two weeks later . . . .

since last i wrote . . . . two weeks later since the last time i shared ponderings on my blog . . . . i've been to annual conference in sacramento (a yearly event, usually around father's day) and enjoyed a 'stay'-cation in and around home.

unable to gather for either mother's day or father's day, kristen (and ben) met her mother and i for dinner (and guess who were the ones to pay...well, once the parents, always the parents, no?!)  we met at a restaurant called 'the dead fish', right on the water; wonderful.  and this is the picture i got for father's day.  ben took it of kristen, somewhere; he'd found a swing he thought she might enjoy . . . .

annual conference was per usual, with some exciting things and some less-than-exciting things.  i managed to get a doctor's appointment in . . . . and then i went on stay-cation; a vacation where there aren't any plans; wake when i want, go see a movie, read, exercise, water and eat; the usual things.

one of the movies i saw was 'people like us'.  a feel-good movie, worth a date-nite!  what's a date-nite?  well, not that i did this, but include a meal and someone to share the event with....ok, go whole-hog!  go out afterwards, even!

the picture to the left has nothing what-so-ever to do with the movie 'people like us'.  this is a picture of a tree in golden gate park, san francisco.  after having a quick trip to the foot-hills and a visit to amador city, i was in the mood to visit the area where i grew up.  so, heading out of the (hot) valley onto the coast was a fun time...and driving in my convertible is even better!

one of the adventures i was yearning to do was visit the japanese tea garden; such a peaceful place.  but, i advise staying away on a saturday, where it is less than peaceful.  i did meet a friend there to enjoy the day, and ran into someone i knew -- how often do you go someplace and run into someone you know?!

this is a picture of something in the garden.  sometimes i just snap a photo, and if it isn't out-of-focus, i keep it!  i just loving having a smart phone where you get to take a picture without lugging around a camera.  it isn't the best picture; it won't win the upcoming costco photo contest.  but, it is a reminder of a place i remembered and got a chance to visit again.

the fun thing about a stay-cation is the opportunity to be spontaneous.  with gas prices fairly low (ok, the mid-$3.00 range is pretty reasonable right now -- can i get an amen!)  you can rest in your own bed, eat breakfast at home (after your daily walk for healthy purposes) and not be pressured by the phone; you can turn your smart phone to vibrate, and enjoy!

the other two movies i saw.  one is 'brave'.  ok, this is a 'rent-a-kid' film, if you don't have one of your own handy.  invest in the large popcorn that gives you a free re-fill...ok, we won't share that the cost of the movie (now a matinee at $8) is cheaper than popcorn and a beverage.  who knew we'd spend more one eating than seeing?!  i usually do not eat/drink at the movies, but this might be the time to just 'do it', as the saying goes. 

(note to self; plan to walk further when eating popcorn and drinking a diet coke).

if you like the blood and guts kind of action film, you'll not want to miss the historical period piece, 'abraham lincoln: vampire hunter'.  OMG!  i missed half the movie covering my eyes, but, 'cha know, i have a new appreciation for how we got through the civil war!  (please note, this is not historically accurate).

oh,  now you can see why the tea garden pictures are so soothing to me!

a word to the wise.  as you travel this summer, remember to make sure you carry your NEW debit card, and carry just a little cash with you for those 'you don't take debit card' moments.  and, as always, 'traveling mercies'.  see you in church!