October 23-25 – Trotting up to L.A. was tiring for the driving due to horrendous traffic, however, it was an absolutely delightful visit, mostly because we spent quality time with my mom (grandma Cathy) but also for the visits to Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard and staying at the haunted Queen Mary steamship in Long Beach. I also thoroughly enjoyed remeeting Amy Locker (my mom’s longtime friend from years’ past). We all hung out together for a day and had a blast. She has the cutest little house and a true wine cellar. I still can taste the fabulous French toast we had for breakfast at a little café near her house. Then we zoomed into downtown to see the Human Body exhibit and 3D Imax theater.