Jan 28, 2012 - Visit to Valencia

Our primary reason for coming to CA was to see our new granddaughter - Zoey and of course the rest of the family and friends. Have we told you we have the most beautiful granddaughter in the world? She is precious, Emily and Anthony did a great job! They are great parents. It's just amazing how fast she is growing. We've seen them on Skype, videos and pictures, but it just doesn't do it justice like seeing everyone in person! Emily doesn't even look like she just had a baby! We didn't bring the camera, so some of the pictures are from the...

Dec 7, 2011 - Valencia California

After leaving Monterey California we were determined to make our way to La Quinta California but knew we had to make a stop along the way.. Was thinkng about Malibu but settled on Valencia California which was a quiet place along the way. Got in late that night with a chance for a rest before we fought our way through Los Angeles traffic the next day to make our way the desert of California. No photos as this was a quick stopover

Apr 6, 2010 - Some Last Pictures from the Beach

I know we have posted a ton of pictures from Jalama; different sunset scenes, cute kitty pix, surfers, waves, beach and seagulls, but just in case you haven't had enough, here are some more. If you are totally bored with all the beautiful beach stuff, you can just skip it - we'll understand. -- There are two dog stories I wanted to tell too. The first is about a gentle giant we met named Brutus. His mom and dad are Dave and Linda. Bruiser weighs 175 lbs and fell in love with John, who scratched his head while he talked (John - not Bruiser),...

Apr 4, 2010 - Back to Civilization

We have finally ended our winter hibernation at Jalama Beach and this morning, bright and early, and with great excitement, we loaded everything up and headed back to the park in Valencia, where we stayed when we went to the Rose Parade. We had originally planned to go back to Bakersfield and head over to Vegas from there, but we need to make a trip to Camping World to have our braking system checked, and we know where Camping World is in Valencia. Plus, the trip down the coast through Santa Barbara and Ventura is prettier than the trip...

Jan 2, 2010 - A Last Day in Valencia

I have been trying to fight off a cold for the past couple of days, so I opted not to get up early this morning to bid farewell to those of our group who were moving on today. John did go. We will spend another day here in Valencia and return to the beach tomorrow. We are hoping that all of the people who camped at Jalama Beach for the holiday week between Christmas and New Years, have to return to work/school on Monday and that the campground will be almost empty like it was when we first got there. Today will be a kick back day of...

Dec 31, 2009 - Happy New Year!

We want to send everyone best wishes for a Happy New Year. -- Today was a kick back day in camp; a good day to do laundry, nap and read. This evening, we joined our Escapees group for a catered dinner which was excellent. Because we have to be on the bus at 6:30 am tomorrow morning for the parade, we celebrated the New Year on New York time - aka 9:00 pm here. -- We asked one of our fellow Escapees what the HOP stood for (We are attending an Escapee HOP event). They told us the real meaning, but then said it stood for Horny Old People and...

Dec 30, 2009 - Floats and Flowers

This morning, it was up and at 'em early - we had to be on the bus by 6:30 am. Ouch! But, we were there - and the bus wasn't. Apparently, they got lost trying to find the RV park. Eventually, we were on our way and we were pleasantly surprised that the freeways were not bumper to bumper with traffic. We finally arrived near the Rose Bowl where we were able to view the actual decorating of several floats for the Rose Parade. -- As we were heading towards the first warehouse, I saw another group of RVer's heading the same way all wearing...

Dec 29, 2009 - Horses and the Crystal Cathedral

Today was a long, busy and fun day. We packed a picnic lunch and headed out the door to get on the bus at 10:00 a.m. Our first stop was the Equestfest in Pasadena. All of the equestrian groups who will be appearing in this year's Rose Parade come to the Equestfest grounds to practice their routines and prepare for their appearance in the parade. As they practice, they put on a show at the grandstand which we got to watch. The horses were all absolutely beautiful. There were all types of shows from Indians to the Calvary, from fancy ladies...

Dec 28, 2009 - Meeting New Friends

Last night was our first introduction to the rest of our Escapees group. We had cocktail hour with information provided by our hosts followed by a catered dinner. We have received tickets to all of the events we will be attending this week along with buttons and name tags. Everyone we have met is so excited to be doing this, as we are. John immediately got the attention of the host by talking out of turn. She threatened to make him go sit in the corner and said she sympathized with me for having to put up with him. Later on, she asked me...

Dec 27, 2009 - We Leave the Beach for the Parade

This morning, we said a brief farewell to Jalama Beach and headed east once again which seemed weird since the sun was literally out over the water, which should have been west. But if you look at a map of Southern California, you have to go east to get to Los Angeles from the coast. Anyway - we headed east and turned at Ventura to head across the hills to Valencia, where we will be staying for the next week. -- We are at the Valencia Travel Village RV Resort. We are here with the Escapees group to attend what they call an HOP. We will get...

Aug 9, 2005 - And so it begins....

With only 6 days left as a liberal American residing in my well preserved bubble, the panic is beginning to set in. On Sunday I will be leaving for Philadelphia for my staging (beginning training) for my two year term of service in South Africa. From there I will be going to New York where I will be flying to Africa on the 17/18. The response rate to the decision that I have made to do this has ranged from merely humorous to frightfully alarming. Thus far these are some of the best responses I've received. Some names have not been included...