Beaches in Southern California

 Even though we didn't have much time for relaxation while we were in Los Angeles last week, we spent as much time as we could at the beach which is both Nurse Girl's and my happy place.

I might have taken a few photos...

Manhattan Beach!  First, we enjoyed breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien cafe.  It was just as delicious as it was back when we lived in the area.

Eleanor gave the coffee five stars.

On Manhattan Beach pier

Then, we drove a bit north to Marina Del Rey (just north of LAX, Los Angeles airport).  Lunch at Sharky's Wood Fired Mexican Grill, my favorite restaurant in CA.

A long walk along the marina and Ballona Creek in Playa Del Rey.

The next day, we were able to drive down to Huntington Beach to meet Nurse Girl's bestie from the days when they all lived in San Diego.

Most people's idea of Southern California:  sand, palm trees and sea birds.

When you think of Southern California, do you imagine SNOW?  Yes there was snow on the mountains.

Snow and palm trees

Near the hospital

Los Angeles is freeways, high rise buildings, graffiti and all other things urban.

  But for me, Los Angeles is beaches.

An Unexpected End to 2025 Fave Fives

 Happy New Year!  2026 is here!  This past week did not happen as intended, but even in the midst of some difficulties, I have found many blessings.  It is so important to pay attention to the positive events in life because the more you focus on the blessings, the more you realize just how blessed you are.  That's why I join Susanne's Friday Fave Fives every week.  (Want to know more about FFF?  Here's the LINK.)

1. The day after we celebrated our Christmas on the 26th, Nurse Girl was informed that her daughter in California was in the hospital.  Certainly that wasn't the fave.  BUT.  She was able to take a few days off from work and fly out to CA that evening.  I am thankful I was able to travel with her.  The flights were easy to book.  There were no delays.  Travel was uneventful.  Car rental was smooth.  Hotel was lovely.

2.  We were able to visit Granddaughter and encourage her as much as possible.  (No worries.  She has been discharged.)  I am thankful we could be with her and spend even a few hours with her.

3.  As long as we were in the Los Angeles area, where we used to live, we chose a couple of our favorite places to eat.  One local friend was able to drive up to have breakfast and coffee with us.  That was a huge blessing.

4.  There is nothing like a visit to the beach to help us de-stress.  For both of us, the beach is our happy place.  One of her friends drove up from San Diego and spent a couple of hours with us.  I know that was so very comforting to Nurse Girl.

5.  Flight home... again, it was smooth 'sailing'.  No missed flights.  Easy transfers.  Lots of reading and knitting time.

Even though the visit to Los Angeles was unexpected, we were able to find lots of blessings in the midst of the difficulties.  And for that we are thankful.  But, I'm glad to be home again.  And ready to begin a new year.

PS:  come back soon for LOADS of photos from Los Angeles beaches!

Boxing Day Faves

 I am late posting my Friday Fave Fives today (tonight).  But I have a good excuse.  Because of Nurse Girl's work schedule at the hospital, she worked on Christmas Day.  So we celebrated Christmas with all our family TODAY!

1.  I am counting celebrating together as my first fave.

2.  Did you notice the word ALL?  Yes all my adult children are here with us right now!

3-5.  All the happy faces of my family as we opened presents.  These pictures just say it all.

The Professor:  More books to read!

A devotional book I really wanted.

Chaps loves playing games.

She loves her new sweater!

The perfect t-shirt for the Rocket Scientist.

(and Tall Boy photo bombing)

Steam Deck fun!

Nurse Girl:  "My yarn!  Don't mess with my yarn!"

Nurse Girl and her boyfriend who also was celebrating with us, but I didn't get a photo of him opening his present. (photo from his work party last week)

The grandboys think cash is the best gift in the world.

But PAL thinks her Just Dutch doll Miffy wearing her Gustav Klimt outfit was the best present ever.

Only the Older Granddaughter was not with us... she is living in California.

The Professor and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lights on our city's county courthouse.

And it's also Boxing Day!  Did you have a wonderful Christmas celebration?

Merry Christmas!

Eleanor Elizabeth wants to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

 She climbed up into the Christmas tree and then yelled, "Mom!  Take my photo!"

Advent, Fourth Week

 LOVE

Week Four of Advent

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he LOVED us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sin.  I John 4:10

Almost Christmas Faves

 We are now within a week of Christmas!  Are you ready?  Yes, life can be quite busy and hectic in December.  Let's hit the pause button and just relax and focus on all the things which bring us joy and gratefulness.  Here are my weekly Friday Fave Fives (click the link to join us!)

1.  I have been knitting quite a bit lately.  Two sweaters for two little boys.  I am thankful for needles, yarn and patterns.

2.  Last Saturday was not the day I would have wanted to be outside walking around a cemetery.  But.  PAL's American Heritage Girls group was participating in a wreath laying ceremony honoring veterans who are buried in a local cemetery.  The leader asked The Professor to join the ceremony by laying the wreath at the Army monument as he is a US Army veteran.

3.  And then it started snowing!  Our area came under a Level 2 travel warning.  Four inches and very very cold winds.  Even our church service was cancelled on Sunday.  That's not the fave...  I am thankful I have a warm and secure home.

Our (almost) winter wonderland

Gnome hats on the lights

4.  No school on Monday.  The grandboys liked that.

5.  Then the snow melted on Tuesday and Wednesday.  It was warm enough to walk around our lovely city plaza.  PAL and her mom joined us, and of course we had to visit the local bookstores.  I am so happy that PAL and her parents now live nearby.

I agree!  (I may have bought a book or two...)

 

I hope you are staying warm and cozy under warm blankets in the company of your favorite books and family.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!