So the last time I posted on my blog was October 30, 2009. Two days later, I suffered an injury while horseback riding breaking my wrist, jamming up my finger, and tearing ligaments on my shoulder. I did not know at the time how bad it was, but it was, and today is a good day for many reasons. First I have to let you know I never broke a bone in my body before. This was all new to me. I have a permanent plate in my wrist and a bump on my shoulder forever. I learned alot about myself, my friends, my body, and life itself.
After this whole experience, this I know for sure: (1) The human body is a remarkable thing. How it is designed, functions, and recovers is unbelieveable. (2) Take care of your body. It's the only one you have. Exercise, eat healthy, and make sure you get the essential vitamins, minerals, etc. it needs. It's okay to splurge now and then, but take care of your body cause it will take care of you. (3) You are stronger than you think you are. Your mind and attitude has tremendous effects on how you get through tough times. Stay positive, work hard, and be patient. (4) You can't live without friends. They are your life line at times and will be there for you without expecting anything in return. Friends are the best! (5) Live your life now. Don't put off what you can do today. What are you waiting for?
Now that I've got that off my chest, thanks for listening, thanks to my friends, my mom, and my dog, Bisquit. And I couldn't end this without saying thanks to my hand therapist, Jesse, and my shoulder therapist, John. Jesse gave me the t-shirt today, my last day of therapy, pictured above. I still have lots of work to do but today I am officially "out of rehab!"
Today's my mom's 80th birthday. Doesn't she look good?!!! We went to the Claim Jumper, had some lunch, then back home to open gifts and have cake of course! My mom is the best! Last week my brother drove in from Phoenix to celebrate her birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!
Chainmaille! (The lady in black make the chainmaille body armor.) 
We went to the Renaissance Festival at Sunset Park. Bren had lots of fun learning archery.
Saw this sign hanging on the wall of the Lobster Trap restaurant we ate at on Catalina Island. That's my new saying. Had a great time and but it's good to be home. 
After four days, it was driving down south and taking the ferry to Catalina Island. Near the top is the Wrigley family mansion. The island is pretty much self-contained and many people live here. Most people have golf carts for their transportation instead of cars.
Here's one the restaurants we ate at. Most restaurants in Japan have wax replicas of their food choices in a window right outside the entrance.
We stayed in Japantown while in San Francisco. It was like you were in Japan with the people, food, sights, and sounds. Here's the Japantown Peace Pagoda.
The next day was more of San Francisco. You have to do a Segway Tour if you haven't. It was the most fun! We traveled on these segways for about two hours touring downtown San Francisco and then by the wharf. Didn't run over anyone or cause any accidents! I highly recommend this. Training was 45 mins and then you go. It's very easy.
We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to get to the wineries in Sonoma. The bridge is a sight to see!
After the trees, it was off to the wine. The first stop was at Loxton Winery. We had a great group and the tour guide was so funny. He made the trip worthwhile. Of course the wine added to the day!
Our first full day we saw redwood trees and tasted wine. This is inside a tree trunk at Muir Woods National Park. Watch out for bugs!
Here's Pigeon Point Lighthouse along Highway 1. This is close to San Francisco. It was so beautiful!!! 
Drove to San Francisco and then back down to Catalina Island last month. It was a well needed vacation that a friend and I took. It took us about 11 hours to get to San Francisco. Here's some pictures along the way...... first is the cabbage pickers. They worked continually and I know their backs were hurting at the end of the day. Good job guys!
