A Flat Tire on the Los Angeles Freeway

 

Last week, on my way up to Wrightwood, I got a blow out on the freeway.  I had allowed plenty of time to get there, but didn't anticipate a nail puncturing my tire.  As the steering wheel started to wobble, I put on my right blinker, turned on my hazard lights, and slowly pulled over to the shoulder. 

I was thankful that I had charged my cell phone that morning.  Both dogs were in the backseat, so I knew Jacques would be protective of us.  (It just comes naturally to him.)  I phoned Auto Club, and they told me that they were shorthanded.   They estimated that it would take forty minutes while for a driver to arrive. They suggested I call 311.  

As I was on the phone, a large white truck pulled up behind me.  It was CalTrans.  A smiling driver approached my window.  Jacques began barking violently.  I calmed him down, and the man stepped in back of my vehicle, giving us psychological space.

Because I had a spare tire in the trunk, the driver was able to remove the wheel, pump some air into my spare tire, attach it, and we were back on our way.  There was no charge.  I felt incredibly lucky to have such a helpful service during rush hour in LA.  I thanked him profusely and left a glowing review when I arrived home.

Are you prepared if you were to get a flat tire on the freeway?  I was glad that I didn't make the trip at night.

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Kayaking With Your Dog Not Recommended

 

Yesterday I decided to take Jacques kayaking.  He has been so obedient that I thought he had the perfect temperament to sit quietly.  I imagined us as a team as I paddled.  He could gaze peacefully ahead as we skimmed along the water together. (like in the advertisment.) 

What happened was a different story.  After lugging my supplies to the water, and unfolding and setting up my Oru, a woman with a small, hyperactive, dog that was running loose appeared.   Jacques wanted to play with him. "No!" I told him sharply.  I pulled Jacques towards me and explained to her that I was trying him out in the kayak for the first time.  I hoped she would make some attempt to contain her dog, who ran right up to us.  "He's fine," she told me.  I could feel this wasn't going well.  

I coaxed Jacques into the kayak.  It started to rock.  I eased myself onto the seat, and he started to panic.  The kayak flipped to the left, and he was immediately in the water, upset and frightened.  The woman watched us, floundering.   Somehow the boat tipped me out of it to the right, and I was swimming, fully clothed, while frantically pushing the boat back to shore.  The leash was underneath us, Jacques was still on the choke chain, and my olive sundress was now soaking wet,  the lower half floating beside me in the water.

Fortunately, we were right near the shoreline.  It had a sudden and extreme drop off, which I hadn't anticipated.  Conditions are different this time of year.  The tide was much further out than normal.

I dragged the kayak back onto the sand, walked Jacques back to the car, and put him in the backseat.  I pretended like it was perfectly normal for a woman in her late fifties to be walking her dog in a sopping wet, olive green, flowered sun dress.  (Which was now trailing down to my ankles.)

I returned to the kayak, relieved that I had underdressed a leopard print one piece bathing suit, tied the drenched dress to my storage area, and paddled out through the marina.  I admired the boats, enjoyed the calm water and lack of people, and ate my lunch in one of the picturesque canals.  

Neither Lula nor Jacques have done well in the kayak.  It seems very dangerous to me.  The balance is too tricky.  You really need to keep your weight centered, to avoid tipping.  Your head has to be over your navel.  A moving dog will cause you to topple.  It's very disorienting, and your kayak could capsize.  I had my Oru floaties tucked into position, which I think helped.  I was also wearing a snug fitting life vest.  My plan was to just sit in the kayak, in the shallow end, to get Jackques acclimated, but it didn't work.  

All's well that ends well. 

A New German Shepherd

 Today I adopted a young male German Shepherd at one of our local animal shelters.  He is amazing.  He has such a regal presence, and is very aware and observant.  I had forgotten how much I love this breed.  They are the perfect dog for protection and companionship.  He commands respect.  I haven't chosen a name for him yet.  I have tried several. and he doesn't answer to any of them.  Maybe King.  

