Los Angeles Whirlwind

Well, I just got back from my Los Angeles whirlwind.  I met some friends from KC in Venice Beach.  Met some new friends there from Colorado and Alaska.  We spent a wonderful 2 days basking in the sun in 60 and 70 degree weather, while everyone back here was shivering from single digits.

On Friday we drove to San Clemente where we joined more friends from Lawrence and Topeka as well as more new friends from California and other states including more from Alaska.  It was rainy until the last day when the sun shone brightly and was approaching 70 degrees.  We had a holiday event over the weekend that included sharing sessions, gift exchange, candle lighting, decorating the Christmas Tree, a trip into La Jolla, food, and lots of fun.  Karen is the hostess of this annual event and there have been as many as 50 people.  Karen is an incredible person, gracious and giving.  My friend Joy invited me along this year and I plan to continue each year.

On Sunday I drove north to my cousin’s place, Bella Rancho Suzanna.  My cousin and I are close.  We reconnected when we were in our mid twenties and have stay connected ever since.  She has a lovely place north of Santa Clarita.  She breeds golden labs and is doing quite well.  She also has a couple of horses she rescued.  It is very peaceful there.  Her husband Dave is a great guy.  He works for AT&T and plays in groups around the area in his free time.  He is very talented and obviously has a passion for music.

Sunday was the world wide candle lighing for Compassionate Friends.  I found a chapter in Santa Clarita and attended their event.  It was very good.  Different from our celebration here.  Definitely California has some talent.  There were many songs sung by people with wonderful voices including some written in memory of their child.  I was able to light my candle for Nicole.  They had it outside in a park, California.   However it did start raining when the service was nearly over and we crowded under the gazebo with the goodies, memorabilia and sound equipment.  That might be where I began breeding this bronchitis.

On the down side, my bronchitis began to show it ugliness the night before I left.  The airplanes home were miserable and my ears really hurt.  I have been staying inside and beginning to improve.

It is really good to be home and I think I will stay here for a while.   I love to travel, but there’s still no place like home