Incredible! Napa Valley, Yosemite National park, and San Francisco

Amazing trip with a girlfriend! Just thinking back, I can't believe how much we saw! Napa was beautiful. The fall leaves, roses,and weather were incredible. I went solo on a wine tour with complete strangers and naturally we all ended up having the greatest time ~ platypus tours 👍! The resort where we stayed was amazing with its own vineyard and we dined in a lavish dining hall inside the side of the mountain. So Hogwarts like! 

After Napa, we headed to Yosimite National Park. We stayed at the Evergreen Lodge ~ so enchanting but plenty of creature comforts. Breakfast should not be missed! The next morning we enjoyed an all day visit of the park. The views and sites were breathtaking. We enjoyed dining at the Ahwanee hotel ~ another spectacular dining hall. 

The walk to the "day lot" that night for our car was a scary trek! No lights and the thought of bears weighed heavily on us but we made it safely. On the way to the lodge we did see a huge wolf standing fearless in the road ! 

Lastly, we ventured back to San Francisco! We did a whirlwind trek seeing fishermans wharf, Grimaldi's, Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, traditional sour dough bread & chowder, seals at pier 39, and of course a cable car ride. Phew!!

Trip was in Noveber 2015.

Espana. My return to beautiful Spain.

My photos cannot begin to show the beauty of Spain. Of course, that didn't stop me from clicking away! My return to Spain was nearly the entire month of August 2015. Louie and I returned to cities we were familiar with, visited friends & his family and explored new places. Especially beaches! Seeing Spain was so relaxing this time and still full of wonder and delight for me! I'm pretty sure I will never tire of Jamon and Spanish olives! 

Many posts ago I talked about shedding tears for my rocks left behind at the airport from Garrucha beach. We returned to Garrucha . I have my beach pebbles. I'll be back again Spain ❤️.

Sailing takes me away.....

So very thankful to share a milestone with my parents and celebrate as a family. Sailing with Carnival took us away to Cozumel, Belize , Costa maya, and Roatan to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary. 

"Well it's not far down to paradise, at least it's not for me.

If the wind is right you can sail away, and find tranquility...."

And so it was a very special celebration and joy to celebrate this beautiful couple.

True to its name .... Back to SD.

Extraordinary desserts! As we landed, the  SouthWest FA recommended I visit this wonderful place. The desserts look as wonderful as they taste! I highly recommend a visit.

 

After dessert, it's a short walk to Little Italy. Wonderful Italian delis and restaurants. Quick visit but plenty of time to explore and enjoy San Diego.

Hold the Mayo San Diego!

I'm not sure what I expected but this wasn't it. 

I fell in love with San Diego. 

 Beautiful weather, soaring palms, ocean cliffs, and a city with little pockets of huge personality! Old Town lined with beautiful Mexican ware and freshly made tortillas, La Jolla Cove and it's adorable seals which share the beach and water with paddle boarders, divers, swimmers, and kayaks. Beware of the odor from the sealife!! 

 Have I mentioned the Spanish style homes ? Clay roofs everywhere! Love them!

 Driving by the Naval Station and seeing how expansive it is was incredible. Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery was breathtaking. 

Torrey pines golf course made me wish I could golf! Wow views! 

I loved the food here ! Fish Sandwich from Blue Water Seafood and tacos from El Indio... Delicious and great personality at the restaurants.

Balboa park! San Diego Zoo! Coronado Island.... It was all amazing to see. 

Hold the mayo. Well, west coasters apparently like to put mayo on their hotdogs ~that's right Hotdogs~ shocked me too when I saw an enormous bowl of mayo on the counter at dinner one night. Too funny! It's the little things.

Thankful and appreciative for my Louie, who lovingly showed me wonderful San Diego. 

Turks and Caicos ... Blue water

Providenciales is the island we visited while in the Turks and Caicos. The beach water is hands down the prettiest water I have ever seen .

 The water was crystal clear. I stood in waist deep water looking at my toes as small fish darted around me with perfect clarity. Incredible blue hues! 

Life on the island .... Incredibly expensive. We enjoyed the beautiful beach of Grace Bay. Checked off the list ~done.

Time for romance .... Unlimited ;)

Crooked Lake

Always a summer time favorite. This is my family gathering to enjoy the lake, food, spirits, and good company. It's always too hot and afternoons never disappoint us with magnificent thunderstorms. The sunsets here are incredibly beautiful...painted by God's Angels.