He has been neutered, microchipped, wormed, vaccinated and given flea treatment.  I was so impressed with all they had done.  They even gave me a collar and leash for him.  He and Lula get along famously. He has already bonded to me.  He came and checked on me when I was soaking in the bathtub.  He gave me a couple of kisses, then went back to his post of guarding the entrance.  He has a wonderful, mature and protective presence.

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Just Watched the Documentary Adrienne

 I posted the trailer for the incredibly moving documentary, Adrienne,  below this post.   It can be viewed on HBO Max.  What a sad and tragic story.  She was such a beautiful woman. She possessed a shimmering femininity and a liquid, sensual, star quality.  

For some reason this year has really driven home to me how dangerous certain men are to petite and attractive women.  Maybe part of that was seeing the Gabby Petito case on the news.  It just saddens me deeply when young, talented women are killed.   Due to their size and stature their attackers   overpower them.  I always analyze what happened,  and if it could have been avoided.

  In Adrienne's case, the killer went ballistic when she told him that she was going to call the police after she caught him stealing her money.  Law enforcement in LA County recommends not resisting people who steal from you.  This might have saved her life.  They grab and run.  These people hate it if you call the police.

Another thing I learned from reflecting on her case was, always secure your doors and windows.  This man was working construction in the building, stealing from tenants,  and found her apartment door  unlocked.   Have a dog with you.  Dogs are great alert animals.  They bark when someone is near, and reliably sense dangerous and unscrupulous people.  

Carry a panic alarm, and keep one by your bed.  The sound is piercing, and they attract attention.  I have used mine on an loose dog, and the animal ran and hid.  Neighbors also came out on their balconies to see what was wrong.  One lady offered to help.

Have a fireplace tool by the door.  I was approached by a strange looking and bizarre acting homeless man on the beach a few months ago.  I jumped up from my towel, and slammed my rod iron bar into the sand, while standing tall.  I looked him right in the eye.  He immediately sensed that I would hit him with it if he tried to attack me.  (I was also next to the life guard's station, who I'm sure was watching.)   Smirking and  changing his mind, the homeless man meandered away from me, zig zagging down the shoreline.  The daily work outs, push ups and sit ups that I do gave me the confidence to take an on guard stance with him.  He didn't expect it.  

 There was a recent incident of violence against a man and his family who were here vacationing in Malibu.  It's not something you expect, while sunbathing or swimming, but it can happen. 

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Ventured Out to Ventura Harbor

 Today I packed a lunch and drove out to Ventura Beach with Lula.  I found a parking spot in the residential area near the pier.  I hooked up Lula to the Walkydog, and we rode along the bike path, admiring the waves and the water.

After crossing under pier, I pulled over to a bench and we sat and watched the surfers.  While Lula snacked on a dog biscuit,  I ate my quesadilla that I had prepared at home and packed in tupperware.  I gave Lula some water, took a few gulps myself,  and then we walked down onto the rocks.   Listening to the ocean and feeling the energy of the sea was hypnotic and calming.

After putting the bike on my bike rack and getting Lula settled into the  backseat of the car, I drove South on the 101 and exited at Telegraph.  From there I found Ventura Harbor.  As I was putting together my Oru Kayak, a skeptical man exiting the boat ramp  eyed me.  "Interesting,"  he commented.  He seemed sarcastic and dubious.  Once the kayak was assembled, I went to the parking lot and retrieved Lula.  

The man was still at the boat ramp.  "That's too much weight," he told me, as I was urging Lula to board.  "It holds 275 pounds," I answered.  His energy shifted.  "Did you design it?" he asked me.  "No," I told him.  "I kayak every day, in a lake," I added.  I could tell that he didn't think I was very experienced.

"It's an incredible design," he admitted.  "It cuts across the water really fast," I told him, enthusiastically.  

