So this is what happened: I found Coleen (Cokey) from high school last year on line. And if you read the blog you know that I went to Tucson Az to visit. Well she has a rough year but came to Ca to visit anyway. She got off the plane on Thursday night; the giggle fest started. Off to dinner at DZ Akins. And then back to the house. Friday morning we went to Julian and had a wonderful time. The weather was about 75 and sunny. A wonderful day to be in the mountians. Then we went to see Bizz perform. Always a good time and only got lost 3 times before we got there. Then Saturday morning to the swap meet and then Coronado. After we scooped up Ernie we went for a walk around Seaport Village. Had a good nights sleep and went for a harbor cruise. (thanks Nick) We that the VIP treatment. And we spend the afternoon in Del Mar at the Harvest Festival. We managed to spend no money. I can't believe all that shopping and no money spent. Let's just say nothing said you have to break a $20.00 for me. Monday after a great Lunch with Ryan at Tender Greens we had an afternoon on the beach. We made Critters in a hole, for a spooky halloween dessert. They were yummie. and a big hit. I hated to see Tuesday come I took Coleen back to the airport. But it was a wonderful weekend of fun and laughs. Isn't that what friendship is all about. Even 30 years later.
That is how it started in CA. on our way to NV. We had a great day on Friday arrived in Las Vegas and grabbed a bite to eat at the Mirage (BLT Burger). Ernie had the Pork and shrimp and I had the Salmon burger. They were both wonderful. Then we went over to the Venetian and the long awaited Gondola ride. Ernie promised one the last time we were in Vegas. This just tells you that I keep track. After that and a wonderful dinner. And a good nights sleep we drove through NV and just a tip of AZ into UT. There we visited with John and Barbara. John 's health is not good, but that didn't stop him from being happy to hang out with Ernie and I for a minute. We love them so much. And we are praying that all is well. After that a quick shopping trip in St George andx Neilson's Frozen Custard. We zip back to Las Vegas. Had a family dinner at the Sahra Hotel. After dinner it was girls night out. Ernie and I joined the CA Ladies and Kyle. We went to the movies, (I can do Bad all by myself) Charly and I love Tyler Perry. Then back to the Hotel and s little sleeping in. Not much, but a little poolside for the day to work on my sunburn you know. Then to the Wedding (Did I mention that is why we went) Melissa (Rodney's youngest daughter got married) to Josh. The wedding was at the Manadaly Bay Hotel and was just beautiful. Blessing to them. On our trip back to California we stopped at one of our favorite spots for apples Oak Glen. And as you all there is no place like home. And we feel blessed to spend time with loved ones and return home in safety.
It's Labor Day weekend and hot for Southern CA. But still beautiful. So here we go. Aunt Honey needs her fence repaired or just rebuild. We arrive Friday afternoon and visit for a while, Aunt Honey and Uncle Jeddy have places to go. We decide to go to the mall. And check into our motel. We were hoping for a pool but no such luck. Still we did enjoy the A/C. Then we took Aunt Honey off to Home Depot. Ernie has a plan for the fence but it's all in his head. After some measuring and thinking, he shared his ideas and then we were off.. Saturday morning and Ernie started to work taking out the old fence and then back to the Home depot for supplies. While Ernie was working the women, Monica, Aunt Honey, Lisa and myself went to the store. You know you have to feed the workers. Ernie and Monica's son Andrew were hard at work. I wish I had a camera to share with you the pictures of a 5 year old working with 6'4 Ernie. With Plastic tools. That Andrew believed would work the same as Ernie's tools. Can I say cute. Ernie got alot done on Saturday with only 2 more trips to Home Depot. You know you always need something else and then Sunday morning back to work and by 2:08PM finished. Aunt Honey made him a wonderful breakfast, I have never seen a woman look so happy to cook for anyone. Back to the real world of San Diego. Next week we are going to Las Vegas and St George. We have alot planned. But this time I am taking a camera. Family can be fun.
While the summer is in full swing and friends and family have arrived. We welcome them with open arms and food. This week Christine and Family came to town, Even though we had to work were able to spend some time with them. They left on Sunday afternoon and Dante and Monica came by for a quick overnight. Ernie and I look forward to next week When Jennifer and her husband will be in town. As the summer is almost over, So far this summer we have had Rodney's son Michael come to stay. My Dad and Ma came just in time for Father's Day. So this summer it has been light. At one point we thought that Jill and her friends were going to join us. However they only made it as far south as LA. Maybe next year. Ernie and I will have to take some time to go visit Aunt Honey's house (she has the Howard Johnson Room). I guess we are going to have to come up with a cleaver name for our guest room. If you have any ideas please share them with me. Ernie and I may also go and visit Aunt Frannie who was just in the Hospital. She is back home now. But since I am the reporter for my Dad we are planning a trip north to Santa Barbara, I am so thankful that there are family guest rooms all across CA. You might find Ryan knocking on your door as he is planning road trip to Napa, CA.
It's the third year that Ernie and I have had the opportunity to serve hot dogs at this picnic. This year we cooked up about 87 pounds of hot dogs. And what a wonderful team we had. I would like to thank them all: Kym Forgrave, Phillip and Connie Gonzales, Lewis Zollinger and the girls in charge of watermelon, Carol McHugh and Lee Chapman. Without them we couldn't of pulled it off. Thanks again. We have already volunteered for the picnic next year. One of the changes will be to add another BBQ. So we can keep the dogs moving and the line. It is such a joy to serve these kids and their families. We believe that when you serve your fellow beings you are in service of your God. This is such a powerful message in an afternoon of fun. Also we want to Thank the Wright and Hoff Families for giving us this opportunity. Our legs and backs feel the pain, as our hearts fill with so much joy that I don't have room enough to receive it. The blessings will be flowing with us through out the year. If you know some one that would like to donate a gift basket to this foundation let me know. I am going to start collecting early. I do have a tax slip.
Well it's Fathers Day weekend and you know the Dad's are looking to be pampered. This year my Dad was in town and of course wanted to see everyone that he could. So we threw a small party of mojo tacos, rice and beans. And of course the best chocolate cake ever. Tyler and Sean arrived and then Casandra , David brought the " Tata" (Mikaela) Ernie and I, Ma and Dad, uncle Billy. We had a good meal and a wonderful visit. Oh yea the Dogs Curly Sue and Star. What a wonderful time. I love it when we all get together. Family is fun. I think my dad is the best, of course you could have a different opinon. There is one lesson I pray that I never forget, and that is to always be kind and caring to who ever your child is dating. There have been people in my life that I dated and I know that my Dad didn't like them. However I learned that long after that person was out of my life. My father has taught me to be quick to forgive. And to show kindness. I believe on this Father's Day that it needs to be said that my Father has taught me by example. And for these lessons I am grateful.
It's that time of year again and we are gearing up for another wonderful picnic. This year we plan to cook up about 1000 hot dogs. Ernie and I have a wonderful crew this year and we are blessed to have them. There are loads of new things planned for the picnic this year. Last night was the last planning meeting in the park. Pictures below. Get ready to hear more about it. July 11th at Westminter Park on Talbot in Point Loma. The fun starts at 12:00 and goes to 4:00. Come and join the party and bring your friends and family along.
Picnic ready July 12 2008
Ernie and I at the picnic
