Kelly's SC to CA Road Trip and Reflections

El Cajon, CA

I like this Southern California retirement lifestyle. We woke up at our leisure, and enjoyed a cup of English Breakfast tea by the pool watching the numerous birds that visit Kari and Rick’s feeders: goldfinches, house finches, California towhees, and mourning doves.

After a quick breakfast, Kari researched bug cleaners, and we drove to Target for the most recommended product. Next, straight to the best car wash. Finally, some progress. (Yes, I know y’all are tired of hearing about those bugs, but I can hear John’s voice urging me to get all those guts and body parts off the front of my car.) I realize a car going 80mph is no match for a bug, but shouldn’t their exoskeleton allow them to bounce off the car instead of audibly splatting and dripping? In the meantime, Rick filled the windshield wiper container with a special formula for bugs. Good riddance, winged nuisances.

Next stop, the local library. This branch is very neatly laid out with a large children’s section and a separate teen area. The librarians in the teen section were doing inventory – a tedious process that involves scanning every single book’s barcode. A least favorite, though important, annual project for a busy librarian.

Back to the house for Rick, who drove us out to La Caretta Mexican Restaurant in Alpine. The drive is winding and hilly with lots of flowers in bloom. The lunch was yummy.

Back at the house, Kari showed me her pebble art. It’s amazing. I love this one in particular, and now I have some ideas for gifts. I’m looking forward to the upcoming craft show on Saturday.

Next (wait for it!), time for a Mahjong lesson! I have long wanted to play Mahjong outside and El Cajon is the place to do it! The birds are chirping, snacking, and splashing in the fountain as we play. The temperature is perfect (there is no humidity). Our first game had no winner, but smartypants (and Mensa Member) Rick won the 2nd game – beginner’s luck! Two more converts for the Mahjong team!

If this sounds like a lazy day, it was, in the best way. We’ve been catching up with family stories – happy, funny, and sad. It’s so good to be here. For all of you following the blog, thank you so much. Your emails and texts mean a lot to me. I’m working on a way to add comments right here – that’s on my to-do list tomorrow.

Book Recommendation: It’s OK that You’re Not OK by Megan Divine. I’m not sure who suggested this book to me – Tyler? Twitter? Amazon? But there it was, on the shelf at the Library Friends used bookstore – $1.00! It’s about meeting grief and loss in a culture that doesn’t understand. I’ll get back to you.