"I wish there was some way I could help," he offered, as I coaxed Lula in the boat and clumsily got in with her.  "Thanks!" I said, and pushed off the shore with the paddle.  Lula laid down lazily and rested her head on the edge of the top.  People on the other side of the harbor waved and made a fuss over her and how cute she looked.  She really is like a Disney dog.  We had a fabulous paddle together.  

It's so much easier when Lula is laying down in the kayak than when she is sitting.  If she leans to the side, (which she sometimes does,)  it could cause us to topple. "NO!" I told her sharply when she started to peer over at a fish or something distracting.  I praised her effusively each time she flattened her body on the bottom of the boat.  She got the idea.  It helped that she was tired from running alongside my bicycle, earlier.  One of the girls commented about how relaxed she was.  

We will practice again soon.  A yearly pass is $150.00, and I think it will be well worth it for us.  Today it cost $13.00 to park for the day.  How is your summer going?

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Day Trips

 

Day trips are a great way to feel like you've had a vacation while still saving money.  If you live fairly close to the beach or a lake, it can be a relaxing getaway that is still close to home.  Lula and I love to jump in the car and head off to the beach.  PCH has some scenic bike trails, (some right near the sand,) that are completely free from cars.

The dogs that we've met there are well socialized, calm,  and happy.  Everyone follows the leash law.  You can tell by the pets' body language that they don't have any aggression issues.  Canines at the beach always seem to be relaxed and smiling, like their owners.  We often stop and chat; everyone is so friendly.   I get a lot of questions about Lula's Walkydog.  It makes it so easy to ride her alongside me on the bicycle.  The bar keeps her stable  at my side.  It's safer than a leash; I can keep both hands firmly on the handlebars.

It's quick and easy to pack plenty of water, a lunch, dog biscuits for Lula, and fruit and dessert for me.   A sun hat, sheet, towel, and sunscreen are all that I need to toss into the beach bag.  

Parking is often free, and I can lock up the bike if we want to dip our toes in the water.  Watching the surfers is so entertaining.   They are still wearing wet suits.  They are in top physical condition,  I am amazed at how calm they are.  Yesterday we saw a lone paddle boarder and just one  man in a kayak.  The paddle boarder was surfing, and he was one of the best out there.  I feel in awe of their balance and control.  One was a complete master; he looked older than the others.  He was walking on his surfboard on the water!

It's exciting to be out in the sunshine again.  Summer is one of my favorite times of year.  How about you?

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A Lovely Day at the Beach

 This morning Lula and I drove out to Piru to pick up some beeswax candles, honey sunscreen, and rich, honey jasmine hand lotion.  It was a gorgeous drive along the 126.  I decided to keep driving west, and to check out the beach bike path in Ventura.  I had forgotten how beautiful that route is.  I love the section where it turns into the 101 North.  The ocean views are spectacular!  How lucky I am to live in LA.  The woman behind the counter gifted me a jar of honey from their farm.  I was so touched.  I had just run out of it at the cottage, and hers is top quality. 

We pulled in at one of the campsites, and I bought a day pass.  I had packed plenty of water, a few snacks, and some dog biscuits for Lula.  I felt excited and  thrilled with the beauty of the bike path and beach scenery.  The outline of the mountains looked so blue and vibrant  The last few times we've been to Santa Monica, I was distressed by the number of disturbed and homeless people.  The vibe in Ventura was totally different.  It felt like we were mixing with the locals, rather than tourists.  Everyone was relaxed and groovy.  There were lots of happy, well socialized dogs.

The surfers were impressive.  I sat on a bench and watched them.  Lula laid at my feet.  I filled her water bowl and munched on almonds and a banana.  Lula enthusiastically crunched on her dog biscuits.  I was surprised at how many of the men carrying surf boards had grey hair.  I always assumed that surfers were much younger.   They were so talented.  There's a parking lot for the surfer beach; it only costs $4.00.  I think we will park there next time.  I paid $10.00 at the place that I picked.  It felt safe, and I am happy to support tourism there.  I wore my mask while breezing down the bike path and enjoyed the ocean breeze.  Lula got a lot of smiles.  

