California Dreamin'

I must say that our flights out to CA went VERY smoothly which was a huge bonus for me. As I do NOT like it when the flights get bumpy anymore. The only travel mishap on the way was the train - which never left the station. They finally announced (15 min. after the train should have left) that "due to mechanical difficulties" we all needed to get off the train and run to Gleis 9 in order to make a different connection. We were there a little later than planned but that's why we always give ourselves a little extra "room."



Our first day in CA was spent with my Gma and Dr. F. This is what she planned for us for brunch. It was sooooo good - I ended up eating 2 pieces of the quiche and subsequently did not need an actual lunch. We had a very nice time visiting with them - the girls quickly got out the farm set they like to play with while we talked. Dr. F shared some stories - he has some wonderful ones - and gave me copies of some that he has typed out over the years.

I enjoy spending alone time with them as we can visit better in a smaller group - they are very involved in their church in West Sac and busy with travel as well as their two families (Gma has 4 'kids' and Dr. F has 6 which makes for many spouses and offspring).

After we had recovered a bit from the 9 hr time difference, at my dad's new house!, we headed out to Orangevale to spend time with long time friends who let us invade their home every year. One thing we noticed as we came into CA this year (like every summer) is how brown everything is. Nothing green unless it is in range of a sprinkler.

Had some fun on Folsom Lake. Unlike last year, there was enough water in it to do some boating. Yes, this is the 3rd year of drought in CA but unlike the previous years, they are holding back water now at the dams & reserviors so we got to do a little boating. Rachel and B are having a great time.Just had to post a pic of our sweet S up on the rock wall. She's doing awesome! And here's my girlie helping with the laundry in her Sicilian grandpa's backyard. I should post all my pic's of laundry from Italy trips - it's in the blood.Here we are - myself, sister Kris and precious little Jayden. I don't look happy or anything to be holding that baby do I? Just wait 'til the HI connection lands next Dec. and there will be no stopping the camera - Yes, we all plan to be together next Dec.. Yippee!This picture is just fuzzy enough that I felt I didn't need to ask all of my family's permission to use the photo. This is the "Bianco" side - minus the HI connection. We are all 'sitting' to watch a 'show' that Kendra & Rachel had set up for us. In Dad's new house. Which has one living room chair, some barstools and a kitchen table/4 chairs. He's done with the re-painting and will move on to the furniture. :)Cousin's in the pool. Always helpful on those 100 degree days.Then we trekked on down to Fresno. Yes, we live in Switzerland and vacation in places like Sacto., Fresno, Iowa and Minnesota - makes sense? If you haven't picked up on the joy yet - it was there in mass quantities.

Another day on another boat. This time, Millerton Lake which we practically had to ourselves. It was great. Rachel and Tabletop mountain behind: There I am - I don't post much of myself but you never know when IT might not happen again:

My pride was spanked at Folsom (Sacto trip) when I couldn't get up on S's ski (competition style - a little too much for this 40 something gal). I was redeemed in Fresno with a 'Fat Boy' ski and I was up and away. Too Much Fun! Thank you F & R!!!!!

Will have to post Iowa/Minn. at a later time. Since I posted last, I have pulled another couple days worth of weeds, picked more green beans and enjoyed the arrival of my mom and her husband John. Needless to say, my fingers aren't hitting these computer keys much.

'Til next posting.......