We are currently at my parent’s home in Los Angeles, where we are in a rush to ready ourselves for our big departure. I’m having a difficult time sleeping, and being in the joy of the moment. Instead, stress takes over parts of my psyche as we add to our to-do lists (barely crossing off tasks!), shop for last minute necessities, spend too much and struggle with our budget. I’ll blame some of my ill temper on the outrageous heat wave we are suffering, but know that much of my anxiety is driven by my own private demons. What am I so worried about that I can’t ease up? Could it be our over-stuffed backpacks on the verge of exploding, our crazy home, car and health insurance issues, the rat’s nest of electronic cords and tech organization, the higher than anticipated travel costs, or the fact that we are stepping into the future unknown, trying to postpone thoughts of our return what-ifs for at least another 6 months. Our trip through the glorious Redwoods already seems so long ago – those hours spent in awe of the sequoia semperviren giants, of both size and time. What about the children skinny-dipping in Aunt Peggy & Uncle Gary’s pool, and our 11 year wedding anniversary spent exploring Sacramento, another city of trees? How about our East Bay reunion with Airtreks past and current coworkers, spanning almost 2 decades of friendship? Who can forget the ever giddy excitement of crossing the Bay bridge into beautiful San Francisco, and the criss-cross through the hilly streets of painted ladies, with magical, foggy vistas? The city surprises us with it’s changes, yet comforts us with its familiar landmarks, and good friends welcome us once again. Onward south we flee through green farmland valleys and rolling hills of brown. Oh, unattainable Santa Barbara, I so want to hate you, but it is simply not possible. Who knew how spectacular my first beach run could be? These are but a light caress of sweet memories. I am thankful for these brief minutes typing and remembering, which have managed to wipe away my earlier panic and worry. Please enjoy our visual highlights: Verdant redwood forests A giant Family time with Aunt Peggy & Uncle Gary Sacramento State Capital Building Goodbye to the Verbekes Thanks to Kristina for organizing our Airtreks Reunion! Thank you, David, Nai, Chance & Roxie! driving over the bay bridge into San Francisco Lombard St. Day 1 in SF at Fort Mason Park Tacos at Don Pancho’s With our hosts Laurie & Suter Bowling in Pacifica Beach bums With the McMichael family Dinner in Montecito at the Boyle’s With Grandma on a beautiful beach day Captaining Little Toot in Santa Barbara Dan & Sheri Sarah & Jenn Paloma’s birthday Cousins Cousins Dads!