Have you been to the beach recently?

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Can You Put Snow Chains On Your Car?

 This morning I decided to put chains on my VW Beetle before it started snowing again.  I climbed up to the top of the driveway while it was still sunny. Although I was able to get them around the tires, I could tell when fastening the color coded connectors that I had done something wrong.  I came back inside and watched a Youtube video demonstrating the correct technique.

The first one was of a man who was just kind of winging it.  Different people attach them in different ways.  I found a demonstration given by the manufacturer, which was much clearer and simpler.  I made some notes, brought up a towel to lay on the asphalt to pad my knees, and put on a pair of leather gloves.  I had ripped a hole in the thumb of my knit pair.

This time, it was a snap!  Making sure that there were no kinks in the chains, and having the logo facing forward made all of the difference.  Everything fit together perfectly, like the  pieces of a puzzle.

My neighbor who has a cabin up in Big Bear suggested that I get a four wheel drive for my next car.  They have a fancy, impressive new truck.  "It's so much easier," she added.  I like driving my little red 2002 Beetle, though.  Those trucks are very expensive, and this car reminds me of my mom.  It used to be hers.  

I would rather stay debt free and save that money.  The chains are phenomenal.  They really latch on to the ice.  I plan to keep this car forever.  Because I walk so much...the mileage is very low.  Chains it is, for me.  

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A Bike Ride Along the Beach in Santa Monica

Yesterday morning after breakfast I packed up my backpack with some tortilla chips, a large  bottle of water, and a few pieces of Ghiradelli peppermint bark.  I followed Lula to  the car, (she couldn't wait to go on an adventure!) lifted my bicycle onto the bike rack, and drove down the uncrowded  405 freeway to Santa Monica.  

I parked carefully at the mall, and made a note on my ticket of my parking spot, the floor, and the color of the bulding.  Lula and I rode on the Colorado Street bike path to the pier.  She galloped along beside me as we both gazed at the ocean.  I loved her excited reaction.  The beach is so vast and expansive.  There were other people out walking and running, too, leaving plenty of space for everyone to socially distance.  Many of us were wearing masks.  The other dogs were well behaved and on leashes.  It was calm and peaceful. 

We stopped after turning around, and sat on an empty bench.  I gave Lula a bowl of water, and one of her dog biscuits.  I quietly munched on the chips, and watched the other passers by and their dogs.  Everyone seemed comfortable and relaxed.  The weather was sunny and warm, in the 70's.  It's heavenly here this time of year.  It is a pleasure to drive the thirty miles to the beach.  I didn't take advantage of it for decades when I was busy with my work.  Now I relish the time and the scenery. 

We may be under lockdown again soon, so I wanted to take advantage of a short day trip while we could.  I drove home down San Vicente, passed through picturesque Brentwood, turned right on Wilshire,  and merged back onto the freeway, this time heading North.  There was very little traffic-one positive aspect of the pandemic.

I sang along to Christmas carols on the way home.  I love Holiday music.  Once home, Lula slept like a log for several hours.  I think the beach run exhausted her, but in a healthy way.  Where do you go to get your outdoor exercise?     

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What I Learned From The Evacuation Warning

 Today I decided to write about what it was like to experience an evacuation warning during a severe  fire.  The Bobcat Fire came dangerously close to our lovely village of Wrightwood.  I talked with several of my friends and neighbors there, and listened to their opinions and stories.  Many of them stayed in town, and other families left.  They all had their own personal reasons and logic. 

I drove back and forth a few different times, depending on what I read online about the road, fire, and weather conditions.  I packed up more stuff than I ever have during a fire.  What was important to me was to have my pets, my hand knit items, a few favorite pieces of clothing, and food and water.  It was a relief to rescue all of the sweaters, shawls, socks, gloves, and scarves that I have made over the last several years.  My photos are saved online. 

