Will Rogers State Park

Day 3 SOL

A few days ago while in Playa Del Rey where my niece lives we took time to take a hike at Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades, CA .  It's about a 1 mile uphill treck to the top of Inspiration Point.  I have to admit it was a little tough, but the view at the top was breathtaking! Such a "feel good" way to spend the morning getting out into nature! After a little rest and a bottle of water we headed back.  I was glad the return trip was all downhill!!

Packing Day in Sunny California

SOL Day 2

Today I am writing from California.  My sister and I came for what began as a short 5 day visit to see my niece and nephew. However, a few weeks before we were to leave  my nephew Jason decided that the almost 2 hour commute to work from downtown LA to Orange County was just too much!  So we extended our stay for almost 2 weeks to help him pack up and move to another apartment. Ahh one of the great things about retirement . . . being able to change plans at a moments notice!!!  It's going to be very hard for him to leave the downtown area but hopefully he will enjoy his new neighborhood as well. Downtown LA as you can imagine is a plethora of activity!  For such a busy city I have to say it's quite clean!  The view of the city from his current apartment is really nice, however what I love is this beautiful park nestled in between all the tall buildings!  Now it's time to get to work and start filling the empty boxes! Stay tuned for the new view . . .

It's March!

SOL Day 1

Here we are another SOL March Challenge!  This is my 5th year participating.  It's always a bit overwhelming thinking about writing something, everyday! So today, I thought I would give a little of my background.  I am a retired teacher from the Chicagoland area.  After retirement, we moved to New Mexico.  I am thoroughly enjoying retirement as well as my life here in New Mexico.  I have embraced the beauty of this state, the people, the culture and the over all "energy" I feel living here. I have discovered some awesome places to hike, as well as a few places to relax outside taking in some breath taking views! Certainly I miss friends still living back in Chicago, but thankfully so many have come to visit and I can share this wonderful place with them!  However, one thing I really miss . . . Chicago pizza ;-). I will share some of this place this month with you!  The photo below is what I am so fortunate to look at everyday!  The beautiful Sandia Mountain Range.

Few Words From Kiki

It's been a while since I've posted my thoughts on SOL so I thought it was time again!  I'm very excited and I wanted to share the good news.  My aunt is coming very soon to visit and I couldn't be happier!  I went to visit her in New Mexico for Thanksgiving and my mom let me stay through Christmas.  I just love spending time there and believe me I get spoiled like you wouldn't believe.  I feel so much love when I am there!  I added some pictures and I'm sure you will see why I love spending time with her

Sometimes I just sit on the couch and watch TV with them . . . they watch some very interesting programs!

This is my favorite spot!  My aunt made up a bed for me when she saw how much I love this spot  in her closet!  Talk about comfy . . . awesome!

I really love hanging out in my aunt's bedroom.  She had to cover the chair because my uncle is a tiny bit allergic sometimes.

I love looking out the window too!  I turned so she could take a picture of me!  She loves doing that!

I don't like water, but I thought to be respectful I should clean myself in the appropriate area.

Yup, that's me laying on my aunt's lap . . . so so content!

Surprise Email

As part of this writing community for 5 years now, it's amazing how connected you become with people you may never meet!  Reading their stories, as well as sharing parts of yourself creates this special kind of "bond".  So imagine my surprise when I received an email from Judy from "my reading blog," also the mom of Michelle from "literacy zone" telling me she was stopping through New Mexico for a day and would I like to finally meet!  I was really excited to finally meet Judy because I was so fortunate enough to work with Michelle for quite a few years before retiring.  It was Michelle after all, who brought her mom and I into this wonderful community of writers. We set the day to meet for dinner in Old Town Albuquerque.  Our dinner almost didn't happen however, because I transposed a number when giving Judy my cell number!  But all worked out and not only did I get to meet Judy, but also her charming husband as well!  It was a lovely evening, with lively conversation.  It was a little like having Michelle here . . . I do miss her ;-)  When I texted Michelle that we had set the day to meet, I told her we would send a selfie!  Such a treat meeting these two very special people!

Our "selfie" toasting Michelle!