As I mentioned yesterday, after seeing the movie Solo Mio, I have a renewed love of all things Italian. What fortuitous timing to have a lunch date today with Mary Ann.

We share a birthday month yet haven't had the chance to celebrate in 3 years. As a matter of fact, today's luncheon was only the second time meeting up since we said arrivederci after having first met on an Italian travel adventure.
From January 6-18, 2003, I joined a group of fellow travelers for an Italian Escape! The trip, hosted by teachers at Mt. San Jacinto Community College, was organized by EF Educational Tours. While Steve stayed home with the boys, I went abroad for twelve amazing days spent with some pretty amazing people. Mary Ann being one of them.
We reminisced briefly about that friendship forming trip. Most of our mealtime was spent covering so many other diverse topics (past adventures, grandchildren, volunteer activities, and things to come). Il tempo vola! We made a promise to not wait so long next time! What fun.

What better curative elixir than the company of a dear friend! Cindy and I were supposed to be frolicking about in the Channel Islands National Park today but circumstances have made us postpone that adventure until next month. Since she had the time off work anyway, she came to Temecula for a mini staycation.

Last night, while Steve prepared a delicious salmon feast, Cindy and I played several rounds of Rummikub (I lost each time). Catching up, giggling, and gaming... what fun.
Today, we went back to our old stay-at-home Mom roots for a movie and lunch at the Mall. Oh my gosh, it has been forever!
I have a new Notting Hill (1999)... A movie I will undoubtedly watch again and again. One which will inspiring me to book a return trip to Italy. I appreciated this review of the movie, "Solo Mio is a silly comedy but also has a gratifying moral about romance, newfound friendships, and finding yourself. While not the prime focus, the film establishes that it’s okay to be independent. Making new friendships is fun, but make an effort to enjoy your own company. Vacations make an excellent learning spot."

What a restorative combination: a fabulous film, dining al fresco, and comfortable time spent in the company of an old friend. I'm feeling more like the old me every moment! Day #12 was a huge success.

My friend Lynne must have a stash of mail I have sent her hidden in various locations around her home. Every now and then she returns a stack of missives to me, thus evoking previously forgotten postal memories.

What makes this one from 2005 extra special was the postage stamp I used. For my 43rd birthday, Steve had custom stamps made. How fun! I had totally forgotten this special gift until Lynne's return to sender pile arrived. Sadly, this opportunity was discontinued in 2010. I'd love to have my face being postmarked to this day!

I wanted to take a brief moment to explain my absence here. Those who know me know that I tend to do things in a very BIG way. Unfortunately, this is not always good when prepping for a colonoscopy!

Without sharing more than necessary, I have spent the last four days of my Birthday Month on a rollercoaster of medical challenges and emotional upheavals. In my quest to guarantee my procedure prep was thoroughly effective, I ended up consuming too much water and not enough electrolytes, resulting in hyponatremia. I then found myself in the ER, followed by a long stay to get everything back in balance.

Did you know that March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. It can affect any age, gender, or fitness level. No one is immune to being diagnosed with colon cancer. In most cases, colorectal cancer occurs in people ages 45 or older but can affect younger patients as well. That is why every year in March, the disease is spotlighted in hopes of inspiring more people to get checked starting at age 45. Here's my Public Service Announcement!

Today is the first day of my Birthday Month. Knowing I wanted to do something truly unique Susie agreed to join me at Carlsbad's Barrio Glass Works for our first ever hands-on experience working with hot glass.

Our class was the Intro level - Make Your Own experience. "Experience the movement and beauty of hot glass. A hands-on experience assisted by Barrio Glassworks team members. Friends and family are welcome to watch and photograph." Oh you better believe our men were there to photo document the entire adventure. What fun!

I'm IN whenever there's an author talk at Carlsbad City Library. This is especially true when we've already seen, and thoroughly enjoyed, the author previously. We were so sure of the success of today's event that we invited Lori and Max to join in the literary adventure.

On a beautiful 'summer' day, we traveled to Carlsbad to be delightfully entertained by New York Times bestselling author Matthew Quirk, author of The Night Agent—the #1 global Netflix sensation (my previous blog post shares even more about this talented writer and exciting TV show).

We could not resist this invitation, "Join Matthew as he returns for a special screening of the first episode of Season 3 of Netflix’s The Night Agent, followed by an author presentation and conversation. Matt will discuss his newest book The Method and share behind-the-scenes insights from The Night Agent, including how his thriller The Method—now in development as a series at Hulu—was shaped by his experience on the Netflix show. You won’t want to miss this combined film screening + book presentation Adventure."
After the screening and a mesmerizing presentation by Mr. Quirk, everyone realized the invitation was not hyperbole. We were all so glad we did not miss this film screening and book presentation.
And what a truly nice guy he is. At present, I'm going to read The Night Agent and then I'll get caught up with the TV series seasons we've missed. When I've exhausted all those Quirks (see what I did there?), then I will shift gears and dive deeply into The Method. I can't wait. What a great literary morning.
Next was lunch in the Carlsbad Village at Tio Ernie's Tortilla Mia Mexican Restaurant where our waiter, Alfonso, introduced Max to his first Mexican coke. Wild stuff.
We concluded our day at the seashore. It looked and felt just like Summer. It was 80+ degrees with so many beachgoers there soaking up the sunshine. Wow.
Lori and I were determined to get our feet in the ocean. It never disappoints.
What a fantastic day of a few of my favorite things. Not a bad way to bid adieu to February!

The last time I went to Disneyland, I wasn't sure I would ever return. The residual Covid precautions cloaked the magic I was used to experiencing there. Today's visit made me remember why the Magic Kingdom is so magical to me.

My Park Pal Suzanne had arranged this special excursion with her son, Dan, who treated us as his guests. How wonderful is that?
We were here to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday and my almost 64th. What a party and we have so many photos to prove it.
This was the intimacy I was missing at my last visit. I view each of the characters as childhood friends. I'm so happy the hugging has returned.



My first Disney coffee in four years. Yum!

There was only one ride I wanted to go on in Disneyland so we headed to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Suzanne was up for anything. She is a true (and patient) friend.
Rise of the Resistance is described as "An Attraction on a Scale That Is Impressive, Most Impressive". It really is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I was continuously surprised.
"The Resistance needs your help! Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Resistance is gathering recruits for a secret mission. With the First Order desperate to extinguish the spark of the Resistance, the mission is bound to have unexpected twists and turns. When your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers—and even Kylo Ren!—you’re going to need all the help you can get. Fortunately, a covert team of Resistance fighters—including Rey and BB-8—is at the ready to give you a fighting chance to escape… and a chance for the Resistance to rise."

As we headed back to Main Street we stumbled upon the Disneyland Band performing and then, at the conclusion, Mickey and Friends appeared.


We were then invited to join a parade to the entrance. Who doesn't love a parade?


This could not have been a more perfect send-off.