Living in Alaska: December in California

Mike and I have traveled from the great state of Alaska to the cash-strapped state of California. Why would we leave 40 below zero temperatures to come to a more temperate climate one might ask? Well, it is clear and simple. Abigail, our 15 year old kitty, was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. A veterinary facility in San Mateo, just south of San Francisco, offers a wonderful treatment that will cure her thyroid problem. So, last Sunday, Mike, Abigail and I boarded an Alaskan Airlines flight out of Fairbanks and headed south to the Bay Area.

Since Mike's parents live in San Jose, we are staying with them while Abigail has her procedure. Today, after dropping Abigail off at the hospital for the next four days, Mike and I kept driving north and spent the day in San Francisco. We had so much fun shopping and exploring!

On Wednesday, Bob, Linda, Mike and I drove up to Manteca to see Nana. We got to tour her new house and her new neighborhood. Then, Nana cooked us a wonderful dinner.

On Thursday, the four of us headed south to Henry Cowell State Park to see the giant California redwoods. It was a bit chilly even by Alaskan standards (because it was a damp cold). As the sun hit the trees, the steam smoked off the trees. Then, it was off to Santa Cruz for lunch at the Crow's Nest and a short visit to the beach.

Mike and I had such a great time. Our pictures will tell the rest of the story!

San Francisco