We spent a lot of time relaxing at home and watching good documentaries, but we also did lots of touristy things in San Francisco, Santa Cruz and San Jose.

Some highlights were the beach in Santa Cruz where Rachel couldn’t manage to keep her cast dry in the big waves. Also, a hike in the woods where we saw lots of deer and coyotes. While we were walking, Rachel was so afraid of Mountain Lions that she was walking with her arms up in the air to keep them away! (A sign at the start of the trail warned hikers to raise their arms if one came along.) I had so much fun, but I now I think I have a permanent fear of the Mountain Lions we’ve never seen!

Here are a few photos from the trip. The whole lot of them is over on Flickr.

Last weekend, Jesse and I earthquake-proofed the entire place, which meant affixing every bookshelf and tall piece of furniture to the wall with a cable.  It was a lot of work and we won’t be rearranging furniture any time soon!!

Anyways, I thought I’d post this up here, just in case any of you might be traveling through the toronto/brampton area on your way to long weekends in cottage country.

My sister Rachel is starting school at Sheridan in Brampton on Tuesday, but we’ve run into a few hitches when it comes to getting her what she needs to start. She’s looking for old furniture and bedding, the basics and even groceries cause we’re waiting on her OSAP funding to come in.  I just thought I’d mention it in case you have anything extra you might want to donate to the cause.

Dan and Erica have volunteered a desk and chair (Thank you guys!!).  If you want to, send me an email or comment and I’ll let you know how to get in touch with her.