Arrived in LA area on Sunday, April 4th. Much to my chagrin, I never heard from my friend, Ellen, regarding the tickets to her Spent a week with cousins Dawn Davis and Diane Wolfberg (and their families). Visited Santa Barbara, Venice Beach and the Poppy Festival in Solvang (Danish settlement) area along with other areas betwixt and between. Wednesday, April 7th, Cousin Di took us to the home of a friend in the hills above Santa Barbara where both the home and views were beautiful.

Thursday, April 8th we went to Venice Beach, California. Venice was developed to replicate Venice, Italy complete with canals. Fascinating city and beach. Walking along the vendors on the beach was reminiscent of the late 60’s and 70’s. Heard lots of the music from that era . . . a virtual trip back in time. Lots of fun.

Friday, April 9th we headed back to the Santa Barbara area where we had lunch at a 122 year-old stagecoach stop. We then followed a winding road with lots of switchbacks up to view the poppies. Jay Fisher (spouse of 2nd cousin, Tambi) and John rode their Harley’s up there and we followed trying to keep our panic at bay. We made it about half-way to the field of poppies before deciding it would be in our best interest to snap pictures there and turn around. Good decision as were told later the road deteriorated significantly after our turnaround point.

Tonight we have dinner with the Wolfberg Family in Santa Monica and then back to Dawn’s in West Lake. Early to bed and early to rise will find us motoring once again up to Santa Margarita, CA.

If you would rather not receive these missles, please let me know and I will spare you further ramblings.

Debi