San Diego County

Friends & Family

Elizabeth and Rob's last night in town, a group of friends and family got together for dinner. We had a GREAT time. I SO loved this time with my eldest child. We are looking forward to being able to spend more time with both of our beautiful daughters in the months to come. It was difficult to say good-by, but we know it is only for awhile.

Mommy & Daughter

As we were packing up to leave Escondido on March 6th, we got a surprise visit. My Aunt Rachel, my sister Debbie, and Debbie's youngest child stopped by. It was good to see them. We didn't visit for long as we needed to be packed and checked out by noon. I gave them a quickie tour of Freeda. We got hugs and they were gone.

After gassing up Freeda, we hit the road to Ramona. Ramona is in the foothills of San Diego county. It isn't a long drive from Escondido, but the road there has lots of curves and is only two lanes at some points. We went via Highway 78. It is pretty, but at times a bit nerve racking. At least for me it is. I am still getting used to riding in such a large vehicle. We used the turnouts to let the faster and smaller cars get past us. They always appreciated that. Slow and easy is our motto. Especially on such tight and curvy roads.

Highway 78

We passed by the San Diego wild animal park. Eddie has never been, so we just may have to take a trip there.

Hot air balloon over the San Diego wild animal park

After we got to the Ramona Canyon RV park & all set up, Eddie mentioned how he really likes it here. He has never been to this part of San Diego county. We are staying here under ROD (Resorts of Distinction) so I called them to see if we could extend our stay. They said no problem, so we will be here until March 27th. It will be good to stay put for a bit in one spot. I have medical things to look after, and Eddie wants to paint more. 

Our camp site in Ramona

Ramona Canyon RV park

Ray & Susie drove up, and we all went out to dinner at the Ramona Cafe. The cafe was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. They were having an event celebrating Dr. Seuss 100th birthday. So I had the green eggs and county fried steak. It was YUMMY!!!! There was SO much food, I had to take half home. Ramona Cafe is also known for their cinnamon rolls. Eddie, Ray & Susie all got one. They were HUGE, and everyone said they were DELISH!!!!!

Green Eggs at Ramona Cafe

March 10th was such a beautiful day that Eddie, Suzy and I decided to take a drive to Julian. We put the top down and cruised. Seeing as how I am more familiar with the area, I drove. I hadn't been to this neck of the woods in some 35 years. It really took me back. As a child and young adult, our family spent some wonderful times together here. We had camped and also did day trips. It was the place we used to come to to play in the snow, and to get some apple cider. I even brought my little girls up here when they were young. The drive was great. Eddie enjoyed being the passenger and being able to look around and sight see.

Highway 78 leading down into Santa Ysabel, CA

We stopped by Dudley's Bakery and got some VERY yummy bread. Sometimes on a whim, my parents would drive all of the way from El Cajon to Dudley's for bread and baked goods. It is THAT good!!!

Dudley's bakery in Santa Ysabel, CA

We spent the day walking around and exploring Julian. Suzy loved strutting around, and everyone thought she was just the cutest dog ever. Of course we have to agree!!!! The drive home was just as nice, but it did start to get chilly. We got home early enough to be able to sit outside and enjoy the evening. All in all it was a GREAT day. Time with my Honey bunch is always great, but being able to share something I love so much with him, was even better.

Julian, CA

Julian, CA

Eddie in Julian, CA

The 11th of March was my baby sisters B-day. I called to wish her a happy, happy birthday. She was visiting our Daddy. Funny, Eddie and I had talked about driving down to see him that day, but decided to wait until Friday. Instead of going anywhere that day, we stayed home and I FINALLY started my blog.

At my "desk" in Freeda

It is about time. It took me long enough, but with some help from Margaret, It is going. So far I have enjoyed it and it has been fun. I am learning as I go how to do one. Any insights and ideas are welcome!!!

March 12th, Ray & Susie drove up again. The four of us went to Julian. We had planned on going to a BBQ place Ray said is good, but it was closed, so we all had lunch at the Julian Cafe.

the cool boot glasses at Julian Cafe

Susie & Ray at Julian Cafe

After lunch, we walked around the little town and bought some goodies. Julian is SO cute. It is a fun place to explore.

