, Carol, joined us for dinner, a beautiful sunset and the rest of the weekend.

On Friday morning after Mass we went back to the airport to pick up Mary (Waguespack) Burch. She flew in from Seattle. We had lunch on the Schaub's beautiful back patio by the pool and did what we girls always do best----visit.

Also we gave each other little gifts. I made the girls t-shirts. Well, Ron helped me print the saying online. I ironed them on. I hope you can read them from the photo. I stole the idea from a couple of ladies that Lisa and I saw at Disneyland. It is kind of cute, I think. I could have bought all one color t-shirt. But, I colored us up. See? You crafty girls out there may have a laugh at me.

In the evening Mary and Fred's daughter, Theresa, and her family joined us for dinner. They are such a lovely family. The three children, Stevie, Lauren, and Ricky are precious. Young Steve is quite a kick. We then helped Theresa put together the supplies for several different projects; one for Scouts, one for Little League and even something for the swim team, I believe. Anyway it was fun. Once they went home we ladies sat around the table talking until after midnight.

On Saturday Roseann made a great breakfast for us and then we shopped most of the day away. We chose a Cuban restaurant for dinner, Havana. It was scrumptious. We even had a pitcher of Mojitos. The whole Cuban experience was a first for all of us and we loved it.

Sunday morning after Mass Roseann made breakfast for once again. No B&B could do better. However, so much work for Mary and Roseann---all that planning and cooking. Fred took all our digital cameras, downloaded the pictures and printed them so we could all go home with copies. How sweet is that! We were back at the airport by 3:00pm. The weekend went all too fast. For that I am sorry. But I do thank God for such precious friends and this opportunity to be with them. There is truly nothing like it.

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND

Last Friday Dad, Ron and I left Palm Springs for a delightful weekend. Dad and Ron took me to the Amtrak station in Glendale. Uncle Mike picked Dad up for visit with him and Aunt Jeanne in Aqua Dulce. Ron went on to visit with his Mom.

I went to San Diego to be with Lisa. She picked me up and we went to the school where she student teaches. I was able to meet her Master Teachers, who praised Lisa to the sky. That was fun for me and made Lisa quite happy also. We went from there to Gringo's for dinner. I never had such a large margarita in my life.

Saturday, after a Starbuck's start, Lisa and I spent the morning gathering supplies for her final project for her student teaching job. She is doing some really neat stuff there. In the afternoon Lisa, and two of her friends, Annie and Amberly and I went out to the point of Point Loma which is Cabrillo National Monument. That was so beautiful. It has the most wonderful views of San Diego and Coronado Island. That evening Lisa and I went to dinner at the Olive Garden. We did that in remembrance of Angie. Olive Garden was her favorite restaurant.

On Sunday Lisa and I had breakfast on the boardwalk at a lovely cantina. Then I took the train back to Glendale where I could spend the rest of the day with Tessie. We stayed over night and met up with Dad on Monday morning and drove back to Palm Springs.

GRANDPA AND AMY

Yesterday Dad mentioned that I hadn't put the picture of him getting a big kiss from Amy in the blog. I didn't want to make any of you too jealous. So here it is with some other great photos of Dad. I do receive many requests for more photos of Dad. It is kind of embarassing because I end up on them often.

LAS VEGAS IN DAD'S NEW VAN

Well, it seems we all decided to give Dad's new van a trial run. At first we thought we might try Mexico. However Yogi, our dog, didn't have proper papers for reentering the country. So Dad suggested Las Vegas. He hadn't been there for over 30 years. We went on Wednesday morning and returned Friday afternoon. It is about a four and half hour drive. Ron did all the driving. I guess he just wanted to. Dad and I both offered to do some.

We showed Dad about as much as he could take. It was a bit overwhelming I think. There is a lot of walking involved even though we did use some trams, people movers, skyways, and even a taxi once. We camped at Circus Circus for two nights. Everything worked perfectly with his van.

On Thursday we visited New York New York, Mandalay Bay, and the Luxor. I made sure he rode on the inclinator (that's an elevator that rises on an angle) in the Luxor. We missed many places, but also saw a lot. That's Vegas for you. Thursday evening after wine at the campsite Dad decided to rest. Ron and I went to check out Wynn's, the newest hotel. We also watched the Siren show at Treasure Island.

Friday morning we headed home and we are now back at Outdoor Resorts.

A VISIT WITH THE DICKSONS AND MCCOMBS

It is always so sad when the guests leave. Today we said goodbye to the final visitors of more than three weeks of company. We have had such a fun time. Last Monday Patty came to town with Melissa, Angela, Mason, Kelly, and Dustin. We hung outby the pool most of the day. Dustin and Kelly waited until "24" ended before returning home.

