Ann's visit

My friend Ann visited this weekend from Minnesota.

Ann is a friend of John and Sabine. I first met her in 1995(?) here in CA, when I lived in LA. We all went up to Carmel and Monterey for a long weekend. She joined us on our Quetico canoe trip back in 2003 - part of Team Estrogen.

Ann lives on a farm in SE Minnesota, and takes care of her mom, who has Alzheimer's. Ann also raises llamas and alpacas for fiber, and makes beautiful yarn and knit goods.

A while ago, she was contacted by HBO documentaries. They were looking for people to feature in a series they are doing about Alzeimer's, and found Ann's blog. After much thought and discussion, Ann decided to take part. Anyway, HBO is premiering one of the documentaries in LA this coming week, and flew Ann out.

So, she gets a little mini-vacation. And I'm darn sure she needs it.

John, Sabine and Ann drove up from LA Saturday afternoon. They took the scenic drive up Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), stopped at Neptune's Net for lunch (ever seen Point Break?), and arrived inVentura. We took a stroll down the boardwalk, and went to the Pierpont for cocktails and sunset. Then we hit Taj for an absolutely AMAZING dinner of Indian food. We stuffed ourselves with homemade chutneys, curries, tandooris, and a delicous carrot pudding for dessert.

Sunday morning us girls piled up on Ann's bed and had a giggle-fest. We hit Nona's courtyard for breakfast (live music, of course). And then a little kayaking in the harbor. It was a gorgeous morning, and Ann kept saying, "it's April. I can't believe it's April." The mountains (to the east) and islands (to the west) surrounded us. The brown pelicans put on a dive-bombing show, and a seal appeared to say hello - all as if on cue.

I think Ann had a great time - I know I did!