Hello from Southern California!

After a wonderful 3 weeks in NH, we headed for Southern California to meet up with friends Russ, Matt & Marilyn. My parents kindly got up in the 'middle of the night' at 3:30am to drive us to Logan for a 7:20 flight. (JK...you've got to agree, 3:30am is truly in the middle of the night???!! ...and I bet Dogger wasn't even at work yet at that time!)

Not only has it been great to spend some time w/Russ, Matt & Marilyn, they have been fantastic hosts and tour guides. We also haven't stopped laughing. Russ has just finished renovating his home in the Hollywood Hills and it was such a treat to stay there. He did an amazing job with it and we've been well spoiled!!

The first day we got our bearings with a drive around Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier and an al fresco pub lunch. Temps were around 70F/17C but really foggy along the coast. Nonetheless, I got my toes in the ocean!

The next day we went to the new Cathedral in downtown LAX. A stunning building where the traditional elements of a cathedral, like the nave, tapestries of the saints, the transept, have been made modern. Really, really beautiful! Then we walked around to the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, The Disney Hall and the Walk of Fame. I now see why people really love LAX...very cool!

Saturday we're off again; driving to Matt & Marilyn's place near Palm Springs.