I thought that I would want to take my dad's car, since it is a newer model, and gets excellent mileage.  I ended up feeling more attached to  my mom's 2002 VW Beetle.  It has so much style!  It also has sentimental value to me.  She kept it so clean and organized.  She had everything in that car you could ever need: two flashlights, a siren, a red leather coin purse with quarters for tolls, a tiny first aid kit, mints, tissues, stain wipes, and a dog carrier.  She was extremely prepared and beautifully organized.  That car makes me smile.

I realized that I should have packed more pet food than I had anticipated.  I had tupperware jugs full of water by the door.  I wasn't sure how much traffic there would be.  I left early, and there really wasn't any.  It's nice to be able to go to a comfortable second location only sixty miles from your residence.  I am so glad that I kept the cottage.  I have been busy cleaning it today.  I fed some of the citrus trees homemade compost, and did a load of laundry.

The first time I fled I forgot my must have documents.  I was so upset with myself.  We were closing on my parents' house and a piece of land that I had purchased.  I brought that paperwork, and accidentally  left my box that contained everything else.  Fortunately, I retrieved it on one of my return trips to the cabin.  It feels good to have all of those records together and organized.  I keep mine in a fire proof box.  

Have you ever had to evacuate?  

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The Bobcat Fire, Evacuations and Mountain Lions

The Bobcat Fire has spread at an alarming rate.  I  have been watching it from the Pearblossom Highway on my commute over the past week, and was shocked this morning to see that it looked twice as close to Wrightwood.  Devil's Punchbowl, (which is very close,) has been evacuated.  I hope that the people there get out safely.  I worry that the Wrightwood residents will wait too long and be fumbling in the dark with no electricity.  It's very dark now with the shorter days this time of year.  The mountain roads are only two lanes.

One local posted a videotape of a huge mountain lion in her driveway.  It went after her dog, but she and her husband yelled at it, and were able to protect the canine.   They have children.  It's strange to see the figures of these powerful wild animals on camera, right next to an outside  staircase or deck.   They are also fleeing the fires, and are hungry, thirsty and desperate.  It's like the movie Bambi.  A cub or two was also seen with the mother.  

Another post stated that someone's dog, the size of a German shepherd, was taken by a cougar from the balcony.  People have the illusion that their dogs are safe there.  Mountain lions normally eat deer.  They can easily take down large animals or humans.  I don't think people realize the danger of the situation.

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Fleeing The Fires in California

As most of you know, there are numerous wildfires raging right now in California.  It is a challenge to decide whether to leave or stay put when the areas near your home are burning.  What we didn't anticipate was how many different fires there would be.  They have multiplied at an alarming rate. 

The reason I bought the cabin up in the mountains was to have a refuge someplace cooler to go in the brutally hot summers.  I wanted a location that wasn't so fire prone.  I had noticed that they were accelerating each year in Canyon Country.  Last year the Tick Fire was just a block from my cottage.  It made me nervous.  What if you couldn't get out in time?  I had images of people perishing in their cars in 2011.  We saw that happen in the tragic Paradise Fire, and now it is occurring once again.  

There is currently a fire about thirty miles from our beautiful village of Wrightwood.  It has been spreading rapidly.  I know how quickly the flames can travel.  It makes me afraid to go to sleep at night.  We only have one gas station in town, and there were ten people lined up to use the four pumps early this afternoon.  I got in needing half a tank when there was only one other man there.  It's important to have cash, too. 

I talk regularly with my friends and neighbors, and keep the car loaded up, ready to go at a moment's notice.  Fortunately, Lula and Snow White, (my chicken,) are experienced travelers.  They both enjoy car rides.  

My personal strategy is to leave early.  I don't wait to be evacuated.  Being caught in pandemonium would make me nervous and worried.  I would rather be safe than sorry.  Nothing would frighten me more than to be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic during a fast moving fire.  It's important to keep your gas tank full, your car in good repair, and to have plenty of clothing, food and water.    

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My Impressions of the Winchester Mystery House

Many of you expressed interest in Sarah Winchester's home in San Jose, which I was lucky enough to tour earlier this week.  It has a fascinating history.

