George arrived in rare form after a delayed flight in a cramped Frontier Airlines middle seat. After picking him up at 8 pm we headed to Rosco’s chicken. It was Zoe and I’s first time, and it was something else! Delicious and memorable, to say the least. Glad we got to experience it with George as he reminisced about his time living out in California. It was fun.
I set my alarm for 5:30 am to start hitting the road. George promised to help hang a few things with the drill I purchased (and wasn’t brave enough to try). He successfully got Zoe’s entry up to standard and off we went, me in tears, on the highways back to Ohio/Kentucky
Holding up the necessities.
We captured the sunrise. I was so sad to leave. Knowing in a way, I may not have been able to if George didn’t come and get me. Physically and emotionally speaking.
Unbelievable views as we exited LA. The mist over the mountains. This taken from a car window.
I tried to work from the car but the views kept distracting me.
I loved seeing the railroad against the backdrop of the mountains.
It was nonstop views.
I kept trying to figure out where the heck we were in the world.
I snapped many photos out the car window as we drove west out of California. This rock was flipping us off as we went by.
it was all so majestic.
The landscape is near impossible to capture. Just so beautiful. Made me want to just run out into it. I love the west. Maybe because I didn’t grow up around it, but it is something I am so damn happy to see.
Felt like a movie. No wonder the film industry ended up on this coast. So much inspiration in the natural surroundings.
George stopped off for some pamphlets 🙂 And in doing so made a friend who looked up the weather forecast and suggested we get off the highway and take Historic Route 66 through Arizona.
It was quiet through much of the terrain. But then we hit the town of Seligman.
They made the best out of this historic town.
It was colorful and vintage with quirky shops.
Selfie moment out of the car to stretch our legs.
It was a cute town. Very friendly.
I imagine bikers come in packs to stop off at this lcoation.
Very touristy but fun.
Even Betty White, God love her, made an appearance.
Not really sure what this place as about.
But each shop had its own personality.
Happy in a way that we were on a mission to get to Albuquerque as our first stop. Otherwise I may have lost George in the antique shops.
Considering this was early March and the weather was quite chilly, I imagine in the heat of the summer this town is jumping with visitors.
We eventually got back onto the main highway.
Snow appearing on the mountain tops as we approached OK
After hitting a few hotels that were sold out due to the March madness, we woke up to this view.
There was so much beauty to be seen in California, but the homelessness was no joke.
Everywhere you turned, didn’t even matter if it was a nice neighborhood or not, there were homeless people and their accumulative belongings. It was sad. I didn’t feel sorry for them oddly. It was more of an eyesore that seemed to take over the city.
I started to snap photos from my car to remember. Its unexpected even with all the warnings I’ d heard about it.
There is not one neighborhood without it. Maybe in the suburbs, but not in the city.
I wondered what they were hanging on to all the belongings for. I think I would opt for a more simple life but I am sure hoarding comes with mental illness and logic is no longer available.
This person is sound asleep in the middle of the afternoon on the sidewalk. Could be dead even, I was not about to find out. Where was my compassion?
Many overpasses were filled with tents or RVs like this one.
Pretty nice. Nobody bothers them. Directly after this underpass, I saw a family pull up to a soccer field for a weekend game. It bothered me how normalized this is for kids to see growing up. It’s as if we are all numb to it. Feel like its a hopeless situation out of our control.
Really don’t know a lot about why there is so much of this and why people that possibly can’t afford a living here, stay. It seems like a community of its own. And yes, I am ignorant to the true understanding of it all.
Reminded me of Manhattan back in the day. Thompson Square Park used to be a homeless village. I wondered how that city cleaned it all up.
Beach bums were also everywhere. I had a different view when I saw them here for some reason. I used to see people living free from society, bathing in the ocean and living day by day and admire them. Honestly. It seemed right to me on some levels.
But when I see LA and all the tents and squatters, it doesn’t seem as free. Almost more an existence instead. Killing time. Not really contributing to anything or anyone. Stuck in a society that is also at a loss.
Sunday came and I was exhausted from all the touring the day before. But I didn’t want to waste a day. Especially in a new city, free from work. So I google mapped my way to a botanical garden, because I aways enjoy those and it was only 1/2 hour away.
