Tag Archives: austin

Busy, Busy, Busy in the States

A visit to the States is always challenging as we try to squeeze in errands, chores, friends and family across 3 different states.  But this visit is even more difficult as Matt is returning to the U.S. for the first time in 6 years!

Our priority items for this trip are:

  • Trip to Ohio to clear out house
  • Doctor visits and scans
  • Renew Christine’s driver’s license
  • Renew Matt’s driver’s license (brand new driver as license expired more than 2 years)
  • Repair watermaker clark pump
  • Resize wedding rings
  • Pick up huge order of boat parts

California

We arrive in LA around 10:30am after traveling (20 hours).  My dad picks us up and we head straight for San Diego to drop off our Spectra Clark pump (for the watermaker).  The distributor is in San Diego and will be repairing it as it is only producing at 50%.  We also pick up a new membrane and end caps for the watermaker.  A pricey visit.  We grab a quick bite to eat and head back to Hermosa Beach.  Just a 8 hour diversion.

Ohio

The next day we fly to Ohio where we meet Matt’s brother and his family.  We spend the next 4 days cleaning their mom’s 5000′ house (plus the basement and attic).  It was a tough job working 13-15 hours a day, but we were all super productive and got a lot of work done.  The weather surprised us with a few days of snow!  We were ill prepared for this part of our visit to the States!

Matt’s family: Mike, Kim, Preston, Clara, Will and Haddy and cousin Margaret.

I even get an opportunity to visit some of my family in Ohio.  My uncle Mike had a stroke a few years ago and although he could not speak, he had a lovely smile during our entire visit.  Thank you Kathy for making this happen.  It was incredibly special to see you both.

My cousin Devin is pregnant with her first child and we got to meet her husband Skylar. Yep, I am wearing multiple borrowed sweaters.

Texas

Our primary focus in Texas is to renew driver licenses and see doctors.  My license was easy as it does not expire until January 2023 (15 minute appointment).  However, for Matt we had to jump through a lot of hoops as his license expired more than 2 years ago and he is considered a brand new driver.  He had to take the written test, an online “Impact Driving Test” and the road test again!  But he passed with flying colors.  We celebrate at Hula Hut one of our favorite eateries.

Our friends the Nelson’s were visiting from the East coast so it was truly a grand reunion.

Jamie flew in from Oklahoma in a surprise visit for our big reunion at Heather and Michael’s house.  I just love this girl!

We gathered a spectacular group of people. It has been many years since we have all been together.  What a special treat to see everyone.  The girls (top: Diana, Barbara, me, Lisa, Missy, Kim, Heather, Marcie, Amy, Jennifer, Heather, Stephanie, Traci, Tiffany) and the boys (Matt, Kevin, Daniel, Matt, John, Larry and Chris)

Love the new iPhone 13 Pro Max which takes amazing photos at night!

Heather and Michael created a Cinco de Mateo theme in honor of Matt’s 55th birthday.  Everyone contributed food, beverages, coozies, and lots of good fun.

I had not seen Brian in well over a decade and I got to meet his new beautiful wife.

We got a little obsessive with the girl pics.

The Austin skyline has changed a lot – but what hasn’t changed in the states?

California

We spend a week in Los Angeles so I can see my family.  My dad is still battling cancer, but he is strong and fighting every step of the way.  We  visit him and his side of the family (uncle Joe, me, dad, Kelly, Adrian, Day, Kimberly).

My dad is a fighter and I am so proud of him.

Somewhere between all the travels in 8 cities, in the snow and in the pollen infested city of Austin, I catch covid.  Seriously!  Somewhat of a mild case, only 2.5 days of real sickness, body aches, sore throat, coughing, stuffy/runny nose.  But it prevented me from spending more time with family and seeing a lot of friends.  

Matt sees our friends Yanell and Missy.  They moved to El Segundo after they sold their beloved boat Hoodoo.

And Matt gets in several long bike rides (35 miles from Hermosa Beach to Santa Monica).

