A view from the sand. Not a bad seat in the house. I promise.
Just look at that water. hard to see why any boater would ever drop ankor here.
Water and sand.
" Attention, Attention !! the two on the left please walk away from the locals and return when you can blend in."


Los Roques days are filled with sun, sun, and more sun. Chris and I worked hard to catch a nice tan. It is hard work swimming all day and turning the pages of our books.

Chavez country
The island of Los Roques from the plane
A plane coming in for a landing
Our Pilot catching up with his morning news.

Well I figured I better start recording some of this amazing month long trip to Venezuela.

On February 1 2007 we Chris and I and our friends Rene and Doris all boarded a small plane. We were headed 160km north of Caracas. The plane was full of sun worshippers, divers and general tourist. All with cameras in hand and sunblock near by. Landing on Gran Roque we were kissed by the ocean wind and warmed by the Venezuelan Sun. We walked a short distance to our Posada. We paid $555.00 per person including all meals and our flight. The rooms were modest and simple. The staff was friendly and efficient at Posada Eva. There is nothing much to do on the main island of Gran Roque. Each day you hire a boat taxi and go to a different small island. The islands have maybe one small restaurant and bar. The taxi boat drivers set up an umbrella and chairs for you to enjoy for the day. Once on the island, the day is yours to sip cuba libre's, read a book, snorkle, and just watch the waves. This was a perfect way to ease into Venezuela life.

so tonight i feel a bit nervous as we hit the sack before our 4am departure. I don't know why this trip has me feeling so uneasy. it's not the first time our parents said "why are you going? why did you think you should go there. You really can't possibly be going to there. you know what they think of americans" .........
But, tomorrow we leave our home, our sweet Lexus and Chloe. We are so lucky to have our friends Cristen and Nathan and soon to be born Louis watching over the house but I still wonder as tears run down my face, will everything be okay? I don't know what adventures are ahead of us I just know we are on our way. We planned this trip to Venezuela 9 months ago and here we are. we will meet our friends Rene and Doris soon. And then we will be with them. I don't know what is making me feel so insecure but then again I should say and think hey lisa, damn girl you are flying first class.( due to your miles) your with your honey and what else do you need to worry about? Hmpf? did I remember to pack my sunscreen.............

New Years Eve 2006. This year I really wanted to keep it low key. I must have said a hundred times I don't want to wake up with a hang over. Well, the laws of attraction worked. I woke up with a hang over. Just a little dizzy and a headache. I have had worse. So, last night we went to Contra Costa Country Club. We also went with Nathan and Cristen. Thank god they joined us. A another youthful couple is good to have.Chris and I knew a good hand full of people so that made it a great time. Dixie has such warm inviting friends. We danced, ate a huge meal, and drank. Some funny things from the night were me falling off the chair. I total missed the edge of it. And down I went. I felt a little embarssed but, hey we all fall once in awhile. Nathan dancing to the song footloose. He was rocken it. Chris and all his sea food. I think he had 10 crab legs. We rang in the New Year in good spirit. A good amount of hugs and kissess and good wishes. I know 2007 will be an amazing year!

Working with power tools is a great rush. If you have never done it. Run don't walk to your local hardware store. Thats right. I was able to use the chain saw. For hours I cut the tree limb by limb. Stacking the branches in a pile. some landing in the pool with a big splash. Ahhh I loved this hard work. Chris and I were busy working away when to our surprise shows up my brother Jason. Here to help. It brought tears to my eyes. We did not ask for help but we could have used any and all help. Soon after comes Dixie with sandwiches and wearing her work clothes too. We got the job done in little time. Later we walked the dog, made dinner, and sat by a beautiful warm fire. Also I should mention, very fresh wood.

And the wind blew and blew

And the wind blew and blew. We stumbled out of bed to see all that the storm had blown around. Look at the pool it was just cleaned yesterday I said. I was standing near the waters edge when I heard a snap I looked up and saw the tree falling. I yelled with fear to Chris I did not know which way to run. I ran inside and crossed my fingers as the tree came towards me. It missed the house and me and lucky for Chloe and Chris too. we are now left with a mess and lots of work to do. Thanks to our many angels above for keeping all the damage to a fence and some hard work. We were blessed not to have it crash into our house or the neighbors.

Well, well, well. Are you feeling like it is Christmas yet? I have to say yes we are. As you all know we are not parents YET but this month I have had the pleasure of feeling a bit like a mother. We have our delightful friends the Lunts shacking up in our spare room as they await the completion of there new remodeled home. We are a family of four adults, two dogs, and a cat. It makes me feel good to have the house packed with love and laughter. The dogs are really cute together. Cristen is 4 months pregnant and looking great. I have enjoyed having dinner with them the nights Chris is at work. I think I will miss them when they are gone just for these reasons.
I hung up 4 stocking this year maybe Santa can stop by for a few extra minutes to say hi to us.

