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Cali Living by CBHine

Cali Living by CBHine -- Coming Home

Posted Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 12:18 PM

This Saturday, June 14 my son David and I are hitting road and heading east to home, which is still Kennett, Missouri. Funny, after almost 5 years in Southern California, we still feel Kennett is our home (like home away from home). David has recently remarked to me that he misses the people back home, saying also "these people out here are just different than people back home". Very true, for the most part.

He is referring to those who are not friendly, who are only looking out for themselves. That is not entirely true for all the people we have met here. The teachers and staff at my school are incredible wonderful caring people. Anyway, he and I are driving back.

My daughter, Susannah is also leaving on that same day and flying home. Now, I know you are wondering, "What the heck are these crazy people doing that for?" We are just trying to determine which is less, to drive home or fly home (not really, but just fake it with me for a minute)?

Susannah is flying home for about $430 roundtrip. Do you think David and I can drive home and back out here for that times two?

Yesterday, I filled up my SUV and it cost me $91 ($4.10 a gallon). Since then, gas has gone up to $4.37!!!!! So when you figure in at least one night on the road in a hotel, food, gas, etc., can we fly for less? Place your bets, put in your two cents and stay tuned for the outcome.

FYI…..Susannah is flying home so that she can have a few extra days with the family, since she has to get back earlier than we do for a special class she is taking this summer. David and I have some stop overs going back that will take us down to the Arkansas-Texas boarder for him to re-visit a D-2 school who is interested in him swimming for them this next school year. So, actually going home will take us a bit out of the way, but just keep all that in mind!! Either way, I'm a happy camper since I will have my number one son captive for several days! Awe, a mom's dream…

More from this blogger · Cindy Hine

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And today I saw the price of gas went up again, to $4.41, its getting to be like clock work, each day there is an increase of some kind. And what we cannot figure out is in Orange County the price is about .10 cents less than in LA County.....???? Someone told me today that over near the beach it is actually less than the inland area of the OC. Usually its much higher there. At what point will the price finally start to level off some????

-- Posted by cbhine on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 5:10 PM
Why does anyone want to live in California and then tell us in Kennett - - who could care less - - about it?

-- Posted by br549 on Wed, Jun 11, 2008, at 8:43 PM
OK, I have a LIST for you!!! (LOL)

7 California Avacados!! (just stop by my brother's house in Redlands and PICK them HAHA) 4 California Artichokes (the FAT ones)!! and a CASE of Knotts Boyensberry Jam!!!

Have a safe trip and PLEASE hyjack me and take me back "home" to CA with you!!!

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 9:24 AM
P.S BR549 -- I CARE.

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 9:25 AM
Thank you myheart. You represent the Southeast Missouri that I know and love. Where people do care and believe in being the best they can be. You really lifted my spirits with your kind words.

I am in fact bringing as many avacados that I can haul back and would love to share them with you. They are not ripe, take about a week to two weeks, then yummy!!!They are incredibly delicious!! Also, I have lots of fresh lemmons too. So, let me know how I can get them to you, and I would be more than happy to load you up.

Cindy

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 10:22 AM
How do I do that without the whole world knowing who I am?????

You are making my mouth WATER!!!!!MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!

Again - be SAFE on the road.

Are you going I-40? I LOVE that drive, I guess I am a desert rat at heart.

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 4:21 PM
Yes, I-40. I love the desert too. On the way back a different route through, would it be I-10 that go's the southern route? This is just my 2nd trip in 5 years, with gas prices it maybe the best option for the future.

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 6:24 PM
Which by the way went up again today to $4.47 and that is the cheapest price you can find in our area.

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 12, 2008, at 9:22 PM
Hopefully it WON'T be that high when you get back to Missouri.

check out my registration to get my email address.

-- Posted by myheart on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 6:07 AM
Cindy, my sister went to school with you. Yes, we were marine brats and made a lot of trips from Kennett to Camp Pendleton, CA, close to San Diego. Always the southern route. I hope you and your family have a great trip "home."

-- Posted by pjk on Fri, Jun 13, 2008, at 8:26 PM
We are in route just filled up the gas tank in Arizona....regular gas $5.29 a gallon. Br549 if you put gas in your car this might interest you as it does most working people.

-- Posted by cbhine on Sat, Jun 14, 2008, at 10:47 AM
pjk, can you tell me who your sister is?