Ramona camp site

Eddie relaxing in Ramona

Suzy at Ramona camp site

The next couple of days, we hung around and did some cleaning and repairing. As I was wiping off some lent on the dryer vent cover, it fell apart. It is old and plastic and I think the sun and elements made it so brittle that it just crumbled. Eddie went to the local hardware store and got a new cover. He got the kind we had on our house in Point Roberts, the one that is supposed to keep any "creatures" out. He installed it no problem. It looked GREAT!!! On the 16th, the wind was REALLY kicking up. I suggested to Eddie that we better get the awning down. Before he got out there, a big gust really shook it up. As he was trying to get down, a couple of fellow park goers came and helped him. The side rails had gotten tweaked by the wind, and the helpers were very needed and helpful. One thing we realized though is that the beautiful new dryer vent cover that Eddie installed, is in the way of the awning rail. We had to just laugh about that. He had to take it off and we covered it with duct tape for a temporary fix. We told our helpers that we say 90% our ignorance, and 10% issue. They said "no, it is a learning curve" So from now on, instead of "ignorance", we are going to say "learning curve". That sounds better anyway. Eddie got the "flat" dryer vent cover like the one that was originally on there and replaced it lickity split. It looks great and no awning issues with it. Remember "learning curve"!!!!!

Saint Paddy's day was just another beautiful day in paradise. We drove to Santee for my Physical Therapy appointment with the top down. While there, we ran some errands and then headed to Ray & Susie's house. Eddie and I have become Wifi "whores". Everywhere we go, we try and use the wifi that is available. Ray & Susie very kindly offered to let us use theirs. So we brought Eddie's laptop and took care of some business while able to. Suzy played with their dog Cinderella, that is until food was around, they got into a little fight, but after both calmed down, all was well. We were all getting hungry, so we followed Ray & Susie to Ocean Beach to have dinner at Hodads. Hodads was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. Man was it GOOD!!!!!! The burgers are HUGE. We were able to eat only half. After dinner, we walked down to the beach and watched the sun go down. OB is another place that I hadn't been to in YEARS. It is still a quirky, cool little place. 

Yummy burgers at Hodads in OB, CA

Tuesday March 18th was a WONDERFUL day for us. Our youngest daughter Rebecca called. Her and Andrew were at Disneyworld. While at Cinderella's castle, Andrew proposed to her. She said yes with all of her heart. Our baby is engaged!!!!!! Andrew is so wonderful, and will be an awesome addition to our family. The whole day we were beaming and crying tears of joy. We are so happy and thrilled for them both. She broke the news to me via Face time on our IPhone's, Becca's face was beaming!!!! Eddie and I can't be happier or prouder of them both. Welcome, WELCOME Andrew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dads home in Chula Vista, CA

Me and my Daddy!!!!

After another PT appointment on the 19th, we went to visit my Daddy again. That is one of the best things about staying in San Diego county longer. I have been able to visit my Dad several times, and will be seeing him more before we leave. He looks good, but was having a very hard memory day. He remembered me, but didn't know a lot of the names I was saying. He REALLY loved cuddling with Suzy. Maybe it is something in the name?????

Dad & SuzyQ

We stayed for several hours and just enjoyed the time with him. I love the home he is in. The staff are VERY nice, and the place is clean and safe. We got some pictures from his old room and put them in his new one so he could feel more at home. It was such a beautiful day, that we spent most of it outside. Eddie, Suzy and I in the shade, and Dad in the sunshine.

Thursday the 20th, our friends Dave & Cindy rode up from the desert to see us. They have a Trike and Spider. They look like a BLAST to ride on. Especially on a gorgeous day and a beautiful Highway like 78. I may have to try and ride one of these some day.

Cindy on the Spider

Dave & Cindy

Dave on the Trike

After a tour of Freeda and a visit, we all went to Julian for lunch. Again we were going to go to the BBQ place, and again it was closed, so we went to Julian Cafe. Julian Cafe sure is getting a lot of biz when the BBQ place is closed!!!! The four of us walked around town before going our separate ways. It was good to see them, and we hope to see them again when in Indio.

Suzy and Granda

March 21st, after another PT appointment and running errands, we visited my dad again. One of the errands we did was to get Suzy's shots updated. That way she could go into the building to see "grandpa" Suzy and I visited while Eddie ran a quick errand. We got dad's painting of his ship properly framed, and Eddie went to pick it up. When he returned, we hung it up over dads bed. He loves having it there. We had another good visit. We stayed until it was his dinner time.

Dad and Suzy with his Mine Sweeper painting.

Well that pretty much brings us up to date. We are loving and enjoying our time in Ramona. We have made some friends here that we hope to keep in touch with. Eddie has done some more drawings and paintings. We do miss all of our family and friends in Washington, and you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Please be safe and check back for more updates and adventures with Eddie, Darlanne, SuzyQ & Freeda!!!!!!!

Moon in Ramona, CA