Colorado, Cars and Cats

 Stace had another work trip this week - this time, to Fort Collins, Colorado, where his company has its headquarters, for a software training.

It was a short trip, but he really liked the town and had a good time walking around the downtown area in the evenings. 

He brought home a treat for us - flavored fudge from Buc-ee's.

On Saturday, Stace, Violet and I went to DeBellis Ranch and Acton Trading Post for a morning out. We then stopped at the Newhall Art Walk, where we saw art hanging on walls and being created in real time at various businesses. 

This woman was demonstrating how she makes print collages.

We then got dinner at Bricks, and old favorite.

We took Vi home and Stace and I went to a car show at the mall that benefited the high school district's foundation.

This was a 1927 Ford Speedster.

Stace loves this 1950s Jaguar XK140, which he has seen at other shows.

We spotted Seb spending time in God's Word.

Cora took Violet to the archery range on Sunday afternoon, and they took both bows so they both could shoot.

Family Time and Milestone Birthdays

 My Dad is turning 70 this weekend! To celebrate, we're having a small party on Sunday, and Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty have come down to attend. With our new Murphy bed, they're staying with us! 

On Friday, we had charge of Ellie, and it was warm enough to enjoy the pool (though the water wasn't heated, so it was *very* "refreshing"). 

Here, Ellie is leading Aunt Patty in a water ballet dance. 

Stace and Cora did a bit of soccer in the yard, and then they started hitting the punching bag, with Uncle Bill. 

We bought this beautiful tomahawk steak, which Aunt Patty handled masterfully on Saturday.

Also Saturday, Liana and Sofia came over to play D&D in a campaign with Violet that Cora is DMing (being the Dungeon Master, or game leader).

THIS was a dinner worth savoring!

We enjoyed dinner and the evening outside, talking and thinking about a possible trip to the UK for Bill and Patty. They'd love to see where Stace grew up, so we told them all of our favorite places.

Stace pulled up a Martock visitor's guide on the TV.

On Sunday, it happened to be the annual Queen's English car show, so we four went together.

Once back in town, we got a coffee and walked around Newhall. We noticed an old payphone stand on Lyons - funny it's still there. No phone, though.

Later on Sunday, the big event! Dad's 70th birthday party!

We had about 17 people at my parents' house for food and fun. 

Posing with our dog, Maverick. (He insisted on being in the photo!)

Here is the photo card I made Dad. Lots of love to a wonderful father and grandfather, Dad! 

Splendid Sunday

On Sunday, Vi and I watched church from home and then went to Colleen and Rigo's house, where we visited the chickens and then drove to the beach.

 

We're having a March heat wave, and it was perfect weather at Rincon, our favorite beach. The girls spent a lot of time body boarding (though the water was chilly, since it IS March).

It was a lovely, relaxing few hours - I actually fell asleep!

Meanwhile, Stace went to the Petersen Automotive Museum with Jim and Jonah (pictured here, in hiding behind this gorgeous Alfa Romeo!). I got Stace the ticket for Christmas, and it included access to "the Vault" of all the cars. 

Stace took this funny tiny car for Violet, who used to say she wanted a car big enough for just one person.

When Stace texted us this photo to our family group, Vi responded with, "That's the dream."

The guys enjoyed a special exhibit featuring Aston Martins.

They also liked this interesting early '90s Japanese Kei car, the Mazda Autozam.

When Stace got home, he and Cora worked together to trench out and move a water pipe so we can have more convenient hose access in the back yard.

Week In Review

On Monday evening, we went to the archery range at dusk, and Violet did the walking course, where you shoot at animal targets placed up in the nearby hill. 

Since we were in Saugus, we stopped by my parents' house to meet Maverick, their new golden retriever!

He's super sweet - classic golden. He'll be 5 years old soon, so he's about Summer's age. They're getting used to each other, and she is much happier now, having another dog friend.

 

On Tuesday afternoon, Cora drove (I rode shotgun, and helped with directions) to L.A. to film a little advertisement for a weighted stuffed animal designed to help with anxiety. She's a professional commercial actor! She did great driving, too, through the traffic on the way home.

Also this week, I drove out to spend Friday with JT at her house, and we walked to lunch and shopping.
We didn't get any photos. But I do have a photo of Winston playing with the cat toy she gave us, one her cat wasn't interested in.

 That evening, Stace and I watched a murder mystery play in Old Newhall.

On Saturday evening, we celebrated my Mom's birthday with an escape room - we escaped! - and dinner at BJ's.

For some reason we asked Violet to take a few photos, instead of my Dad. Dad, you're back in charge next time!

On Sunday, Stace and I went to a British classic car show at the Gene Autry museum in L.A. A couple of Stacey's coworkers were there and had invited him. 

This MGB seems to be the original color of Stace's model.

Stace was excited to see this Ford Escort Cosworth, a very fast Ford from the 90s. Not sold in the US, this car was one of the most stolen cars of the decade in Britain.

Stacey's coworker friend Brian was there with his dad and the MG TC that they restored and hot rodded by putting in a V8 engine. Their car won a show award.

Week in Review

Violet and I went out to the archery range and found two deer! The ran off before we could get any closer. Always some type of nature experience out here.

Also this week, we watched a Zoom online meeting at College of the Canyons for incoming students, to learn more about the process for Cora for the fall.

Cora finally returned to Green Tower Games for D&D after a few months off for Wolves rehearsals.

And I got together with Kelly while Cora was D&Ding and Vi was at youth group. We caught up and took a walk. I also visited with my friend Moira, and went to Monrovia to meet up with JT on Friday.
 

Violet started this digital drawing while we were with Uncle Bill and Aunt Patty. When she'd finished, I printed a copy of it to share with them.

I realized the kitties didn't have a lot of little toys around, and thought of getting out the yardstick to check under the stove. Sure enough! Look at all the things Winston had pushed under, out of his own reach!

When I saw them looking under my dresser, I found at least five little toys under there, too.

Stace and Violet went to the monthly car show at the Porsche dealership on Saturday morning. It's fantastic how she has taken an interest in cars! She'll look at his Bring a Trailer emails at night, too. 

And speaking of cars, look at this beauty! I mean, look at that beautiful driver!

Yes, Cora is now beginning her driving journey. Stace took her out this weekend, and she did very well. She's nervous, and very careful. 

On Saturday afternoon, we went to see West Side Story at the Canyon Theatre Guild with Colleen and Rigo. Our friend Coach Greg Hayes played the police lieutenant, and Cora's vocal teacher's daughter had the lead role of Maria. It was a great show!

After the musical, we went to Acton, with them and the kids (minus homebody Cora) for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. It was great to hang out, and our way of thanking Rigo for dropping everything to help us pick up a Murphy bed in Acton the prior week. Gotta treat your friends with trucks well! We'd passed this restaurant on the way to the home where we bought the Murphy bed, which we got a great deal on.