-- Posted by cbhine on Sat, Jun 14, 2008, at 10:36 PM
Well Cindy girl, WHERE are you today? How is the driving going? As long as you keep posting I know you are OK?

Have you run into any "vacation" traffic on the way? Saw a car with CA plates on 60 today coming back from my son's house in Springfield and though about you and your drive. There was a hairy thing driving???? Is your son hairy? LOL

-- Posted by myheart on Sun, Jun 15, 2008, at 5:22 PM
We actually cut off of I-40 at Conway, Ar and hit 64 then 67 north to Jonesboro... Took 28 hours to travel home. Made it safe, sound but very tired. My son drove all by 4 hours, but I still have a new appreciation for the silver bird!! The time with him was worth it totally! Its a great way to re-connect! So wonderful to be back in God's country!! Loved your comment about his hair! Too funny!! Thank you once again for your kindness and concern. Hope you can make it back to your home in socal soon. My husband told me today that is was very very hot today. I was pleasantly surprised how mild the weather is here, really comfortable at night with good breezes! I haven't put a pencil to all the receipts I have saved from hotels, gas and food, but I can tell you for sure than on I-40 east of New Mexico the price of gas drops down to below $4.00, ha we thought we were getting a bargain!!! Funny, but sad. And honestly what does the future hold when gas prices drives the price of all our goods and services. I am very concerned about our country and the direction it is going. According to Warren Buffet, we are in BIG trouble. And the worse is yet to come.

-- Posted by cbhine on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 12:41 AM
Glad you are safe in Kennett. Sure would love to meet you. How long are you going to be in Kennett. Enjoy your vacation!

-- Posted by myheart on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 6:07 AM
I am in Kennett every day except Thurdays. Lunch?

-- Posted by myheart on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 8:24 AM
Re: cbhine

Bummer you had to pay $5.29 here in AZ, (but rip offs on I-40 are the norm) yesterday it was $3.97 in Lake Havasu City.

For those coming east on I-40 out of CA, if you can make it, (very high in Needles CA) nine miles after crossing the Colorado River is a Pilot plaza at hwy 95, for I-40, their prices are reasonable.

BTW, we live on the AZ side, five miles up river from where you crossed the bridge. Warm wasn't it?

Official temp here today is 111 degrees as of now, 112-115 forecast toward end of week.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=86436

-- Posted by Lived There Once on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 2:51 PM
Yes you are right, it was Needles!! LOL so funny because my Mom told me, do not fill up in Needles!!! Since she and her sisters traveled out one time she knew it was a major rip off. But as it always seems, that is exactly where we hit when we needed gas. Just a beautiful area of the country too. I would love to vacation at Lake Havasu, my son often go's there with a friend who's family has a home and he loves it. I really enjoyed seeing the country from the I-40, just open country, loved it!! Thanks for writing in.

-- Posted by cbhine on Tue, Jun 17, 2008, at 10:02 PM
Cindy:

I was just outside and saw another field burning -- does it give your heart a start like it still does mine?

By the way - Ask Tammy at the Daily Dunklin Democrat how to contact me. I just talked to her this AM.

-- Posted by myheart on Wed, Jun 18, 2008, at 3:22 PM
We have lived 17 years here in the tiny (two square miles total) retirement community of Golden Shores, about midway (30 miles) between Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City (right across the river from Laughlin, NV) and love it. Great fishing for bass, cat fish and crappie in the beautiful Topock Marsh, stripped bass and trout in the Colorado River, life is good. We are also surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of desert public lands and the Warm Springs Wilderness Area for endless ATV exploration, which the rock hunting wife loves doing.

http://www.goldenshores.net/images/area1.jpg

http://www.goldenshores.net/

http://www.desertusa.com/blm/blm_az_warmsprings.html (Click the thumbnail map at page)

If anyone is ever out to Laughlin Nevada for the casinos and cheap eating, (price wise, not quality)

http://www.visitlaughlin.com/ltourism/index.jsp

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Laugh...

A side trip of about 25 miles to the old historical gold mining town of Oatman Arizona is well worth the time, and be sure to bring a camera for the burros and assorted old west gun fighting characters. (with heavy on the characters)

http://www.desertusa.com/oatman/du_oatman.html (click the short video at page)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=oatman+arizona

Before boring you silly as a not too proficient tourist promoter, I had better stop here.

