So as Chicago freezes and Seattleites grow webs between their toes, we have enjoyed San Diego and Arizona in the last month and 1/2. Again, enjoying our bike trips and soaking up the sun.

We so appreciated our time back in Seattle. We had a wonderful Christian memorial for Scott's mom, and got to see lots of family. We also were able to talk with adjusters about our house fire. The details are still being worked out so that's why we're still in San D. instead of heading into Mexico.

We flew back to San D. on Jan 8th. The boat held firm on 2 anchors out the bow and one off the stern. It wasn't hassled and hadn't moved. The best part was looking on the Webcams set up in downtown San D to see our boat still floating in the bay while we were in AZ. We even played with it before we left watching Scott being photographed on the bow as I updated the webcam each minute.

I cannot complain about being 'stuck', we're making great friends, we get free reciprocal privileges at yacht club guest docks, (Southwestern, Silvergate, San Diego YC, Chula Vista, etc), we can anchor out so it's not a hardship and that's why Scott retired and moved onto the boat, 'to be on the boat!!' We still have plenty of projects to do. He just got a daylight viewable monitor for outside so that's being installed now.

As I said, we returned from Seattle Jan 8th and wanted to plan a road trip to see two girlfriends in AZ and allow more time in the US. Scott's brothers were vacationing in Indio, CA, so in two hours, we were with them and enjoyed a night at the family condo.

Then we drove to Lake Havasu City, AZ where they were holding their first balloon fest. We had gone to one in 2008 so since I knew my high school girlfriend Julie and hubby Ray lived there, I asked them to come with us. Go to one if you ever get the chance. They then took us to Oatman, an old mining town and and other AZ sights including the Desert Bar out of Parker, AZ and the infamous London Bridge. It cost millions to dismantle, ship and reassemble in AZ but it's their second biggest tourist attraction so it worked! Again, most my pics are on facebook but hopefully you'll get to see more.

We went deeper into the desert stopping right out of Phoenix, AZ (Goodyear) and enjoyed another two days with another girlfriend. We brought back tons of fresh grapefruit, oranges and lemons and even some dates. Thank you, Teresa.

PLEASE, come visit us, we want to 'pay it forward'. This morning, I served breakfast for six people. A couple we had met in Marina Del Rey came and enjoyed the Super Bowl game with us and spent the night. Frank, our wonderful friend in Southwestern YC and his wife also joined us. They were the ones who invited us to the Super Bowl party at the YC and are always happy to help our a visiting cruiser, so a breakfast was a small payback.

We were promised feedback from Allstate today from two adjusters and NEITHER ONE CAME THROUGH, so remember this when you choose companies. It'll be three months on the 19th! Both Nathan and Celeste worked on the demolition of the house to get it ready for rebuilding so we're happy we could employ our kids for a few months!

SOOOOO, maybe we'll move onto Mexico in March (M in M), that's the goal. Until then, I'll listen to the snoring Sea Bass below my boat, and the popping shrimp adding their pops to my evening 'music'.

Blessings!