Seussical

Friend Marilyn invited me to Theater in the Park on Tuesday night to see one of her former students perform in the musical. I have been a couple of other times, and on this particular evening the conditions were absolutely perfect for a mash-up of Dr. Seuss characters based on the Horton Hears a Who story. Marilyn borrowed short seats and we ate yummy popcorn as hundreds of small people waved glo-stick rings all around us! It was magical!!

Rhonda's Garden

Hearty Hibiscus, easily the size of a saucer!

Lambs Ear and Lantana

First year for this combo, I love how it turned out!

Butterfly Bush, Black-eyed Susan's and some other stuff!

Trader Joes Comes to Kansas!

Flowers of Colorado

Not my composition, but I snapped this picture because even if I had planted this pot, it would only look like this for a few weeks here in the Kansas heat. Flowers in Colorado are always much more brilliantly hued, surreal even! I can't help myself!

Poppies!

Downtown Breckinridge

Calming Columbines

Peaceful dining in Breckinridge

Our first evening in Breckinridge was spent dining at this sidewalk cafe. While the food was good it was the mountain landscape that stole the show...absolutely perfect!

My 28 Day Challenge

After visiting with my family in LA and realizing that I need to be in better shape to keep up with the five young ones, I have challenged myself to do better than the daily walk. Currently, the plan is to take this 28 day yoga challenge and add crunches and push-ups. Very simple plan, don't need anything but a mat for the yoga, crunches and push-ups and walking shoes for the walk. Today I completed the first day of yoga, walked Royal, and did 90 crunches and 60 push-ups. For breakfast I had a fruit smoothie, lunch was a grilled chicken salad and dinner was mango and hummus with whole grain crackers and wine, everything homemade and organic except the wine, hummus and crackers. I'm on my way, wish me the best!!

Side trip!

LA Day 5

Easily the saddest part of my trips to see family in Los Angeles, the last day! Dylan got up early to take Adrienne to the airport for her flight home. Devin and I left later for his office in the Hollywood Entertainment District before meeting Dylan and Brandon for lunch. Devin got several work related things done while I watched the Casey Anthony verdict read on live television. (Casey was acquitted, which is so wrong and does not bring justice for Caylee!) Adrienne arrived back in KC just as we sat down to enjoy the traditional "In-N-Out" meal. I ordered mine "animal-style" which means they cook mustard into the burger and serve it with grilled onions. Its a big deal for me to eat here because only a few states have this chain, California, Nevada and now Texas. It is the ONLY hamburger place that gives me that very distinctive feeling of burgers from the "walk-up" stands of my childhood in The Valley. After Devin and Dylan left to go back to work, Brandon took me to the Lliad Bookstore on Vineland Ave where we each found something incredibly serendipitous to purchase. Next, Brandon surprised me by telling me that Hanson Dam, a childhood destination, was only 5 miles from there. We drove out to the dam and drove around it until we found good signage to take a picture with and then proceeded to try to find our old apartment. We found a school that I thought Ronnie may have attended MacClay Middle School on Pierce St. but I am not convinced we found our old neighborhood. But no matter, I still had a wonderful time and was so happy he took extra time for this little adventure, it made my day less sad when we pulled up to the curb at Burbank Airport and I had to leave LA and my family.  No matter how sad I feel when I have to leave, I know that I had a wonderful time while I was there and that I have incredibly wonderful kids and their partners who open their homes graciously and make us feel so welcome. Thank you Angela, Brandon, Devin and Dylan for everything you do to insure we have a happy, fun, comfortable vacation!  We miss you!!!

Adrienne and Brandon at "Off Vine" in Hollywood

LA Day 4 July the 4th

Day four began with a brunch feast prepared by Chef Devin Tait; Breakfast Burrito that was so scrumptious! Angela and Brandon came over and we made our plans for the day. Turns out, we got to go to Northridge and visit Dylan's mom, Robbie. She lives in a very nice home with her roommate, Bernadine and five poodles who love to get wet! This is the only picture I took at Robbie's so I am really sad that I have no others to post because we had a good time in the pool! Dinner reservations were made at "Off Vine" a charming little bungalow that was the former home of a Hollywood Starlet who died in a plane crash. Her mother was so distraught she committed suicide in the home and her ghost roams the premises making sure guests are well fed. Brandon and Angela left us at the front step and we had to say our goodbyes to her, which is always so sad. We returned to Devin and Dylan's and Robbie spent the night, too. Everyone went to bed pretty early as we all had something to do first thing in the morning. :(

Yummy Stuffed Avacado Salad by Chef Devin Tait

Y

LA Day 3

Sunday was spent in Malibu at the beach. Adrienne's friend, Amanda, knew of a nice beach area on BroadBeach and Bunny Lane. It was so much fun even if we were stuck in traffic for two hours. We arrived on the beach at the perfect time for the "gingers" in the group with our beach gear and picnic lunch. It was perfect weather and we were joined by Amanda's father, John and her friend, Jessica. Driving home went much faster and we ended our evening at D & D's enjoying a wonderful Stuffed Avacado prepared by chef Devin Tait. We tried to keep pace and end the evening with a movie, "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World" but Adrienne and I had to finish it in the morning. It was such a unique movie, too, so I'm really glad we got to see it!

Devin and Dylan at Venice Beach

LA Day 2

Saturday morning Brandon prepared a tasty breakfast of coffee and bagels. After a leisurely meal we decided to go on a short hike at Griffith Park. Everyone but Devin, Dylan and I had plans to attend the Hall and Oats concert at the Hollywood Bowl, so we returned to the apartment to get ready for the evenings activities. Those not going to the concert were invited to a holiday cookout at Sarah's house near Venice beach. Sarah is Devin's co-worker, she is a very sweet person and I was so glad I got to see her again. After the meal, the three of us walked to Venice Beach then back to Sarah's for more food and drink. I also enjoyed meeting Devin's boss, Kerry, her husband, Mike and daughter, Mackenzie. (I hope I have all the names correct)! 

I thought it was a perfect day topped off with an overnight guest at D & D's, Miss Princessa, Vicktor's dog. She is a miniature Chihuahua with a big personality. Wish I had a picture of her!

LA Day 1

July 1
Arrived at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank around 4:45. Brandon picked me up and we spent Friday night at he and Angela's place in Atwater Village. We had yummy pizza and sat on the patio enjoying each others company. A friend of Devin and Brandons came from Malibu, Hoagie, and while some of us visited with him, others went to the hot tub.