Our first visitors!

On Monday, September 17th, Darren and I had our first Canadian visitors! Mom, Dad and brother Ian decided a road trip was in order in the new I-Van, heading out from Saskatoon to experience the wonders of the open road. After driving down through Idaho, Montana, Iowa, and Nevada, they arrived late Monday afternoon for a 4 night stay at Chez Boyd. Well, actually they stayed in one of the guest suites, as our apartment isn't that large. Nevertheless, it was great to have them here. Monday night we had a quiet meal on Main Street (in Venice), and then went for a moonlit walk on the beach. We spent Tuesday toodling around running errands in the morning, and then 4 of us (Darren had to work) walked down to the Venice boardwalk where Dad got a tattoo and Mom tried not to laugh at the honesty of the signs the homeless people displayed - $1 for weed, Need money for beer - etc. We spent a few hours there, and then went back to collect Darren before going out for supper again.

On Wednesday, Mom, Dad, Ian and I went to the Fender museum in Corona California, which is currently featuring a Johnny Cash display. While the museum was much smaller than we expected (less than 1500 sq. ft in area), the displays were pretty cool. I really liked this display of Muddy Waters' Fender, built into a picture of him. We stayed off the interstates on the way there and back, and instead drove past a bunch of interest points, like the Staples Center (where the Anaheim Ducks play), and Disneyland.

Thursday Mom, Dad and I got up early and went to Hollywood. Dad got his wish of standing on the corner of famous Hollywood and Vine, and Mom and I had a great time checking out the foot and hand prints at Grauman's Chinese Theater. We saw Paula Abdul filming something for her Hey Paula! series, and were offered tickets for a Singing Bee taping, but couldn't make it timing wise. Took this pic of Mom and Dad, with the Hollywood sign showing the right-hand corner, and then drove home along Sunset Boulevard and through Santa Monica. We got home just after Darren had finished putting together the new barbeque, so before dinner we headed down for a walk around the Marina, checking out the boats. All 3 left early Friday morning, heading for the giant Redwoods, and travelling up the Oregon coast before heading home.

The weather was great, sunny skies but not too hot, the whole time they were visiting. The night they left, however, we got the rain storm I referred to in my earlier post. They missed it on the road, which was good, and had a nice drive home. Having been that way last year with Darren, I know they were treated to some pretty spectacular views.Thanks for coming guys! Come back and visit us again!!