This is not Texas

After a broken trailer, 3 days of driving, multiple cold fronts/freezing weather- We are finally about to be in our new home! We searched and searched but I think we have found a winner! We are very excited and hope to be moved in by the middle of the week. We have lived in a hotel for about a week and a half. It's not a lot of fun- I am so glad that it is almost over! woohoo!

It's not Texas- but I guess it will do for now.

California

Rider resides in Carlsbad, located 30 minutes or so north of San Diego and south of Camp Pendleton.  It was 65-70 degrees throughout my stay.  The weather is beautiful!  As you travel north or even south out of Carlsbad, it warms up 10-15 degrees.  It’s weird.  The marine layer that sweeps in the mornings from Pacific hangs out until usually late afternoon.  Sometimes the sun doesn’t break through at all during the day.  The ocean water is cold!  I don’t see how people do it with it being so cold.  Capris and sweaters were my wardrobe for the stay and I was comfortable.   Did I mention, NO HUMIDITY?!  My hair looked great throughout the trip!

California- Day 2

Friday, Rider has to work- go figure! He has a prep for an upcoming detachment. As I wake up to no air conditioning (which really isn’t needed) and stretch and look out the window for the ocean view, I look down at the pool to see a rather large old man in a pink Speedo!  I kid you not- this is what he looked like- minus the high heels!

I had a girls day of mani-pedi’s with one of Rider’s roommates girlfriend-(did you follow that?) and one of her friends who is stationed at Balboa (thank you Sandy and Kerry!). We spent the day in Oceanside and lunched at Ruby’s on the pier.   And Stacey joined up for lunch.  Ruby’s is a 50s diner with great burgers and shakes. 

 

California- Day 1

My trip to San Diego did not start out so well.  I usually LOVE the window seat.  However, this time I was stuck there with 2 OVER-SIZED elderly individuals between me, freedom and the bathroom.  It was a 3 hour flight!  I thought I was gonna die.  Then when trying to exit the plane, these two individuals needed wheelchairs!

When I finally get to see Rider, I am ecstatic.  I’m ready to get my luggage and get the heck outta of the airport.  Well, my awesome, heavy duty Samsonite luggage is ripped!  It looks like an airplane has rolled over it and slammed it in a door!  And according to everyone's surprise, I didn’t pack that much!  So, I think I have everything and then have to go and claim it with the airline.  I would have been devastated had my personables been strewn about the baggage claim.  Good Heavens!  I get what they call a “replacement”.  Unless it’s Samsonite or some type of reputable line, it’s not a replacement.  

Thursday night- Dinner at Anthony’s Fish Grotto on the San Diego Bay.  The crab cakes were delicious and Rider’s shrimp was tasty!   Rider and I had been here before and the food was just as yummy.  I wish it had been light to be able to enjoy the bay and the view of the ships.  The last time we were here Lincoln graduated boot camp from MCRD- San Diego.  Did I mention, I am already jet-lagged by this point?   It would be midnight and I would be tucked away in bed. 

Couple's Shower

Cathy, Ashley and I hosted a couple's shower for Casey and Link.  We ordered a cake and Ashely and I decorated it with fresh flowers- didn't we do a great job ;-)  The cake was 360 degrees of delight and beauty!  Joni made chocolate covered strawberries with a 'B' on them- they were yummie, too.  Cathy, Jim and Jeremy made some excellent food and appetizers.  Link and Casey had a great turn out.  A lot of family and friends attended.  The soon to be couple also came away with car-loads of gifts!  Yay!  Here are some highlights...

The Happy Couple

The Gorgeous Hostess'!

 

 

 

Me & My Mommy

A Happy Ending to a Great Day!

The BIG Day- Rider's Winging

June 4, 2010 is the day Rider received his 'wings of gold' to become a naval aviator in the United States Marine Corps.  As the person who has put up with him and his training, Rider honored me by asking to be the first to pin his wings on him.  I am a very proud wife!  It was kind of embarrassing because we all walked on stage for me to do the honor.  I was scared out of my mind!  It was difficult, however, I executed perfectly!  The festivities started with a Catholic Mass, then a non-denominational Blessing of the Wings, followed by a reception and then later, a winging party held each time a new class of aviators are winged (every 2 weeks).

Rider's Soft Patch Ceremony

June 3, 2010 Rider received his soft patch for his flight suit.  It's pretty snazzy with those 'wings of gold'.  We all couldn't be more proud.  The soft patch ceremony was pretty informal.  Each 'winger' choose an individual, such as an instructor, who has helped them along the way.  The 'winger' repays the instructor with their choice of liquor, or in Rider's case a very nice liquor and a case of Lone Star beer from the Lone Star State!  Those giving the soft patches also share stories, mostly made up of false experiences or embellishments.  Most were hilarious and too crude for me to type!  It was a a great, however long (24 wingers!), gathering.

Earlier in the day, Rider showed everyone the helicopter that he has been training in, the Bell Ranger.  It's a four seater- and that's about that.

 














Here's my attempt at sitting in the pilot seat.  I think I look pretty good, however, I will leave the complicated flying stuff to Rider and his buddies.  Look at all of those gauges and instruments! I am so glad there are people in this world who can keep all that straight! 

 
 

This day would not be complete without giving a 'shout out' to both of our families whose unending support helped Rider and I get to where we are.