Summer Is Here!

It's a beautiful day in Southern California. The temperatures have risen enough for me to head to the beach for the first time this year. As I was walking to the beach (yes, I live that close to the ocean- jealous?) I noticed some things that let us know summer is upon us:

• Parking becomes scarce on the numbered streets.
• The pro-volleyball tournament is back in town this weekend.
• The airplanes that fly ad banners behind them are back.
• It's almost impossible to cross over PCH because of all the traffic.

I spent two hours trying to turn my pale skin brown. The cool wind finally won the battle and I had to head inside.

There weren't too many people in the water today, however, since it was rather windy, a lot of kite surfers were out. I'm always amazed at how they can control these monstrous kites and it provides great entertainment while taking a break from reading my book. Here is just one of the six that were out today:

Off to dinner now - hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Leaving Albuquerque With A Flash

So it's Tuesday afternoon and I am in the security line at the airport. I'm wearing a super cute outfit - great jeans, cute wedge heels and this very loose fitting top:

Why is my outfit so important? Well, you're about to find out.

Have you ever been through one of those air puffer security machines at the airport? If not, it's a machine that you stand inside that blows several short puffs of air on you to ensure that you aren't carrying any explosives. I've been through them several times before and it's never been a big deal.

Well, it's my turn to go into the air puffer so off I go. I enter the machine and wait for the blasts of air. The first few came at me - my legs, stomach, face - and that was fine. Then all of the sudden there was a blast of air that went up the back of my shirt that started to balloon it out. As I lifted up my arms to pat it down another blast shot up the front of my shirt, also causing it to fly up. The end result? I totally flashed the (male) security guard. Whoops.

That, my friends, is why I can say that I left Albuquerque with a flash!

From Nashville To Albuquerque

Ah, Nashville…another trip has come and gone. Here are some of my favorite moments from this past week:

• Spending the afternoon at Centennial Park by myself – it was the first chance I had to truly relax in ages!
  

• The BBQ at J&C’s house on Saturday night – a fire pit, cocktails, cigars, good company and stories that become so exaggerated that they take on a life of their own. Oh…and did I mention the Smores?

• The tacky tourist shops in downtown Nashville. Coby, John and I set out to find the perfect Tennessee magnet for me to add to my collection and we succeeded. John also found a bumper sticker that said “The beer can doesn’t fall far from the trailer” which still makes me chuckle…
  
  
• Sitting on the deck at Satco on 21st Ave and enjoying conversation with a good friend.
  


• The view from my hotel room. Here are just a couple of photos of the Country Music Hall of Fame and one of the new Nashville Symphony Hall:


• Seeing old acquaintances from years gone by and spending time with friends that I don’t hold as close as I should.
  
  
• Realizing that I’ve made mistakes in relationships but being thankful for the growth that has occurred because of it.
  
  
• Sambuca – before heading out of town Rick and I dined here. It was a first for both of us and we were quite impressed.

The trip to Nashville is over and now it's onto Albuquerque, New Mexico. It rained earlier this evening and afterwards a beautiful rainbow emerged. I hope you enjoy it....