ventura pier

In August, I had some time to spend by myself, so I flew to California to see my good friend Amy.  Amy works at  an educational resource center, primarily for migrant workers, in Oxnard.  While she was at work, I wandered around downtown Ventura and walked down to the pier, and to the fairgrounds, and bird refuge. I was grateful  for new opportunities, for peaceful, beautiful views, and time to think...but here I am missing my family.


 This is my dear friend Amy at her office. She is my proof that God sends angels disguised as friends who listen. According to the math, we have been friends for twenty-nine years. And still possessing eighth grade humor. Thank you, Amy.

One evening we went kayaking in the Ventura harbor.  I was watching a cormorant dive for a fish, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a sting ray swim underneath my kayak.  I thought it was auspicious.