Sacramento, California - Whew!

May 6-11, 2017
Sacramento, California

Bill lived in Sacramento for eight years, and I lived 40 miles south in Acampo, while also working in Sacramento, for ten overlapping years. It was in Sacramento that we reconnected after 20 years. 

While we're here for a few days we have plans to see a lot of people.

Saturday we meet up with my BFF, Janis, and her hubby Nick where I forget my first photo. It's great to get caught up with them.

Sunday is a crazy, busy day of seeing lots of people who were like family to me in the Lodi/Acampo area. Jenifer and Joey are like my kids, they were just starting out as a new couple when Jen watched Jeff before he started pre-school. They worked very hard and have raised a wonderful family. Can't believe they are grandparents too! We visit their lovely home and property - 20 acres! - and the time flies. Second photo fail.....

There were lots of young kids who lived on my block in the country. We meet a couple of them for coffee - Katie and Gretchen are still best friends :-) A photo!!

Gretchen and Katie - beautiful women

My boys would probably say the place that they consider their "old home" is the ranch in Acampo. Five acres with horses and lots of trees, it is now owned by my dear friend Greg. We have wonderful memories from here. Even Bill, his former wife, and his three oldest boys visited me here! Greg has made dozens of improvements and it's fun to see all the changes. Of course I get no photos except for the front yard. How can I be so bad at this??

Greg's daughter, Krystal (who was like a daughter to me as well), and a couple of her friends join us. Then her husband and kids, and finally the neighbors, Mary and Dennis (who are also Jeff's godparents), add to the group. It's like no time has passed as we hang out in the pasture and laugh at all the fun we've had here.

Later we all go for dinner a the Woodbridge Crossing where the service is horrible but the food and company are great. Not a great photo, but I do remember!!

Dennis, Bill, Hannah, Carson, Megan, Mike, Krystal and Mary

Carson Michael, a new generation making memories here.

It is a very full, and emotional, day and I'm exhausted when we get home after 10:30. I absolutely can't wait so long until our next visit :-))

Monday Bill drops me off at Janis' house while he goes to see his former co-workers. We visit in their beautiful backyard, and then I have a real treat - a long bath in her huge bubble tub!! If there's one thing I miss in this life......

Tuesday we run some errands during the day and head to Rocklin for a couple visits that we schedule way too close together :-( 

The first people we met when preparing for life as full-timers were Rene and Ron. She reached out from the RV Dreams forum when we were both going to attend the RV Show in Pomona. We met them and had a fun dinner, and have stayed in touch ever since. This is the first time we've had a chance to meet since then and unfortunately the visit is too short. Still, it's great to see their new home on wheels and meet their adorable pup, Rufus.

Bill, Jodee, Rene and Ron - we really should have included Rufus too!!

Although Bill and his former wife have gone their separate way, he is so happy to still be friends with his ex-in-laws. They're very fun, and it's great getting to know them better. We meet them for brews and light super at the local Claim Jumper. Steve got away before I got the photo - but hey, I got a photo!! Two in one day!

Bill, Ryan, Scott, Mick and Linda

One of Bill's best friends from college has been living in Costa Rica for years so they rarely get an opportunity to see each other. Bob is in the bay area to visit family this week so we extend our Sacramento stay by 24 hours and he drives over to see us on Wednesday. What a treat to spend a few hours with Bob!

Bob and Bill - college pals.

Before Bob arrives I run over to my old office - well, at a nearby eatery - to have a quick visit with my old co-worker Sarah. I've seen so many people already that I don't visit the office, but it's delightful to see Sarah and get caught up with her. 

Whew, we had a great time seeing so many special people this stop. Cal Expo RV Park is a perfect location for doing a lot of visiting, but we are happy to be leaving the large asphalt parking lot. Next we move on to Los Molinos to see Lassen National Forest - and another good friend.