I first learned of it from my best friend growing up, Karen.  She had gone there when she was about thirteen.  I used to spend the night at her house and vice versa on the weekends.  She whispered to me about this woman who had built staircases that led to nowhere, held seances, and was obsessed with the number thirteen.  It all sounded very dramatic and spooky. 

My own impression, though, was quite different.  I was impressed with the Queen Anne style of the front of the house.  My mother always loved that era and look.  So do I.  It's so royal and classic.

When I purchased my ticket at the counter of the gift shop,  I suddenly felt an overwhelming presence.  I was practically flattened.  I couldn't even talk.  I waited a moment, and it vanished.  I felt like it was Sarah, and that she wanted me to see the house.  I was trying to decide if I should take the second tour, as well, or just the first.  I elected to wait for the Explore More tour and come back another day.  It is only 38 miles from the home where I grew up, in San Mateo.

Sarah spoke four languages, and played the organ, as well as other instruments

I found the rooms very quaint, petite, and detail oriented.  I could relate to Sarah on many levels.  She seemed grief stricken to me.  I felt such sadness for her, upon learning that she lost her only baby daughter.  Her husband also died very young; he was only 43.  She lived alone for the rest of her life.

She was very spiritual, gifted, and artistic.  The steps throughout the house she designed to be very shallow, to accommodate her crippling arthritis.  I know very well the pain that it causes.  She surrounded herself with beauty, which is what my mother did.  She paid her workers double the going rate, provided lunch and dinner, and gave them a place to live, on the property.  I felt a sense of love and admiration for her.  Her spirit was so strong.  I will never forget the experience of being bowled over by it.  Some people (and spirits) have more energy than others.  Hers, in my opinion, was remarkable and incredibly powerful.

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A Visit To The Winchester Mystery House

Sarah Winchester's bedroom

I just returned home, after touring the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.  It was enchanting.  I am exhausted from the long drive, but will write more about it tomorrow.  It is such a special place.

Sarah Winchester's bed

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Snow and Ice

I have been busy shoveling snow up at the cabin.  I waited to make the mountain drive for about  a week, hoping that  some of it would have melted.  It made a big difference. I wasn't sure if I would be able to pull into my driveway.  I had spoken to a woman on the phone who lives up here, and she told me that they had three feet of snow.

Fortunately, someone had plowed my parking space for me!   I was able to walk down to the door in my snow boots. Lula has been galloping and frolicking around the yard.  She gets ecstatically happy in the clean, fluffy, white snow.  It has been  relaxing to sit by the fire, knit my alpaca blanket, and read  library books.

I met a couple more of my neighbors, and we exchanged mountain lion stories.  They believe there are many of them in this area.  There are less deer, according to the hunters.  I find the whole food chain fascinating.  They had a tan cougar jump in front of them crossing the road in Big Bear, just like I did up here.  They were riding a motorcycle.  It's so exciting to live in the woods.  It also has its risks, though.  They told me about a bear that has been seen on our street.  Never a dull moment.

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Post Holiday Blues

the Beach Cafe was hopping

 
Yesterday I found out that Jerry Herman died on December 26th.  It made me very, very sad.  Grief stricken, actually.  I absolutely adore his music.  He was such an inspiration to me.  Each time we lose another one of the geniuses from that era I feel a deep sense of loss.  He was 88, the same age my dad was when he died a few months ago.  I just loved the style of musical comedy that he did.  His music made you feel so happy.  I will post some of his theater videos here for you to see.  He was in a class of his own.

clear skies and blue water

I decided to take a drive to Santa Monica, get out in the sunshine, and ride a Breeze bike along the beach.  I figured there wouldn't be anyone out on the ocean path at this time of year.  Boy, was I wrong!  Anyone and everyone was there.  It was packed, but we all cooperated very well.   I felt like cruising through Europe  last month  with over 4,000 people  gave me some good training in dealing with crowds.  At this section it was much lighter.  Venice Beach was intense.