This art was in my bathroom. I feel its totally symbolic. I need to hear this some days. Its a simple truth but sometime hard to remember during the difficulties during darkness.
I headed to San Diego Botanic Garden which is off of Quail Gardens Drive. It is 37 acres and when reading the reviews, said to bring comfortable walking shoes.
The first tree I encountered was a beauty.
I snapped this photo of the map in case I needed it later.
Here were those wide based trees again. Called Elephant’s Foot.
Adorable kids area. Seemed as if a lot of families had memberships here.
I walked and admired the new landscape.
The colors and contrast.
Even within one plant.
These sweet buds, I adore their contrast with the thin sharp grassy leaves.
This tree’s shape was fascinating and relateable.
As I walked I appreciated the blooms and sun in February. Although it was still chilly here. Not quite the Sunny San Diego I expected.
When I got close up on the flowers I could see how intricately colored and textured they were. Mother Nature at Her best.
The cactus and the flower. Why do I love the opposites.
How do we not see the perfection in our own selves that was created from this same Master?
This texture. I have never seen on a tree before.
These trees were African and I have never seen quite a beautiful sight ever before.
Couldn’t quite capture their beauty.
I never get bored of nature.
I kept walking and was mostly alone but occasionally would run into the same couple.
Found my way back to the cactus.
I feel like this is a scene out of The Lion King. I love trees. I want to be one in my next life.
I admire the landscapers who also had to plan and design these gardens for us to appreciate and wonder at.
A close up view of anything reveals its true beauty.
Interesting characters designed with botanical accents.
A close up view.
I passed over a man made river with tropical foilage.
Back to an interesting cactus who looks like she is storytelling.
After visiting Zoe’s offices we were determined to go buy some work clothes to update Zoe’s wardrobe. We google mapped our way to a mall but after pulling into the parking garage, the madness of finding any open spots was enough to make us nuts. We pulled out, after bumper to bumper garage hell, and weren’t sure where to go next.
We passed Beverly Hills on our way, so we back tracked and decided to take a look. I had never been before. Rodeo Drive here comes this poor ass! Along with other like minded tourists.
We walked past where they were setting up the tents for the Academy Awards Show which was happening the following day.
Loved this message. Now sadly illegal in some states.
Had to snap a shot of the touristy sign with the rest of the foreigners.
This tree is what made me want to go back to this area. I mean seriously!!!! We drove past it on the way in and I was like- I have to see that tree!
Some beautiful sculpture to admire along the pathways.
Another show stopper tree in the middle of the city.
OMG my outfits are embarassing. I swear the older I get, the more I just don’t care if I clash. Maybe I’ll turn into one of those crazy old women. Zoe snapped this one of me, giving the pose a mimic, without the balancing act.
Rodeo Drive was stunning.
The windows spectacular. It was fun not having to walk far but seeing all the designer brands.
Love the mannequin’s hair.
We walked up this short little street which was so quaint.
The cars parked and driving up and down were show stoppers. It was like the small town circuit of Main Street, but this was Beverly Hills and the vehicles were worth hundreds of thousands.
Walking back we stopped at a privately funded cactus garden. There was one bum sleeping on the bench who left upon our arrival.
On a overcast day, these succulents were worth breathing in.
The tree bases were cool, unique.
I wonder if other people admire cactus like I do?
They fascinate me.
Peace!
We parked along the Beverly Hills residential side streets and as we drove off we literally were stunned by some of the landscaping outside the homes! This house even had wildlife sculptures.
We decided to keep driving and routed ourselves to Santa Monica Beach, just to check it out. I have never been and wanted to see what the Pier was all about.
View from across the way. We parked in a secure garage for only 10$ but had a bit of a walk to see the sites.
Noticed these animals burrowing into the hillside. We later found out they are called California Ground Squirrels.
We made it down to the beach level.
As we approached the pier, there was a man blowing these remarkable bubbles!
He was entertaining us all.
Visibility was very limiting. But that didn’t stop the families from coming out.
Right off the pier we saw this beautiful mural.
The art vibe here is so unique. Very different than any other city.
