Lilacs at the Descanso Gardens

On Sunday, after volunteering at the triathlon, I visited the Descanso Gardens with Julie and Eva. I had been there before--once last year--but wanted to go back because the lilacs are in bloom (lilacs are my favorite flower--or, rather, flowering bush). Lilacs don't really grow in CA, but this garden has a large lilac exhibit, and I wanted to see them in bloom. I miss lilac season in Ohio! The lilacs were a little past their prime, but they were beautiful and smelled so wonderful.

Volunteering at the Newport Beach Triathlon

On Sunday morning, well before the hint of dawn, I went to the Back Bay in Newport Beach to volunteer for the 30th Annual Newport Beach Triathlon. I had way more fun than I was expecting. I helped three other volunteers hand out water and Gatorade (and cheer on runners!) at a station on the running course. I also got to see how a triathlon is run...which made me think that maybe...maybe...one day I will participate in one (which I know my friend, Susan, will be so excited about)!

Brazil!!!

Oh gosh, there's so much to say about Brazil! I stayed in Sao Paulo for a week and then we went to Rio de Janeiro for the weekend. Angela and her husband, Marcelo, were the most wonderful hosts. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends--who happen to live in such amazing places!

Here are just a few pictures from the trip. I loved learning about the Brazilian culture, seeing new places, and, of course, eating all the yummy food!

Unexpected Detour to Washington DC

On my way to Brazil two weeks ago my flight from Washington DC to Sao Paulo was cancelled. The whole thing was a huge hassle and major pain, but in the end didn't turn out to be so bad. I had never visited Washington DC before and since my cancelled flight was rescheduled for the following evening, I took advantage of the situation and toured the city during my day there. After taking a cab to a train station and a train into the city, I walked all along The Mall to the Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial.

Then I grabbed lunch and ate in it a park right across from the White House. After peeking through the gates surrounding the White House I walked around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial.

I happened to get stranded in Washington DC at the perfect time of the year because the Cherry Blossom Festival was happening! The blossoms were beautiful!

After wandering among the trees next to the Tidal Basic I walked to the Capitol and then headed back to my hotel.


Not a bad day after all! And...and the end of my day, I got to get dinner at Bob Evans, which I was pretty excited about since I hadn't been there in years and I used to work there (we don't have Bob Evans restaurants in CA).

Camping in Joshua Tree Nat'l Park

Last weekend I went camping in Joshua Tree National Park with the Steins and Chino. I had a really wonderful weekend--I love camping! I got to the campgrounds pretty late on Friday, but they had dinner waiting for me, which was super nice. On Saturday morning Eric made homemade blueberry pancakes and then we set off on a 8 mile hike to the Lost Palms Oasis. I love hiking!

After the hike we drove around the park for a bit and then came back to our campsite to eat Chino's delicious jambalaya dinner. In the evening I went to a presentation at the campground's amphitheater. Before we called it a day we sat around the campfire and made smores--yum!


On Sunday I made breakfast for the group and then left on a solo hike to Mastodon Peak.


So, lots of good things last weekend: Eating, camping, hiking, and friends. :-)

Camping in Joshua Tree Nat'l Park

Last weekend I went camping in Joshua Tree National Park with the Steins and Chino.