Hey, we've been having so much fun and doing so much, I've had no chance to get back on this thing. Won't go into detail--too much to tell--but will mention a few highlights:
Had a glorious, child-filled Christmas. We adults were all up to see Vivian and Violet open their presents, and what fun that was. Vivi's favorite was a Barbie guitar. Because she's preparing for a career as a rock star, it's essential equipment, and boy, is it loud. Of course, Vivi is pretty loud herself, full of exuberance and 5-year-old assurance that all good things will come to her in life. May it be so. Violet repeated her appreciative comment of "Ba-ba" several times and loved playing with her new toys. Had the leftover turkey and ham for various meals; it was a good idea to have the big meal on Christmas Eve, and relax a bit more on The Day. In the afternoon, I know we went somewhere, but just can't remember if it was into Truckee or if that was another day. Anyway, loved it. We dismantled the tree in the evening, and got everything packed up. Mike sent most of the snow gear back to Singapore, as they were headed to San Diego to visit Paula's father.
El and I left about noon. It was enthralling to be in the deep snow of the Sierra Nevada mountains--the high Sierras*--for days and then, seemingly in the blink of an eye, back into mild weather. We got to brother Frank's in the late afternoon and had a great time visiting. Their daughters, Maureen and Francine, came over to see us, along with M.'s two little ones, and one of Francine's three boys. What a nice visit we had! Colleen Marybeth made pizza, of all things, for dinner, and we also had her fabulous soda bread, made from scratch, of course. Talked and talked, enjoyed some Chardonnay with MB, then turned in and slept like a log. After a big breakfast, we left about 9:00 am, with thanks to a dear brother and SIL whom we're always glad to see.
Made good time down from Alameda in the San Francisco area, then Ellen pointed out that we weren't far from Hearst Castle, so why didn't we go? Great idea, and we did!
I've been there several times before, but never get tired of it. As ever, it was enthralling to see the place where the rich--the really, really, incredibly rich--frolicked. I'm not saying I think it's right or fair or good that some have so much, while others have so little, but I love the place and want to move in.
It was after five before we left and we had the long ride home, but it went okay. We stopped at Andersen's for their famous pea soup, which I enjoyed, although the service was mediocre. Got back to El's after 10:00, and am so glad to be here, relaxed and happy, continuing a fabulous vacation, lucky me.
Don't know when I'll get back to this--so much going on and it's so absorbing and I'm having so much fun, I may just play hooky and neglect the damn blog again. Will play it by ear.
*The high Sierras! How romantic and mysterious and fascinating those words are. I didn't attempt to describe the soaring beauty of those snow-covered mountains around Truckee and Lake Tahoe because I don't have the skill. Nobody does--they just have to be seen.