"We can hardly fail if communication begins with a smile, continues with love and civility, is leavened with a little humor when appropriate, and enhanced with empathy and compassion."

Brenda Davies, M.D.

Photo by Heriberto.

"If you fall out of the boat put your feet up, lie back and relax. Your life jacket knows which way is up. Let the river hold you. You won't drown."

Brenda Davies, M.D.
"The 7 Healing Chakras"
Quoting a Zambezi River guide.

Trip to Julian, April 1, 2007

Sunday afternoon Heriberto asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday. He gave me the options of either some North County beach, Julian, or the Anza Borrego Desert. Although beautiful, I've been to both the Carlsbad beaches and the Anza Borrego Desert, and neither is known for the food there. I've heard a lot about Julian, but had never been there before, AND it's known as a food destination, especially for the apple pie.

About an hour drive from San Diego along 2 lane roads that wind through beautiful country of hills, low mountains, horse farms, orchards, and this fishing lake, Julian is a popular destination for folks looking for an easy destination to escape the city. At 4000 feet up it experiences all the seasons. Chuck and Patrick stayed overnight there a few weeks ago and woke up to snow. When we got there both sides of the one main street through town were filled with motorcycles. We ate barbecue for lunch, walked around town, going into a few shops, taking pictures, then stopped for apple pie for dessert. And what an apple pie. It was amazing. It's not better than Becky's terrific pie she made for Thanksgiving, but it is real close. Before we ate our pie Heri asked for a candle that he lit and put in the middle for me to make a wish and blow out.

I love these birthdays that get stretched out over several days. Keith took me out to dinner to a newly opened restaurant Tuesday. Thursday Skip took me to a Brazilian restaurant that I'd been by but hadn't been to yet. And Sunday I got to go to Julian for the first time, do a little sight seeing, took some pictures, went for a short hike, and had a wonderful drive.

Two years ago, while working at Wawanesa, my supervisor and team forgot my birthday. Though initially disappointing, it turned out great. Two of the girls that sat on either side of me took pity and brought in a cake the next day. My team became aware of their oversight and took me out to lunch the day after that. And the next Sunday Skip took me to lunch after church with a bunch of friends and we had a great time.