Mom And Mel Come!

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Julian California

A friend from work told me about this place called Julian, tucked in the mountains between here and San Diego (kinda) and fun for a day visit. She didn't tell me that you have to drive through hell, literally, to get to it. I packed up Niko and set out innocently enough. I knew it was 2 1/2 hours. Too long really.  But hey, what else do I have to do? Nothing! 

This is the most desert of deserts I have ever driven through. I think Survivor Man should go and film a show there. Maybe though, it's too dangerous. No way out once you start. I even felt like I was in a Verizon Wireless commercial. You know, the dead zone ones, that are kinda creepy in their own way.  The funny thing is, I really didn't have a cell phone signal, and began to wonder if I should switch to Verizon. Then I realized not even they would have service there. It's the dead zone of the planet. I'm certain of it. I was praying that the car would keep running, and pushing bad visions of Niko and I trying to walk out of the desert, me sometimes riding on his back, out of my mind. But look, here we are in the car both smiling! We are almost there and we feel as if we have conquered all bad things. But what about the drive home? We are in denial over that still!

Why the white dresses? This store was almost 100% imports from Peru. I love their beautiful hand knit items. I was in Chile and bought a sweater from a little ol' Peruvian lady. So I spent a lot of time in that store. It was just so much fun.

Of course, I also found a European bakery. How would I ever miss something so tempting. In a land full of apple pie (and I am not a fan of apple pie) I found eclairs!!! YES! And it was hard to choose between quiche, tiramisu, and other chocolate delights. 

This picture of an old blind man does no justice to how awesome he really was. This guy had talent! And you could hear him up and down the street singing his patriotic songs. This pic is actually a video I took of him, but I couldn't figure out how to post it. I need to get my friend Jana to show me that one day!

Just Plain Yuma

Laura tells me that my blog is lacking and I need to post something new. Guess what? There is nothing to post! But I am working on something coming up soon. I know, you all can't wait. Well, put your seat belts on because it will be quite a ride! In the meantime, I want all you friends and family to know that I am alive and kicking here. I have a gym membership here now and have really enjoyed going to the classes. Last night was Zumba. Anyone done it? I felt ridiculous but so did everyone else, so we all sweated and laughed and shook our hips together! It was fun. It is VERY humbling to dance in front of a full length mirror. So you think you can dance?! Umm,.... no sir, absolutely not.