We found a Mexican restaurant that offered two for one margaritas, so we sat for a few. After that we decided to check out the Nordstrom’s, which was across the street from us, and Zoe scored some awesome work clothes. Amazing how things work out if you go with the flow. The mall just wasn’t meant to be.
We took the outdoor shopping walkway back to our car. It had started to rain, but it was still warm.
There was a DJ playing who I am sure expected a better weathered Saturday night.
Took this last shot of what looked like an older pavilion now turned ice-cream shop.
I was so happy that Zoe invited me out to see her offices. We stopped by after having a late brunch the following weekend. I was finally feeling better and wanted to get out. She figured out how to take the bus and goes into work at least once a week. This was the weekend, so only the cleaning crew were around to meet.
Outside the building which is pretty secure.
The walkway to the check in point, where Zoe scanned her official badge.
Inside felt like it was its own resort or movie set. Took this photo of the Writer’s Building.
In the entryway headed up to her floor.
It was pristine! Who wouldn’t want to work here? They offered free coffee and snacks and the building was modern and inspiring.
This is what a first job should look like. Very different than my small shared cubbies in Manhattan.
Apparently everyone is just starting to get back into the office habits after a long stint of Covid remote work.
I was debating with Sedona last night about whether it should be required or not. She felt like it was my generation pushing it on the younger generation, who is perfectly content working behind the screen and not being forced to interact with coworkers.
Now working remote myself, I see the differences. I can’t imagine who I would be if I hadn’t spent my first job days with other assistants my age, quickly becoming friends and helping each other with work, life and getting into trouble. Or how different my knowledge would be if I didn’t later work at SKL, becoming friends over the years with many who otherwise would’ve never crossed my path. The diversity of the people you meet at work vs every day life on your own. The help and understanding you receive and give when face to face vs emailing.
I enjoy the flexibility of remote work. Especially now that I am older. But I can’t imagine my life without the requirement of being in an office. Just food for thought as companies transition between varying opinions on this topic.
So happy to see her work location. I remembered when my mom and dad would come visit me in New York and take my bosses out to lunch. I wished I could’ve met her boss, Kim, who is so very supportive and encouraging. I know we will get along.
Walking back down their hedge-lined security wall. LA surprises me. I look forward to discovering more that there is to uncover.
Moving in was quite a feat and was tough to get settled. Zoe didn’t come with any furniture pieces so unpacking was challenging until we figured out the floor plan/layout of her studio, what we should buy and where to place it all.
She found a Habitat for Hunanity store where we scored several key pieces! It was a start.
As we were settling, I was also trying to see what was new and what there was to appreciate in her new neighborhood. Where to walk… and where not to.
I would often wake up earlier than Zoe and one morning decided to head out for a walk. I would say a friendly “hello” to all the neighbors as I passed. I put on my “Kassie” smile and tried to make friends wherever I walked. Even talked to a delivery man and a skateboarder wearing this new mom persona of mine.
There are plenty of blooming trees. Also shocked at how many lemon trees freely grow along the sidewalks. Free to pick.
Zoe in her space- trying to figure it all out. She is blessed to have such a huge closet!
I walked past this fun Mexican Restaurant just a couple blocks away and noted the Public Storage as a landmark to seek to get back my bearings.
Cactus sprouting buds too.
My goal was this unique coffee shop about 1 mile away in Silver Lake area under the main hwy that separated us.
I spotted it. It was a lighthouse shaped cafe with no indoor seating.
The menu was all plant based, vegan, etc- and no prices on the menu.
Adorable outdoor seating area.
I spent 40$ on a couple coffees and sandwiches. I carried one set home and Zoe claimed it was the best and worth the 20$ price tag.
I opted for a ham and cheese croissant with an espresso. Very European of me 🙂 Classy place offering sparkling water also.
Loved the messages on the sidewalk. Was sporting my crazy comfort sneaker Ms. Deb bought for me when I returned from Phuket.
Simple messages on the doors- brilliant.
After waking up, eating some breakfast, Zoe and I had a day ahead of us of furniture shopping. As we were driving we spotted this adorable open aired bar/cafe. We pulled into a parking spot right outside and decided to get a snack there. Love days with flexible agendas. Everyone needs them.
Anyone that knows me knows I have to order the beer called “bunny with a chainsaw”.
