CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--------SANTA BARBARA

As many of you know, I'm the queen of the mini-trips.  When summer approaches, I can't wait to start planning weekends away----preferably to the beach.  Our first trip of the summer took us to a place we return to time and again-------Santa Barbara.

 

This time we went with our friends Paul and Jeannie, and stayed at the West Beach Inn, and had rooms overlooking the fabulous Santa Barbara Harbor.  This is a view from our room.

 

 

We always seem to take the same pictures when we arrive.  The balcony draws us like a magnet.

 

 

Unbeknownst to them, we got a photo of Paul and Jeannie arriving.

 

 

Right before our friends arrived we couldn't resist getting a beer and a glass of wine at the East Beach Grill which is right on the sand, a short distance from our hotel.  That evening, we all went to The Fish House----a local outstanding eatery, and were joined by Adam and Melissa who were actually travelling nearby.  Can't beat the Fish House for-----FISH!

 

 

Jeannie and I don't mind doing a free ad for the Hotel.  If you look above the sign, our rooms are on the top floor near the flag.

 

 

The next morning we couldn't believe our eyes when we saw the original Sambos Restaurant about a block from our hotel.  It was opened in 1957 and is filled with memorable photos.  The food is still delicious and here are Paul and Jeannie enjoying the meal.

 

 

 

You can't go to Santa Barbara without strolling down its wharf, which is a long pier with shops and restaurants.  The wind is fierce and hats are a must.  I had a strange experience this time when I got stung by some sort of bug right on my neck.  Jeannie, a retired teacher, and always good in an emergency, was able to pull out the stinger which we all decided was quite lengthy.  Wonder what it was?????

 

 

Eating is a favorite pastime when you are in Santa Barbara.  We can't go there without having a meal at "Harry's" which is up State Street out of the downtown area.  This place has been frequented by every celebrity you can name, and their pictures fill the walls.  Harry was a very popular guy.  His son now runs the restaurant and actually goes around to each table for a chat.  This time Jeannie, Duane and I shared a couple of fish and chips meals that were the best I'd ever tasted.

 

 

The last morning suited our mood, as we didn't want to leave, but the fog rolled in and it even drizzled a little.  However, it is beautiful rain or shine, and I can't wait to return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, is a U.S. holiday honoring the dead of all wars.  It originated in the South after the Civil War when the graves of both the Confederate and Union Soldiers were decorated with flowers.  Currently, we honor all military personnel living or dead who have served. 

                                            

My Great Uncle Stanley was a soldier in WWI.  If you've seen the movie Sergeant York, you might recognize the uniform Gary Cooper wore.

 

My Dad served during WWII, a war where every family had those who served in the military.  

 

 

I am extremely proud of my niece, Chantelle, who served during the Gulf War. 

 

 

My own husband, Duane, served during the Viet Nam War, unfortunately all photos of him during that period have been lost to us.

 

 

My Dad's WWII unit captured a Nazi flag.  (He's 5th from the left.)  The solemnity of the day seems to have been forgotten, until we once again review the reasons we have gone to war.  Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Grandmother...Grandma....G-MA....Grandma Schel

How did I become a Grandma?  Wasn't I just a new mother wondering what to do when my baby cried?  Babies don't come with manuals----although I did refer many times to my Dr. Spock.  Now, I guess he is out and other techniques are in, so once again I had to learn how to care for a new baby entrusted to me.  I think it is much scarier when the baby belongs to your son or daughter.  Plus, you are not there witnessing each small change in the child's habits.  Therefore you must go through a readjustment period whenever you babysit.  All in all, however, as with your own children, being a Grandma has fabulous perks and rewards......

 

Who needs a stand up comic, when you have a grandson?

 

 

 

Then there are the moments that take your breath away...

 

 

You find that all granddaughters, regardless of their parents, look like sisters.

 

 

When they dance, you are enchanted.

 

 

They love their hats, just like Daddy does.

 

 

They enjoy going to lunch with you.

 

 

They love your pool.

 

 

You can vacation with them.

 

 

Dolls become part of the family.

 

 

Every photo is pure joy.

 

 

And before you know it they are graduating!

 

 

All I know is that I love every single minute of being a Grandma, or a G-Ma, or a Grandmother or Grandma Schel.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to All the Moms Out There

Mother's Day is such a special holiday.  Mothers who give so much love, attention, and devotion to their children are truly angels on earth.  My Mom was one of these----and I miss her every day.

