We packed up Big Red for another road trip last week. This time we took a trip to California for hub’s family reunion.
The trip to the Bay Area from Phoenix Metro is a long ol’ drive. But three generations of Lulis men had the opportunity to love on their family thanks to John’s sister Linda and her husband Dan’s hospitality.
Prepping for a Road Trip
Besides all the normal road-trip packing we do, we felt special snacks were needed so the boys made Rice Krispy Treats the night before. Yep, they all got eaten over the next few days.
Bakersfield
First stop, after 7 hours of driving, was Bakersfield, California. We stayed in a great condo through Airbnb. The grounds were beautiful and the little pool almost outside the front door was the perfect end to a long day on the road.
San Martin
Linda’s gorgeous home is in San Martin.
Everyone enjoyed pool time, lawn games and a taco truck.
I spent a lot of time meandering through her garden and snapping some pics.
San Jose
John and I spent the night at a hotel in San Jose and then met my sister and BIL, Monique and Peter for a (TOO) short visit.
We ended up, quite accidentally, at the Winchester Mystery House. We have all heard of it over the years but none of us have ever toured it. John and his family grew up in San Jose and they’ve never been in it.
I remember watching all those mystery shows in the 1970s featuring the creepy stuff around that house. Our family is super creepy – almost like the Addams Family – and we always watched “documentaries” featuring real-life spooky places. Winchester House was a favorite subject.
Well, this time here we were standing right in front of the house, and we still didn’t visit it. The grounds and outside of the building are quite gorgeous and well maintained. It was enough just looking from the outside.
What I’m Eating
Aside from Rice Krispy Treats we’ve been eating a lot of simple and light meals. Usually involving chicken. As in grilled chicken on salad, rotisserie chicken (while on the road), crockpot BBQ chicken.
But. DF Jill sent me a pic of these cookies and I think I need them. What do you think?
What I’m Reading
On audio I listened to Pirate Hunters by Robert Kurson, a non-fiction about celebrity deep-sea divers locating a famous sunken pirate ship. Lots of info about the technology involved and lots of history about pirates.
But the best part? The narration by Ray Porter. The best narrator ever! That guy could make any story so exciting.
Wrap Up
A little pool time every day has helped me keep sunshine on my shoulders while keeping cool. As you can see, the club pool I visit most frequently has very few people there most days. Too much indoor time is hard on my cheery meter, so this little bit of time outdoors each day means a lot.
Heaps of blessings on your weekend!
Oh ! Always wanted to visit Winchester Mystery House! Why didn’t you go in?
Not on our agenda. But a great parking lot!
Yes, why didn’t you go in? I think you really need that cookie cutter.😆
We ended up there by accident. We didn’t have enough time, reservations or really, the desire. But it was fun taking pics! Yes to the cookie cutter. But then I’d have to make cookies!