I’m Out of Isolation

Finally after I receive a negative test, I get out.  We visit with our friends on Hoodoo (Yanell and Missy) and our friends on Sea Jay (Fred and Chris) who were all in California (we met in French Polynesia).  What a small world!

Super tasty dinner at Palmilla on the Hermosa Beach pier.

Another celebration of Matt’s birthday….and it continues on and on…

We go for a small hike around Palos Verdes to see a beautiful light house and come across a lot of goats brought in to mow the grass.

So many baby goats!

Such a beautiful day!

Visiting the states is always hard for me as I want to see everyone and always end up spending a little time with many people vs quality time with a few people.  But what can you do?  It is nice to feel loved that is for sure.

Our good friend Deborah came to visit me.  (We know her from Austin)

My aunt Donna drove up from San Diego and spent the day with us.

We both get to see Cameron (my youngest nephew and a senior in high school) in his volleyball playoffs.  He is a rock star and just kills it!

Traveling Back to French Polynesia

When Matt left he carried back (2) 50lb bags and a 30lb back pack.  When I left I had (2) 50lb bags, (1) 30lb bag and a 20lb backpack.  Talk about a lot of “stuff”

A quick 9 hour flight from the States to Tahiti, a 3 hour layover and a 90-minute flight to Raiatea.  During my layover, my good friend Eve brought me a beautiful floral crown.

Now back to the boat on the  hard.    Hope to splash soon.  

Sugar Shack goes on the hard at Raiatea Carenage to get lots of work done.  Events from this blog in early April, 2022.  Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind our adventures.

Ladies of Austin

Austin: Shock and Love

A whirlwind visit through Texas fills me with both shock and love!  In an attempt to see as many of my amazing friends as possible while still making it to all of my necessary doctor appointments proves difficult – but I am up to the challenge!  I stop in both San Antonio and Austin an relish in the love showered upon me by all of my friends.

San Antonio Celebrations

I start my Texas holiday off in San Antonio with our good friends Wayne, Shawn, Sharon and their family.  Sharon gets me up and walking 3-4 miles each morning while they feed me like royalty!  Man oh man nobody goes hungry in the Melnar house!  Two of their three kids are home with their respective girlfriends and Shawn’s parents “Hank and Darlene” come by for a visit on the 4th.

The men BBQ’d a brisket and tons of ribs.  Is literally was a massive feast!  We were rewarded with a beautiful fire work show at the end of the night as we overlooked the valley.  Superb visit!

Players: Top: Me and Sharon; Sharon, me, Shawn, Uncle Sam, Wayne.  2nd Row: Me & Wayne; Hank & Darlene; Mason and Alejandra.  Bottom Row: Mason at the grill; Dylan and Kate

After a few short days, I headed to Austin.

Austin Bound

My dearest friend Jamie flew in from Oklahoma to stay with me at our beloved friend’s Michelle, Jeremy and Jake home.   The weather was mild for Texas at a balmy mid-80’s for most of the week.  Humid, yes.  But, pleasant enough.  It had the potential to be hideously hot.  The only complaint I had was the cedar which kicked up my allergies to an all time high.

It was pure bliss spending time with two of my dearest and best friends.  I am so grateful to have these ladies in my life.

Most of my days were full of errands and doctor appointments which is never fun, but certainly necessary.  By the time I leave the U.S. I will have visited the optometrist (got new glasses), gastro doc (colonoscopy), oncologist (labs, exam, prolia shot), Family Doc, had a bone density and was stuck a bunch of times for draws and tests.   For the most part, got the thumbs up.

Shock and Awe

We went by our old house on Sugar Shack (in Austin) and were totally surprised to see this “remodel” which basically removed all the walls and floors.  But you can really see why I called this our “tree house.”

