A Few Pictures to Share

I promised pictures of my California Adventures a few posts back, but never seemed to get around to posting them. So I thought I would share a few pictures with you tonight.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from "The Avenue of the Giants" in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California.





And here are some of my favorites from Patrick's Point State Beach, Humboldt County, California.








And finally the last pics for tonight, here are pictures of me on the beach pictured above, Agate Beach, Big Lagoon, Humboldt County, California.






As many of you know, I can't stand the feeling of sand on my skin, especially my feet. So yes, those are sox on my feet, and yes that is all of the sand that collected in my Crocs during my walk on the beach!

My brother and the kids came to help me unload my stuff from the car today. Its all piled up on the floor chairs and tables of my apartment. I've started unpacking, it's a slow process.

I hope you've enjoyed the pictures. I have plenty more to share!

Congratulations Corky and Dakota!!!

Right before I left California to begin my journey back to the east, two of my best friends got married. I was so blessed to be able to attend the wedding. I was honored to be asked to participate as part of their family of choice. I met Corky and Dakota in an online support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse way back in 1995. They have actually been together as a couple for 12 years. And they were LEGALLY married on August 30, 2008. Although they are now legally married, they do not enjoy all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. I don't profess to understand the legal wranglings, but I do know its just not fair.

I've been called naive and liberal for my beliefs. Which just makes me laugh as I consider the liberal label as a complement. Naive? Maybe so. I've never been in love. I've never even come close. But, yes, in my (possibly naive) way of thinking, if two adults love each other and are committed to a life together, who the heck cares what color, religion, race, sex, nationality, etc they are? If two adults are LUCKY enough to have a connection that seems rare in our world today, why should any of those things matter?

I truly did not intend this post to turn into a diatribe about gay marriage. My two friends love each other. And I love them both. I am so proud of them for embracing this chance at legal marriage.

Congratulations Corky and Dakota! May your lives together be long and full of life. And may you live to see yourself and other couples like you be granted not only the right to marry, but also be granted the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.

Richard's Golden Birthday 08-08-08

Or would that be Platinum birthday? LOL

I realized when I posted the picture of Jacqueline for her birthday on Tuesday, that I had not posted a picture of Richard from his birthday. So here are 3 generations of Richard Gauthier's celebrating Richard III's 8th birthday.

Finally! In my new apartment!

My furniture was delivered this afternoon! Yee Haw I'm in my own place! It's a basement apartment in the same neighborhood I lived in last year. I think I'm going to like it. I'm glad to be in my own space finally. I wont be unpacked or even unloaded from the car until this weekend. But I'm home now. And that feels good, great actually. Busy, busy, busy with the unpacking I have here already and figuring out which drawer the sox will go in this time. LOL! I hope ya'll are having a great week!

Happy Birthday Jacqueline!

My first (and only) neice turned 3 today. So I thought I would post a quick pic of her. This is actually from Richard's bday last month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACQUELINE!
Aunt Christine Loves You!

Another quick check-in

My new lanlord is trying to work out the wireless issues, so I am borrowing her computer for a couple of minutes.

One of my best friends, Ann, recently experience the death of her mother. This after her father's death only 10 months ago. Ann decided to start her own blog. You can read it here. Ann was traveling with me cross country, when her mother who has been ill for some time took a turn for the worse. Ann flew home from Pittsburgh so she could be with her mother before her death. I know this is a difficult time for her and her family. Please keep Ann and her family in your prayers.

I know just how hard this is. And, sadly, now 2 of my closest friends have had their mothers die in the last 3 months. I think if it wasn't for the crazyness of my lifestyle and the changes in scenery and getting re-started and re-settled, I would be having major remembering sadness at this point. I feel lots of sadness, but its mostly that people I love have to experience loss and pain.

Sigh. Keeping you both in my prayers, Ann and Melissa. I love you!

Quick Update

Yes, I realize I have not blogged in a month. Its been a crazy time and I fully intend to catch you all up on all the happenings of the last month.

I'm in DC and have already started at my new job. Moving into my apartment this week. Spent the weekend with my brother and his family.

I'll try to update more once I get settled in my apartment!

Have a great week!