At he end of every day it seems I want to start my blog with “OH WOW”.  It seems like every one of my days are “oh wow” days.  And today was no exception.  Just knowing I had a gym to get up and go to made this one start out with an “oh wow”.  Up early, left early, and arrived back home a little after  8:00 a.m.  Ate some more food and then freshened up and changed to go someplace very special.  This special place was to see some long loved friends.  Chuck and Ruby are those friends.  People I have known and cherished all these years past.  Chuck was my first spiritual mentor as I became an adult.  He instilled in me a love for the scriptures and a desire to study and learn more.  Ruby influence me in ways I am she was sure  was totally unaware.  She taught me hospitality, and how to be a gracious host.  Both she and Chuck always had room to help those who needed help.  I was the recipient of so much of their selfless giving in so many ways.  Both are retired now, Chuck from his law practice and Ruby from teaching elementary school.  Chuck has a twinkle in his eyes, short term memory loss and more and more love for Ruby as time tolls on.

It was so good to see them this morning for a few hours.  As I left the tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought this might possibly be the last time I see him on earth.  I do not know if I’ll pass t his way again.  Chuck and Ruby were two of the reasons I wanted to come this way.

After leaving their home I drove to another very important destination.  Another person whom I have always been so much indebted to is Jeannie Jones.  Jeannie was the first care providers for  my children  I am ever grateful for their home daycare they provided way back in 1973 for our daughter and then three years later for our son.  Again I spent a few hours getting caught up with what was going on with their children and grandchildren.  Just as most of the rest of us they have had their tragedy and their triumphs through life.  It was just good to see them.  Our friends are aging, as so are we, and to touch basis again with those who played important roles in my life has been a great EXPERIENCE for me on my journey.  Everywhere I go God is teaching me something profound.  I am so grateful!

I left Jeannie and Eugene’s place with just enough time to get back to my home destination, change clothes again and leave for the EXPERIENCE of a lifetime.  And that is just what it was.

I mentioned previously about the awards my host family’s sons were awarded in regards to culinary expertise and skills.  Well tonight was the true EXPERIENCE for me as I was a guest at THE RANCH RESTAURANT AND SALOON where one is the chief executive chef and the other is chief pastry chef.  Oh my!  When I left there I was a believer in their culinary skills and presentation.  Not only was it beautiful but it tasted good too.  I’m paying for it now however.  I had a salmon creation that was out of this world.  Along with the salmon the kitchen just kept sending us little taste goodies.  One such plate was a beet salad recipe.  Oh so delicious.  We also tasted a whole artichoke cooked to perfection and seasoned delicately.  Oh…how good good food is!

The Ranch actually has a ranch locally where they grow most of all that is served fresh in the restaurant.  The fruits and vegetables were delicious.  And the desserts were heavenly.  One was “Popcorn ice cream“.  Try to figure that one out!  Truly it was delicious.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Another dessert was a Peach  crostata with a blueberry sauce and fresh blueberries.  The last desert was Ice cream popcorn with a twist garnished with crumbled chocolate cookies.  I did take pictures on my IPhone so I can post pics of the desserts.  Forgot to take pics of the entrees.

And again today I was made aware that some lives truly are more busy than mine.  As of yet tomorrow is unplanned.  The rest of my days here in Orange County however and scheduled to the hilt.  I shall sign off as I am ready to fall asleep here at the dining room table.

Goodnight!