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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Sojourn Begins


Yes, we were gone for awhile . . . and here's what we did!

On April 13th, Howard, Anne, and I landed at LAX around noon,
picked up Alida and her husband Josh at their apartment in Los Angeles,
and off we went to Oceanside,
somewhere down there in the Golden State, near San Diego.
My grasp of California geography is pretty sketchy.

In Oceanside, there's a gorgeous beach, and a long fishing pier,
 the most delicious Thai food I ever tasted, and - 

-- best of all -- there is Josh's family.

The last time we all saw one another was at
Josh and Alida's wedding, back in June 2011.  
(Longtime followers of That Old House are now screaming,
"No! No! Not another wedding post!")

Josh's Mom keeps backyard chickens, beautiful Rhode Island Reds,
and now I find myself Googling "keeping backyard chickens"
when I am at the computer.  My Mom kept chickens; it's in my DNA.

Josh's Mom, and his Aunt Sue who once owned a cafe,
put together a beautiful brunch for us on Sunday morning.

 Coffee, champagne, fruit, yogurt, breads and pastries, cheeses, even my favorite
California breakfast: Chilaquiles, made by Alida. 
Confession: This is a picture of my breakfast last year at Cha Cha Cha in Los Angeles' Silverlake neighborhood,
just blocks from Josh and Alida's apartment.  Cha Cha Cha is where I fell in love with this Mexican dish.
I forgot to get a picture of Alida's version.  Too busy eating and chatting.
How adorable and creative is this?
And the scones?  Incredible.  What diet?

I also learned a valuable life lesson:
that Spicy V8 juice makes an excellent Bloody Mary.  

We had a grand time visiting with our daughter's in-laws.
Of all the people Alida might have ended up marrying, she married a
great guy from a wonderful family, and we could not be happier.
That we truly like his parents is a fabulous bonus.
Anne, Billie, Elizabeth & Zech, Josh & Alida, and Howard.
Mocha and Bella in front.
Thank you, Billie and Greg, for your hospitality, and the charming company of Mocha and Bella;
we didn't miss our own dogs as much with yours to play with.  
Billie, your Green Thumb and what you have done with your gardens has inspired me!
I hope it won't be another two years before we see one another again.
******************************
So on Monday morning, it was goodbye to Oceanside,
and hello to Las Vegas.
Yes, folks . . . the innocents from New Jersey were let loose in Sin City.
Our adventures with high stakes gambling
and glamorous showgirls in tomorrow's blog post.
Loose women and high livin'.   -- Cass

9 comments:

  1. Vegas, you went to Vegas!!!! I can't wait to hear! We are friends with our SIL's parents as well and even do things WITH them when there are no kids involved! THAT is a bonus! Sigh -- off to bake 3 or 4 dozen cookies for a meeting tomorrow night. Sigh!

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  2. Sounds and looks like you are had a great time and great food! Looking forward to hearing about Vegas - at least the part that did not stay there. :D

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  3. What a lovely family and I can tell they treated you well! Looking forward to Vegas!

    Xo,
    Jane

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  4. Sounds like a lovely visit & a wonderful brunch... Wow! I am going to have to look up Chilaquiles, never heard of them before & the fruit plate is more than adorable... I will copy that one.
    We are fortunate to have 3 sons who have married 3 lovely girls, from 3 lovely families, that all live close by, so we do get to visit & celebrate occasions with them, often... : )
    Now... can't wait to hear all about Vegas, Baby... : )

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  5. Isn't it great when one's children marry and bring great people into the family! That's how we feel about our SIL's parents too.
    Vegas - has anyone let the Chamber of Commerce know that you are coming and that you'll write about it????? I can't wait.

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  6. That fruit platter is stunning! What a gorgeous place. Thank you for taking my eyes on vacation with you.
    Shel

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  7. Oh how I love Southern California! Looks like a wonderful trip. Such a beautiful family you have. I know how you feel about your in-laws; my daughter married a man from a very good family too...isn't it just The Best Thing! Anxiously awaiting your post about Sin City! **blows kisses** Deb

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  8. How wonderful to see you, Anne and Howard again! We had such a great time hanging out with the whole crew. The Crabill's are just as thrilled to have Alida as part of the family. Come back again soon!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sue!
      Fancy meeting you here. :-)
      We had such a good time in Oceanside, and I'm still talking about the brunch. AND those scones.
      Also, I can't thank you enough for making the gluten free scones for Annie. That was so thoughtful and sweet.

      We'll be back as soon as we can!
      And don't forget ... you are always welcome here "back East."

      Say Hi to Bill... Cass

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