Was soaking in the much needed fresh air. LA must be known for all its open venues.
The bartender explained that every beer from this brewery had a story on the can.
Zoe opted for a Bloody Mary- and we both left happy.
I took a snap shot of where we were so we wouldn’t forget the area. Not far from where she is living- in Koreatown.
Later as we went shopping I admired their frank signage.
I also adored how the crossing for pedestrians has its own light. I never experienced that before. Cars take turns. Then ‘all go’ walking from every corner, all at the same time.
Admiring the architecture in this location.
And of course the palm tree lined streets that symbolize LA.
A much later finally settled “after shot”. Perfect first apartment. Perfect location. Feeling very fortunate to have been part of exploring and helping her settle there.
After escaping Bear Lake, a total blessing looking back now, seeing the many feet of snow they got the weekend after- I was back at Zoe’s studio apartment alone. She was staying in a hotel for the Image Awards Show, a black tie event. She was working in their hospitality department organizing and welcoming guests. I was excited that she was going to wear one of my skirts I’d saved from a wedding I was in back in the 90s. So fun that my 20s aged fashion is back in just in time for hers. I saved a lot of what I thought was my cool stuff and love how my daughters embrace it.
So I was left alone and intended to surprise her with helping her to unpack and get her situated in her new apartment. You know, cleaning, hanging pictures, etc. But instead I found myself barely able to move. I made an appointment at the urgent care and found out I had bronchitis and covid. Thank God for antibiotics. My weekend was spent sleeping on her mattress on the floor.
I did manage to order her a bed frame which she later cursed me for while putting it together. Somehow shopping online is still manageable while 😷 ill.
I didn’t want Zoe to return and have to endure my coughing and complete dependence so I booked another random Airbnb. The weather here was rainy, gloomy and chilly. Much like the Ohio weather I left behind. Now sick, all I wanted was peace and sleep.
Zoe at the event.
I drove out of town and it was the first time I’d seen the LA downtown area.
As I pulled down the street of my Airbnb I knew I had picked the right place with the Italian tree lined street. Fantastic trees!!
The place I selected was based on pricing. It appeared to be only 20 minutes from Zoe’s place. Once I arrived and medicated up, I tried to rest only realizing yet again these LA homes don’t have heat.
The next morning I texted the owner who told me there was an electric space heater in the closet and I basically had that by my side as I worked and slept through my Monday.
I didn’t want to waste my entire stay in bed so I dragged my butt down the street 15 minutes to Manhattan Beach before I lost daylight
It was so quiet. Chilly. Empty. Well maintained. Beautiful.
A ton of volleyball courts. Housing along the paved walkways where many locals were out walking their dogs.
I walked down the pier and stopped to watch a few people enjoying the water.
My energy was low but I felt renewed forcing myself to see natures beauty again. Seeing the ocean was much needed. If I left this great Earth tomorrow I would be filled.
I loved capturing my elongated shadow as I looked back up the street that brought me here. My place was literally 15 minutes off Manhattan Beach Ave.
The next day I mentioned to the owner of my company that I walked the seaside in attempts to feel better. She told me I was very close to where she used to live, Hermosa Beach.
I decided I would try to make time to go there to send her a few photos before I left this area of California.
The next day was the end of the month and I knew I had to return Crystal to the rental place. What I wasn’t sure of was if they would allow me to do so in LA. I was told by the Cincinnati location that I had to come back to Cincy, but I was told by others that Cali area was desperate for cars so they’d usually accept them. What do I know? I never read the fine lines of anything I agree to.
I drove to LAX and waited in my car for the man to check if any charges would occur. He said I was good to go. I asked where I could rent a car (instead of the big van I had) and he directed me inside. As I waited in line ( don’t worry I was not contagious according to the doctor since I’d had my symptoms for two weeks prior to diagnosis- again, what do I know?) a receipt popped up in my email saying I was charged $2000 for my car return.
When I got to the counter I told the employee that I wanted my van back. He said it couldn’t happen because they closed the agreement. I explained what was told to me vs what I was charged and he went to discuss with the manager. We went back and forth for over an hour. I had tears silently running down my face and felt like I was going to vomit. This was pushing my physical and emotional limits. I don’t have $2,000 to throw away like that. I started spiraling thinking about what I could’ve done with that money instead.
