Sacramento, California March-April 2010

There will always be a part of me that considers the Sacramento area my home. I was raised from birth to age 18 in Orangevale, and spent the next 32 years living in various parts of Sacramento. I still have children and grandchildren that live in the area. And even though Dan and I travel full time all over the country, and live by the motto "Home is Where You Park It", both of us still have our regular doctors and dentists in the area. We have our favorite restaurants, and know where to go for just about anything we need. I am always excited when I think about coming to Sacramento, because I know I will see my family, and feel a sense of comfortable familiarity in my surroundings.

So, when I was twice the victim of thieves during my recent stay here, it was especially upsetting, and left me feeling sad and let down by what I think of as my home town. First my bicycle was stolen from the RV Park we were staying in, and it was cable locked at the time. It took the thief a few tries to cut through it, but eventually the deed was done and my bike was gone. A couple of weeks later, our truck, which was locked, was broken into and my purse with all the normal things you find in a purse, was stolen. The entire week following that was spent trying to diminish the repercussions of possible financial loss and identity theft. I know, I know… why did I leave my purse in the truck? Even if the door was locked? Don't think I haven't beat myself up over that one!

But the wondrous event that brought us here in the first place, and what really made it all worthwhile despite the bad luck, was the birth of my newest grandchild, Pearl Eve. This is my fifth grandchild, and I was lucky enough to spend time with all of them during our recent stay. Because seeing them can wipe away just about any sadness I might feel about anything else, I am dedicating the visit to Sacramento and these photos to them.