Yosemite June 2013

We went to the southwest entrance of Yosemite for our first visit to this park.  We hope to go back several times since there is so much to see.   I tired to get a campground in the park, but in order to do so you have to be logged into the reservation website right at 7 am PST and hope your "book now" click goes through before the other thousands of people also trying to get the site.  It is crazy how much in advance you have to get reservations for camping here in California.  We ended up in a nice campground just outside of the park called Summerdale.

We discovered a nice mountain lake called Bass Lake.  It was surrounded by pines, yet it was amazingly warm.  We did not have our swimsuits with so we just got into the water with our shorts.  Soon we were surrounded by geese and ducks.

We entered the park and took a shuttle bus to the Mariposa Grove.  The trees are similar to the giant redwoods that can be seen in a very specific strips of land that run south to north in California.  The redwoods like a particular temperature and elevation and grow to be very old.

Manti High Class Reunion

I went home on Memorial Weekend to attend my high school reunion in Manti.  About 1/3 of the class came and it was so good to see everyone.  Most of my closest friends were there and we all laughed and laughed.  It is a wonderful  feeling to be with old friends and renew the bonds that you shared and are still very dear to you.  Here is a picture of the gang:

                                                 1973 - 2013 - 40 years

  I also ended up being there for Jason's 3rd birthday.   I took this cute family picture:

 Kyle and Karen invited me to go camping and they decided to go up 6 Mile Canyon, above Mayfield.  We stayed in his new trailer (toy hauler) and it was so nice.  The older I get the more I enjoy the comforts of home.  I miss my Utah mountains and just being able to pull off in a spot and enjoy it.  California does not have open land like that and if there were a spot, a zillion people would be in it.  I so appreciate the aspens and their fluttering leaves and the fresh smell of the pines.   Thanks   . . . for letting me tag a long.

Carmel by the Sea

Presidents Day weekend we went to Carmel.  Kay Miller was in charge of the physical therapy for my knee and she was born and raised in Carmel.  She told of the beauty of the area and encouraged Paul and I to go, so we did.   It was a beautiful little community right on the ocean.  Pebble Beach Golf Course is right next to it.  I have seen the breathtaking views from that golf course on TV, but that did not do it justice. 

We stayed at a little county inn called the Sandpiper.  It was a block from the beach and it was just lovely.  There are several pictures here of houses and landscapes that were typical of the whole town.  They don't allow street lights, so at night it is pretty dark getting around.   We had several wonderful meals and did a little shopping.  We also went to a spa called Refuge with thermal pools.  It was such a nice facility and SO relaxing.  We will be going back there for sure!!

We both love the ocean.  We try and go as much as possible since the opportunity is only an hour away from our  house. 

Where has Kathie gone . . .

I have not posted on my blog for 6 months.  I don't really have an excuse, except to say that I am really good at procrastination.  As time has gone on there are so many things to catch up on that I just don't know where to begin.  Can anyone else relate to this?  I am going to repent and just put down some brief comments and pictures to catch up on my life. 

I started volunteering at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital about the middle of February.  I work at the front information desk and help anyone that comes in the front door and needs directions, information, to locate a patient or family member . . . etc.   I work 1 or 2 days a week and I really enjoy it.   I am getting to know a lot of fun people.  My boss asked me if I wanted to take over the scheduling of the volunteers at the information desk because the lady that normally does it is out on medical leave, and I said yes.  It is like putting together a giant crossword puzzle that makes everyone happy.   On the upside, I can totally control my schedule, so it is all working out.

We did some spring camping because you can do that here in California without freezing to death.  We went to Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Casa De Fruita Resort, and Sunset Beach. 

Mystery Saturdays

When Paul and I moved here last year we decided to make it an adventure.  There are so many things to do and see in California.  Within 2 hours of Tracy you can see mountains, forests, cities and oceans.  We came up with the idea of "mystery saturdays" where one person picks a new place to check out and plans the day.  The other person has no idea where they will be going that day until they get in the car and the Garmin gives away the route we are taking.  So . . . Paul planned the first one and he told me to bring a jacket and to pack a lunch.  We will try to do these every month (more or less).  Yesterday we ended of going to San Francisco and then heading north on Highway 1.  We stopped at Muir Beach and then ended up at Samuel Taylor State Park.   They had a beautiful campground there in the middle of some giant redwoods.   It was beautiful and so fun!!  We loved the place so much that we came home and booked a camping trip in April.

One Year Anniversary

One year ago today we arrived at 2142 Misquez Lane to begin our life in California.  As you know, I spent a good part of 2012 homebound with my knee, but I have also enjoyed decorating our home and it is pretty much done. (Until I go to Hobby Lobby again . .  lol).   Since we are renting we cannot do a lot of painting, but this last weekend we did do a wall in the living and family room.  

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Christmas 2012

We went home to Utah for Christmas this year and had a wonderful time with family and friends.   There were so many pictures to choose from that I decided to just pick a few that represent the great time we had and the memories we made.