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All of a sudden, talk of preparing for leaving this life became a topic of conversation. Mostly instigated by Tanya, I tried to shrug off her need to talk about burial plots and will and trusts. It seemed even friends at lunch were bringing this up. My folks acted on a thought to prepare and I had to go with them to see the plots they had chosen, and the funeral home and even the headstone. This is definitely out of my comfort zone, but was glad they are more prepared in the end.  I am beginning to see this life as a time to be kind, develop our relationships and discover our selves choosing the right.  I value the virtues of integrity and patience and long suffering. I am grateful for he family ties I enjoy. I have felt so much love and concern for each of my family members. I am a mama bear, if things aren't going great for any of my children.I cry at their triumphs and their disappointments. 

When hearing that Emmy wasn't going to have her friend's support in visiting L.A. My mind thought, then don't go, and my heart thought to go with her. I did end up meeting her in Whittier and we had a grand time. At the news of her friend's passing, I knew it was right to go and spend time together there and support her.

We had a wonderful time in downtown Disney. The food and entertainment were great. We got to see  a mini luau Polynesian dance performance and visit the hotel grounds which was very reminiscent of Hawaii. I loved the giant fireplace and the Tikki lamps lining the walkways. We wore our ears and visited Huntington beach in them. Walking by the ocean at night was nice and I loved getting in so many steps. Emmy would tell me when we got an award for ten thousand steps!

That was nothing compared to the 50 miles Joe hiked on his high adventure! Also, nothing compared to the two hours Celia drove for the first time!  July has been a great month and we have seen Spence many times and he has had some really belly laughs for us. He had a relapse of GI problems, but we are working through it and  he is without a dryer, but overall life is good and we are doing well.

We enjoyed  a meal here for the fourth and fireworks at Sun city on the 3rd and had fun at the neighbors for street fireworks.

Beaches and Mountains

It was a last minute decision to go to Newport for a manager's convention for Brian. I thought it would be so nice to go and see the L.A. area so close to the time we were married 25 years ago. I really kept myself busy while Bri was in convention. I found a beautiful outdoor mall to walk at and had the yummiest breakfast at a place there. It was all organic and tree huggerish and I loved it. They had two types of bread and three different jams or spreads that weren't even listed on the omelet choice I ordered. The weather was cool, but I loved driving around seeing my old houses and school in town. I loved going to the Queen Mary and taking a tour of the beautiful boat and hearing all the fables of ghost sighting there. It was fun and entertaining and I didn't feel alone. I watched a 4D movie about sharks and ate at a fun new place, Waba Grill. Brian and I went and saw Dana point and the Blue lantern where we went on our honeymoon. I felt grateful for our relationship, but also so glad our folks were so supportive of making our wedding and honeymoon a special time.  We walked in Balboa and ate at Bj's Pizzeria and it was nice to see not much had changed there in all those years. Bri liked watching the waves from the pier. We really do love to appreciate nature together. Sometimes I forget that. 

On day two I went to the Summit house where we had our wedding luncheon. The grounds were gorgeous and the view was beautiful. I felt happy seeing all the mountains and rolling hills. I miss living around an area like that. Flat is not appealing to me.   I also drove by the Richard Nixion Library and saw the grounds from a far. I went to the Brea mall and walked around and then headed to the Newport Temple. It was nice and the people inside were friendly and I was glad I spent some time there. Bri and I rode north on highway 1 and PCH and saw Laguna and sunset beaches up close. SO much beauty. We were blessed to not hit too much traffic and made it all the way to Valencia to stay the night closer to home for the drive the next day.  

I was worried about getting to camp and the logistics of it all, but it all worked out. We had rest, enjoyed our ride back listening to book on tape and stopping for lunch. I was able to get a game in with Joe and Bri before heading up into the mountains for girls camp. I loved it there, it was cold, but the feeling was warm with all the girls and songs, and messages. My favorite part was the waterfall hike and being the sweeper. I was meant to take care of those in the back and to slow the pace if needed. I loved the walkie talkie and the comfort I gave those there and that I could go as slow as  I wanted. I felt buoyed up the hill, even though the switchbacks were a little intense. The youth leaders would liken the trail to life and I was really feeling it. The end was great and the pay off of the waterfall was huge. There was so much water and it was roaring and moving through so much area. I was impressed and felt privileged to be a part of that activity. I can say, I definitely enjoyed camp and was glad to feel my cozy bed and a warm bath after so many days away.