Hello, Fire Enthusiasts. How was your week? I hope it was as good as mine. If not, I hope you will rectify this very soon. There isn't much summer left.
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| The view from across the bay |
A couple of weeks ago, I told you a little bit about my family and I planning on going on vacation. It wasn't the biggest vacation we've planned; we've done New York City, Hawaii and a couple of cruises in the past. However, having just gone to NYC this past March, and hearing about potential high school band trips to Hawaii and NYC once again, we decided as a family that we would simply attempt to get away from the heat.
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| Riley, Me & Rian |
We live in the San Joaquin Valley which is Central California. We're near Fresno. Although this has been a very mild summer, we can get near 110 degree temperatures. Having Sun-Maid Raisin Growers of California close for year-end inventory made it a perfect time for our family (my wife is a teacher) to get away.
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| Truth is I love the Beatles, but hate that stupid song! |
The beauty of living where we do is the fact that there is so much to do. We are only several hours away from both northern and southern California, and places such as the mountains or the coast are closer still. This time we chose to be near the water, so Wednesday afternoon, after I got off from work, we hit the road, heading for Monterey, California.
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| Captivated by the Jellies |
If you have read Steinbeck, then you no doubt know a little about our destination. If you like visiting aquariums, then you most likely have heard of the world-famous Monterey Aquarium.
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| Still going strong, 23 total years together |
We arrived Wednesday evening and did not leave until Saturday afternoon. In between we visited the aquarium, shopped, spend a half-day in Santa Cruz at the Beach Boardwalk (If you've seen The Lost Boys, then you know the place since they shot the film there), ate a lot, had a several drinks, enjoyed 60 degree weather and never once touch a computer.
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| The winner of the tournament took the photo. Just sayin' |
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| Enjoying dinner at Bubba Gumps. The drink was good, too. |
If you have yet to take any time off, I want to encourage you to do so. I missed my computer and both #WW and #FF on Twitter, but I know my family appreciated the time I spent with them.
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| Am I the only one who thinks it's a bad omen to shape a pool like a coffin? |
We'll talk soon.
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Wow. It was lovely reading about your trip and family, and congratulations on 23 years together! Mr. G and I went away for a few days in July and it was wonderful having no work or my writing to distract us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for signing up to the Star Trek blogfest, and posting a link on your blog. It's going to be fun!
Ellie Garratt
Good on you for taking a real vacation. Those are the ones that stick with you.
ReplyDeletePS After seeing your pictures I longed for my own vacation--but I don't think the chickens will let me.
I love Bubba Gump's. If we visit a city that has one, we go to it.
ReplyDeleteOur big vacation this year won't happen until our 32nd anniversary (cruise in December), but we'll be taking a small trip to Toronto this weekend to watch my daughter play Footy. Should be a nice break. I certainly hope it's cooler up there.
Glad you had a good time. I love Monterey!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for your notes, ladies. I saw the comments quite early, but didn't have time to reply until now.
ReplyDeleteEllie - You're quite welcome about the blogfest. I'm glad to see that more people are getting involved. It should be fun.
Maria - When might the chickens allow it? We're going to have to find someone to watch over them when you go out on the road for book signings... ;)
Stacy - Enjoy the weekend trip, and especially the upcoming cruise! I love to cruise. I've done two already. Can't wait to do it again.
-Jimmy
Hey, Jimmy. Nice post and lovely family! Glad you shared. My husband and I need to get away. He's still con-figuring things (money/time)
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love the Beatles too, and also hate that song. When it comes up on the CD, we hit the next button {-=
Hi, Lorelei. Thanks for stopping by. It was very nice to get away. I hope you have that opportunity, too. I'm more of a Zeppelin guy, but I appreciate the Beatles immensely. Although I can't stand that song, no one forced me to take that photo. Lol!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing family! I'm so glad you all had a great trip. I've been to that aquarium...AMAZING! And there's a beautiful view wherever you look.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow my family heads closer to you. We're spending a week water skiing at Lake Mc Clure. I planned to get some writing work done, but then again, maybe you've inspired me to set it all aside for a few days :D
Looks like a great time, and what a beautiful family! If you take a guess, I bet you can think of what Beatles song I hate;) Thanks for sharing your pics!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, James! You have a lovely family. You are so right, wee have to rip ourselves away sometimes, but it's so worth it. Everything can wait when it comes to spending quality time with the fam. Enjoy your vacation!!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for dropping in and sharing in our family's little trip to the central California coast.
ReplyDeleteJulie - I hope you and your family had a great time on your trip.
Michele - Now I have to hunt for a photo with a Great Beatle's tune. Perhaps just a trip to Abbey Road?
Pk - Thanks. I know I spend way too much time on trusty laptop, so I really wanted to make that effort, you know?
-Jimmy
Looks like a great vacation with lots of family fun. We haven't been on a trip as a family for a number of years. The kids are always going their own ways now that they're in college and working summer jobs.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Susan. I know that day is coming for us, too. My oldest is 17 and getting ready to begin his senior year of high school. My youngest is 13.
ReplyDeleteI could very easily sit here with my nose pressed against the monitor for several years, look up and find that it is only my wife and I. Or worse, just me. That's why I have given myself a deadline of another year or so to see what might happen with this new career of mine. I've been blessed to have a book published and to see people loving what I have written. This is all gravy-time. It's the family that is the real important thing.
Thanks.
-Jimmy
Awww...you just made me homesick :( My hubby and I just moved from Folsom two months ago (lived there 14 years!(...now we live in AZ. I love Monterey. And the Valley. Looks like you had a lot of fun!
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