Hi everyone! I am back after a hiatus during most of this summer. A lot has been going on, and a lot hasn’t been going on. But, before I continue the goings on of summer, I’ll explain why I haven’t been posting—and I’m sure you will read and say “You know—I can relate”—so here goes!
Since November 5, 2024, my emotional wellness has declined. And I am pretty sure without going into great detail, you can figure out why. My beautiful America is no longer—and all because of a dictatorship and most politicians who do not care for “We The People” but care only for big business and billionaires saving money on taxes. Mine eyes, as crossed as they may be, have seen the unglory of the coming of an America that has been divided where hate, and mass-murders of children are the norm. Hate for brown and black people. Hate for gay people. Hate for Jews, Muslims, and Catholics. Hate for trans people. There is no longer a “live and let live” or just accept everyone for who they are and let’s move on. Dude–and Dudettes–freaking stay in your own backyard. Okay?
This basically says it all..and more.
In addition—I’m tired. Not tired where I want to go to sleep, but emotionally tired. Of working. Alas, I am working for medical benefits. I cannot wrap my head around why people don’t want Universal Healthcare. And don’t bother to argue with me regarding how long it takes to make a doctor’s appointment. I make my appointments three months in advance and that is with good benefits.
Add to that, I have officially entered the realm of “old people.” Not only am I using medication to even out my emotional health, but recent bloodwork, left me in a state of crying and reality. I received the results of recent bloodwork. First off, allow me to say that I absolutely despise the patient portals that are the “thing” these days. I saw my blood results before my doctor’s office did and immediately, I thought the worst with the many “abnormal” results I found. And yes, I went on Dr. Google which made matters two hundred times worse.
Honestly, I am more upset that there are no designer or pretty pill organizers for each day! This is my reminder that I am now an old person! And there’s nothing wrong with that!
My many abnormals were not that abnormal after all. My glucose level was slightly elevated—which, later I found out was not bad. In fact, the only “abnormal” that required attention was a Vitamin D Deficiency of which I am now taking 50,000 ucb’s a week for 12 weeks. Also, my cholesterol was on the cusp of high and I had the option to take a statin—or not. I chose to take it. And now, I have one of those S, M, T, W, T, F, S, plastic pill containers in which to place my BP medication, my Cholesterol Statin, My Vitamin D, and my Zoloft. My big issue is that the pill containers are aesthetically unpleasant and bland. I want a pretty one!
Yup! Taking those pills every day now!
And so, there you have it. However, I have been itching to get back to writing and as I sit here on this final September weekend, the sun is shining. It is hot and humid outside and I am soaking in the welcoming of the cooler weather.
I want to be like this dog–except I fear for my knees!
My big decision now is do I start telling you about my summer from the beginning or recently and going back.
I’m going with the recent and backtracking because I have some very good news for you!
Last month my oldest son got married! Yup! Jake got married! In California. In Santa Barbara and it was wonderful!
California. I can absolutely fall in line with this state’s vibe!
My Daughter-in-Law, Juliana, is from California and attended college in Santa Barbara. Both love the city and decided to have their elopement there. The wedding was small. Less than 50 people. They were married at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, which, in my most humble opinion, was the most beautiful courthouse I’ve ever seen in my life.
The Santa Barbara Courthouse is stunning both inside and out.
Vincent and I flew in very early from Philadelphia on Wednesday morning. We were at the airport at 3:15 in the morning and got a 6:00 AM flight which had us arriving at LAX at 8:45 AM. Let me tell you, for a flight that was over five hours, one would think that we would be served at least a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese or the equivalent of a bad egg sandwich on an English muffin. Nah. We were offered airline coffee which I refuse to drink. I opted for a Diet Coke and my favorite Biscoff cookies.
This is what a five-hour flight will get you. American Airlines-do better!
Our airbus didn’t have TV screens. I did not appreciate that. You see, I am that person who lives to watch the plane’s tracking in between movies. It is great fun for me. It’s the simple things in life. I had no other option except to make a feeble attempt at shut-eye, which never happened—therefore, I ended up playing Candy Crush and various games on my iPhone for most of the flight. I also managed to read a good chunk of a book which I finished at our destination.
I’m that person who checks every hour where my flight is. I couldn’t even do that on my five-hour flight across the USA. No movies to watch either!
Luckily for me, I was gifted with the window seat and as we made our descent, the view from the aircraft was absolutely stunning. If only the subject of Geography was stressed more in our educational system, it would not have been so surprising to see the many mountains in California that I never knew existed. I am not ashamed to admit this—blame it on our educational system.
Geography 101: California has mountains. Hence the lyrics “For purple mountains majesty…” But I did not see any fruited plains.
Oh yeah. When we landed, I was so stinking hungry so I asked the flight attendants if I could get a package of the Biscoff cookies. They gifted me with an entire pack of them! I was so grateful!
I felt so special–especially since it was a five-hour flight! Thank you flight attendants!
