Mother's Day in SoCal

I spent Mother's Day weekend in Southern California
Before I left I walked and fed my favorite dog in Washington. Or rather she walked me.

Once home, I was greeted by family, including the four legged kind:

Keno

Ace

Stitch

I went for a walk each day, visiting some of my favorite Simi Valley landmarks.

Saturday was Descansco Gardens.  The last time I was there was several years ago, in August, during the drought.  It was hot and the garden resembled a desert.  This time, it was cooler, it had rained overnight and so much was in bloom.  Dad and took pictures, Mom wandered.

The rest of the trip was all about family, relaxation and food.

First up, my Mexican food fix.  At Yolandas.

Sunday was all about Mom.  Dinner was a Black Angus.  A petite fillet and green beans.

Mom and Dad shared the dessert they got.  YUM!!!!

Headed home Monday.  Stitch went to the airport to drop me off.  He's such a cutie.

SoCal in July

I spent a week in July with family in Southern California.

First I was greeted by the other residents in the house.  Meet Ace (Border Collie) and Keno (Lab).

My sister and I played tons of Pokemon.

We went to the LA Zoo one day.  A few favorites:

We took a trip down to Hollywood and Universal City Walk, for lunch and more Pokemon hunting.  Keno came with us.  Voodoo Donut is coming to Universal. A Portland icon is coming to Universal!

We found a cool sweet shop in Universal called "It's Sugar".  They even welcomed Pokemon hunters!

A dear friend of mine from Sacramento was in Simi visiting her sister.  We managed to meet up one night.  I have to admit when Viv suggested a place in Moorpark, I was a bit leery.  What she suggested was Carrara's Pastries.  I didn't know it, but the chef was part of the current season of Food Network Star.

My cheesecake was AMAZING!!!  I can't wait to go back to try a meal.

I even got to see my favorite spot in Simi every morning on my walk.  Turns out it's now a Poke Stop.

It was a good trip, but all good things must come to an end.  Luckily, I sat on top of a Poke Stop at Burbank Airport.  Killing time was easy.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Me and my dad taking pictures together in Tahoe.

A couple of my favorite dad photos from a few weeks ago.

My favorite dad picture.

Missed Connections

On my recent last minute road trip to South Lake Tahoe, I extended an invite to my Sacramento friends to meet up if it worked out.  I got a text from a friend, who happens to be a photographer too, that he was in the area.  A few texts exchanged.....we tried to meet up but no cell service and time constraints on my part meant it didn't happen.  BUT the spot we were going to meet, Picketts Junction, gave me a photo opportunity I hadn't planned on.

Sorry I missed you!