A few weekends ago, we spent the afternoon in Santa Barbara. We said hello to StepDad, who if you remember, is floating around in the ocean after we spread his ashes. It was the anniversary of his death, so we hung out for a while. RJ played in the waves, while SS and I watched from dry land. Two years, and the pain is still very real. Missing him every day.
#MissYouStepDad
Well, our Summer fun with Lil’ SS has come to an end. Her mom was in town this past weekend to pick her up, and while it was a little sad to see her go, we know she’d rather be with her friends, than hanging out with me. Let’s be honest.
Her and the three other people she came out with, wanted to spend Saturday at the beach. But when we woke up Saturday morning and realized it was going to be raining for the majority of the day, we decided our previous plans for Santa Monica beach were probably not a great idea. SS checked the weather at one of our favorite beaches more north, and when we saw clear skies until 4pm, we hopped in the car and headed that way.
A short hour and a half later, we were all playing out in the surf. All eight of us. And it was amazing. There were rainclouds all around us, in every direction. But directly above us, was clear blue skies.
For almost four hours, we splashed, rode waves, ate snacks, dug in the sand, and climbed rocks.
Just before 4pm, the clouds covered the sun and down came the rain. That was our cue. Enough time in the sun.
Let’s be honest, it always makes me a little nervous to spend time with Lil’ SS’s mom. I think it’s just a territory thing. Lil’ SS is hers, not mine, so my motherly feelings tend to hide away when she’s around. However, we had a wonderful visit with them and I would invite them back any time. [I can’t go into my feelings and emotions on the whole situation right now, because that’s not what this post is about, but I assure you, there will be a time for that at a later date.]
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend just as much as we did. I’m headed to go play with my now 15-year-old.
Where does the time go?
Today…
I woke up to the beautiful sounds of the parakeets chirping in the backyard. (Kyle is a MUCH more chatty bird than Kurt.) I sat in the backyard, just as the sun was coming up, and chatted with an early morning visitor. It was just before 6am, and I was eager to start my day.
We had big plans.
I packed up a weekends worth of clothes, and this cool present, and hopped in the car. Off we went…
Helloooooooooooooooo Santa Barbara. Oh how I’ve missed you.
We took a trip around the pier… (got up close and personal with a few flighty friends)
…and under the pier (*wink wink*).
I had a few too many pineapple drinks at one of my favorite restaurants…
…we studied about sharks…. (these are sharks inside an egg case. they were attached to a sack, with an umbilical cord and all, and were moving around. I kick myself for not taking video.)
…and then just sat on the beach. And relaxed. And talked. And people watched. And talked some more. And laughed. And hugged. And laughed some more.
We got back in the car, drove about 30 minutes, and had dinner. Carne Asada…why have I not been eating this EVERY time I go out? Yummy!!
And I got a brand new sweatshirt out of it…..
I love days off. And I love spending them at the beach even more.
10:30 this morning, Mom and I went to have breakfast before heading out. I had chicken fried steak & eggs. And a beer. i love vacation.
Mom and I took a drive up the coast today. Here’s what I saw…
We stopped for a beer here…
And this was my view from the bar…
This is the Marionberry dessert Mom ate. And she ate the WHOLE thing.
This cute little couple was sitting at this corner window, that looked out at the same view I could see from the bar (see photo above). They had lunch and then sat there, sipping iced tea, and playing cards. So super cute!
We hiked down a bunch of stairs to this…
I made Mom stop at the store on the way home so I could satisfy a marshmallow craving. Mmm.
See ya’ll tomorrow….
Today, I wish I was sitting on a rock, looking out at the beach.
I don’t want to hear people talking. I don’t want to hear traffic. I don’t want to hear dogs barking or tractors running. I just want to sit and listen to the waves crash on the shore. I want to hold the hand of the one I love, lean my head on his shoulder, and whisper I Love You.
Today, I wish I was sitting on a rock, looking out at the beach.