My daughter, Oona, my SIL Sam, and the boys arrived the previous weekend because they went to Disneyland so she instructed me on exiting the airport and where to pick up the jitney to the car rental. We had one checked bag, and the wait for luggage was but mere minutes.
They really enjoyed Disneyland because it isn’t as huge as Disneyworld.
The Hertz jitney was waiting at the exit and off we went! It was about a five-minute drive from the terminal and we were able to pick any car we wanted. Within minutes we entered directions into the GPS and we were off!
Now, despite everything I have heard regarding Los Angeles traffic, we were expecting to be caught in traffic worse than heading to the shore in the summer and much worse than NYC traffic. As we headed out of LA, traffic was heavy but it moved steadily. Once out of the confines of Los Angel—eez, the drive was smooth sailing. Between 405 and the 101 (I sound so Californian) it was a straightforward drive to Santa Barbara.
Native Californians could not believe that our LA traffic exit wasn’t bad!
Okay, back to Santa Barbara. We were absolutely floored and stunned at how beautiful the city is. The Spanish styling of the buildings is incredible and the city is so clean. It is walkable, and chill and, as an East Coaster for life, I could easily move there and be comfortable—and healthier!
Jake rented a house for us—with Oona and family in the bottom apartment, and Vincent, Roman, and me in the top apartment. Allow me to go on record as saying I did not want to leave. The house was two blocks from the beach. Jeez. If I lived there, I would have a standing monthly Dermatologist appointment given how much time spent in the sun at the beach!
The house was incredible! Vincent, Roman and I stayed in the top apartment and Oona, Sam and the boys stayed downstairs. I was able to have coffee with Oona every morning! I have to give a shout out to Haller Coastal Homes--we want this house next summer!
This terrace off the top floor was so stinking charming. And the trumpet flowers smelled so wonderful!
Since we were in the house, we ran to a local supermarket for essentials. Santa Cruz supermarket. It was a cross between the bodegas I used to frequent when living in NYC and a small grocery store and I was in heaven. We picked up the best burritos we’ve ever had and, naturally, other essentials but those burritos…
Fact: If we lived here, Santa Cruz supermarket would be our go-to. Hands down, the best burritos that Vincent, Roman, and I ever had!
On Wednesday night Vincent and I babysat for the grandsons. It was Oona’s birthday and Sam took her out to dinner. Needless to say, babysitting for the boys was fun! We watched Mickey Mouse cartoons; we gave them cupcakes. And when Vincent kept asking the boys if he could have a little taste of their cupcakes (he was fooling around), Bennett handed him a crumb. Then another crumb. Owen, hid his cupcake and announced to Vincent that his cupcake flew to France!
Owen’s flying cupcake!
And when we put them to bed, I read a few stories and the evening ended with us being so happy to spend time with them.
Thursday was spent at the beach. While we offered to watch the boys and allow Oona and Sam to relax, I was tasked with going back and forth, with buckets to get water for Bennett’s excavation of sand. Finally, I had the exercise I lacked in forever! Vincent was busy at the shoreline with Owen, digging and swimming.
Oona and Sam relaxing at the beach while Bon Pa and Gam Gam take instructions from our bosses–Owen and Bennett.
Uncle Jake and Uncle Roman showed up for a while then it was time to get ready for an evening at The Funk Zone for a gathering of friends and meeting Juliana’s parents.The second we met her parents—it was so comfortable! No awkward moments either, just great conversation and fun! It was wonderful to meet Jake and Juliana’s friends as well. They have a great circle of friendship and it was a fantastic night.
We had so much fun here! It was a lively evening with everyone!
One thing. I ordered a cake for Oona’s birthday that was supposed to be a surprise for her at The Funk Zone. I, being ridiculously trustful of my soon-to-be-three-year-old grandson, told him, along with Owen, that I got a cake for Oona and could they keep a secret and not tell her. Both boys so innocently looked at me and promised “yes, Gam Gam.” Owen kept his end of the bargain. Bennett did not. He spilled the beans. And kept spilling them. Roman ended up asking me why I would trust a toddler with a secret. I can’t even give a logical answer. But Bennett was the first to have a slice of the cake, which was delicious! And Oona did the best job of being surprised!
Friday, the day of the eve of the Rehearsal Dinner, was another relaxing and fun day! We drove to Montecito to Butterfly Beach. But my mission was really to see if I could spot Megan Markle because I am a huge fan of hers. Not successful in the fruits of my labor to spot her, we ended up at East Beach while I read Book Number Two and Vincent sunbathed. The water was nice. Cold but nice and the beach a bit on the rocky side.
East Beach. So nice and quiet!
After heading “home” and changing we walked to the wharf or pier or whatever you want to call it. Restaurants and gift shops abound; we stopped at a little aquarium and had a most enjoyable time. The weather became very hot but still not uncomfortable. It felt so good to just walk and not have to be stuck in a car!
Headed to the Warf!
The little aquarium was a lot of fun!
A view of the beach from one side of the warf..
