Winds and Rain

Hello all,

Seems I haven't been very diligent at posting to my blog these days. Things have been keeping me busy:

- House guests

- 5:00 a.m. Fit to the Core workout sessions

- Yardwork

- Fun with Friends

- Tremendous workload

- Vacation planning

Saturday we leave for Cancun - pretty sure it will be an adventurous vacation considering Hurrican Katia will be right around the corner. We are praying for safe travels and lots of fun memories.

Passengers:

Greg/V

Monica/Peanut

Lori/Bryce (as man and wife as of Aug 26, 2011)

Taking a few deep breaths as I pack my suitcase and hope for the best.

(Photos attached are of a recent trip down Hwy 1 -- loved that day, its memories, and some great snaps.)

Bon voyage,

V

Ocean Air

Touring Catalina Island
Pelican landing

My 48th Birthday

Seagull

Keylime pie - my favorite

Breanna

Rihanna - Loud Tour 2011

View of Catalina Island

San Diego Mission

Hiking above the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles, CA)

La Jolla Catalina Island

I'm having a hard time keeping up with my blog this year - not sure why. I do, however, have an update.

Ocean Breezes
That is what we experienced during our weeks vacation in Newport Beach. We love our timeshare (Newport Coast Villas) - it feels like being in Hawaii. Gorgeous grounds, large pools, full facilities, 1 block from the beach, BBQ's, activities, and great owners.

Our weeks stay comprised of:
- Walks along the beach (Santa Monica, Newport, Laguna, La Jolla, Malibu)
- Biking riding along the ocean paths of Santa Monica to Venice Beach
- The LOUD Tour featuring Rihanna - great concert - lots of set changes and costume changes; very unique singer and performer
- Sold-out Hall & Oates Concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra - 18,000 fans packed the place. Outstanding fireworks show after the concert. Great venue for a concert.
- San Diego Mission - first California mission
- Balboa Park
- Griffith Observatory - great views of L.A. and many hiking trails easily accessible from the observatory. We did some hiking on a hot 95 degree day - worth the sweat!
- Catalina Island - took the ferry from Newport Harbor to the island. Rented golf carts and did a self-guided tour of the island. We were not too impressed with the island - we mainly ate lunch, walked, and shopped. Enough to do for just one day. It was my first time to the island and probably my last.
- Food: Had some amazing food at Duke's in Malibu and Tommy Bahama Grill in Newport Beach. Especially loved the desserts: Key lime pie and Hula pie (two of my favorites)
- Shopping: Loved hitting up the shops at The Grove, Fashion Island Mall, Hollywood Blvd., and the Promenade in Santa Monica. My new favorite store: Forever 21!! Absolutely love the style, prices, and variety; really enjoy their cheap cosutme jewelry.
- No alarms: Loved being able to sleep in (something we rarely do); our timeshare was very peaceful (no road noise just simple silence).
- 2 nights at the Hilton @ the LAX airport - loved this hotel - very practical and close to our flight
- Celebrated my 48th birthday and our 11th anniversary on this trip

Next visit (maybe next June):
- Disneyland
- Ocean swimming
- More biking
- More hiking
- California Adventure

The only thing I don't like about vacation is returning to work!

(Will post photos soon - stay tuned).

Happy trails,
V

Endless Love

Gabrille and Jason

United: May 21, 2011

(Somerset Club House, Brentwood, CA)

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Page and Maddy

United: May 14, 2011
(Wedding location: Ravenswood, Livermore, CA)

Why do I love weddings so very much? Probably because it displays:

• Love


• Devotion


• Admiration


• Color


• Laughs


• Memories


• Spirits


• Warmth

We have been to two weddings the past two weekends. YIPEE! (See attached photos.) Love capture love!

We are headed for a third in June - can't wait!

Cheers to new beginnings,

V