#2951 three things: California edition

 T and I spent a long weekend in southern California with Mama and Lizzie. It was a nice getaway for me before the crush of summer, and I was so happy that T was there, too. Here are three takeaways from the visit.

1. The views from Griffith Observatory are phenomenal. Even though the day was kind of hazy, I was delighted to be up in the Hollywood hills overlooking the valley. The Hollywood sign proudly stood her ground in the hills, and the skyscrapers of Los Angeles shimmered through the haze in the distance. The weather was warm, but not hot, and a breeze kept us feeling happy and fresh. It's very cool and pretty amazing that you can enter the Observatory and look around at the exhibits free of charge. In the evenings, you can even look through the telescope at no cost. You do have to pay to park, and if you want to see a show in one of the theaters, you have to pay for that, too. Otherwise, it is free to roam around the building and the grounds, and it is very beautiful. 

We asked a passing fellow if he would take our photo, and he was kind enough to do it. I absolutely love how they came out because we all are smiling and looking happy.

The HOLLYWOOD sign is on the hill behind us!

2. It was great to be back at the ballpark.  On Sunday afternoon, Lizzie drove T and I to San Diego and the three of us went to the Padres/Mariners game. I love Petco Park. It's nestled downtown with the Coronado Bridge on one side and the skyscrapers on the other.. It was a gorgeous day; we had great seats, and even though the Padres lost on that afternoon, I was still extremely happy to be there with my sister and my son. I indulged in one too many adult beverages and got a little silly, but it was all good fun.

3. The baristas at Lizzie's Starbucks are the bomb! Lizzie and I like coffee, and we regularly go to the Starbucks on Rosecrans and La Mirada. Lizzie has been going there for years has a nice rapport with the baristas. When I am there, they always greet me with a friendly, "Hi Lizzie's sister!" or even by name. I'm blown away by their friendliness. There is another coffee shop Lizzie goes to, usually on Sunday morning, and the barista there is wonderful, too. I really like that level of nice-ness. 

BONUS THING! Although I don't have any photos of the baristas, I will leave with this pic Lizzie took when we went for a walk on Monday morning. There are so many trails of different levels in the hills near Mom and Lizzie's house. Lizzie is an avid hiker, but I prefer what I like to call a nature walk - nothing too strenuous, but off the road and sidewalks. Lizzie took me on two such trails over the weekend, and I totally loved it. I loved the smell of pine and eucalyptus, the blooming wildflowers, and the bougainvillea that was everywhere. Monday we walked to a man-made lake where people were fishing, ducks were swimming, and turtles were sunning themselves on the little rocks. It was just lovely, and once again, I was super happy to be there. Here's the pic Lizzie took with the lake behind us.