I had a mix-up with my book reviews post this month. I forgot to reschedule my post, so it didn’t fall when I was on vacation. That’s why it took me a week to respond! Sorry about that.
Had a great break though! We had a wonderful family Easter celebration that included an egg hunt on the Magical Trail. That did take some cleanup with all the trees we had down from the storm in February, but we got it done. We took a nice drive and walked the next day, and then ended up babysitting the youngest granddaughters that night. So we brought them to the mall, which is their favorite place to go now.
The next day, we went on a day trip to San Francisco to go to the California Academy of Science. It’s been a while, but always been a favorite place of mine to visit. I enjoyed the butterflies and aquarium as always, plus the African area with the penguins. Next, we headed over to the De Young Museum to see the special exhibit of Monet/Venice. Really enjoyed that too, plus exploring other areas. We didn’t get to end the day with the Japanese Tea Garden because they were closed, but we did have a nice picnic dinner and watch the sunset at the beach. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.
We also fit in seeing our daughter’s dance show, going to see Project Hail Mary, and relaxing. One day, we played Clue and watched the Artemis land. In between all of that were storms that gave us lots of rain, thunder, and lightning, and oddly enough, five inches or so of snow. Quite a mixture of weather from beautiful, warm, hot, even days to snow. We did find, through that rain, that there was a bit of damage to the roof when the tree fell that we’d missed. Not anything really big, but there is a hole that Jeff put some metal on the hole to stop the leak until we can get it fixed.
Looking forward to more rain and maybe another thunderstorm. Here’s a short video I took during one of the storms. It happens at 16 seconds in. I am not good at editing videos.
Now, for the pictures!
Embrace your inner child by exploring! Denise
You had a wonderful vacation, Denise, and saw lots of great things. I also saw a Monet waterlilies painting over Easter. I saw it in Paris.
It was fun and I always love seeing new things, Robbie. I am always amazed to see art in person. I followed along with your trip on Instagram. You saw some amazing things! Mo et was sure dedicated, I found it so interesting how he would ain’t several versions of same landscape in different lightening. Xo
What wonderful pictures! I’d love to see the California Academy of Science. Goodness, the California settlers had fancy furniture.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 I love spending time there. The museum was getting ready to close and I wanted to read more about the furniture but I assumed it was from the families who did well during the Gold Rush. It was beautiful. Xo
What a fun time you had. I haven’t seen sea horses in so long–thank you for that picture. And your daughter, as dancer. There’s nothing like speaking with music and movement. I would have enjoyed her show. I bet you’re very proud.
And loved the Australopithecine and tie-in to my series! Now I’ll be creating that guys (gals?) life history in my thoughts, wondering how s/he ended up in a SF museum.
It was a lot of fun, Jacqui 🙂 I love sea horses, they are so darn cute! Yes, a very proud parent and amazed at all the things she manages to do. Nothing like the beauty of expression in dance. It was a great show.
I felt a connection to them after reading your books. It is interesting to think about their lives and then know they end up in a museum reminding us of our past. Always fun to wonder, isn’t it? Xo
I lived in the Bay Area for ten years, and your photos brought back some lovely memories, Denise. Thank you for the lovely tour,
Glad to bring back some good memories, John. I grew up there and love to visit when I can. Nice mix of memories and creating new ones.
Lots of feel-good moments. I’ve been to many of the places you visited in San Francisco, which brought back a lot of good memories.
It was one of those feel-good vacations all around, Pete. I grew up in Bay Area so lots of good memories attached there. Golden Gate Park is one of them, and I never tire of exploring there.
Dear Denise, thanks for this warm, newsy post — and for all the pictures. I enjoyed it very much. Even the idea of a day in San Francisco sounds magical to me. The egg hunt on the trail — charm galore. Big hugs.
Breaks always kerp me busy and taking pictures 🙂 It was the perfect day all around in San Francisco. Yes, nothing like a forest egg hunt. Two didn’t grt found so I’m sure the bears got a treat…lol big hugs back
It’s wonderful that you had such a great vacation, Denise! Your pictures are lovely, positively descriptive of your vacation.
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 it was a nice break and I am always taking pictures.
😍
I love all these photos to go along with your vacation recounting. Sounds like a wonderfully relaxing and amazing break! I have to ask because I’ve heard mixed responses. What did you think of Project Hail Mary?
Thanks, Jan 🙂 It was just what I needed! I loved Project Hail Mary. I’m reading the book now. I guess ut would depend on how you felt about The Martain. I thought it was a nice change from evil aliens.
Wow! You had a great week.
We did, Craig 🙂 I love stay at home vcay’s with day trips
I’m so glad you had an enjoyable break, Denise! Thank you for sharing the photos with us. (You sure did have some thunderboomers!)
Thank you, Liz 🙂 It was a wonderful break. Yes, these storm were bigger than we normally get, but I usually always enjoy the show they provide.
You’re welcome, Denise.
Oh my gosh, Denise. So many wonders I don’t know where to start. I’ve never seen that butterfly before. He’s quite beautiful. Loved the thunderstorm vid. Those trees are soooo tall. What a great picture of your daughter dancing. It sounds like your vacay and holiday was beyond wondrous. xoxoox
Aren’t those parrots just the sweetest?
What a great vacation, Denise. I went to college in San Francisco and loved every minute of it. But…that was centuries ago. Seeing your photos brought back the joy I knew when much younger. ❤️
It was, Gwen 🙂 Fun place to go to college. I grew up in Bay Area, a o it holds a some good memories too. Fun bringing them back. Xo
Excellent pics, Denise; clearly it was a wonderful time for you all., and thanks for sharing these. Glad you enjoyed, and hope you’ve returned refreshed. 🙂
Thank you, Laura 🙂 It was a good vacation. I like the ones we stay close to home. All rested and ready:)
Wonderful photos of your great vacation, Denise! When you were in S.F., if you waved, I could’ve seen you! We’re only 30 minutes north. 🙂 Glad you had a fun time, and thanks for sharing! 🥰
Thank you, Lauren 🙂 Didn’t know you were that close! We were there only the day, went home that night. We did have fun. Xo
That’s great that you were able to pack so much fun into your vacation! How did you like Project Hail Mary? I loved the book but still haven’t gotten around to seeing it.
It was a lot of fun, Shelia:) I loved the movie and now reading books, which always had more details which I appreciate. I did it backwards, I prefer to read the book first…lol
Don’t ya love aquariums? So much fun.
Beautiful photos, Denise and a beautiful family. I love that raven. I’m so glad you had a great time.