All is well!

So Steph and I drove to San Diego, We went looking for the Nina, And I didn't take any directions or a phone number with me - because I lived in San Diego for 10 years, I know Harbor Drive I should just be able to drive down Harbor and find it Right? Wrong!

First of all the drive was great - I turned on the music and started driving, I love driving, I once drove all the way to New Mexico before I thought I was well enough to drive back and face what was waiting for me at home. Stephanie just sleeps, when she was born I had a large Chevy 1500 pickup, she was so small she had room to curl up in a ball and fall asleep, for many, many, many drives. I finally gave in to the family pressure "Get rid of that old truck already, it just sit's there" It was my sanity pill, so now I drive a mini version of that old truck, still white, still a truck, still american kinda sort of (a Dodge) but now just a bit smaller (a Dakota).

I have made the drive between Indio and San Diego on average 40 times a year for the last 20 years, First because Rigo lived there and I would go escape - and then because I lived there and came to see my Mom - and now because I lived here and the owner of the business I run still lives there!

So I know the road really well - to well I drive way faster than I really should. If you see a driver on the 74 blink his lights at you it can mean three things, if he's behind you it means "you are slow use the turnouts and get out of my way!" if he's coming towards you blinking his lights - it's either an accident you need to slow down before you become a part of it - or it's "you are going way to fast and there is a police officer up ahead of you.

I don't know any of the people coming down the mountain at me - but I would like to thank them for saving me from at least 3 tickets.

I love the drive - and everytime I drive by this house:

I think to myself - I can pull in the drive and say I'm home! I love the TeePee! Stephanie won't let me move to the country - well at least not yet she leaves in Aug - then she has no say so!!!!

So we get to San Diego, I Drive down Harbor - and don't see anything - I see all the other ships that are there - but no new one's. So we park.








I walk up to the lady at the Star of India museum - and she says The Nina is at Shelter.
I didn't ask any questions I know where Shelter is - I should be able to drive down Shelter and see the ship Right? Wrong!
I drive up and down shelter, can't see anything, We stop and take this picture:


I love the view from Shelter Island - Randy and I used to park there and sleep in the back of the Pickup - his Pickup had a Camper shell. I would have never considered dating a man that didn't have a bigger truck than I did. He did. Except his was always broke! It must have been a sign LOL!

I finally drive up to Harbor Police and ask if they know where The Nina is docked. No one knows - she calls several people and nothing I then tell her there's a website so she gets back on the phone - and starts laughing uncontrolably - When she finally comes up for air she says "It's Porn" - I said well that's not what I'm looking for! she holds on the phone a bit longer and then tells me that it's docked at the Kona Kai Resort.

I know where that's at - It's on Shelter but guess what you can't see the ship if it's behind a large Resort - Dah. We finally go there, it was cool, but with all the hype of getting there - we looked at it and said 'Cool Ship - you ready for lunch I know I am!"

What I do with Stress!

Well - I don't cry - because Cowgirls don't cry. I scream it out, to country music on the car radio as I'm trying not to get a ticket.

It has been a very stress full couple of weeks, Lexi is born with a heart defect - it really makes you feel helpless. Then Randy lands in the hospital - he's been there since last Friday - and won't be out for at least another 5 to 8 days.

The Monica calls and says she had to go by ambulance to Fontana because Lexi wasn't doing good.

All I could do is pick up KFC and go feed Josh and Keegan, And then about 9 PM - she calls and says things are looking ok.

So now that everything and everyone is taken care of - I'm getting in the car - turning up the music and screaming my head off.

We do have a destination - the San Diego Harbor - to see the Nina - a Columbus historical replica. Will post pics when we get back - All destressed!

$5 pancake breakfast at Applebee's in La Quinta

Hi Everyone,

I will be serving pancakes at the Applebee's in La Quinta on Washington just North of Hwy 111.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3699 of Indio - and the Ladies Auxiliray are doing a fundraiser at the new Applebee's.

We are hoping it will be a good fundraising effort for us, Our funds are getting low, we give money to local area Veteran's in need. We contribute to the National chapter that gives over $30,000 in College scholarship money, we also help fund California's State home for children - this home helps veteran dependents with childcare and temporary housing.

Come eat some pancakes - watch me make a fool of myself and know that all your money will be going to a good cause.

Thank you,

Sonia

Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast to support
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3699
$5.00 per person
Feb. 7, 2009
8AM to 10AM (only)
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
45305 Seeley Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253

fabrication defects - suck!

I was so happy this morning I had finally finished a purse I had been working on - on and off for a couple of months now. I finally got it perfect. I found the correct beads a week ago and I found stephanie's jewlery pliers this morning. She put the handle on for me.


So I put my cell phone and business card holder (which is my purse) in it, and it pops open - and I close it - and it pops open. I look at it a bit closer and the idot that designed this bag doesn't have any kind of degree much less common sense.

The circle that attaches the buckle to the paper mache box is in the way of the buckle.

So now all it's good for is decoration. So much for being able to add another item to our etsy store.

Stephanie has an acceptance letter to CAL State Maritime

This weekend has been full of emotions. On Saturday I was driving to a VFW meeting when my cell phone rang, I answered it knowing it was my daughter. All I could hear was screaming. This was the school she wanted into - she applied to two others because we didn't think that her grades and SAT scores were good enough to get into CAL Maritime.



Well she did - I at this point have no clue how I'm going to pay for it - but we'll deal with that on deadline to deadline bases.

I am excited and very proud - 2 years ago this didn't even seem possible as she just wasn't focused. I'm glad she was able to turn things around and is now college bound.

Congratulations Stephanie!!!!!

My niece Alexis Grace!

My little sister had her baby girl on Friday at 4:50 PM - Alexis Grace - weighed 7 lbs 3.5 oz and was 20 inches long. I was lucky enough to be asked to be the photographer for her first baby - the adorable Keegan - here he is kissing his sister:



So this time it was just a given that I would be the photographer again, the layout of the delivery room was better the first time - I could take picture's and not show my sister all exposed this time - the layout was not so great plus the nurse was at least 6 foot 5 and the bed was up so high, oh well there were a few pics.

I love this one - it was a high five - for a speed delivery process - we drove her to the hospital at 9:30 AM and by 2 or so the time of this picture she was at a 5 and ready for the epidural.


With Keegan we got there one morning - were there the whole night and she had him the next day at noon.