 

Here she is on their farm in Indiana with Heather.  She just adored her grandchildren.

 

 

Here is Mom with my sister's daughter, Chantelle, and her sister Josephine.  Aunt Jo, as we called her was also like a mother to my sister and me.

 

 

When Heather got married, I was so happy that my cousin Mary Ann attended.  She and I have always been like sisters.  Her mother was another of my Mom's sisters---Aunt Tillie.

 

 

My sister, Darlene and her daughter, Chantelle came to both Heather's and Adam's weddings.  This was no small feat since they live in Indiana and the weddings were in Dana Point, CA and the country of Belize.

 

 

It's always such a blessing when your own daughter becomes a mother.  Love, Love, Love, those grandkids.  Heather has become the best mother ever!

 

 

A very special mother came into my life when I married Duane.  Kim, our daughter-in-law has raised two of the most loving and caring daughters ever, and I am thrilled that now they are my granddaughters.

 

 

And a very special tribute to Duane's mother, Mary.  I would have loved to have met her, and to thank her for doing such a good job of raising the wonderful man who is now my husband.  Just between you and me-----I'm sure it wasn't easy  :)

 

 

Home Sweet Home

In 2003 we made the major decision to build a new house.  We sold our house in Chino Hills, and decided to demolish the house in San Dimas, and build a new house, garage, and pool.

 

This decision ended up being no small task.  Before we even began, we had to get the City's blessing, and discovered how much red tape was involved in the building process.  But, finally, we were able to begin, and the demolition started in the backyard with the removal of the old pool.  Here is Duane, ever vigilant beside pool and patio debris.  We literally lived with contractor's, workers, and trucks of all kinds.  Even I had to wear the hat of a foreman at times.

 

 

Doesn't everyone want a concrete truck in their driveway?  These guys came, not once, but many many times for various concrete pours.  I think we drove our neighbors a little bit crazy.  Our Airstream trailer was brand new at the time, and it was a nightmare keeping it from being hit or banged up.  Nevertheless, it "Made It Through the Rain".

 

 

Here's the back of the old house with Duane observing the construction of the new pool.

 

 

The first structure built was the 4 car garage with an apartment on top.  Not only did we have room for our cars, but the Airstream got a new safe home in the last garage port.  Duane loved inspecting all of the building (it's his passion), and I felt very secure that all would turn out well.

 

 

Finally, we were able to move into the apartment, and observe the construction of the main house.

 

 

We couldn't be more pleased with the result.  We are now living in our "dream" house, and it's truly Home Sweet Home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Time For Prayer

Scott, Kim and their girls Amanda and Valerie have been very active in their church for many years.    We have visited the church several times, and had the pleasure to go once again last Sunday.

The First United Reformed Church in Chino, led by Rev. Ronald Scheuers has a warm and comfortable feeling.  It's congregation is very friendly, and are sincerely interested in making Duane and I feel welcome whenever we  come to the services.

 

Nellie Vander Pol is a lovely example of the congeniality of the church's members. 

               She is one of Scott's favorites, and I think the feeling is reciprocated.

 

The church is quite lovely with many beautiful stained glass windows.  The service was uplifting and informative with many opportunities to sing hymns with either the organist or pianist.  At times they also have a brass ensemble and various choirs and quartets.

 

 

Amanda and Valerie, shown here with Rev. Scheuers son, Tim are very active participants in many of the varied church programs, and also assist in the Nursery and Vacation Bible School which is led by Mom, Kim.

 

 

Duane is very proud of Scott who has become a Deacon of the Church.

 

 

Many thanks to Scott and Kim for letting us experience the fellowship of the church. 

 

 

Easter Is For the Peeps

We had our traditional Easter dinner yesterday.  Always enjoy having the kids and grandkids.

 

The Easter Bunny left all sorts of treats, including a Peeps cake.  Can you see it in the background in the upper right corner?  Chocolate cake, frosted with chocolate frosting (of course), and yellow Peeps in a circle around the top.  In the center were chocolate chips.  Chocolate is for Easter!

 

 

Had trouble photoing Maddie and Reese as they hunted for eggs, they were moving so fast.  Heather brought the eggs which had puzzle pieces inside, instead of candy.  The puzzles kept them busy for a while.  The little ones always have a great time hunting.

 

 

Reese really got into it this year, screaming with glee as he found each egg.

 

 

A rare moment of relaxation for Grandma.

 

 

Another wonderful day of memories took place.