So, just five days ago I was Mrs. Bah Hum Bug. Now with the house smelling of winter soup, half of the Christmas cards filled out, and the fresh wreaths hung up I finally feel the season. Chris put white lights up and we will trim the house tomorrow. This year we are not buying a Christmas tree. We will buy a living tree to put outside to add to our landscape. Besides we will be hosting none of the holiday parties and we just don't feel like it this year. We will however have the stocking hanging from the fireplace, put out a bowl full of glimming glass bulbs and and some cute Christmas critters.

Last night we had a bright light celebration. In Discovery Bay we watched the boats show off their Christmas best. It was raining at times but, it did not stop us all from clapping and screaming at the festive boat parade. We had a fun party at my mom and Rons house. Jason and Liz came and she brought her parents Marcia and Jim. We brought Dixie and Joanie and Princess Chloe. We had a good giggle on the way out to the party as Joan had this huge beautiful pointsetta as a gift for Ron and Carrie. Not just that, but we all had food and coats and gifts. We had our laps covered with things for the party. Who had it made in the first class seat. Yea the little brat Chloe.

The best part is I feel so happy, I feel like it is Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly. halalala

by the way... the lights in the photos are attached to boats. the one you have been to, you remember Disneyland.
and the love bus. oh yeah My moto Peace Love and Happiness

ThanksGiving at the Whitmans.
In this photo is Chris and me, my brother Jason. Then my other brother Erik with wife Beth and their two kids Emma and Jacob. And of course the Parents. I also have Max on my lap and J has Amy

so, as if I needed another reason to have high blood pressure. (I really don't) the joys of puppy-hood makes it rise! I left yesterday at 8:15 for my normal Tuesday workout leaving the dogs to rest inside. Yes I said dogs, we also have a house guest. 3 in fact. but anyway back to the easy going Tuesday workout. Cheerfully I went to sweat out the calories and move this old body of mine. All without a worry in mind. 9:15am Christopher returns from a long 24 hour shift to find the seaming of our nice, fluffy, only chair in the living room... ripped apart. Only a puppy could do this much damage so quickly.
I takes a lot of will power not to drive the puppy who lets not forget, we sometimes refer to her as Princess Chloe. Back to ARF. Ahh deep belly breathing and we move on. Dixie can fix! We repeat. over and over A new mantra begins.

Here it is the 4th of December. I have found that not only have I not been keeping up with my blog. My e mails are piling up and the Christmas cards I need to send are now collecting dust. I just have not felt the holiday spirit. Even though it is colder than a witches tit. I can't bring myself to sing a Christmas carol or even nibble on a cookie. And go to the mall to shop? Yeah, NO. I can however smile knowing I sure as heck I'm not the only one who has not turned their calendar page. Is it really DECEMBER..

Once upon a time in a friendly neighborhood lived a cat. She was not just any cat she was the Queen of the Pickup house hold. You may call her Lexus. Lexus had long days of sunbathing and grooming. She stretched out and worked on her yoga. She ate when she wanted, she requested a heater when she felt chilled. She was the Queen and we were her love servants.
Each morning she got new dishes with fresh water and a healthy meal. As much love as we had for our Queen she only gave us love when it suited her. When we returned from our days out, the Queen would come to meet us. She ran with joy knowing she had our attention again. She rolled on her back and said many wonderful welcome meows. Ahh, our Queen loves us.

With all the love we had for our leader we knew we still had more love to give. We knew it was time for a dog in our house. Maybe someone to help keep the Queen warm on chilly days. We spoke to her about this idea of a new friend a Princess for her. We said to her, Queen Lexus in order to eat the gourmet cat food we must cut back on the heat. We must only run the heater on truly cold days. She could care less of this ridiculous idea of another animal to keep her warm. "I want more afghans, and sunshine, and don't forget to turn on the heater before you leave." She said as she walked slowly away. One foot in front of the other like a model on the cat walk.

We were angry with her insensitivity to OUR needs to travel and buy designer jeans and eat out. How could she not understand. These heater bills, and fancy cat food. Huh we'll show her.

