Starting Our Drive to South Dakota

Aloha Everyone

5 days stay at ESA went by fast. Returned rental car to Enterprise then walked about a mile to Hertz for a three month rental.

My sister dropped by to see us.

Our first break was at Cracker Barrel in Victorville. We both had their trout meal and two veggies' sides. However, the waiter served us large, loaded baked potato which we requested. They charged us extra at $2.29 each. With state tax, local tax, mandatory tip came to $48.22. Cracker Barrel is no longer cheap eats.  Perhaps the reason is because this location was in California and their operation cost more.

Aloha -- Cathi

Las Vegas to Celebrate Jeff’s Birthday

Aloha Everyone

Jeff invited the two of us to spend his birthday in Las Vegas. Luxurious stay in the W adjacent to Mandalay Bay on the strip. In addition to our daily walking activities, we dined in Mexican, Italian, Chinese restaurants and a steakhouse. It was truly a memorable time we spent with Jeff.

Aloha -- Cathi

Our Granddaughter’s Graduation from Mt. Everest Academy

Aloha Everyone,

Big family reunion. J.J. and I from LA, Jeff from Hawaii, and our granddaughter’s other grandparents also from Hawaii, late night all gathered for our granddaughters Commencement Ceremony Class of 2025.

It was heartwarming to see her surrounded by friends and classmates. With only 29 graduates, the ceremony took a mere 35 minutes. Time for refreshments and gifts and lei giving totaling another 25 minutes.

Master Miguel, our granddaughter’s martial arts teacher and his son were unexpected guests. Master Miguel has known her since she was 6 years old. He was beaming and surreptitiously wiped away tears.

Aloha -- Cathi

Eva Longoria, Searching for Spain

Aloha Everyone,

This is the second travel related program we watched recently. Unlike the story of Venice, the producer, Eva Longoria spent her time promoting a number of her personal projects including fashion, travel plus regional foods.
Unfortunately, this episode lacked substance with no depth in promoting Spanish cuisine, missing historical background. 

These destination programs combining regional foods are popular and relatively cheap to produce. National Geography’s program featuring actor and chef, Stanley Tucci have a weekly program called “Searching for Italy”. Compared to Eva Longoria’s program, National Geography’s photography is superb and dishes they introduce are interesting with “ah ha” reactions from the TV audience.

Aloha -- Cathi

Transition Day

Aloha Everyone,

There are always unexpected changes that come up even though we had our check lists. Walmart Pharmacy texted J.J. regarding his 3-days medication to reduce sodium levels. We gave high priority and went to Walmart.       

Luckily our suitcases were packed last night anticipating any last-minute changes.

Aloha -- Cathi