Just hanging out in Tehachapi makes me content.

Oh man, if I was here on a Sunday, I would totally go to this! So fun. But I mus ask, what would I win if I spelled "Winery"?
Leslie and her mom, Barbara, have been such important parts of my life for almost four decades... what a gift!

Leslie and I have been friends since 1981. The exact date isn't certain but we met in a Sociology Class at Cal State Fullerton.

For the next few days, I'm going to pretend like it's the 80s and disconnect from the internet to just be with my dear college friend.

We are forever drawn to the beach. Today was a glorious day to just stroll and be.

This was one of those trees you just have to hug! I can't imagine how old it is and what it has seen.

I love this guy. He got out of his truck, strapped on two trash bags, grabbed a gripping tool and hit the pavement, gathering trash. Way, way cool.


The afternoon was spent in Cardiff-By-The-Sea with Steve's mom for our favorite Happy Hour at the Chart House Restaurant. So dang fun.
Heading home, we even spotted a beautiful owl.
Our timing for arriving home couldn't have been better. We were treated with a notable celestial event- the Strawberry Moon.
The name comes from Algonquin tribes of Native Americans. This full moon was their sign to harvest wild strawberries, says the Old Farmer's Almanac. Whatever its name, this first full moon of summer was exceptional. Wow.

I spent the evening with great company, learning some interesting history, as I attended a presentation at the Little Temecula History Center.

I couldn't think of a better location for dinner and a history lesson with old friends than at the Louis Wolf Store...the oldest standing building in Temecula Valley.
The program was titled Resurrecting the Past: The California Mission Myth and was presented by Michelle M. Lorimer, Ph.D. The content of her talk was based on her book, which is described as "an original, eye-opening and thought provoking book which traces the marginalization of California Indians within the California mission mythology and critiques the romanticized-narrative still presented today at many California mission sites as well as the manner by which the history of the missions is widely taught in California s schools. Through case studies of topics including Native resistance, labor, death and disease, this work demonstrates the active roles Native people played in the development of California history alongside the fictionalized history that their mission experiences have been presented as." Wow, right?

I have always wanted to visit the Temecula Berry Co. and pick my own blueberries, but the timing never seemed right. Due to an abundant growing season, we lucked out.

The Temecula Berry Company began as a family farm in the late 90s.  Since then, the Graesser Family has planted 10 acres of southern highbush blueberries here in the middle of Temecula Valley. They are committed to providing local residents with great tasting berries that are also one of the 5 Super Foods.



We were given cute little picking buckets and explicit directions for the best harvest. These berries need to stay on the vine a bit longer.


Yet there were many orbs of goodness still to be discovered.

We only had a brief amount of time to be at this wonderful farm. Next year we'll make a day of it. Oh the blueberry goodies we will make!

We had an amazing day by the sea in Encinitas with Steve's mom, our nephew and niece-in-law.

What fun to just hang out, dine well and laugh much. We loved this day!

While driving to our 'campsite' in Temecula, I saw this banner and knew we had to go.

We were accompanied by Steve's brother and sister-in-law, our hosts for our stays in our old hometown.
The setting for this night couldn't have been more ideal- Monte De Oro Winery.
This was our first visit to this Old World feeling vineyard. We will be back.
Okay, now about the guy we came to see. Kenny Cetera and his 7-piece rock band (with horns) pay tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group, Chicago, with which Kenny toured after appearing on their greatest selling recording of all time, Chicago 17, the band's 6 million-plus selling platinum record.

Kenny and his band recreated many of Chicago's catalog of hits from its earliest, most rocking era.
We drank, danced, snuggled and just thoroughly enjoyed this spectacular Summer night.

So this is what we get to see while in our little oasis of a campsite at Steve's brother's house. Idyllic.

A summer night, spent at this gem of an amphitheatre in Vista, was introduced to us by our friends, David and Karen, years ago. It has become somewhat of a tradition.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, David and Karen could not come with us tonight so they gifted their tickets to my daughter-in-law's parents. What a treat for us all to get together for such a fabulous performance. WOW.
For those who have not seen this musical, or the awesome movie that came out 10 years ago, Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good musical that has entertained more than 54 million people worldwide! This smash hit combines ABBA’s greatest hits, from Dancing Queen, S.O.S., Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me, The Winner Takes It All, and more into an enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago. What unfolds is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
Everything about this production was exceptional. The costumes, choreography, orchestra and setting all added to the magical night but the main ingredient to its undeniable success was the spectacular talent of the performers.
While this was only the first day of Summer, this musical is going to be remembered as one of the season's greatest highlights!