Trip to Cali

People have been asking about my trip to California. Here are some picture highlights. I took a late night flight and was picked up by Jen who caught me up to date on her move to Hume Lake. I enjoyed a bed and breakfast at Nicole's and a life catchup and our conversation on spiritual things. The whole week was beautiful weather, and relaxing and replenishing down time. Before Tahoe, I celebrated with Jen for her upcoming wedding with a bachelorette weekend in Calistoga. The three days were filled with time poolside, wine tasting, window shopping, and a shower gift unwraping with a hilarious gum chewing game. We enjoyed eating a lunch at the Silverado Brewing Co., dinner out at Brannans Grill, and a breakfast at the enchanting Auberge Du Soleil.

Sunday, mom met me at the storage unit for me to grab my camping gear and I joined Patty and Kristen for the drive up to Sugar Point Campgrounds, Lake Tahoe for NorthCreek's Family Camp. I enjoyed some down time in the word, walks in the forest, soaking in the sun at the lakeside, and one afternoon I rode an innertube down the Truckee river. It was fun to see old faces and surprise them with my presence and, as ususal, enjoyed making new friends. There were many bear sightings, marshmellow roasting, and bug spraying over the layer of dirt on my clothes and toes (and accidently an eyeball or two! Warning: Deet melts toe nail polish... among other things). Chris, Lisa, and family gave me a ride back to the bay area and the last 24 hrs of my trip was spent with Mom and Dad and strategically loading up the Uhaul with the rest of my belongings. I flew home red eye (trick is to have a neck pillow) and they are taking a leisurely drive then across the US and should arrive in Minneapolis Thursday night and spend a little over a week visiting before they return enroute to Montana.

The whole weekend I was in a place of reliance on others' grace and hospitality. Boy, is it humbling. I must be very proud, because it was REALLY difficult. I am so thankful for the kindness shown to me.