First on the agenda, after the work week was over for Jason, was a drive down to LA to see where Jason was born and attend his grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary! Yep, you read it right. 60 years! And still going strong, God bless 'em! We wouldn't miss it for the world...and are always looking for a few good tips (isn't everyone these days?)!

The trip from SF to LA was fun. We drove down I-5 through agri-land - miles and miles of orange groves, grape vines, and avocado plantations. California is the 5th largest economy in the world! And the largest agricultural state in the union. The veggies and fruits out here are UNBELIEVABLE! Nothing like the bruised and moldy legumes I hesitantly bought from my corner "organic" vendor in Brooklyn. This food just doesn't have to go through so many bridges and traffic jams...and, boy, can you TASTE the difference - and lack of fumes. I immediately noticed and fell in love with the fresh food. It's just so easy to be healthy! Yummy. Anyhoo...here are a few shots of the valleys and fields we passed...

Jason points out the agriculture...

Me and Winni's Brother, Paul, passengers in Jason's car. Yes, I know...he's huge (80 pounds!) and looks a lot different. But he and Winni have the same coloring, cuteness, and mannerisms. We all missed Winni, though!

The general lay of the land. Those little bumps that look like moguls are from earthquake land shakes...scary!

We got into Pasadena late at night and woke up to very little LA smog. I heard it could be pretty bad - so bad you couldn't see the San Gabriel mountain range that encircles most of LA and its ever-sprawling suburbs. But we could see them - which was nice. Pasadena is very pretty and quite tame! I've only been to LA twice and don't remember thinking it was overwhelmingly fantastic. But Jason always knows where to go to see the best sights. We drove to see the strange sights on Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard (I always have to say that to the tune of Sheryl Crowe's song) where Jason used to play and hang as a young rocker - livin' the dream and trying to make it big!

Jason was born in Pasadena, so he had the inside scoop. This is where he lived for the first four years of his little boy life...

and just down the street...

was where the VanHalen's lived...

Yes...Eddie and Alex were actually friends of Jason's dad and Eddie was in the hospital when Jason was born. Jason's dad took him to see his first VH concert when he was 10 and J was an immediate fan and has been loyal ever since. They (and his dad) had a huge influence on him and his musical career as a drummer. There's just so much music out here! It's everywhere.

The 60th anniversary party was a hit! Amon and Miriam (more fondly known as Mim)...

(how cute are they!) were overwhelmed by the love and presence of their 5 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandkids (most present, a few missing)! What a progeny! See for yourself...

5 Johnson Kids - Nancy, Sara, Jeff, Joe, and Martha. Good Norwegian stock, for sure!

Uncle Joe and wife, Denise...

Their kids, Cousin Ben and girlfriend...Cousins Malorie and McKensie...

Aunt Martha and Cousin Jessie...

Jason's Favorite Uncles, Jeff and Joe

Jason's Mom, Sara, and Sister, Heather...

Jason's and his brother-in-law, Ariel

Jason and his youngest brother, Jon (his other younger brother Stefan couldn't make it, unfortunately...we missed him!)

Every decendent gave a speech and a toast...

We ate, drank and were very merry! Jason's family is so loving and warm - they took me in as one of their own. Home is where you hang your hat, indeed. The next morning, we all went to church for Father's Day.

Dad Ariel and Son, Boaz - Jason's nephew!

J and Cousin Ben (about to go to Law School!)

Paul looked for a hug...and got one from his best buddy Boaz...

Jason's Mom and Sister took turns with Heather's little Paige...

The whole clan (Jason's telling me to get in the picture)!

Jason sure loves his Papa and Grandma!

Amon is a retired Lutheran minister and has been a rock solid influence in Jason's (his first grandchild's) life. Jason spent all his summers growing up with Amon and Mim at their lake cabin in Minnesota (which is ACTUALLY where we got Winni and Paul last summer - in fact - Papa named the pups! Winni was after nearby Lake Winnibigoshish and Paul after Minnestoa legend Paul Bunyan AND Amon's dearly loved and deceased brother, Paul). Many great memories and lots of unconditional love from these two role models for Jason, and for many others as well I'm sure. At the party, Jason spoke about how their marriage has been one we have all learned from and one he hopes to emulate. I thank God for people like the Johnsons that truly make the world a better place. Congratulations on 60 years, Amon and Mim. And many, many more :)

Jason and I drove back to San Francisco and spent the next week exploring the hiking trails, wine fields, little town centers, beaches and bays of beautiful Marin County. We drank A LOT of Peet's Coffee. (Never had it? You MUST. Starbucks - move over. WAAAAY over. In fact, move out, please.) We visited with his nearby family and good friends from his past life. We even went to a Giants game and watched them beat the Yankees! What a beautiful stadium. You get great views of the Bay Bridge on the walk up to the nose bleed (but great!) seats we had...

And a great view of the bay from our seats...

Watched Barry Bonds hit...

Here's a panoramic view of stadium from Left to Center to Right fields...

A Serious Fan we called Stat Man...

One thing I immediately noticed was how quiet and calm and NICE the fans are! They even cheered for the Yankees - jeez! A huge change from the rip-roarin', easily-turned nasty crowds at Yankees Stadium, for sure :) I might actually have to change allegiances. Sorry, Yankees. I'll admit, I'm totally fairweather. I like to think of it more as supporting my local leagues and allign myself with the philosophy that there are no losers in sports - it's how you play the game, baby (try to tell a suburban little league parent this, though, and you might just get your head knocked off). As a teen growing up in NJ, I was a Jets fan. In college in PA, I was an Eagles fan. In Chapel Hill, I cheered for the Tarheels. When I lived in Charlotte, I became a die-hard Panthers fan. Until, of course, I moved to NYC and the Yankees were it. Now...I'm on to the next. Sorry, I get bored with donning the same colors for too many years. I like the black and orange theme. Jason's been a fan for life. Hmmm. Or maybe the Denver Broncos. We'll see ~ depends on where I end up, I s'pose. Go TEAM!?!? Go Everybody! :)

Took a ferry home from the city back to Sausalito.

How's that for public transportation!?!? A wonderful trip all around - and, perhaps, even a wonderful place to live. But for now it's back to Colorado to see my little doggie, Winni! And on to the next adventure...stay tuned, virtual travellers. Thanks for coming along this leg. Bye for now!