3-21

i'm back from california. it was great to see marty. the grey hair is a shock but i don't usually looking the mirror too much either. we talked and laughed and caught up. things are going well in the northwest. carl has a new business started. it helps websites work better and get better search placements. marty is still playing the stock market. it seems like it's getting more stable of late.

the cruise was exactly like other cruises. it was fun to get to see catalina. we hiked up to the botanical gardens and wrigley memorial. barb's house still looks the same. her contractor was in the house working but we didn't go in to see what was going on. the hills were so green and rugged. the mock orange and pepper trees were so fragrant. we walked to the casino. marty hadn't seen it without the diving bell out front!

the one thing i wanted to do in avalon was go to rosies and get some clam chowder. the biggest shock was no rosies. apparently joe has bought it and it was getting a new awning and other work. it should reopen late june. i was crushed. we went to joe's and i had rock cod fish and chips with a side of chowder. good but not quite the same.

the weather there was spectacular. about 65 and clear. the cruise boats must have made a huge impact on the businesses. nearly all the shops were open and lots of passengers had shopping bags with them.

the next stop was ensenada. i'd never been there but marty had gone there by bus in college...but she doesn't remember much. old age or too many tequila shots i don't really know! we decided to take the wine country tour. it really was pretty good. we went to two about 45 min from the boat. there are 40+ in the area. marty says the wines were pretty good. she even bought a bottle. we walked around town when we got back. hussongs is still there. the silver jewelry ranges from cheap and cheesy to absolutely top drawer. neither one of us spent any money.

the flight home was short and long. sleeping in my own bed was wonderful.