Happy Fall

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I am coming to you live from my backyard and I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Fall. As for me, it is 100 degrees outside and I just got out of my pool. I've hung up my swimsuit and I'm sitting here on my chaise lounge in a towel. And sunglasses. I have a cool drink on my stand (lemonade) and I'm listening to Andrea Bocelli.

Don't know why I've been in such a funk lately. Well yes I do know why but I'm not going to get into that right now. My last blog I was talking about getting on a plane and leaving San Diego for anywhere. But actually, I have been missing Seattle big time.

Several years ago my hubby was in a position where he was in charge of the west coast. He had some business in Portland and we have some friends up there. We decided to mix business with some vacation time. We flew up to Portland, rented a car and after his business was concluded we spent some time with our friends. We had a lovely time seeing the city. We spent one day on his boat and saw the city from the water. So many bridges. I really enjoyed Portland. After a few days we left and drove up to Seattle. What a blast. I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery was.

I am from the east so I missed the evergreen trees. I also missed the seasons so much. I believe we were there in July and the weather was quite cool up there. Unfortunately, I only brought southern CA clothing so I was freezing up there. Fortunately our friends were kind enough to loan me a jacket. Can you imagine wearing a jacket in the middle of July? But there ya go.

Is anyone from Seattle? I'll tell ya I would love to retire up there. I know you get tons of rain and snow but it's such a beautiful city. I am sitting in my backyard surrounded by six palm trees, tons of bushes, roses and of course a lovely pool. We have a little fountain that I water daily and the birds just love to come and take a splash. We have a lovely jasmine bush that the hummingbirds love. I love to just come back here and relax in the shade and enjoy the lovely warm weather.

I remember growing up in cold northwestern Ohio. The doctors would always tell my mother that the best thing she could do for my polio legs was move to the southwest. And here I am. And now what am I thinking of? Moving up north. I don't know, I really miss the seasons. Fall was always my favorite time of year.

And it's still strange to cook a Thanksgiving dinner in the oven when it's 80 degrees outside. I guess I'm feeling a little homesick. Not for Ohio but for my family. I have a huge Latino family. It's not unusual to have 36 people in the house and that is not everyone either. Sometimes when I go back to visit I get a little overwhelmed.

One of my favorite photos of my eldest son is when he was around 4 years old and we were playing in the leaves. He had a cute little jacket on that his grandma Mary Ann had bought for him. He looked so happy. Now he is in Italy! I wonder if he misses us and if he remembers those days?

This is my dream home. Sitting in my backyard, relaxing from a swim and typing away on my laptop. Should I work on my book? Should we go out to dinner or cook on the grill again? Decisions, decisions. Yes, I think going out to dinner is in order. A nice shower, a sundress, splash of perfume and a little makeup. Walk into a restaurant with my hubby's hand in mine. Can life get any finer than this?