Combining Business and Pleasure in CA 12'10

 When CC learned she would be taking a business trip to California to check on her house rental,  She also arranged for some extra time to  visit with my family and friends  during the week of Dec 5 - 12 and promptly got busy lining up  appointments so that she didn't miss anyone  while she was there.

CC and Ellen Grun

First stop after my arrival  was a visit the rental house in California.  After meeting with the current tenant and  soliciting bids for service from several contractors, I was starving, and was delighted that my friend and former co-worker, Ellen Grun  could meet with me for dinner.  Ellen Joined HP the same year I did, so we have a long history together. It was so nice catching up on each others lives.

Next I went back to the rental and met again with the tenant and this time spoke with my gardener about  things I wanted done around the yard.

The next day, after meeting with  the  termite contractor again I went to spend the evening with  my Mom and her husband Ray

I also had a nice time playing with their two dogs

Filipe

and Roxy
After several more calls and discussions with contractors about minor repairs,  I finally was able to turn my attention a toward my daughter and her family in San Diego

Laura and I

 Laura and her husband David

 CC, Dylan, and Ryan

CC and Dylan

While my daughter was still working, Laura did  take a day off to spend some time with me

and show me the classroom where she teaches

She also let the boys stay home one day so we could bake Christmas cookies together

Dropping the dough onto  the sheet in small balls

Learning to break and egg

and Dylans favorite.... mixing in chocolate chips

 Scattering the white chocolate

In the evenings we went to see holiday displays

like the creche set 

at their beautiful Morman Temple

or this lovely display of Christmas Decorations, gingerbread houses and Christmas trees 

 The week went by all too quickly and much of it was spent on business,

 but I am glad I had a few moments to spend with the people I love.