California Dreaming

Can someone pinch me? I have arrived and any moment I will be hugging my Cali girl again. I am a lucky girl to have a daughter give me such a wonderful Mother's Day gift, the reason I made it to California for 10 days. (My thoughts on My 29th when I arrived in California). The waiting for her to pick me up was unbearable, I kept looking in every Lexus I saw. Finally across the road at a light waiting to turn I spy her finger combing her hair. I laugh for this is something she does so it had to be my beauty.. Hugs and we are off. The scenery along the way is incredible and I keep asking how it all became. 

A good nights rest and tomorrow we head to San Francisco.

I ask if the Man cut out should come or stay at home. (Will the humor of having him along get lost along the way or will it be incredibly fun?) Cali girl insist Dad needs to be with us on this journey to see college son's new apartment. Off we go.

We stop along the way at Pizmo beach to water the dogs and grab a bite to eat. I enjoy fried clams and a corndog while they share a bread bowl loaded with the best clam chowder. Although it seems every restaraunt lays claim to this.  I am not a fan so I couldn't attest to it.

Upon arrival and address being sent to me I crack up. Street address: Leavenworth. Why wouldn't there be a street named this with Alcatraz being a notorious prison in San Francisco. I say, "He lives on prison street." My companions are dumbfounded. So, Google to the rescue with Leavenworth's information. Fun facts shared. When in doubt, Google that sh**. There he is, my College son waits on the corner where he lives. Crazy how being with him again brings me this intense joy just like the joy I am feeling sharing this with Cali girl and her hubby. College son's apartment is really nice for a first place of his own. A small bedroom that his queen size bed eats up but a generous living area where he has nicely placed his new furnishings.

The  mirror as a headboard your never alone. Laughing inside as I remember seeing the bonding of siblings as it happens. "Documentation" I say. Click goes the camera. I have always taken pictures for nearly every event, something the Family has become use to. We stay in for the night and order pizza, tomorrow, on the hunt for a furry friend for College son.

We must fuel ourselves before embarking on the task of the day. We walk a few blocks up hills to a restaraunt College son and I grew fond of the previous year when he moved to San Francisco. 

It feels as if you are eating in a diner/cafe of the 50's. The Man orders up a breakfast of Champions.

 I order breakfast while everyone else chooses lunch. Off to the SFAS (San Francisco Animal shelter) we head. Let's find a friend for College son. We are on the hunt today to find a dog for him. The hunt is not an easy task for there are guidelines to follow in his apartment building.

I crack up seeing this hounddog behind the circus themed room. What a beauty. Woof, woof.

College son finally homes in on a sweet 1 year old named Checker who is full of personality. This love will be short lived once he tries to ge approval from the landlord.

No says the landlord, I can not be reassured he does not have pitbull in him, you can not convince me he does'nt. Disheartened. Back to the drawing board, which will be tomorrow. An adoption fair with other shelters and more choices will take place. At the end of the day we find ourselves in search of a park for the canines we have with us. Cali girls family. 

Whoa, what a tree the Man would love. Cali girl has no fear and quickly climbs within with the Man in tow. The climb to the top of the park was fun sitting up on a hill, looking from below we had no idea what we would find. This park may be a little too far for College son to take his canine to once one is found. 

That night we take the Cali couple to an Irish restaraunt not far from the apartment. The menu was intriguing, what to have? Something irish based or something light? I chose light, halibut which I love for there would be an opportunity for me to sample the corn beef. The service unfortunately was not up to par. Waiting for our entre's seem to take forever. So how do you get your waiters attention? That's right, see how high you can stack your cast off dishes without it falling.

 Tada! Amazing, our waiter rushed over. This was very entertaining to say the least. Now we wait for tomorrow and while the night away playing a game and hanging out for the evening. Not gonna lie. San Francisco on a Friday night comes to life in the wee hours of the morning. Fights are abound outside and the sounds of them are carried into the apartment creating a sleepless worrisome night for a few of us. College son has lived in San Fracisco for almost a year now and none of this stirs or bothers him. 

A little OJ Pops before we continue the canine search? 

Several Animal shelters are assembled and the fee for adoption today is FREE including shots the animals may need plus spaying/neutering your new pet. Who could ask for more? The dogs to choose from are amazing and then there he is along with his Brother, a dog who resembles Checker, younger with a longer snout which should not alarm the Landlord into thinking pitbull. College son falls in love. This puppy is so sweet and loving. Decided. He becomes the one for College son. This little guy is Amazing.

True moments to treasure, being able to be a part of the joy of a Son. Wish the Man could have been here along with me in person. Now how will he respond around other dogs? We will find out soon, with Cali girls dogs waiting for our return.

The canines take to each other with no problem at all. We found a park close by for them to frolick and play. What a beautiful day. This will be our last day spent together in San Francisco and one of the happiest. Our evening is spent relaxing at the apartment and online ordering linens and what not College son is in need of. Online ordering seems to be the way to go for convenience. Tomorrow morning will come too soon for me. I miss my Son so terribly and I am not sure he realizes how much. Hard to have two children live clear across the country. I hope I have supported my children to the fullest in allowing them to spread their wings to soar towards their chosen destiny and they feel I have.

Time to say goodbye, morning spent sharing a last meal at once again our favorite breakfast place around the corner. The Man drops in to say goodbye and make his presence known.

The car is packed and it is time to say our Goodbyes.

      My last hug and a snapshot to treasure.

Back to Ventura and the rest of my stay with the Cali couple. So long Son and San Francisco. The memories of this trip will be held dear in my Heart.

Coming soon: Part II of California Dreaming