Ontario California!

Really wanted to see my dog on this visit to Southern California; I certainly had the time but for the first time ever my ex denied me visitation during my window of downtime.  Heartbroken as I was, I decided to get out and explore Ontario the best I could.  I’ve always been through this city but have never really spent much time here.

Decided to take a long walk and that walk ended up being a little longer than planned.  Sidewalks ended when they probably shouldn’t have.  Roads that were on maps weren’t there anymore due to construction.  To make a long story short I ended up walking all the way to Rancho Cucamonga in a extra long detour. 

Saw a park on the map and decided to check it out.  Got there only to learn that there is an entrance fee. I would’ve had no problem paying it if the park had a back gate so I could continue my walk, but it didn’t, so I passed on entering the park.  Maybe next time.  Looked like a beautiful place.  I continued on and discovered Founders Garden outside the Citizens Business Bank Arena.  It was so peaceful and serene.  Then I ended up at the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall.  At that point I had to do a complete recheck on what state I was in. The mall is IDENTICAL to the Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine, Texas!!! 

Exploring the “country” side of Los Angeles was fun. Thanks Ontario!   

Los Angeles and my BFF

Landing in LA this last time I had one mission on my mind.  I was determined to see the only creature on this earth that cries when he sees me, loves me unconditionally and appreciates every minute I spend with him.  He is my BFF - a German shepherd named Buddy.  As I made my way up to the San Gabriel valley to visit him, I was informed by the rental car radio about the tragedy that was unfolding out in San Bernardino that day and the manhunt that was taking place trying to track down those who could commit such a senseless act.  It just really brought home the point that anything can happen anywhere at anytime and this world we live in isn’t what it used to be. It’s such a sad reality check but I’ve come to realize that we can’t live our lives in fear. Acts like this remind us that we need to hold close what is dear and let the people in our lives who mean something know that they matter. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Actions speak volumes and when you can back them up with words; it makes the impact of words that much more meaningful. Life is a precious, priceless gift that can be taken at any moment and we need to be ready for that next chapter.  Anyway, when I finally arrived on the doorstep to see Buddy he didn’t bark. It was almost as if he knew I was coming.  Instead he cried. It took him about 10 minutes to stop crying and calm himself down.  He knows when I show up, it’s always just for him and it’s going to be all about him. I can’t thank my ex enough for being kind enough to let me spend time with Buddy on those rare occasions when I have the time. It’s been a few months since I last saw him and I always wish I had more time. As usual the visit ended with tears. Pets truly are precious and good for the soul. I think dogs especially can teach us humans some important lessons. We should strive to live more like they do: Living in the moment, not questioning the past and loving with no boundaries.  If we could just be but half of what dogs believe us humans to be, this world would be certainly be a much better place.

On my way back to return the rental car, I caught the beautiful sunset while driving down the 605.  Wish I could’ve been at the beach to capture it but I managed to sneak in a few shots along the freeway.  Thank you LA! See you again hopefully soon.    

Los Angeles, CA

So I’m notorious for just sitting in my hotel room and popping on my area map and looking at what’s nearby.  That’s usually how I find things to do and it’s usually on a whim. Los Angeles is a city I seem to stop in the most for some reason. No complaints, my old stomping grounds.  My home away from my real home of Hawaii.  So it’s always fun to return to this city.  On this visit I looked on a map and saw a nearby park.  Walked to the park and it was just a baseball field.  Either way here are some photos from that simple walk to the park on a typical LA morning.  

San Diego, California

Every time I come to this city it’s been a very short stop over.  Never long enough to do much and I guess that’s OK.  This is the one city that really does have a lot of personal bittersweet memories for me. I love this city and I love what it has taught me. I realize that this city and the person I think about every time I’m here has completely changed my life and transformed it into what I am living today. On this last visit the one thing I realized is that time, distance and space cannot erase from the heart people that truly matter. I don’t know what is ahead of me in my life journey but I am still grateful for the role he played in my life during the short time we shared here.....  

Good Morning LA!

Not a whole lot done at this stop this past week.  Just a few hours of sleep and it was back on the road again.  Just sharing the sunrise I did manage to catch. Oh Los Angeles, how I truly do miss you. Aside from my heart being forever in Hawaii; SoCal is my second home and though I get back often, it’s never often enough....  

Los Angels Sunrise Sky

Sunrise Sky in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA - Sunrise