End of Christmas Break

 Stace took Thursday off to come with me and Winston to Winston's neutering appointment at a clinic in Simi Valley that specializes in low-cost sterilizations for animal rescues. (See below video on talkative Winston in the car!)

While we waited for him to be ready for pickup, we went to the Camarillo Outlets and did some shopping for my birthday, and got a couple of sweaters. We also had lunch at a Cracker Barrel for the first time.

Once back in SClarita, we took Violet on a nature walk at Mentryville, and then went to Lowes to look at windows for her room. (Cora was at D&D.)

On Friday, Stace was at work and I met up with my dear  friend Kelly. We hadn't caught up in months, so we enjoyed doing some shopping and getting coffee together.

Saturday morning, we returned to Golden Valley Ranch, with Violet, and this time did a full-on 4-mile hike that took nearly two hours. The views were so, so lovely.

We treated ourselves to brunch after the hike at a local place called Neighbarista. In the evening, we watched The Sound of Music and worked on our latest bird puzzle.

On Sunday, after church, we put away the Christmas decorations and in the evening, I went to a musical performance. It's called Gift of Song, and it's a fundraiser for an arts charity. I knew several people taking part - years ago, Melanie used to sing in it, too. 

And that's all, folks, for Christmas break! A fresh start and new school semester begins this week.