The rest of the week the remainder of us just visited every day. We did as much pool sitting as possible. We did go out for shrimp tacos a couple of times. Dad even joined us once. He and Uncle Ron aren't big on eating out. We did eat every night on our patio under the stars and talk and share. I will surely miss everyone.

Mason is the best baby. He hardly ever cries and entertains himself for hours. He snuggles and cuddles easily. He really is a "mellow man". He looks great in shades,too. Don't you think? Angela is precious. She is bright and sweet. What a blessing they are!

Matt must have missed his family very much. He drove six and a half hours in heavy traffic just to spend one day down here with them. He is a very special Daddy.

Anyway now they have all left and I miss them already. Life is like that I guess. I really enjoyed all the company. I know Dad did too. So we move forward.

EASTER SUNDAY

What a wonderful day with the family at Aunt Cosie's and Uncle Bob's. You name the food and it was there. Spaghetti with meatballs and sausage, turkey with filling, ham, potato salad. The delicious food was never ending. There were at least seven pies and two cakes. One cake was to celebrate Uncle Bob's birthday.

Dad joined us and hopefully enjoyed the event. It is always so great to have a holiday at the Yanovicks'.

LISA'S VISIT-----PART TWO

OK. Heather drove to Outdoor Resorts with Grammie on Tuesday and stayed until Thursday.Mostly the girls spent time in the sun visiting. Heather got a beautiful tan. We always loved having Mother here and Heather was a bonus.

Dave and Olivia came down on Wednesday. They stayed until Friday afternoon. One morning they even treated us to breakfast at the Resort Cafe here. Dave really wants Olivia to like it here.

Saturday night Lisa and Grandpa dyed eggs and Easter morning after church we took Lisa to breakfast before she drove home and we headed to L.A. for Easter dinner at Aunt Cosie's and Uncle Bob's.

WE ENJOY LISA'S COMPANY ----PART ONE

The morning after Ronnie left, on Monday, Lisa and I headed to Disneyland. We had an absolutely perfect day. We went on all our old favorite rides and some new ones. Lisa's favorite land is Adventureland. Fantasmic was so amazing. We stayed until the fireworks ended. We ended up at our hotel around 11:00pm.

The next morning we were up early to go to California Adventure. Now this is the place with all the wild and crazy rides. Lisa is one who loves the roller coasters and free fall rides. Her personal favorite was Hollywood Tower with some 14 story drops. Quite thrilling, actually, and we did that one twice. My favorite ride was Soarin' California. It was like hang gliding through all of California's most beautiful places. They even include the frangrances of pine trees and orange groves and Pacific surf. I loved it. We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Wine Country. Too cool! After the Electric Parade we drove back to Palm Springs where Heather was waiting up for us at Outdoor Resorts.

GREAT TIME WITH AMY AND RON

MARCH 30 THROUGH APRIL 9TH

Amy and Ron flew into Palm Springs Thursday evening, March 30. Early the next morning they left for Mexico to witness Amy's brother, Aaron's, exciting and romantic engagement to the love of his life, Christina. But I will let Amy tell you all about that event.

On Sunday they returned to Outdoor Resort with Amy's parents, Mike and Kathy. On Monday the group, minus Amy and with Ron, my husband, headed out to opening day at Dodger Stadium. Amy and I stayed here just enjoying the sun and each other's company (also my Dad's).

On Tuesday Ron and Ronnie returned from L.A.. Wednesday the men went golfing at the Westin-Mission Hills. Amy and I went to a Spa for body wraps, a facial and a massage. These were Christmas gifts from Ronnie and Amy to Ron and me. That was so wonderful. (Thanks, kids).

Thursday evening we all took Grandpa to an absolutely beautiful hotel on the hillside for cocktails. It was one of the nicest places I have ever been. On Friday we went into El Paseo for dinner at Picanha's, a Brazalian barbeque. There's an experience I would wish for everyone I love.

All in all we had a perfect visit. Lisa joined us on Saturday which was the beginning of her Easter break. More of that in my next blog. Ron and Amy left after that weekend which is always sad.

A VERY BUSY WEEK

Last week was a busy one. Just as they began work on Dad's patio (see photo) I left for L.A. to visit Mother and the family there. We had a very nice visit. On Tuesday Aunt Anna and Aunt Cosie and Uncle Bob treated us to lunch at the China Inn. (See photo). We even ran into their friends, Mimi and Nadine. They both shared their drinks with Aunt Cosie. (Another photo). A wonderful time was had by all. I spent three days mostly catching up on everything with Mother.

While there I attended Mother of Good Counsel Church for morning Mass. They have just recently acquired my favorite painting of Our Lady of Guadelupe. Pope John Paul II is kissing her hand and she is comforting him. I really like it. It was painted by an unknown artist in Mexico. I am so sorry not to have his or her name. But I wanted to share it anyway.

I will soon take pictures of Dad's completed patio and get them on the blog. In the meantime, my love to all interested persons.