I kept saying there had to be some way to change it. Eventually, Alvin, who kept telling me it would be okay, miraculously reopened my account and had to assign me a new van at a higher cost but I had to return it to Cincinnati in 14 days. I felt so sick, I had no idea how in the world I was going to make that happen. I knew I couldn’t drive back alone. I had no strength. I couldn’t stop crying. Poor Alvin kept saying “ don’t cry Tonya” and I kept saying I couldn’t help it.
When I left, I found the new rental and completely lost it in the car. After a few deep breaths, I decided to go to Hermosa Beach in attempts to reset my distraught brain. George tried to call but I told him I didn’t want to talk.
The homes were interesting along the walkway. I captured this and sent it to the owner to enjoy as she remained in the snow of Colorado. Truly breathtaking. The sky. The emptiness. The pier in the background with the lifeguard station. Forcing myself through. Grabbed a coffee for energy. California beaches are different than the Carolina’s or Florida’s. I really appreciated being able to see them. The rainbow may now be illegal in Florida or Missouri ( according to Georges NPR updates). That was sarcasm. Across from the pier was a wide area filled with restaurants and shops. Statue by the pier. Surfing is everywhere. I think if I lived here I’d learn. But I’d have to buy a wet suit. That may not happen. Looking back. Trying to breathe it in. Why are natures color combinations so perfect?The pier was empty. I kept trying to appreciate what I was taking in. Walked past this mural on my way out. Also walked past quite a few sun baked beach bums that must live in the area. Succulent landscaping is so new to me. Is really beautiful. The trees here are also so different than what I’m used to seeing in the Midwest. It’s fun to see new shapes and leaves. So unique.
As I drove back to the Airbnb I called George. I started crying again describing how I couldn’t get my car back and how I had to drive this new van, which I couldn’t figure out, back to Cincinnati. How I may need antidepressants. I couldn’t get control of my emotions.
He said “ What day do you need to have the car back in Cincinnati?” Then he said, okay, I just booked a flight. I’ll come and drive you home.
Seems time escaped me with full time work obligations, a lover that I continue to cherish, trying to keep up with my daughters growth while commuting every other week to Louisville. I love looking back on my year to reflect on all the things I did in 2022. Helps me to appreciate the joy, friendships and moments the have built into who I have become.
Taking the time to reflect and appreciate instead of continually pushing forward. My photos and blog are my way to remember my life story. Jane Eitel texted me to wish me a happy new year and asked that I continue to write. She literally made me cry with this small request, but it was so meaningful to me.
During KangKang’s visit during Christmas, she read our tarot cards. It was amazing how accurate each of them was to what we were going through. I pulled out a card with white rabbits jumping with a symbol of yin/yang= balance. Calling out my lack of balance and how I needed to be still. Ironically George bought me a necklace for Christmas, which came the following day. Without him knowing the cards that were read to me, when I opened the box, there was a necklace with a small rabbit charm on it. I love that shit. The irony and perfection of timing in life. I now wear my necklace nonstop and hold onto the charm whenever I need to make a selfish decision to find my balance.
January: came with winter hikes, covid outbreaks and Zoe going to Guyana to find her roots.
February: a trip to Columbus with George to see a couple art exhibits and drink beers with my Findlay boys that I love so much.
Unfortunately on the drive home from that Columbus trip, my girls called and said it was time to put Cookie down. He wasn’t moving and we knew there was nothing more we could do. Zoe and Sedona had been nursing him with chicken broth and rice for as long as they could. He was such a special dog in our lives- there are no words as it still hurts to think of him.
The end of February had a much needed road trip to South Carolina with George. Squeezed in a visit with Kassie and The Souply Repetto clan and my aunt and uncle along the way. I cherished this time with people and also the week I spent alone.
March: complete with a hike visiting the Forest Giants, time with my kiddos and an Elle King concert with Kevin.
April: filled with pet sitting, hiking with Sarah, Nancy and birthday dinners. My girls got me a Marc Jacob computer bag to match theirs! I love it. Guess which one is mine. I also reunited with my friend Sabrina who fast forward 6 months is working with me at my new company.