So on October 21, 2006 we traveled by coach to the land of ARF. We were greeted with STARBUCKS coffee and popcorn. "Sit down" said the towns mayor "and we will be right with you". Adopting a Princess was no easy task. After our passports and documents we approved we carried on to meet the Princess Seaspray. Seaspray We said to each-other. Our Queen Lexus would never stand to call a Princess Seaspray. Oh know!!! The STARBUCKS hits our stomach we are nervous, and scared. We look for an exit to run. Run away .Then the brilliant idea. Of course, why did we not think of that. We laughed and whispered. We will change her name.

We agreed to take Princess Seaspray. We promised a good home where she had heat, and sun and gourmet dog food. Two love servants at her beck and call. We left the land of ARF. We knew the roads home. We were proud of this mission we sat tall in our coach seats. We had big smiles and high hopes. Entering the Palace door awaits the Queen. Without hesitation we introduced Queen Lexus to the new house mate. Queen Lexus meet Princess Chloe.

And we all lived happily ever after.

London/Spain

Changing of the Guards

Lisa with the Fernbacks

All of us at Buckingham Palace

London Nights

Dancing the night away

Carrie and Ron coast side without a worry in sight.

Stairway to Heaven

One man alone can not hold up the world. It takes an army of women.

A small beer.

Lisa on the Costa Brava


An After tapas drink

Da Beach


Lisa on the streets

Carrie and Ron At Tower bridge

A rainy day in Old London Town


London City

Chris with old guy Charlie

SOMETIMES IT TAKES TRAVELING ACROSS AN OCEAN..

Chris and I were bit by the travel bug sometime ago. I guess we have found a university out there in the world. Lessons that can not be learned in a classroom. Skills we have obtained by trial and error. We learn about the human spirit. We have seen how families come together in different cultures and religions. We have meet new friends from all over. The common thread we all share is the passion for travel.

We hit the road again. Not alone did we embark on this journey we traveled with Ron and Carrie. My parents. This month we headed back to London for a couple of nights and then on to Barcelona Spain. 5 nights in a city with a pulse so loud you need earplugs to sleep. The streets are filled with art. The streets themselves are square stones that meet together like a mosaic. The sun reflects off them and shows a simple shine. The people walking on them are full of color too. From their clothing to the language that rolls off their tongue. The street performers are in every direction. The museums on every corner that showcases Picasso, Dali, and so many more. We saw great churches, the maritime museum. We took the time to see the Temple de la Sagrada Familia. A structure so grand it has taken Gaudi (and generations of crew) over 100 years to finish. It may be finished in 2022. The architecture of Gaudi is on the apartments in front of you, the hotels behind you, the fences that surround you. The local market is one of the best I have every seen. Candies, meats, fishes, flowers, vegetables, oils, spices, yea, it's all there. Even a tapas bar to sample the freshest food.

After leaving the city of art we headed north east to the Costa Brava. No vacation is complete without a trip to the ocean. A place to decompress and get grounded before heading back to London. I have seen many oceans in my 31 years but, let me tell you once you lay your eyes on the Mediterranean sea you have found the daddy of all seas. The color turquoise that blends in with a baby blue then blending once again with a simple green. The ocean is calm as it runs over the jagged rocks. From our hotel room priced at a mere 120 euro a night we had a double view of the sea. We left the doors open all night to sleep to the peaceful sound of the waves crashing gently against the rocks below. I never tasted a glass of cava (local sparkling wine) until I hit Spain. I drank many glasses starring off into the sea. At 9 euros a bottle Chris and I would toast to the good life. Life of the road less taken. Life that we have chosen. We follow the rules but, sometimes we like to take the side road to see where we end up. So far we have been blessed with this road trip we call life.

London brings us joy of course. As we both love love love this city! We toured the tower of London, hit the oldest pub in town rebuilt in 1677, and took in a day at the Tate Modern. We lunched at Harrods pretended to be one of the rich we rubbed elbows with. Only if they knew that are travel fund is getting lower year after year. We had two fun nights out with our friends Tim and Ruth Fernback. They live in a cozy suburb of London. Muswell Hill. One night we ate out with friends for a Thai meal. Later we went dancing until the early hours of morning. The second round in London, we had a big meal at a local Greek restaurant in central London. Packed full of bodies drunk on the savory, sweet Greek cuisine. Yum.

Now back at home I can reflect on the day's spent away. I think for us it takes getting far away to appreciate our glorious home. Where we have fantastic weather, in my humble opinion the best food period. And even now and again you meet a special friend who is in fact an American, and proud to be here. A person full of many colors of life. Maybe a mother, a brother, an old lady, or a three year old running towards us with laughter. All of them just as special, just as unique, just as beautiful as the people we have meet on the road.

Until the next time we board a plane and look at each-other in the eyes and say, damn were lucky...............