Wow, is it almost Christmas already?

 Salinas, CA

Last post we were coming up on Thanksgiving.

We had an enjoyable time,

going over to Adam & Jen's.

They fixed us a nice turkey dinner with all the

trimmings. George and I brought deviled eggs,

and a big tray of meats and cheeses.

That very weekend we brought out most of Mom's

nativity sets, and the artificial tree that we bought online.

We also put on Cooper's Christmas sweater,

much to his dismay :-)

The weather is still decent, high 60's and low 70's,

with no rain unfortunately.

George and I went to Hahn winery for a little outdoor lunch.

As some of you see on the news,

California's covid numbers are soaring.

We are back in lockdown again,

so no dining out (outside!),

no nail salons (ugh!) or haircuts.

Thankfully I got those two done right before lockdown :-)

I saw this on Facebook last week,

had to share!

Not sure what Christmas will look like 

as of yet...

Hope everyone stays healthy and happy!

October flew by, it's almost Thanksgiving

 Salinas, CA

This year is flying by despite being 

in some version of lockdown.

We can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving!

Last week we spent some time with

Greg & Connie.

We took a drive over to Carmel,

stopping at Earthbound Farms,

an organic farm stand and cafe

where my son Adam works now.

They have cool grounds there,

including this fountain.

A great sitting area with a firepit.

We all ended up in a place called the Barnyard,

a shopping and dining place.

The four of us ate outside at a place called 'From Scratch'.

Their food is great!

Halloween was different this year of course.

Our neighbor, who is a school teacher,

wanted to dress Cooper up as a sheep.

She was dressed as Little Bo Peep :-)

The costume didn't really work out,

and we think Cooper was mortified :-)

We sat outside with a bowl of candy for any kids

that might come by.

We used tongs to distribute the candy,

and made sure to wear our masks as well.

Our neighbors did the same..

Our weather is much the same,

and it was time to plant some fall veggies.

We've got red romaine, red cabbage,

brussel sprouts, and spinach.

I also got a few mums to put in my pots..

To top it off we hung a fall wreath that my Aunt Judy

made for us.

She's quite talented!

Thanksgiving will be fun this year.

We're going over to Adam & Jen's

since our favorite restaurant's buffet

will be closed.

We're looking forward to some family time!

Home again jiggity jig

 Salinas, CA

Our time finally came to an end in Pennsylvania.

Although our plans were to stay a few more days,

we all felt maybe it was time to go :-)

Cooper included...

George and I decided to make our way back

the same way we came out..

80 to 70 to 15 etc..

The fall colors were a bit brighter

as the temps were getting a bit colder.

Another reason to head west!

It was a little easier on our eyes heading west,

the sunrise in our rearview!

Utah never disappoints!

We really enjoy St. George,

and had found a dog friendly restaurant.

The weather is beautiful there,

at least in the fall!

Cooper enjoyed it too,

but wouldn't sit still for a picture!!

I started a healthier lifestyle (again!)

after my A1C got high after Mom's death.

Trying a medically supervised keto way of eating

has proven successful!

I've lost 15# to date (even on vacation!).

My blood glucose has dropped 30 points as well.

Trying to get off meds!

Life is the same here in California.

The fires around us are out for the most part.

Weather is mid 70's..

and it looks like a La Nina year..

which means not much rain. Drat!

Our county is still in maximum restrictions,

meaning no indoor dining, worship services.

Oh, but nail salons and hair salons are open!

Geez.

Will it ever end???

Time is winding down

 Plains, PA

We've been pretty busy here in Pennsylvania!

George has been completing a 'daddy do' list

that Heather and John have been compiling.

Good thing he's good at figuring things out!

We've had a few game nights,

they have a lot of great ones!

We've gotten to visit with George's son Chris, 

daughter in law Jeanann,

and 3 granddaughters, Jillian, Jaelyn, and Carly.

I've been hanging out at Heather's.

She works from home,

so I keep the dogs quiet :-)

We also get some dog play time in their backyard.

George and I have driven around to see our

old stomping grounds.

One place is called Kirby Park.
It's a lovely park in Kingston, PA,

near where we used to live.

We figured Cooper would like to spend

some time chasing a ball where

no other dogs would get them :-)

We picked up Subway and found a place to sit and eat.

There's a great path around the lake to walk.

George took a rest on the bench,

while Cooper (behind the bench) was

checking out the hundreds of squirrels.

The colors are just starting to turn here.

It really hasn't been cold at all,

we've been in shorts most of the time.

Many fall leaves on the ground, however!

This is our last week here.

We're heading back on Saturday,

taking the same route and same hotels.

We're anxious to get back home!

We have cameras at home,

we've been keeping an eye on things,

and notice the grass is high!

A little family time

 Plains, PA

We finally made it to Heather and John's house on Wednesday around 4 pm.

We drove around 2900 miles in 50 hours!

George did most of the driving,

I was the navigator, dog whisperer, 

and treat getter :-)

There is a bit of color in the foliage, not much yet..

We typically would leave around 6:30 in the morning,

to get an early start.

This made for some nice sunrises,

and sun in our eyes!

Cooper liked to rest his head on George's arm..

Now we're staying with Heather and John,

and their two border collies, Ace and Abby.

Cooper is nervous around them,

and they aren't too sure about him either.

They have until the 20th to figure it out!