Californ ie ae ~We're back!

... We're back! In more ways then one. Something about that cool ocean breeze just clears your thoughts and brings you back to a simple state of mind. Thank Goodness.

I tell you it couldn't have come at a better time- my dear, dear Gramps finally passed away on February 17- sad to say, it was a blessing. The poor old guy- seriously. In all of this I've learned that dealing with some family members and witnessing a persons life deteriorate, can make you physically ill. I am grateful to finally move on to the next chapter of life.

On a good note, Ella is walking! I'm a bit late telling you this- she started walking back on like the 12th of Feb- but it's still exciting! She started giving kisses & blowing them too!

We left for So Cal last Wednesday and stayed until Sunday. I managed to get us a $7 hotel room- both there and on the way home. Primm Nevada folks, that's where its at!

Our time spent in Newport Beach with my Aunt Carol and Uncle Jon (Mom too) was fantastic! Carol is a phenomenal cook and I managed to snag a couple of her recipes! She gracefully took us on breathtaking, daily walks around the harbor, through the bay area and some of the residential areas. TO DIE FOR! Seriously, I could live there.

The whole reason for our trip was that my Gramps (Mom's dad) is getting old and recently very sick- he had a bout with MRSA- which I found out, is a highly contagious, anti-biotic resistant infection. Luckily he was removed from the isolation area of the hospital just after we left, the MRSA was finally gone. He still has his wits about him and my Aunt Carol is on her game as far as keeping him mentally active- he's 78 and playing solitaire on her computer- how awesome is that!?

Farrah, my VERY good friend and neighbor, took care of our shoopies while we were away. Lucky for us, she lives across the street and loves dogs. They weren't nearly as happy to see us as they normally are when we leave and come back- we think she fed them steak and cookies... but they're not telling.