Extended Leave

When I returned home last week, someone (Ok, Taj) needed a vacation. Since I was already packed, I said sure let's go. So Saturday morning we headed up the coast to Santa Barbara. We stayed at a very nice hotel just off the beach and began our relaxation immediately by spending a couple of hours playing in the ocean and lying around on the sand.

A beautiful dinner on the wharf at Chuck's Waterfront Grill, then a walk along State Street rounded out our evening. We found a little Vintage store along the way and I found bells from Texas, San Francisco and Portugal to add to my collection

The next day we drove 2.5 hours up to San Simeon and visited Hearst Castle. A must see for all. Kathy has been trying to get me to go for years and I was resistant. But it truly is amazing to visit and the view alone is spectacular.

Our drive back down to Santa Barbara was relaxing, since we had nothing scheduled, so a stop at Pismo Beach along the way worked out well.

Then Monday morning it was time to head home, but again without a firm deadline until dinner with the kids, we were at our leisure. A little walk in Ventura at Seaward beach, and my favorite place the Camarillo Outlet Mall, and it was time to go back to reality.

Of course reality included a yummy dinner at Fuddruckers with our favorite dinner guests, both kids and the grandbaby. It hasn't happened in a long time and will probably not happen again for even longer. They grow up too fast.