Here, There and Back Again

It has been a whirlwind of travels around here in the last few weeks and I feel as though I need to reacquaint myself with my own bed!

It started out with a trip to Iowa, staying at my cousin’s home and welcomed each morning with this fun view. 



The visit was actually for my uncle’s funeral, but it was wonderful to visit with family.   Of the remaining 24 first cousin there were only two that were missing so it was great to catch up.

It was back home for a few days and then off to the beach.  My cousin, her two daughters and DIL from Iowa came to visit.  The days were full as we tried to squeeze in a lot in the time they were here.

Beautiful days were spent at the beach watching sunsets, sunrises and surfers as well as visiting. 

An interesting rock nestled in the sand...whale, tadpole????

We took a few side trips during the days…….

……a trip to the local orchid greenhouses

Makes me want to have a blue or purple wedding!

…..a visit to the Santa Barbara Mission



……a stop at the gate of Never*land Ranch

The many hearts are filled with messages for the 5th anniversary of MJ's death.

….lunch at the historic Cold Springs Tavern – an old stagecoach stop.



….and a little wine tasting.



We all departed on Sunday.  They left for their return to Iowa and we headed off for a business meeting in Atlanta, but we had such a great visit. 

Life is now back to a more normal (whatever that is) routine with cleaning and laundry waiting to be done.

Do you think this seagull has an identity complex?



Again….sewing has been very portable these last few weeks.  I started a small cross stitch project to keep my idle hands busy without much concentration needed.