BRRRRRR

We returned home Saturday from our unplanned three week trip to California, Oregon, and Colorado. It was 80 - that's 8-0 - degrees when I left California on January 4. This is what it's like in Newton today! A winter wonderland? BRRRR!



We had not planned to be in California for Christmas (I was hoping for it to happen next year!) but when Esther's father's health rapidly deteriorated, Brett and Esther decided to spend Christmas with family in CA. Actually they left KS on a Thursday and her Father passed away the next evening. It was a blessing that their family was able to be with their beloved Father and Tata for his last hours.

Rich and I looked at each other and said we didn't want to be here alone, so off we drove. We left Dec. 20 and arrived on Dec. 22, the day before Charles's funeral. We were glad we could be there to support the Calderon family. The service honored Charles and God.

The rest of our time was spent totally with our kids and my mom and siblings. It was probably one of the best trips we've had there. Perhaps that's how unplanned things go. We didn't get to contact any of our CA friends, hopefully that will happen next time, as our focus was completely on our family.

We came home via Oregon and Colorado. More on all of this later.

It's good to be home and not living out of a suitcase! We are returning to "normal" - whatever that is.