End of April was a trip to Chattanooga with George to explore a city I have never been to before. Complete with an inspiring waterfall escape.
May: was a perfect Mother’s Day trip to Knoxsville, Tennessee with Zoe and Sedona. Literally the first night we arrived we had a blast filled with memories that will be with us forever.
End of May was a beautiful experience watching a ballet thanks to free tickets from my friend Rebecca. Also a fun trip with Debbie to Dayton where thank goodness we could not agree on a matching tatoo 🙂 and a music festival in Lousiville with my daughters.
June: summer began with a boat ride with the Leurcks, one last lakehouse escape with Rebecca, Maysville with George, week in Chicago and a concert with Sedona.
July: complete with a lake house soak at Stephanie’s then a trip to Cleveland where George got to meet the infamous Bobby and Lisa Kunkle and my dear friend from NY- May.
Late July was a week away in Michigan to visit my sister Trisha in her new home. Could not have been a better visit!
August: was a blast reuniting with my Michigan Avenue crew at a party hosted by the Leurcks in honor of their nephew and a road trip to Athens to visit my friend Anne Newton.
Also in August Todd came down and took a tour of the underground brewery tunnels and I went to Columbus to meet my student Kangkang and drink a bottle of champagne with my forever college roommate Cindy.
September: trip to Bowling Green Kentucky, a Reds Game with my girls and seeing Alanis Morissette rock the stage in Louisville. I also finally got to meet Charlie, George’s daughter. After 1 1/2 years of dating its fun to now have her dynamic added into our life together.
October: filled with Halloween fun, Blink 2022 back in Cincy and more fall hikes.
Early November: I went on a solo trip to Red River Gorge, West Virginia. A wonderful regroup. On my drive back I was able to say hello to my nephew Layne and his wife who are temporarily settled in northern Kentucky. Haven’t seen them in literally 3 years!
Also in November I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with George and Charlie, onboard my friend Karen to my company while staying in Pennsylvania where I also met up with Esra, my Turkish student. Then came back to party with Beth and Linda to celebrate her 60th birthday!
December: new traditions and holiday memories.
It’s been a wonderful year filled with so much I am grateful for. The ability to travel, discover new places, fulfilled as my love for George continues to grow and my daughters launch into their careers and adulthood.
I need to reset 2023 with some better self care habits that are kinder to my aging body. Slow down my pace to include time for me to think, meditate and connect to my soul’s purpose. Feed my instinct to open the energy for what’s next to come.
God knows where that will take me but for sure will be filled with further adventures and fun.
Our holiday season started off with going down to Louisville to see George’s daughter in a play. My daughters came down early in the afternoon and we had a blast shopping in Nulu and checking out a brewery which is located near to where we hope- to- be- George’s new Hive and Barrel location in the future. There was an old fashion photo booth and we had to buy a couple rounds just for fun!
Zoe and Sedona love Christmas and do all the baking and decorating around the house. I am nicknamed The Grinch, which is appropriate. I get overwhelmed with all the holiday fuss. These days I can’t even say I do a lot with Christmas, my daughters truly picked up the responsibility of it all. But somehow I still am a ball of stress.
Sedona purchased our first artificial tree and they decorated it beautifully. At a certain point in their childhood, I divvied up the ornaments and they have been in charge of putting them on the tree ever since. Its amazing how many memories ornaments hold.
Sedona purchased new stockings for our blended family and we had fun stuffing them with random small gifts we picked up along the way. Totally scored at World Market.
We all went to the Festival of Lights this year and literally picked the best day! A Tuesday night which had warm weather and not too many people.
Took a photo outside the tree just like when they were little.
The jellyfish lanterns were so creative. I haven’t been to zoo in years and they really do a great job with their displays.
Christmas day we all wore our matching pjs and did nothing but eat, drink and play games. I picked up my Taiwanese student from OSU and brought her down to join in the fun and experience an American holiday. What an experience to join this crazie crew 🙂
Zoe ready to open the presents. The girls designate a wrapping pattern per person. Its so cute.
Everyone got mini lego toys and Sedona mastered hers.
Love that Ki joined us for the holidays too since his family was out of town. It was fun having him join our traditions.