….and from the other side.
Back at the house to get ready, I saw Roman had taken the ironing board and iron out and realized that I am still “mom.” I pressed his shirt and pants. Then it was off to change and walk over to Hotel Milo, where Jake, Juliana and others were staying. We took a trolley to Arnoldi’s Café where the event was held. A cocktail hour of delicious beverages, bocci ball, appetizers that had me going back for more…and more…yes, and more, lively conversation and a wonderful Italian meal. Hours later we trollied back and called it a night before the big day!
I wore this cute Lilly Pulitzer dress!
Welcome to dinner!
The table awaits..
Our place settings..
..and this little gift from my daughter-in-law. Yes. I got very misty-eyed.
Respecting their privacy, I had to showcase Juliana’s dress. It was spectacular and she looked like a model in it. Jake looked rather dandy as well!
Saturday THE big day! I wasn’t losing a son but was gaining a daughter-in-law and could not be happier! After coffee with my daughter, I headed back upstairs to get ready. But before I could get ready, I had some additional ironing to do. Roman asked me to iron his shirt. It needed to look wrinkle-free as he was Best Man. A few moments later, Oona came downstairs and asked me to iron my grandsons’ shirts as they were the ring bearers. I also ironed her dress. I cannot begin to describe the joy in feeling a sense of purpose as a mom again—even if for less than a half hour!
Nothing says “Mom-with-a-purpose” than ironing their clothing. I was in mom heaven to iron!
Next it was time for Vincent and I to get ready. Dressed in the Calvin Klein dress I wore for Oona’s wedding—which was now tighter, and heels that just about killed me, we were off to head to the ceremony, we met the trolley took at Hotel Milo which transported us to the Santa Barbara Courthouse! As one not having a lot of experiences with Courthouses, I cannot imagine any others being as beautiful as the one in Santa Barbara! It looks like a Spanish palace! And passing by the judge’s chambers on the way to take photographs, I thought it was a Chapel only to find out it wasn’t. I was stunned! The ceremony was wonderful. Jake’s best friend was the officiant, and it brought happy tears to my eyes to see this newly-wedded couple and the love vibes emanating from them!
Same dress. Same hair. It was a lovely day!
Vincent didn’t know how to take photos on my iPhone until I sat down–LOL!
Burnt orange flowers symbolize Jake’s love for his beloved University of Texas at Austin!
Mr. and Mrs! Honestly, the judges chamber where they were married was nicer than many churches I’ve been in!
Apparently, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a popular place for weddings. There were quite a few that day. It is a gorgeous structure!
The weather was perfect and we trollied to La Paloma, the restaurant where the reception was held. The food at La Paloma was outstanding as was the entire event. Lots of fun, lots of merriment and lots of dancing. Due to an early flight back East and unpredictable traffic to LAX, we left early. So did Oona and Sam and the boys. Roman stayed on but he did wake up to get a lift to the airport from us.
At the reception. We were having too much fun to take photos. The food was out of this world delicious. Lots of dancing,great music and a fun time was had by all!
Flowers lined the pathway up the stairs to the dance floor.
Owen was a dancin’ machine. At one point we all gathered around him chanting “Go Owen. Go Owen. Go Owen”!
Upon our return to the house, I sacrificed my shoes to the Blessed Mother because that night, I realized I can no longer exist as a human by wearing high heels anymore. From now on it’s kitten heels!
Sunday; Last minute tidying up at the house, packing the car, at 7:00 AM Vincent, Roman, and I were road bound. We took a last drive through Santa Barbara before heading to 101 and onto the airport. Sunday morning traffic was not bad at all! Dropped the car off, took the jitney to the terminals, said goodbye to Roman and mentally prepared to return home.
Goodbye house in Santa Barbara. Goodbye Jake and Juliana. Goodbye to the West Coast but we will be returning–and that’s a great thing!
Going through TSA, dropping luggage off and heading to the gate was a smooth transition. But then—when we arrived at the gates, it appeared American Airlines was having the usual ridiculous delays. An 8:00 AM flight didn’t leave until 11:00 AM. A flight to Chicago had a crew that didn’t show up so everyone had to be rebooked and reticketed. I felt bad for those travelers. For us, the plane was delayed but not tremendously so. Leaving California made me sad. It was sad to leave my three kids and grandkids. It was sad to leave Jake and Juliana. I feel I made new friends—especially with my daughter-in-law’s parents. I certainly did not want to return to work. And as we touched down in Philly, and got home at close to midnight, it was a wonderful feeling to get back into our bed!
Departing L.A. As a borne New Yorker, I cannot believe to admit it but…I would move to California in a heartbeat.
Up in the clouds and back to Philly!
The next day, I took off from work and am now filled with great memories. That is what life is about—celebrating and the wonderful memories!
Bought two baseball caps for my collection and Oona surprised me with a Santa Barbara Christmas ornament! Ahhhh…the ending to a perfect few days!
Next post: Our time in France!