Atlantic to Pacific...Coast to Coast

So, after I wrote this a couple of days ago, I accidentally deleted the entire post and am calmed down enough to start again!

A week ago today I left Boston after spending a week with Brian & Andrew doing what we do best.  Walking, eating, cooking, eating seafood, watching a lot of tv (Olympics), laughing, staying up late and just enjoying the week. Our favorite activity is our trip to Ogunquit, Maine, on the Atlantic Ocean.   We ate our lobster rolls (sans Andrew who is allergic) , spent the whole afternoon just sitting on the beach watching the tide roll in and roll out, snacking and sharing stories.  All too soon it was time to go back to Boston.  We spent the evening checking out homes for sale by the ocean, (on tv).   I did lots of walking, through the parks, neighborhoods, took the T to Cambridge, had long lunches with Andrew (Chicken & Rice Guys), and Brian in Cambridge.  I shopped locally, hit the farmer's market for produce, Brian made lobster and a seafood boil, we ate fried clams at Sullivans and my last night had dinner at the Salty Pig.  It was a very hot week and the AC always felt good.  

Flights were excellent, weather perfect and by Friday night I was back in the D, ready to celebrate my 44th Anniversary with Otto.  I was very surprised by a beautiful bouquet of Anniversary flowers from Tom & Cindy!

Saturday was spent doing errands and catching up, dodging thunderstorms and out to dinner at, of all places, Mitchell's Seafood.  I was able to quickly unpack, do laundry and re-pack for 7AM flight to Minneapolis.  Quick & smooth  90 minute flight and a 4 hour layover later, I was on my way to LA.

Again, the skies were friendly and at 1:03 we landed 32 minutes early.  45 minutes later we had a gate.

After Amanda & Bryce picked me up we returned home, I donned a pair of shorts and Amanda and I went to an open house a few streets over from their place in the old mansion section of Hancock Park.  All refurbished and a bargain at 13 million.   Library, theatre, 3 car garage, butler's pantry, a laundry twice the size of my kitchen, 6-7 bathrooms, and bedrooms, full bar room, several living rooms, solarium, and the lower level was a full living space with several bedrooms each with their own bathroom and showers that were larger than my entire bathroom.  Also included of course is a beautiful pool.   I would have to re-do the yard lighting though and add a fountain.  One word comes to mind....amazing.  There a so many huge beautiful homes on these streets.   Even the mayor lives here.   Makes it fun to go on walks.

Monday we saw the new Meryl Streep movie.  Rating:  Good.  We have taken lots of walks, hit the pool every day, went to Santa Monica on the Pacific Ocean and walked  the pier.  We also have been  to the Grove several times, once for the theater and last night to Buca's.  As always it has been an amazing time and we still have more adventures to complete.  It is what it is and it ain't over yet!