Updates!

Hi All! Sorry for the long absence. I intended to post sooner, but my computer went haywire and wouldn't connect to the internet the whole time I was in Cali. (And since I've been back, I've been slammed with work and school!) Plus, I was really enjoying the opportunity to relax! I had plans to do more while I was there, but I ended up being content to under-plan, so that it actually felt like a vacation. So here's what I ended up doing:

- For the first couple of days, I could hardly turn around without falling asleep. My body was ready, after the months of sleep deprivation... So I got a lot of napping in at first!

- I got to see my other Mom and Dad (aka: Larry and Karin, Shana's parents). We went over there for Sunday dinner, just like normal. The strangest part was how normal it all felt - like no time had passed. Plus, BrAngela was there, so we had some good laughs! The food and the company was equally enjoyable!

Brad & Angela Rivers

- Another goal for my visit was to watch the first 2 seasons of Dr. Who, as I'd only seen random episodes, but couldn't follow the full storyline. Luckily, Gecky and Shana have those on dvd, so I watched both seasons. Mmmm... Love the Doctor and Rose! (both versions...)

Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor (prior to regeneration)

David Tennant as The Doctor (post-regeneration)

- Not necessarily a goal, but I did also watch a BBC miniseries, Cranford, and a current movie version of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Both were good, and employed handsome actors. Thank you, BBC!

- To satisfy another goal for the trip, I also read 2 1/2 books. Well, I meant to finish all 3, but my homework took up way too much of my time! Darn stats... (Which I ended up getting an A in.) ...don't worry - I finished the 3rd book as soon as I got home. Now I'm all ready for Aug. 2.

- And, after 9 long years, I finally returned to Sea Ranch! Aaahhh... Shana and I got out of the smoky valley and enjoyed the coastal air for 3 days and it was worth every cent! We relaxed, ate deli sandwiches (why are they so much nummier at Sea Ranch?!?!), went hiking to some beaches, searched for shells, did a little shopping in Gualala, and just enjoyed the peace and quiet. Here are some of my fave pics from the coast:

Outside our rental house

This little seal kept us from going on Shell Beach the first day. Argh...

This used to be more of a gradual staircase. Erosion makes beach-combing more exciting...
I mean, you have to REALLY want to get to this beach!

We call this one Bowling Ball Beach. Not sure why...

And this stinky, slimy mess is why Northern California beaches are different.
...And one of the reasons for my unnatural fear of the water. I don't like stuff (like this!) touching my legs.

I love the geography at this beach...
Must have been something big to turn all these cliffs on their side...

I'm not really sure how THIS got here...

We even got to stop by the Jelly Belly factory on our way home. Yay!

Wind-dried hair is not a good look for me.
...Unless you REALLY miss the 90's.

All too soon, I had to leave paradise and come back to Utard. :( I'm jumping back into the swing of things, aside from the strange freedom of Hannah still being gone.

Coming soon... An update on Hannah-bug. She's doing pretty well! (Aside from a few mini-meltdowns...)