KangKang and I headed back down to Louisville after Christmas and I showed her around some of the sights. Had her pose by the Louisville Slugger bat. Taught her about Muhammed Ali and the famous Riverboats. Thought it was cool taking her across a state border to experience a different state.
She was always cold and was constantly drinking hot water. I took her to Feast, a BBQ place to experience some Kentucky food culture. She was also introduced to Mexican food and loved it.
On our return route home I took her on a very brief tour of Cincinnati . The blizzard came through before Christmas which prevented us from driving around previously.
I ended my holiday season watching my daughter’s best friend Tracy’s wedding on New Year’s Eve. It was the perfect way to end my year. So happy for her and witnessing the hope of young love celebrated.
This was the first wedding my daughters were in. I remembered being in several before my own. It brought back memories of crazy taffeta dresses.
Here’s hoping 2023 brings many new memories and beginnings!
I’m posting this one about a month late, which is a great reminder to me that I need to regroup soon on what I enjoy. I feel a bit lost without my blog. Whenever I let it go, I feel ungrounded. Am both happy and sad to have found this draft- unfinished. Gave me something to complete on my sick day. 🤔
“The last day of my retreat. Always hard leaving your vacation life knowing it is so much easier without any responsibility or work. I miss my Phuket days. Just living. At least I was able to capture that for these couple days.
November 8 is Election Day and I voted early because I knew I would be back to work and it would be nuts trying to catch up. Why is it that we don’t have the day off the vote? I’m so glad absentee ballots are available. It’s not always easy to accommodate your schedule to get to the designated voting places. I remember when I worked and had small children I would have to wake up super early to get there right as they opened before the lines formed. Something seems off about that. My Brazilian students told me they all vote on Sunday and its a requirement for a citizen. They even provide buses for remote locations. Its a total day set aside for the country to vote.
When I first saw this church, I was amazed at how many people were going in and out of it. I sat observing from across the street while eating breakfast. When I went to take a closer look, I realized it was also a cafe and bookstore. No wonder it was so popular.
Inside was adorable, complete with a gift shop on the upper level.
They had a full bar complete with mimosa choices, wonderful coffee, breakfast and desserts.
I was glad I stopped in and took a look. I ended up getting an amazing almond latte that tasted like it contained a liqueur. Was a perfect way to head out of West Virginia. I was going to check out a waterfall named Cathedral Falls. Seems appropriate after stopping in this cafe.
On my way I went over a bridge and underneath looked like a perfect spot to walk on rocks in the river below. So I pulled over and squeezed past a chainlink fence to find this trail.
There was a warning sign noting that this could all be quickly covered if the dam broke upstream.
Getting down to the water was a struggle. I realize how much strength and confidence I’ve lost over these last few years. I took a tumble and was happy my head didn’t bounce off a rock. The terrain was hidden beneath a thick leaf coverage making my footage difficult to judge.
I sat for a bit watching the light bounce off the water.
Was nice being alone in nature. I was sure no right minded soul was going to come down this same trail. For a second, made me wonder about my own judgement.
Was pretty as far as dead can be. Bland. But still interesting with its textures and play with reflection and light.
I made my way back up easier than I thought. And I headed further down the road to see the waterfall. It was such a small alcove I could’ve driven right past it. A parking lot with room for maybe four cars and a simple walkway to the falls. No major hiking required.
Was calm. Peaceful.
Looking back at the bridge I crossed to get here.
Something about the sound is so comforting.
I got up as close as I could and sat for a bit.
Showing perspective with the man walking out. The fall wasn’t so big but felt more powerful as you approached.
Love the term waterfall wanderer. I wish I would’ve known about this “ waterfall trail”. Could’ve been a fun way to discover some others.
I took the scenic route home along the waters edge and was fascinated by the river towns tightly clustered together along the shoreline or tucked into the base of a mountain.
As I was google mapping my way home I realized I’d be driving through Maysville where I heard my nephew and wife now temporarily reside. He’s a traveling nurse and they are making their way from Upstate New York down to Kentucky. I texted to see if I could pop by. I haven’t seen them in over 4 years. Was happy they agreed!
Layne and Katherine found this great farm where they could park their camper and board their horses. Was wonderful seeing them again and knowing they are both doing well.
Tonya Takes Thailand 