Looking Back

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
Dr. Seuss

Standing at the stern watching Catalina sail away.

The boat ride from Catalina to the mainland was quick. Getting back into the swing of things, well that didn’t take long either.

But, driving around today taking care of all my errands, I’m reminded how courteous and friendly everyone on Catalina is: It’s such a contrast to the Angeleno lifestyle.

So, I’m already planning my next return trip to captivating Catalina. Hopefully, my husband will be able to join me, and am looking forward instead of looking back.

Shine On

Lasting Impression

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“A thousand words
will not leave
so deep an impression
as one deed.”
Henrik Ibsen

Lasting Impression

While I was on vacation, a new neighbor moved in next door. He’s a young computer programmer from New York City. He locked himself out and knocked on our door to use our phone. He was going to call a locksmith, but my husband was able to open his front door using the “old credit card trick.”

This evening I saw our new neighbor and introduced myself. He was telling me how appreciative he was that my husband was able to help him out. I told him he was welcome and to let us know if he ever needs anything. A few minutes later, there was a knock at our door. He wanted to thank my husband again and insisted on giving us a $30 gift card. I tried to tell him that it wasn’t necessary to give us a gift, but he insisted, so I accepted the card.

It doesn’t take much energy to be nice to people and help them, whether you know them or not. That’s what I always love about my husband. He’s always there to lend a hand or help someone who might be in temporary distress. For example, when my son was around seven years old, we were out for dinner, and we saw this young woman who had locked her purse along with her keys in the front seat of her car. The woman was in tears and my husband was able to open the car door for her. It was my sons first experience with how caring and helpful his stepdad is to everyone.

Now that my son is a grown man, I see these same loving qualities in my son. These qualities of my husband, obviously had a lasting impression.

Shine On

Why I’m Grateful

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning,
and yet I’m happy. I can’t figure it out.
What am I doing right?”
Charles M. Schulz
Why I'm Grateful

I never realized how much I needed a vacation, until I returned back home. It’s sad that some people never get to take the time to enjoy their lives and the ones they love. I feel so fortunate that I was able to spend the money and the time on the luxury of a vacation.

While I was on my dream vacation, I read lots of my fellow blogger posts. Some wrote about what’s happening in the world and in our society. Some wrote about how people they don’t even know, had lashed out at them with derogatory remarks. They wrote about how hate, anger, jealousy, and resentment are running and ruining people’s lives.

I don’t know what the answer is to all the problems in the world. But, I believe that people in general are unhappy in this world, and that has a major impact on our society.

If we are all constantly angry with someone or about something, it’s like a slow poisoning of our souls. Everyone needs to find something to be grateful for. It can be as basic as having a roof over your head. But, we must be grateful everyday, when each day ends, or I believe we grow angry and loathsome.

While on vacation, I gave a lot of thought about being grateful. So, my resolve is to wake every morning and retire every evening and remind myself why I’m grateful.

Shine On

Day Four – Catalina

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“The worst part about a trip to Catalina, is leaving.”
J R

April on Avalon from the top of Wrigley Road.

Mountains above Avalon

Avalon Homes on Hill Section

Private Beach at Hamilton Cove

Hamilton Cove Gazebo across from Avalon

Hamilton Cove Rocky Shoreline

Sail Boat at Hamilton Cove

Catalina Express parked at Hamilton Cove

Catalina Express parked at Avalon

Today, I went driving around the island on my little golf cart. Never knew driving a golf cart could be such fun. Catalina is an adult Disneyland. Full of friendly wonderful people, delicious food, fresh air and spectacular sites to behold.

It was a wonderful trip. Everyday the weather was perfect, the sky and water clear and blue. I didn’t want to bore you with tons of photos, so I’m just posting a few. These photos don’t do Catalina justice. I took lots of HD Video, but unfortunately this blog can’t accommodate video.

I have been rejuvenated by Catalina’s beauty and will return to the mainland a more refreshed and grateful person.

Farewell sweet Avalon. I shall return.

Shine On

Day Three – Catalina

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Chronicles of a Blogaholic

“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass,
or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those
still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.”
Miranda Kerr

Hilltop view of the Casino and Catalina Island Museum from condo.

Today I woke up so refreshed, I decided to do nothing. Just hanging out, reading, writing, playing my banjo and enjoying the views.

Around 3:00 in the afternoon I wanted some Chinese food to go from the only Chinese restaurant on Catalina. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the restaurant they are closed on Wednesdays. So, I drove up the main street and found a small cafe that looked like they would have good food.

The Cafe Metropole serves a small variety of healthy food, from salads to sandwiches. The lady behind the counter took my order and also made my food. I ordered a half a tuna sandwich and a large shrimp, mango & avocado salad.

The cafe was very busy for 3:00 in the afternoon, and it took her over 20 minutes to begin preparing my order. I was getting a little impatient and asked her how much longer. She replied rather annoyed, that she was just making the salad. I watched her take fresh lettuce from the refrigerator and chop it up. I left for a short time to pick up some other goodies around the corner. When I returned, she apologized for how long it took and handed me my order.

When I got the food home, I just ate the sandwich and wanted to save the salad for dinner. I must say that the sandwich was delicious. It wasn’t just a thrown together tuna salad. It had lots of ingredients added to the tuna. The salad was spectacular! Everything was fresh, from the large cooked shrimp, to the fresh mangos and avocados. The homemade dressing was an orange citrus cumin combination, which was just the right blend for the ingredients in the salad.

Tomorrow I plan to stop by Cafe Metropole and thank this hard-working woman when I see her. I also plan to try out her other entrees and pass up on the Chinese food.

Shine On