What a week!!!

Dad was here and we did it up!  Train to Santa Barbara---it was amazing.  We saw dolphins (porpoises?) frolicking along the coast as we rode in our train.  Got off--and there was an amazing parade, with fancy horses celebrating Fiesta Days.  It was super hot, and I asked Dad "do you want to go somewhere cooler?" and he said "No, this is amazing. How did you find it Becky Bee?" and we watched.  Then, lunch at a lovely little spot and baja tacos and "mexican street corn"  (you can't fool me, I know Elotes when I see them!) and then a walk to the beach.  We MAY have fought about Anderson Cooper's line of questioning at the first presidential debate, but the sun was hot so instead, we went wine tasting.  Tried to catch the early train, but it was delayed, and we waited and waited at the SB train station.  Ride home was super relaxing, and then at the LA Union Station, couldn't find the car (I knew where it was, but Bruce was insistent), back home, a few drinks and we discussed our communication styles and ways to get on the same page as we sat outside on my patio.

Next day, Dad treated  my car to a shine and buff (so nice!) and we took naps, and then grilled out.  Andy and John let us stay at their place, and we golfed, ate out, and went to Beverly Hills church to mass and the priest was lovely.  Later we both confessed that we cried at mass and tried to keep it together.  Thankfully, Michelle St Marie (old family friend) was there, and we walked through Beverly Hills and ate lunch at the tippy top of Rodeo Drive, and my dad was able to share stories about her family, including her dad who passed away a few years ago, and her godmother, Kitty, who is the namesake for my sister Kitty and Michelle's sister Kitty.  Dad and Mom, and Kitty and another old family friend used to double date after midnight mass, and we all imagine them hanging out in heaven.  I won't lie, there were some tears, but it was wonderful.  Aren't we lucky?

Then, we went to home depot for supplies, and came home and dad did all my little odds and ends, including hanging a wonderful work of original art from my goddaughter, Jayna:):)

We golfed twice at the local public course, and he is so patient, kind, and fun on the golf course.  We got some burgers, and then had dinner with Andy.

Andy's dealing with some health issues, and even so, he came out and hung with us.

The morning my dad left, I put him in an Uber as I wanted to be there with Andy for health stuff--my dad ended up loving his driver and made it safely to LAX.  My mom had the same reaction--she was nervous about Uber (or maybe lyft?  Who knows) and loved loved chatting with the guy.

My dad loved on Pickle, and Andy and John's dog Pearl, and LOVED my new place.

I couldn't have asked for a better visit, and kept encouraging him to come back soon, and stay longer.

I also had my intake for my grief group with the very kind people at the center, and caught up with some pals.

Between the visit from Dad, and Andy's surgery and recovery, I felt more like myself than I have in a long time.

Dad is home, safe and sound, and we really bonded.  Andy is on the road to recovery, and in the best of hands.

And me?  I'm home, with little pickle, watching ER re-runs and thinking about my basil and other plants.  This weekend is a mini college reunion as we cheer on Adam and his Hollywood Bowl Star wars show, and chill the f out.

Thanks Bruce for the visit, right when it was needed, and helping me get my apartment (and life) in order.