That long flight was worth it! Second shot done and I feel so relieved!

And it was so easy! I had to change the location for this shot as I am in Newport Beach, kitty sitting and didn’t want to have to drive down to Laguna Niguel where I had the first one. As I used the same pharmacy chain, they had my info. I responded to the alerts sent to remind me the day before, then half an hour ahead and then to “Click Here to Check In.” With California “opening up” tomorrow, I feel like I got my shots just in time!

It’s been an interesting few weeks - actually I’ve been here almost a month! From Betsy and Barry’s, I went up to Ryan’s as that’s where my official doctors are and I’m now catching up on basic medical stuff that hasn’t been handled for two years. Nothing major, all routine stuff but just a lot easier to be there instead of having to drive 1 1/2 hours (depending on traffic) for a doctor visit.

Now I am in Newport for about 3 weeks before the road trip to Washington. Timing is not so good as it puts me on the road the week leading up to 4th of July so I just have to hope I can find reasonable motels along the way. I’m planning on just 2 nights on the road and 3 days of driving, each about 6 hours. I used to do it in 2 days but that is exhausting.

This living out of a suitcase takes me back to those couple years when I was on the road continuously, house sitting; different kitties and dogs every week; different locations and for a lot of that time, I had no car so was having to rely on the almost non-existent public transportation. It’s such a transient feeling and I remember feeling completely rootless and those feelings do surface quite frequently! But now I can remind myself of my little place in South Africa, my base.

But on that note…I am really concerned that South Africa may be in the midst of this 3rd wave of Covid when it’s time for me to head back. And even though I’m now fully vaccinated, it’s still a scary thought. But I’ve decided I’m not going to think about it now as there is nothing I can do about it!

Being back in this area, my old stomping ground, is interesting. A lot has changed but on the other hand, a lot is the same. After getting my shot this morning, I drove around the area a bit; businesses have changed names, some older buildings have been razed and replace and others have facelifts. But essentially, it’s the same - if you don’t look at the property price tags!

This past weekend, I took the Amtrak Surfliner down to San Diego to see Georgia. It’s so much more relaxing than battling the freeway traffic. The train was miraculously on time on a brilliantly clear morning. And it stayed on schedule all the way down the coast. Business Class on the train wasn’t quite the same as Business Class on Lufthansa but we did get coffee and a bun! From the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, I Ubered to South Park. What a pleasure to see Georgia again.

The house, is of course, the same but only one kitty now. Max sadly went over the rainbow a few months ago. And Moonie was hiding so barely saw him. Georgia and I had such a good day. Soraya from next door came over and we drank a bit too much Prosecco, catching up and then “doing lunch” at Buono Forchetta, the favorite neighborhood restaurant. It’s such a pretty little area and Georgia knows just about everyone!

The day went by so fast and I got the sunset special train coming north.

Ryan will be back from Nashville tomorrow and I’m looking forward to “doing something” with him this coming weekend. And my dear friends, Steve and Cathy are coming up to Newport from Encinitas later this week for lunch at the Blue Water Grill. That’s going to be such a treat; it’s years since I was there.

And something to ease the pain of leaving - Betsy, June and I are doing a 3night/4 day trip to Valle de Guadalupe, the wine valley in Mexico. We’re renting a casita within walking distance of some of the wineries (apparently). I don’t know if it will ease the departure or make it worse. But it will make good memories to take with me.