Tuesday, December 31, 2019

A New Year Greeting!!

Dear Family and Friends,
We find ourselves at the end of another year. As you know, we are hanging in San Diego to enjoy time with Sasha and the wonderful sun of San Diego.  Hasn't been warm here but we have been swimming, hiking, biking and enjoying the out doors. It has been a treat. And I am getting used to the driving down here.  It is an adjustment.

The pictures we are sharing in this entry are from a visit we made to an exhibit in Balboa Park. What a wonderful resource here in the city with several museums, gardens and other. These pictures are from a LGBTQ exhibit tracing San Diego's history with leading the way with accepting people of different orientations.  This city seems to be very accepting of diverse culture and people. It reinforces Sasha's decision to move down here to try to settle and build a community.  Hasn't been easy but seems like a great place to make it happen.

So, our New Years reflection for us all! May we increase our patience with ourselves and others, may we be healthy and wiser,  and appreciative for every day we have.  Our family and friends are precious and may we value our connections with others.

We are looking forward to the New Year and seeing your smiling faces!!! Love Ada and Rick




Monday, December 16, 2019

San Diego- We have Arrived!!!!!

Our trip from San Clemente to San Diego was just a 1.5 hr. drive. Easy as can be considering the challenge of driving in Southern Calif. We are staying at Mission Bay RV Resort, right on the water. Great biking, kayaking, walking and the sun  is out. Weather has been great, finally. It wasn't until San Clemente that we starting feeling the warm southern sun.  We have had 3 great days with Sasha. She is 8 miles from us and we are getting more and more comfortable with the drive. We will have more pics as we settle in. We have included one pic of a flag pole of a Trump supporter. He is a brave fellow to be showing his colors in southern Cal. We are working on acceptance and understanding.  But it isn't
easy!! Here for a month!! Yahoo!



San Clemente State Park- the Mosey Continues

We left Morro Bay after a week to spend 4 nights at San Clemente.  It was a cool state park, a little too close to the freeway but..... The beach was right out from the campground with a great bike trail down to the San Clemente pier. We have some pictures of the pier during the day and at night. It was a brief stay but an enjoyable one. Beautiful cliffs and sunsets!!!!







Thursday, December 5, 2019

Morro Bay Explored

We have been at the Morro Bay State Campground for 3 days after having a great visit with family in Grass Valley. Weather has been mixed. Seems like we brought the NW weather south. Had a great kayak into town and have been going on several hikes. A bluff hike at Montana Ora State Park was especially moving.  There is a lighted boat show this weekend and we plan on more hikes and bike rides. We are staying dry, fed and happy and very grateful for the world around us.  Our to best to all!!! Ada and Rick



Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Grass Valley Dog Training


I couldn't resist sharing these videos of Carol working her dogs. Amazing relationship between trainer and dogs and dogs and sheep!!

Monday, November 25, 2019

Thanksgiving at Grass Valley California

We have been at my brother Andy's and wife (farmer) Carol's farm for a week or so. Going to be here thru the Thanksgiving holiday. My older brother Scott and his partner Lou Anne is here as well. We are having a good time- walking the farm, doing chores, working on a Habitat House that Andy has been very involved with (have some pics of that day), hiking and doing some serious eating. You will see on another post some video's of me playing to the sheep on the farm. Farmer Carol trains her dogs to herd the sheep. She is becoming abit of a celebrity around these parts for her accomplishments with the dogs and sheep.  It's good to be with family and have family that enjoy hanging together.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Enjoy and appreciate who you are with! And until the next time- love all!!!







Hanging with the Sheep- A Grass Valley Experience


Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Redwood Forests in Northern California

Our time in the California Redwoods was awesome. Our dear cousin manages one of parks visitor centers and gave us a special tour of the park. The trees are just incredible. Our pictures don't quite do justice. The Elk were beautiful and we saw several, including one right next to us in our campground.
the park was primitive and we were having trouble with our trailer battery, so we were cold in the mornings.  All and all, it was a great visit. Great to see these trees protected!!





Our stay at Charleston Bay near Coos Bay was awesome. The rocks off this coast were breath taking and they had a beautiful park with flowers and decorations for the holiday. Great visit and left us wanting to come back!!





Nehalem State Park in Oregon

We had a nice few days here as our first stop down the Oregon Coast. Nice beach walking and great park!!


Cutting lines and off!!!

Well, we finally were able to cut lines and head out on our Southern journey. We are going down the coast of Oregon to Arcata California. Then on to Grass Valley and then heading down to San Diego. This trip has been a long time coming and we are excited to move this forward. We hope this blog can help keep us connected with our family and dear friends.  We love you all and will miss our regular connection. Ray Band- rock on and keep our seats warm.