Back to the 314

Long time, no post, I know. This California girl has been keeping busy, that's for sure!

Tomorrow I will head back to StL for my first trip back since moving out here. In many ways it feels so surreal. I can't believe I've been out here for almost 5 months - wow.

A couple of weeks ago I made a trip out to Hemet to see my relatives. I sang a solo at Sunday services at my aunt and uncle's church, which was very nice. I sang Panis Angelicus, and it was wonderful to have the chance to perform live for my aunt, uncle and grandma. Grandma Bennie was thrilled, and that makes me feel really good.

We also celebrated my cousin-in-law Troy's birthday. I can't say just how much it means to me to be able to spend more time with my So Cal family. I am very blessed.

I had dinner with my Grandma in the dining hall at her retirement facility and the dining room was decorated for a luau that they're having this month. Sunwest, where my Grandma lives, is really nice. It's like college dorm living for seniors. You have a dining hall, on-site activities, parties, groups you can join and your own little apartment. It's great.

Anyway, this was one of the table arrangements on our dinner table. I just had to take a picture because it amused me greatly.

Love the swimsuit hanging off the sign. Nice touch.

I am looking forward to my first trip back home, even though I know it's going to be hot and humid. I have been very fortunate out in LA this summer. We haven't had much extreme heat. In fact, I've only turned my A/C on once, for a total of 2 days since moving out here.

It really cools off here at night. Even if it gets up to 90+, once the sun sets things tend to cool off pretty quickly. I'm lucky in that my apartment doesn't get much direct sunlight. And the way my building is set-up, it just stays cool. You can feel the temperature drop when you come in the front door (and there's no A/C, my apartment complex is open on the inside, so it's outdoor air).

But I'm not going home for the nice weather, I'm going to see people. I can't wait to see my parents, family, friends...it's going to be a great trip.

Will post some pics and updates from the trip!