the trip begins

This morning I finished packing, and we began our drive to Santa Maria. We stopped in San Jose for lunch. We had delicious Indian food there.

Then we stopped at Avila. We went to the pier and saw the sea lions. We went to Avila barn and visited the animals. I got bit by a duck and then a goat. (Didn't break the skin, but did feel bruised.)

Then we arrived at my parents' house. We had sandwiches and nectarines for dinner. I tried on a dress for the wedding that my mom had bought for herself but decided against. It fit, and I'm planning to wear it. My mom told me about the wedding. There's a whole-day itinerary. We watched Jeopardy.

I forgot to say that my friend CN in Minnesota made me a beautiful necklace and sent it to me in the mail. I will post a picture of myself wearing it as soon as I'm able. It's brown and knotted with square wooden beads.

We're leaving tomorrow morning at 8. I'll have to say goodbye to Erik. We'll arrive in Flagstaff in the evening and stay a night there at a hotel. Then it's off to Colorado.