Greece (Chania, Crete) – day 9 (ruins, clouds, Old Town Chania)

A little late writing because last night we had to pack and I needed to get to bed because of our early morning today. Yesterday was Ohi Day in Greece, which commemorates the day Greece said ‘no’ (ohi) to Mussolini before WWII. They have a marching military style parade through the town. We had learned…

Greece (Chania, Crete) – day 8 (Koum Kapi Beach, writing & sketching, Anoskeli, and dinner at the harbor)

We put in another full day! We started early, leaving the hotel around 8 am to walk to Koum Kapi Beach which is on the other side of Chania from Neo Chora where we went yesterday. It was really lovely with cafes lining the seaside. Here are some photos: Then it was time for class…

Greece (Chania, Crete) – day 7 (beach, writing, Adespoto Music Tavern)

We got up and at ‘em this morning around 8:30 am. Our plan was laundry, breakfast, beach, class with Jill. And that’s exactly what happened. We headed to do laundry which also happens to be across the street from this, the minaret in the Turkish quarter of Old Town Chania. Where you see those two…

Greece (Chania, Crete) – day 4 (Lighthouse walk & creativity retreat)

Finally slept longer than five hours last night! In fact, I slept eight hours! Boy, I needed that! Sandy & I had talked last night about taking it easy this morning, and I think we’re both happy with that decision. We got ourselves together and went to breakfast here at the hotel. It was a…

US to Greece (LAX > Frankfurt > Athens) – day 1 (travel + Acropolis, National Garden & Plaka)

Let’s get those travel days out of the way because they were mostly unpleasant. Sandy arrived in Long Beach on Monday. We had a nice evening chatting with Mom and her watching me putting my bag together. On Tuesday, our Lyft driver (Paul) was there on time and got us to LAX by 11:30 am….

August Break #s 10-18 in reverse order

Five years ago (#18) I just posted a photo to IG of a plane coming in to land in San Diego. I was walking around downtown San Diego as I did nearly every weekend. It’s funny because I didn’t consider myself a “walker” or “hiker” then. Hell, I don’t think I even wore a sports…

Coffee

As an extra gift for my birthday, aside from surprising me with her actual presence, my sister bought me a coffeemaker. You see, when we were in Costa Rica, we drank coffee every morning. That wasn’t that new for me. I tend to favor mochas, but I’ve had plenty of brewed coffee. I just didn’t…

Sunday Funday

Today was packed with fun things! First, Sandy & I went on a light trail hike. Then we went to Polly’s Pies and bought what turned out be rather disappointing cinnamon rolls. After breakfast, we headed to Target 🎯 so she could buy another gift for me: a coffee maker. Since we got back from…

Late birthday surprise

Last night after dinner, my mom insisted that we watch a movie and stay up until midnight to enjoy every moment of my 50th birthday. I found it a little odd but also kind of nice. During the movie, she kept getting up (I need water, I need to go the bathroom, maybe Lulu needs…

50 & a River

Today I turned 50 years old (!) It’s been a pretty great day starting with the news that one of my besties, Lindsay, gave birth to her child, River, just after midnight! Huzzah! I went for a 4.5 mile hike at a trail I hadn’t been to since before COVID. It was foggy and magical….