-- Posted by Lived There Once on Wed, Jun 18, 2008, at 4:58 PM
Lived There Once,

You are making me SOOOOOOO homesick!!!

-- Posted by myheart on Wed, Jun 18, 2008, at 5:58 PM
Myheart,

We are traveling again...to the Ozark Mountains for a few days. Most likely will be heading back west in the next few days. I will contact Tammy and get back in touch with you.

When we first saw the huge amounts of smoke, it did make me very nervous. In fact, until I was able to determine the source I was very worried. Never before in all the years I have lived in this area had that ever concerned me, I had seriously forgotten what it was...but after living in southern cal, oh my goodness....many things come to mind.... where is the fire, is anyone hurt, is it under control, the air quality....on and on. Just a automatic response now. Also, last night the city was spraying for mosquitos with the fog machine and I was out walking......cough cough cough.... these machines are outlawed in socal, they have to be so unhealthy, together with all the smoke in the air... is also a great concern. But hey, no mosquitos. ?????

I was able to have all bbq today! Bill's, Alford's, Strawberry's.....I've had my fix and gosh I miss these places so much!! As some of my students at school would say, "California BBQ Sucks!" I don't care what anyone says, the bbq here is the best! ONIK!

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 12:26 AM
Hey Lived there Once!!! Thank you so much for all the information. I'm ready to rent a RV and head out to Lake Havisu and enjoy nature! I have a new appreciation for the desert and its unique beauty. Just hate those darn snakes! ha!!

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 12:29 AM
Re: cbhine

Why rent an RV? One can rent rooms at the hotel casinos in Laughlin weekdays for around $20.00 (ya gotta ask and sometimes dicker a bit) a day in the off season. The Avi on the Aha Macav (Mohave) Indian reservation offers 99 cent breakfasts of ham and eggs and excellent buffets, (we love the Friday seafood buffet, voted best on the river, and we eat there often) the Avi also has (and the only private one in Laughlin area) a beautiful beach for guests there on the Colorado River.

That way you can get out and explore during the day to heart's content, then come back to the lap of luxury nights. You may, or may not gamble, but always remember, all the glitz one sees in a casino, is a monument to those inexorable house odds advantage. I don't gamble, but do play poker, but even there, they rake the pot as rent for the privilege of sitting in one of their seats at the table with a dealer.

As for snakes, just stay in the sun, in the summer desert, they are always found in the shade except at night. (can't control their body temperature, hot sunlight kills them)

http://www.avicasino.com/

http://209.85.141.104/search?q=cache:gnaoZMlmpVQJ:www.roadsideamerica.com/hotels...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g45964-d250330-r15647025-Avi_Resort_Casi...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45964-d250330-r15647025-Avi_Resort_C...

-- Posted by Lived There Once on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 3:25 AM
Re: Myheart

I dropped off something for you at the DDD today and its on Tammy's desk. I understand she will not be back until Tuesday, but if you get the chance stop by and ask for Jack Rollins, he will give you the goodies!! Enjoy!!!

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 4:48 PM
You are an angel. I will stop in tomorrow. Did they give you my note? I left who I am with Tammy.

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 6:29 PM
No note. Tammy was not in the office so I guess no one knew about it. I will have someone get it for me and mail it if i dont get back.

-- Posted by cbhine on Thu, Jun 19, 2008, at 8:16 PM
I will leave my card today.

-- Posted by myheart on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 6:21 AM
YYIIPPEE!!!!!! YUM!!!! I am in Avacado Heaven!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

-- Posted by myheart on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 12:03 PM
Cindy?? So where has your travels taken you this weekend. Hope all are safe. When do you get back to SOCA? Drive safe.

-- Posted by myheart on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 8:44 AM
Cindy,

My sister graduated with you and has many fond memories. Her name is Patty Henson Sullivan. She lives away, like she always has. But Kennett too is home away from home. Thanks for all the wonderful blogs. I enjoy hearing about CA, after all I was born there! Be careful and have a great trip.

-- Posted by pjk on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 8:48 PM
so glad you are home!

-- Posted by pjk on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 9:16 PM
Re: Myheart!

