Visit with my nephew and brother

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.

Here's some pictures when my nephew, Brendan, and my brother visited earlier this month. Cutting out a pumpkin face........Brendan drew the face himself. Had a fun time with them!

San Francisco and Catalina Island!

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!

One year for Bisquit and me!

One year ago on July 22 was the day I adopted Bisquit. We have come a long way during the last year. She has brought me lots of experiences while helping me with patience, understanding, kindness, responsibility, teamwork, sacrifice, discipline, laughter, and love. She has made me laugh many times and has been my comfort during lonely times. What an 18 pound dog can do for your life!

Rappelling!

Last month I went rappelling and it was a blast. We were 60 feet up at Red Rock Canyon one early Saturday morning. Our guide/instructor, Greg, has been doing this for about 30 years so he has the experience (thank goodness!) and the skill (even better!) to make sure we are safe. The tough part is going over but once that's done, it's fun! They say just don't look down! Here are some pictures of me and the others having fun in the canyon.

My mom

My mother was in the hospital recently for 12 days. It was the first time for me to see my mom in such pain and illness. I was scared. She was in the hospital on Mother's Day but we made the best of it to celebrate with her. Fortunately she is slowly getting better; she's back home now and eating!

This whole experience got me thinking about my relationship with my mother. She is one of the most strongest women I know. She has the most kindest heart. She puts everyone else first. It is a scary feeling to realize she will not always be around. I cherish every moment with her. I want to thank everyone who said a prayer for her and sent me well wishes for her. I appreciate it more than you know!

Happy Birthday Bisquit!

Today is Bisquit's birthday! She is 9 years old today. I adopted this Lhasa Apso last July from Craig's List. I guess I was feeling a little lonely without Roxie and I wanted to provide a dog a good home. Bisquit and I have come a long way. It was a rough transition at first for us. She has taught me alot about patience, understanding, and love. She is a very playful, loving dog. She, too, has taken a part of my heart. This is a recent picture of her. Isn't she a sweetie?!

Happy Birthday Roxie!

Today is Roxie's birthday! She is 4 years old. For those who don't know about her, she is our English bulldog who lives with her father. But I helped raise her since she was 8 weeks old to about 2 years old and consider to be her mother. So even though she lives with her father (my ex), he and I remain friends and stay connected for her. I know some of you may think I am crazy talking about this "mother/father" thing, but she will always be in my heart even though she is with him. This picture is a recent photo of her.......isn't she cute?!!!