So Cal....

an all new meaning.  =)

How many of you have been in the Holister store?  Not only does the strong smell of cologne and the loud music make a lasting impression but also the live cam of Huntington Beach makes you just want to be there.

Woohoo!  A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit one of our vendors in Orange County.  Now keep in mind that I typically travel to Des Moines, Minneapolis, Ft. Mill and once to San Antonio but never to California.  Well, I did go there 28 years ago with Mom and Dad when they signed for their Denny's Franchise but I honestly don't remember much.

So......I went into Minneapolis then out.  I took my 'good' camera so kept clicking all the way there.  In an effort to not bore you, please feel free to skip this slideshow.  It's really just a lot of pictures as the terrain changed as we flew to the west.

This free slideshow made with Smilebox

As we landed, of course the first sight out my window is this - Yep....there's Wells Fargo!

I checked into my hotel -

then headed to the beach -

in some ways, a beach is a beach....a fishing pier (although this one has a restaurant, ha)

 seagulls -

But this place was pretty awesome -

from the end of the pier it reminded me of St. John -

Of course I had to send this pic home to Ronnie.....when we can't enjoy sunsets together, we share =)

There's even an arcade, LOL!

Dinner here -

while watching the ferry take cars back and forth to Balboa island -

and look at all the sailboats -

All in all it was a quick trip.  Wednesday and Friday travel days with Thursday meeting and dinner.  But Santa Ana is a beautiful place.  No humidity.  Year round temps of 75-85.  Seven miles to the beach.   A few miles to work.  Not too shabby.

But the best part about the trip was Ronnie picking me up from the airport, haha.  No long walk to the car, driving home alone.  We had plans so it worked out perfect.  And this was our sunset on the ride home after our evening -

Like I said....NOT too shabby =)

Happy Anniversary Barb & Jim!

Ok, so I cheated on the pic and grabbed a 'silly' one but the wish is still the same!  We hope you have a wonderful anniversary =)

Exciting times....

On Friday afternoon Ronnie and I took Cierra to her college orientation.

Well......we had an extra student =)

She has chosen to attend Blue Ridge Community/Technical College for her first two years, transferring more than likely to Shepherd after that.

As of now, she wants to pursue a degree in Elementary Education which is SO fitting for her.  

We were very impressed and excited for her as we toured the school and were greeted by many positive, friendly folks.  This instructor was very helpful as he explained the '2+2' program -

The classrooms were awesome -

class sizes with an average of 15 students....very nice!

And she is officially a student -

School doesn't start until August but she was sure to take plenty of notes to do everything she needs on time......Kayden even took some notes.....so cute!  

Yep, hard to believe but she is now ready to start the next chapter.  Woo hoo!

So my thought for today?!  We are very lucky to have this 'spin off' of Shepherd community college that provides an excellent program for Cierra.  Makes me want to go for my Associates Degree, ha!

Music makes the heart happy -

Today is World Music Day!

Over the past few years Ronnie and I have met many musicians.  Many talented musicians.  A few we now call our friends.

This guy happens to be one that is almost like family - click HERE for more info on Ken =)

he even spent the evening with us and helped celebrate Ronnie's birthday.  He played into the night.....

And actually slept under the 'pink' fan, lol.  (don't tell him I shared that he slept in the girly room)

He has one album (yes, I am old school) out but another being released real soon.  I keep asking (and driving him nuts) but we just can't wait.  Ronnie even spent some time in his car a few weeks ago in the wee hours of the morning listening to one of the final tracks.  Woo hoo!

So not only is it Saturday but it's World Music Day - get out to one of the wineries or someplace fun and enjoy some music today.  It really is good for the soul.

And today's blessing?!  I love being able to enjoy wonderful, local music every single week and it's FREE!

SURPRISE......NOT!

I LOVE, LOVE flip flops!  All kinds.  All colors.  They are my 'go to' shoe =)

So - today is a great day for me.  National Flip Flop Day!  June 20, 2014.  Yay me! 

I just might have to go buy a new pair.  Or better yet, dig out a 'new' pair in my closet, ha!  I'm sure there's at least one in there.

And my happy "live like I'm dying" thought?!  I'm very thankful for the successful person that created the FLIP FLOP.  AND I'm very thankful they are fairly cheap LOL!

Happy Flip Flop Day my friends!

Alex & Ani

Ugh....even though my new philosophy is to "Live like I was dying"......and not need material things, I am LOVIN' the Alex and Ani collection -

I love picking out the pieces that are so fitting for me....the Starfish - Contentment.  The Seashell - Clarity.  The Anchor - Stability.  The Compass - Direction.  

But my latest are just perfect!

My Dad used to say "It is what it is".....Sometimes life hands you the unexpected.  Embrace these twists and turns as a divine blueprint that will lead you to your destined path and remember to appreciate the journey.  Life is unpredictable.  Life is an adventure.  Life is a blessing.  It is what it is and what you make it to be.  (sigh....miss him)

And the Positive Thinking one -

exactly how I feel these days!  And I love that 20% of the proceeds will be donated to help cancer patients.  I guess my spending is now justified =)

I love that these are so reasonably priced, too.  Not like Pandora or Troll, etc.  If you haven't checked them out, do so.  You won't regret, ha!

The season...

Yep!  I guess it's officially over.

The uniforms have been returned.  School is out.  The Banquet was held -

The Clarion did a great job and we had an awesome turnout!

Our president welcomed all - (wink, wink)

Our guest speaker gave the boys something to think about -

He was a former Colorado Rockies player and now an outfield coach @ WVU.

And sitting in the room surrounded by many new friends, I realized how blessed and lucky we are to have this legendary coach making such an impact on the lives of so many young men.

Of course I also realized how nice it is to be married to the president =)  

So now we're all ready......BRING on Summer!

Happy Birthday Kendall Brynn!

Let me just start by saying that by NO means are we the only ones that have three precious, perfect granddaughters BUT.....we think our's are the best!

And today is such a special day as the youngest turns one. Wow. Where has this year gone? It's even more amazing to look at how she has transitioned. Just love her AND her cheeks =)