California Trip Part 1

Thought I might share a few photos of our California trip that my husband and I took together last week. We flew into LA, rented a car, and toured all around up the Pacific Coast Hwy 1, and had a fabulous time together!  I know now why people love living in California - it's beautiful, the weather was practically perfect, not too hot, and there's SO much to see and do!

First thing we did was drive down to San Juan Capistrano. I've been wanting to see that mission forever!  I love old Mexican missions and the architecture.  So Tony indulged me and I took so many pictures there I have LOTS of painting material!  Let me show you just a few:

Below is a photo of the new sanctuary that was built a while back.  Part of the old mission was damaged (I believe in an earthquake) and the new building was built later.  It's beautiful inside and out!

The only thing I bought myself (besides food) was a nice coffee table cookbook from Mission San Juan Capistrano that was put together by the local ladies organization there.  I'll have to show you a  picture of it. It's got lots of paintings of Capistrano in it - it's the most painted and photographed mission of all the California missions from what I understand.  I'm anxious to try some of the recipes in it, too!

Our trip was so much fun - it was a great time to get away as the kids (in California) were back in school and there were no crowds anywhere we went.  I'll be back tomorrow and show you some of the La Brea Tar Pits and fossils in LA!  I know you can't wait!

Remembering 9-11

Remembering the tragic events of September 11.  May we always cherish the memory of those who were lost on that fateful day,and support and uphold the families who lost loved ones.  May we never let the importance and relevance of 911 lose its intensity.  Long may our flag wave o'er this land of the free and the brave.  And long may we treasure our country and the countless blessings that we have in this most wonderful of countries in the whole wide world.  Never let us become complacent.  May God continue to bless America.  And may He raise up God-fearing, Christian leaders to direct our nation to its once- glorious state.  Hold your families close and keep your eyes lifted up unto the hills from whence our strength comes.  May you all have a blessed and reverent Sunday.

Praying for RAIN

Please join us here in Texas and other parched areas of the South as we pray for much-needed rain.  Thousands of acres of land and over 400 homes were burned in East Texas over the holiday weekend. A young mother and her toddler were killed in their home.  They were found with the mother's body covering her baby to protect her.  We have been having high winds from the last tropical storm to make the fire situation worse.  This is the worst dry situation I have ever seen in my life.  We need rain.  Animals are dying, ponds & lakes are dry or drying up, our water is being restricted.  It's bad.  People are losing their livestock - there is no feed to be had.  And now the fire situation is getting out of hand.  All your prayers are so appreciated...  The Lord knows what we need and He will send it in due time. Thanks..

Commentary by a Friend

http://doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-wonder_27.html

You simply MUST hop over and read this post by Jennifer.  It came from 2009, I believe, but she reposted it. It's simple, to the point, and highly thought-provoking.  I stand and applaud her.  She put very eloquently what I think and feel every single day.  Tell her I sent you... Thanks!

California, HERE WE COME!

Hey, all you wonderful friends out there in blogland!!!

My husband and I are planning a getaway to California in the near future!  We're going to fly into LA, rent a car and drive up the coast to San Francisco (with a little side detour to San Juan Capistrano).  Tell me what we need to see!  We're not into fancy expensive stuff - but inns, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, beachy stuff, the usual points of interest?    Art, other missions, museums? 

Do we want to mess with Hollywood and all that?  I'm kinda thinkin....  ehhh...
Do we want to visit the Carmel area?  I've heard there's lots of artsy-fartsy stuff there and since I paint, that might a good place to stop...
Malibu beach?  or is there another nice beach area?
Drive up Hwy 1 of course...
Going to take in Napa Valley/vineyards area...
Points of interest in San Francisco - GGBridge, Fisherman's Wharf...

I've never been to Cali, so I'm really looking forward to doing that.  We thought about a long road trip, but started adding the fuel and lodging and food costs and it was alot cheaper to fly.

Any and all comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!!   Thanks so much!!!

EDITED TO ADD:  OOOOO-WEEEE!  I'm getting such great suggestions already!  Keep 'em coming!