Debbie and I arrived on the West Coast back in early December.
It was a new locale for us even though we previously lived in Orange County for years.
For me, Dana Point has been one of those destinations I waved at from the car as I was driving north or south on the 5 Freeway. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here.
This community felt homey since we were presented the keys to the front door.
And for the most part, our suitcases have been in one place, unpacked now for nearly 100 days. They have remained happily untouched along the far walls of the two car garage.
Our time here has allowed us to establish a nice routine.
From Monday through Friday, Debbie works remotely from the extra bedroom. She has two computer screens atop a wood desk. Natural light filters into the room from various directions and she has the privacy to do her job. Debbie begins her days early and often grinds into the evenings.
As for me, until I accept a new work opportunity, I have remained busy. Since the start of the year, I have read eight books and am knee deep into my ninth. My tastes vary depending on the week.
At least three to four days a week, I spend my mornings walking four to five mile from our home to the Pacific Ocean and the adjacent harbor. My other mornings may include riding the stationary bike while blasting ‘80’s classic rock.
That’s me taking care of the mind and body portion.
Recently, late one Friday afternoon, I made a spur of the moment decision. I made dinner reservations at the local Chart House. It is a well established steak restaurant you may know. Booth Reservation for two.
Since we were not very familiar with Dana Point, our goal has been to try as many new restaurants as possible. The Chart House was an exception to the stated goal. We had eaten at the establishment before, but I had yet to sample this specific location.
Many of the restaurant’s seats overlook the Dana Point Harbor. The landscape lit up like a string of white lights. Not a bad place to be and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The moon was full on this night. As were each of our stomachs after a delicious meal.
Where to next? Where’s Waldo?
Not sure. I recently edited my LinkedIn profile and added the green crescent “Open to Work” image. I have spoken to industry recruiters and sent emails to a few contacts letting them know my interest in pursuing work opportunities.
What is important is to be in an environment we love.
Since December, Dana Point has served as our transition home. We love it here. However, we still have most of our life packed away in Northern Nevada.
Our goal is to decide on a destination where we can plant our roots and allow them to grow. My work will play a role in that decision.
And there’s that little promise I made to my bride about getting two dogs. Hard to do under the current living arrangements.
Unless something unexpected happens, I predict we will pack up the SUV and head back out on the road. Probably no later than the end of May.
* * * * *
Some of you thought I was done writing. You even said so.
Nah.
I just did not have anything to share for a moment.
My passion for landscape photography continues of course. I have taken advantage of the beauty that surrounds our current home, expect when it rains which has happened quite often recently.
It is easy to find unique places to capture and share. I will leave you with a few more samples from our neighborhood area.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F72b737dc-a5f8-44cc-a3c9-f36aa001f604_2759x3679.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4641f411-bb55-43ec-8cc3-65c845b72f6f_3024x4032.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ac94530-cc8c-45aa-ab81-175521b2f5c2_3070x4093.jpeg)
Sounds ideal for the moment. Nice to read and beautiful to view.
I had full right knee replacement surgery 2/7. Rehab probably through April.
Gail