It did me a world of good to get outside and enjoy the ocean breeze.  Lula was happy to experience the change of scenery, and she took a nap in the car.  She seems to enjoy laying out in the sunshine in the backyard, too.  I don't think I would do well in a part of the country that has long, dark winters.  I find it kind of depressing.

strolling down Second Street in Santa Monica

How are you feeling?   Do you experience a post holiday let down?  My mom always did.  She went to so much work  every Christmas.  I just can't believe it now.  She especially dreaded putting away all of her decorations.  She made that house look like Saks Fifth Avenue.  It took her days!  The effect was really exquisite, though.

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Check the Weather

the weather can change very quickly in the mountains

When I took the Wrightwood hiking safety course a few months ago, the teacher recommended that we check the weather report before leaving.  This is such good advice!  I have saved myself  a few unsafe situations by looking up the  forecast online before piling everything in my car and heading up to the mountains.

We had a storm over Christmas that brought us a lot of much needed rain and snow.  Unfortunately, many people were stranded in their cars, on the side of the freeway, unprepared.  Californians aren't used to having this kind of weather on a regular basis.  We are usually spoiled with sunshine year round.

If you research and plan, you can make your trip when the roads are clear.  (at least where I live.)  It's wise to have chains, warm clothing, a flashlight, umbrella, and plenty of food and water, too.  I keep my snow boots with me, as well. 


It was a huge shock for me over Thanksgiving when I realized that the first big snow had left wet, white powder that reached all the way up to my hip bones!  It came down very quickly, overnight.  Fortunately, I had plenty of food in my stockpile, firewood, and a sturdy shovel.  I have a very long driveway, so it took several  hours to clear a path from the doorway to my car.  It was all uphill.  Now I know what to expect.

How is the weather where you are!  Do you have plenty of supplies if you get snowed in or have an emergency?

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A Holiday Lunch in Las Vegas

Yesterday I drove to Las Vegas for lunch.  I met with some of the dancers that I worked with in "Hello Hollywood, Hello!" at the MGM Grand Hotel, in Reno.   It was so much fun to see them.  We have so many happy memories  together. 

Lula came with me.  We left Wrightwood at 9:00 a.m. and arrived early for a 1:00 p.m. lunch.  The food at Brio was exceptional.  I had been planning my order all morning.  I had a side salad and lasagna.  I ate half of the lasagna, and brought the rest to reheat at home for dinner.  The food was excellent.  I love Italian cuisine;  the homemade bread was especially tasty.

We all laughed and told show business stories.  It was such a joy to see everyone.  I was especially happy to reconnect with our company manager, Jillian.  She hired me when I was nineteen.  I will always be grateful for that opportunity and for the wonderful people that I met in Reno.  They are my tribe. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

Lula Is Healing

Thank you for all of your comments about Lula.  She is healing well, and I am thankful that her injuries weren't worse. 

Here are a couple of photos of the cabin.  I was up there doing some work today.  Lula stayed home.

The details and decor are so rustic.   I will be back to comment on your blogs soon.  Right now I have a few more tasks to complete with the home purchase and Lula.

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More Photos Of My New Haven In The Mountains

My favorite trail so far is this one.  It takes you deep into the forest.  I always pretend that it's the 1800's when I am walking there.  I can just imagine what it must have been like on horseback.  It's so still and quiet. 

Lula and I stopped at this cute little cafe.  I had a bowl of cream of artichoke soup.  She was given a bowl of fresh water, which she knocked over and spilled on the deck. 

This older cabin has so much personality. There is a lot of stone work on these buildings. I love the detail.  It takes me back to a different time and lifestyle.

They sell plants for $2.00 at the pizza place.  I am excited to buy things locally.  We are far away from the Los Angeles traffic up here.  It's a slower, calmer pace.

I love the shape of the trees.  They emit such a  healing energy.  Every cabin seems to have a large deck where you can gaze at the mountains and commune with nature.  As I get older, I need more of that time.

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