Our Celebration Lunch

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. selected one of his favorite Chinese dim sum restaurants as the venue for our celebration lunch for successfully selling our RV.

The restaurant opened at 11:30 am. While their spacious parking lots had lots of cars parked, inside there were only a few diners.

I overheard 3 booths that were occupied by couples all were ordering lunch specials that included noodle, rice, soup and a meat dish.

Restaurant operators still blame on COVID for their lack of business. Service was slow with fewer employees working. The two of us will go to another dim sum restaurant before we leave on our cruises. Hopefully my sister will be able to join us.

Aloha -- Cathi

Sister Times

Aloha Everyone,

My sister asked if I have any plans for the day. Forget about a long list of things to do, the two of us enjoy our “sister’s time” just by hanging around.

A lot of giggles and laughter, only wildflowers nearby heard us.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Coming Cruises to Europe

Aloha Everyone,

We are booked for 4 back-to-back cruises in Europe. The two of us will fly to London on June 10th and get on our first cruise ship in Southampton a few days thereafter.

First three ships are different Princess Cruise lines with some new ports of calls. The last one is on MSC. This cruise ship will be new for us although the destinations in Spain and Portugal are familiar.

Each cruise is approximately 2 to 3 weeks long. We are therefore preparing to have sufficient medicine and vitamins for 90 days.

Aloha -- Cathi

Back to Extended Stay America (ESA) in Torrance

Aloha Everyone,

Back to Extended Stay America (ESA) in Torrance. Although we now have wider options without a large parking stall needed, convenience of being close to our healthcare providers, ease of picking up prescriptions plus proximity to my sister’s home are good reasons. Besides, parking lots at ESA have electronic surveillance equipment. Yes, we are creatures of habits.

During my walk today, I saw two patrol cars parked at the main entrance. They were with the Torrance Sheriff’s Office.  I chatted with them for several minutes. I have been wearing my small cross body bag around my neck over one shoulder. Friendly warning that I should refrain from carrying bags which someone can grab and steal. Now I am looking for a cloth shoulder bag like the one I had from Athens. In the meantime, I am wearing my jacket with the hotel key in one pocket and my cell phone on another. Walking should not be so stressful :-/

Aloha -- Cathi

Happy Birthday to our Daughter-in-law!

Aloha Everyone,

In May there are over a dozen family members and friends who are celebrating their birthdays.

Take out Chinese food from Jasmine Chinese Restaurant is always appreciated. 

My granddaughter and I spent an average of 45 minutes a day drawing together. She told me drawings helps her relax her mind from other academic requirements. Her latest sketchbook is filled with drawings of people, full body anatomical images. Heads, faces, hairs, eyes, lips and more details. Currently she is drawing hands and feet.  

Drawing hands, my granddaughter has her formula. She can produce one without reference. But when it comes to leg and feet, she told me that she has a way to go. Watching her draw and sitting side by side with both of us struggling to get it right reminded me of a talented French sculptor. The Story of Adèle H who produced one perfect piece of a foot as Rodin’s assistant.

Talking and humming, laughing & exchanging stories, drawing time with my granddaughter was one of the most treasured moments of our time in La Jolla.

Aloha -- Cathi

Happy Birthday to Jeff!

Aloha Everyone,

Jeff had sushi and dorayaki (pancake like dessert with red beans) for lunch. For dinner, he and Jenny had specialty pizzas with ice cream.

Our granddaughter volunteers playing her flute with Youth En Gadi Ensemble, a Non-Profit Organization. This year’s concert was held at Palomar Korean Church.

Aloha -- Cathi

My Daily Walk

Aloha Everyone,

A fabulous day for my daily walk. The children’s playground at Nobel Athletic Fields and Recreation Center lets me enjoy a peaceful meditative walk without interruptions from dogs and runners.

When my son joined me for a 2 miles length, I was able to expand my routes. Before lunch, my daughter-in-law joined me and prior to dinner, J.J. and I took yet another route. Jeff as usual was walking in Honolulu while the two of us talked about our daily routine.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Family Field Trip

Aloha Everyone,

Took the U.C. San Diego Blue Line tram to San Ysidro. It was a fun outing. Taking a break from their busy schedules, our daughter-in-law and granddaughter came along.  

Lunch was at Fiesta de Reyes where the four of us feasted on Americanized Mexican food. The Mexican churro at Elder Mercadito was delicious!

Aloha -- Cathi

Back in La Jolla

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I are visiting our son’s family in La Jolla. Due to our upcoming travel, we are compressing lots of activities in one week.

Today our daughter-in-law took us to buy JJ’s dinner jacket. He dislikes shopping. My sister suggested trying Men’s Warehouse. It worked perfectly. Billy, an affable salesman took care of our requirements. The total time spent was less than one hour.

Our dinner was combined celebrations of Mother’s Day and our reunion.

Aloha -- Cathi

Amazing & Fantastic Decade - Final Chapter

Aloha Everyone,

All things must come to an end. The first quarter of 2024 became the final chapter of our story with Honu. We asked our friend Dan to assist us in the process of making a sale. 

Not knowing how long it would take to find a qualified buyer, J.J. and I went on the cruise to the Hawaiian Islands and to Tahiti. Spending a day with Jeff in Honolulu, visiting our family and friends were wonderful highlights of this particular cruise.

The news of Honu’s pending sale accelerated our process of visiting our family in La Jolla. Sitting inside Honu, seeing our granddaughter being emotional tugged my heart. J.J. monitored the extreme stormy weather conditions in the Northwest to the Midwest.

Fortunately, our road trip of 11 days to Rapid City, South Dakota to renew J.J.’s driving license worked out perfectly.  CarMax offered an excellent price for Honu. We shared our profit with Dan and concluded the transaction.

Aloha -- Cathi