Merced, California: So, Sweet Reader, we once again find ourselves in the boyhood hometown of DT. It is a three hour (or so) drive from Bakersfield to Merced on Highway 99. Straight. Flat. Boring. We only stopped once - at a rest area for lunch, but even in a barely-maintained rest area I was able to find something very interesting.
Well... interesting to me.
I think the yellow rose is just simply the most beautiful flower G-d ever created... except for the peony... or lilac... hydrangea... or maybe lavender. Okay. Obviously the jury is still out on my flower decision, but a yellow rose is pure beauty. This little rest area had gorgeous climbing roses clinging to a back fence. Stunning.
See? I'm not the only creature to enjoy a yellow rose.
The family gathered tonight to celebrate DT's birthday. Brother Bill and Ginger prepared a feast for royalty! Ginger is not only a gourmet cook - she also keeps a gorgeous garden.
More roses! Notice the rain drops? Yes, it is raining in the San Joaquin Valley. I wore jeans and a sweater tonight for the first time since... gee... about six weeks ago.No flip-flops tonight.
Dave's only cousin on his Mom's side is here from New York. Susan (in jean jacket) and her husband, Tim (far right) and their children - Samantha and Timmy - traveled cross-country in their RV!
Our niece, Kira, and Samantha are really hitting it off.
Bill grilled a roast he had marinated in Tuscan spices.
Ginger prepared fettuccini alfredo, roast asparagus and a caprese salad. The food was outstanding. We drank delicious wines too. Bill & Ginger's daughter, Meghan, sang for us after dinner. Meghan sang "Think of Me" from the Phantom of the Opera.
Meghan is a classically-trained singer... and she also sang "Happy Birthday" to her Uncle Dave.
DT's Mom baked a birthday cake!Oh Oh. Looks like someone is the speed limit.
Wait a minute. How many days have we been celebrating his birthday anyway?
People of his advanced age can no longer blow out their own candles.Uncle Dave needed help.
Until my next update, I remain, your "anyone notice the leg lamp" correspondent.
RV Park: Castle Air Museum Family Camp (in Atwater, California). The only game in town. We always stay here. It actually used to be a parking lot - but the Air Museum added eight 50-amp full-hookup campsites. It floods during a rainstorm. No bath house. No wifi. We love it here. Dogs allowed off-leash. Very casual. Quiet.