We are in Tucumcari, NM. Settled in for the night after driving 16 hours! We stopped in Amarillo, Tx for dinner, and headed west. Neither one of us checked the gas level and then the car started beeping to let us know we were very low on gas!!! Now really, I can see my son doing this maybe, but me??? I have no excuse, I was just plain brain dead! WE literally coasted into NM and just barely made it to a dark, shady, dangerous looking truck station. David jumped out put 5 gallons in and we floored it! It was way too close a call. It was a real dumb blonde moment, Lol. But we are good, looks like we have about 950 miles to travel tomorrow to get home. God is good and takes care of his sheep!

-- Posted by cbhine on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 11:12 PM
Re: pjk!

Oh wow!!! Gosh I was just asking my friend jo about patty today? they had lunch at the u of a today! How wild!! I would love to see patty. she was always so much fun and a great gal! please tell her hello for me!!

Thank you for your kind remarks. Please feel free to pipe in on Cali and give me your two cents. Do you visit socal? I am always looking for ideas or suggestions for new blogs as well. i would welcome your opionons.

My best to you and your family and thank you for writing in.

-- Posted by cbhine on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 11:17 PM
I have long memories of Tucumcari, NM. Just remember you're half way there!! (Just DON'T stop at a grocery store that sells hamburgers 5 for $1.00) LONG story, but that was when there was only one way through Tucumcari on Rt 66 (ok, I just dated myself LOL).

Be safe and enjoy the scenery. I so miss that road. Let us know when you are back safe in SOCA. (after you get off the freeways that is HAHA)

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jun 26, 2008, at 9:25 AM
Cindy?? Where are ya Girl?

-- Posted by myheart on Thu, Jul 3, 2008, at 3:59 PM
Hi myheart! I'm here in socal, just getting back into the swing of things. Lots of catching up to do! New blog will be posted today.

-- Posted by cbhine on Tue, Jul 8, 2008, at 11:35 AM
Just happy to know you made it back "home" (at least it is to me LOL) SAFE and SOUND!!!

-- Posted by myheart on Tue, Jul 8, 2008, at 4:20 PM
Hi Cindy,

I am taking it that no "real" names are allowed here so I will just say that my son, Jonathon, and your son, David, were the very best of friends all during school.. . from kindergarten, baseball, soccer, swimming, until you moved away and they continue to be friends from afar.

I am now remarried and live in Nashville, Tn. Jonathon is living with us and attending college at ITT, majoring in Criminal Justice and wants to get on with FBI which is directly across the street. It is SUCH a joy to have him back in the same house with me again!!! Those heart strings just get trampled when they are away, don't they??

My daughter is living in Springfield, has a boyfriend that I believe will become my son-in-law in the future and plans on going back to college in January to finish up her Respitory Therapy degree. It's 8 hours from me to her and I sure miss those fast trips of being able to see her on the weekends.

I have been reading your column and just wanted to catch up with you. Miss that son of yours!!!

Write me any time and if I'm able to give you my email addy to write directly I will.

-- Posted by somoblonde on Sat, Oct 4, 2008, at 12:31 AM
So good to hear from you. I am very happy that you have started a new life and seem to be very happy. That is wonderful. I appreciate you kind words about my son. He is doing great living and going to school in Ventura, which is on the ocean. He loves it mostly I think because he can surf everyday! He is swimming for the mens team at Ventura College and they have a very talented group of young men. Currently he and 4 other swimmers are renting house up in the hills overlooking the ocean. Its really a beautiful view. He seems to be loving his life right now, which of course makes us very happy. His swimming is getting back on track, he had a huge set back with his jeep wreck his senior year, but that is behind him now and i think he will continue to swim for the next few years.

Thanks for your update and take care. Give Jonathan a big hug from me. Take care, Cindy

-- Posted by cbhine on Mon, Oct 13, 2008, at 1:30 PM
I knew nothing about David's wreck his senior year!!!! Please give me all the details. I have absolutely been through it myself. Won't write all the personal details on here but if you can somehow get in touch with me elsewhere, please tell me and I'll share with you then.

I also never got senior pictures of him because I was in the process of getting packed and moving. If you have any left, I would love to see them.

Keep in touch and write as often as you can. I miss ya.

Give the kids a hug from me as well!!!

-- Posted by somoblonde on Wed, Oct 15, 2008, at 9:38 AM

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