Geez Louise!

I can't get over all of the media hoopla about a rain "storm" here in California! Even people on the street being interviewed about their thoughts on the weather are complaining--with a conscience. "We are spoiled in California." "I know it is colder in other parts of the country, but I can see my breath!" You get the picture. Yes, we've had rain and cooler temps here this week, and yes, there was some wind earlier in the week. Yes, there is snow in the Sierras. Yet, I'd hardly call what we've had this week as catastrophic. Daytime temps haven't dipped below 46, and I'll take a little rain over what I left in Indiana any time...and I'm not going to the Sierras!

My little vacation trip is drawing to a close. Megan is already asking if I can stay longer. I have really enjoyed my time here, but my reality is back in Indiana where my car battery is shot and there are things to do before everyone arrives on my doorstep in March. Last week when the weather was better, we ran all over the place--visited two missions, Monterey, some gardens. Ate some wonderful food (both out and at home), bought some gifts, and generally enjoyed the view, the sunshine, and the warmth. This week, with the weather not as good, we tended to other things, like my taxes, an invitation to an anniversary party for my sister and bro-in-law, some genealogy stuff, some crafty things. Meg seems to worry that I am bored. Bored? I don't think so!!! At home, there is lonely but not bored. Here, there is neither. It's all good.

This morning, I was out on the balcony checking out the weather before Meg and Denis were up. I checked behind me a time or two. Nope, no one up yet. When I decided to come in, I turned to the sliding door, and there were two goony faces looking at me. Scared me to death! It's not nice to fool Grandma!

Meg took Denis to work. I decided for us not to go anywhere today. While Meg worked on some genealogy stuff, I decided to clean out her pantry cupboard. (Why do I do these things? Her pantry is no worse than mine at home, but I don't organize the same way she does. She won't find things for a month!) It was my intention to do some other things, but (as usual) the day got away from me. I don't care! I'm on vacation...and not bored!

Last night, we sat down to watch one of my favorite movies of all time, Ben Hur. Unfortunately, the Netflix DVD of the first disk was broken. Not just a little broken...a LOT broken. We will be watching it before I leave, if Netflix comes through with a replacement. I am trying to educate my Russian son-in

Tomorrow is the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco. Our original plan was to be there for that, but the weather forecast isn't that great, and since parking is so big a problem, we would probably have to take a commuter train and one or more trolleys to get close. (It's one of the four biggest parades in the country, supposed to last two-and-a-half hours, rain or shine.) Since I don't walk all that well anymore, and standing for a long time can also be a problem for me (and Meg's back), I THINK we have decided to stay home to watch it on TV and eat Chinese food. I'm sure it won't be nearly as exciting as actually being there, but we have to be somewhat practical... (Leave it to me to put a snafu on everything!)

Right now, we are awaiting a pizza. Normally, Meg makes homemade pizza on Fridays and she and Denis watch a movie...but we have watched movies all week. (Not sure if that makes Friday special or not.) In any case, in spite of rain, it was another good day.