Sugar Shack house in Austin

Sugar Shack house in Austin

Shock and Awe

So what was so shocking to me?  It seems I have lived my life in a bubble or with my head in the sand.  I thought I was “pretty up to date” with news as I read the Huffington Post and Skim, but “NOT.”  My friend’s filled me in on the drama, which I am sure you are aware.  But, for those who are not…here are the highlights:

  • Property (houses) prices are through the roof.  If you don’t bid a minimum of 30% over the asking price you have no chance of buying a new house.    Austin has become one of the most competitive housing markets in the country with prices said to have risen over 30% in the last year.
  • Staffing shortage:  Many, if not most, eateries and retail establishments have signs up stating “Reduced hours due to staffing shortage.”  That is if they made it through the pandemic.  Some of our most iconic restaurants closed including Shady Grove.
  • Minimum Wave:  In Tx, the minimum wage is $7,25 an hour. Yes, a travesty as it is $14/hr in California.  But, in order for fast food restaurants and retails to get staff, they are offering over $20/hr plus full benefits, paid vacation, sign on bonuses, and even pet insurance.
  • Shortages:  A manufacturer of chips in Taiwan is unable to produce the chip required for automobiles (all cars, trucks, SUVs) so there is a 4-6 month wait.  Paint, cushions for furniture, curtains, and more are all back ordered 6-8 months.  The supply chain was broken during the pandemic and industries are struggling to get back up and running.
  • Construction: Lumber was about $300 a pallet and jumped up to well over $1000 for the same amount causing builds to go up.  A chip for air conditioners is back ordered so developers/builders are unable to move people into their homes until they can get the AC’s working.  
  • The list goes on and on and one so I won’t bore you. These are just some of the more astonishing things.  

Austin Celebration

Heather Newby and Heather Drew put together a fabulous get together at Heather Newby’s house.  They invited the entire gang and had libations, pizza, and special treats.  It was so fabulous to see everyone.  

Austin Love

Austin Love

Our group of Austin friends:

My Austin Friends

My Austin Friends

The ladies of Austin:

Top: Aimee P, Missy, Heather N., Me, Tiffany, Barbara, Heather D.

Bottom: Aimee P., Barbara, Heather D, Diana, me, Missy, Tiffany and Jenifer and Carina top row.

Austin Girls

Austin Girls

I just love me ,my Austin friends!  Blessings all around.

Top Photo: Sharon, me, Shawn, Sam, Wayne.  Bottom Photo: Karl, Missy, Me, John

Puppy Love

My dad just bought a malti-poo

My friend’s in Gambier resupply me with more pearls

 

Michelle and Heather

Visit to the States: Part II

Visits to the States, especially my home town always put a lot of pressure on me as there are so many people I want to see in between all things I have to do.  Squeezed into a very short amount of time.  I only have 2.5 days to get everything done and its not enough time!

After I arrived in Austin, I met Sharon Popp at Hula Hut for happy hour.  She drove all the way from Houston (3 hour drive one-way) to meet with me.  Which makes me incredibly honored.  But I am disappointed that we didn’t get a photo.  We were too involved in catching up to whip out the phones.

Afterwards, I met my friend Michelle so we could pick up Jamie who was flying in from Arizona for a short visit during my stay.  We took advantage of some quiet time and enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Bartlet’s.  Again, forgot to whip out the camera.  Its been years since the three of us have been together, so there was a lot of catching up to do.

The next day, I met the renter of our house, visited with my neighbor, and saw my oncologist.  Dr. Patt at Texas Oncology gave me great news: labs showed me to be “perfectly average”.  In fact, she was so happy with me that she changed my appointments to annually.

That night, Heather Newbby planned a happy hour where I was able to see a large group of friends at one time.  Thank you everyone for showing up!

Image:  Jamie, Missy, Heather, Michael, Michelle, Aimee, Kim, Selma, Oscar

Austin Friends

Austin Friends

The next day, more errands and had a fabulous lunch with my sweet friend Diana at Nordstrom Cafe. I was hankering for their tasty saladsand it did not disappoint!  Then our really good friends, Shawn and Sharon drove in from San Antonio (over 90-minute one way drive) to have dinner with me at Maudie’s.

Managed to run all my errands too:

  • Pharmacy
  • Market
  • PO Box
  • FedEx
  • Norstrom
  • Sephora
  • LuLu Lemon
  • Walgreens
  • Bank

Quick 2 weeks in and out of the States, but managed to get everything done that I came for – blessings.