During the week of my 50th birthday Greg and I went Tuesday set out on a road trip for some days away. We stopped up north at the away location for Brook's volleyball game in Tollhouse, CA. Must say that they have had a successful VB season, but it was a hot night in a hot stuffy gym and they are used to playing in A/C which none was to be found on this 100 degree day. But that is just a guess for the quick disposal that Sierra High School made of the Chowchilla girls in 3 games of a possible 5 on this night. They have won most games since then...
We headed towards Yosemite staying a night in Oakhurst after the VB game a little north and east of Tollhouse which is a town of no stoplights. We spent a full day in Yosemite taking a new road that we hadn't been on before and got to see an excellent view from the top of the Yosemite Valley.
We then headed North out of Yosemite and stayed in Oakdale Wednesday night. As I googled our hope for the next day of seeing Alcatraz, we were sadly told that we needed reservations and that the soonest they could get us a ticket was "next Tuesday" as if we'd still be in the area... okay so that is still on the "want to see list and maybe next time". So now instead of heading toward San Francisco, we decided to head towards Monterey to have lunch at the wharf, and then take the coastline towards Hearst Castle. We love to drive along the ocean especially up in the north where there are boulders and rocks all along the coastline that with the waves crashing over them is a very relaxing sight and sound.. we made lots of stops and sat listening to them. Suddenly can't find these pictures for this weekend.. will take more searching for the "folder" they were copied into off of the computer disc..
Hearst Castle Greg had never been to and I had been there once when our family had been younger. It was certainly like a European inspired castle, and it certainly was over the top in the decorating style both inside and out. After we left Hearst Castle we made the drive all the way home..
two weeks later I flew to Sioux Falls on Saturday night and met up with Ashley on Sunday to visit with family and attend a wknd Women of Faith Conference with family and friends in St. Paul MN. It was a great week of just seeing Ashley, talking, laughing, visiting, and sharing.. To love a daughter and have these rare and special moments to connect when we live in different states are so very special and I miss her. I have attended perhaps 8-9 of the Women of Faith Conference shared with 11,000 women. This one was the closest to family at the Xcel Center for worship in singing, the special groups CeCe Winans, Selah, and the speakers Ken Davis, Sheila Walsh, Liz Curtis Higgs, Angie Smith, Pat Smith. It was a two day event where Ashley and I had mothers & Grandmothers Sharon & Marlys, Nieces & Cousins Katie, Rhonda, Rachel & Lanae, Aunts & sister in laws Patty, Kim, and friends of these MN relatives Kathy, Mary, Diane, Rhonda, Brittany... Katie put it all together and it was a terrific event to attend. I look forward to the next one whether in CA or MN.
this photo on the Sunday we arrived at the Symens house, family get together..
Im attaching a video of Patsy Clairmont who is a speaker who wasn't at this conference, but I have so enjoyed her spitfire energy that she speaks with and the clarity she speaks in in. I hope you enjoy it as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=l3QkQeIWk9c&NR=1
Ashley and I both got onto Sunday afternoon flights and she headed her way and I headed mine.. Kept in contact all day til I knew that she was home safely from the airport... Next time I schedule a "cheap flight" I need to pay attention to the return time which had me back in LA at midnight, which even the delay of 45 minutes is irrelevant when it's that late and your to be back in the office at 6am that morning.. But I made it and age made no difference that I gladly state I got a nap that afternoon after I got home. :)
until the next time... Lorinda
