11. Tuesday

Another great start to the day with feeding Dorothy my first job. So easy for as soon as she had swallowed one mouthful her wee mouth opened ready for the next.

Tom and Evelyn then took me to the Naval School where they were staying.  As we were going up the steps we find a cell phone and take it to the lost property office.  Lost property office closed Evelyn starts looking to see if she can find the owner when the phone rings.  We were joined a few minutes later by a very appreciative woman who took her phone and spirited off.

Lunch was next and we made our way to a vast dining room where we had a yum lunch.  My lamb shanks we melt in the mouth, good homely food.

We then had a wander around the grounds and the building.  What a magnificent place.  The tiling reminded me very much of the Moorish tiling of Morocco except that it was not mosaic like Morocco but painted in enamel; still very beautiful.

A wander round Monterey's Cannery Row was next and reminded me of what I had expected to see in San Francisco's cannery; quaint shops, fun people, touristy but that's what you expect.  Loved it

Evelyn had some shopping to do for Carolyn so we hit the Supermarket round about the time that I remembered that I had promised Brandon some NZ wine.  We go in search and Tom asked me what to look for.  My mind went blank and all I could think of was Oyster Bay.  I turn around and then, as if by order, were two bottles of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc staring me in the face.  The only NZ wines they had and they were staring me in the face.  Fate.

We get home and are soon joined by Joy, a friend of Carolyn's and also Dorothy's occupational therapist??   What an interesting lady; she spoke of may things but intrigued me in her  explanation of how autism presents and its comparison with other mind affecting illnesses.  She sparked something in me that makes me think that is a field I would love to learn more about.  Mmmm maybe some study is in order.

Tom and Evelyn were heading off the next day, to drive to Springerville, Arizona and deliver something to Sonia and then make their way home to Silverdale in Washington State.  And so we bid our goodbyes.  I have so loved catching up with them both again.  It was as though it was yesterday that I last saw them.  It wont be 34 years before I see them again.  I want to stay in touch and hopefully catch them again soon.

As they were leaving Tom dropped Brandon and I off where we met Carolyn and Joy who had gone to collect fish for dinner.  A nice walk home and Carolyn cooked a meal to die for.  Pan fried Halibut with a salsa of mango, red onion, cilantro all wrapped in lettuce leaves like a taco (without the taco shell).  Perfect, flavoursome, light and YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Dinner over we then sat for some time watching Dorothy drink, for the first time, water from a sipper cup.  More, more, more.  Another milestone for this wee pet this week.  I feel she has changed so much in the few days I have been here.  It is nothing short of amazing.  I will remember that smiling face for a very long time.

My last night here in Pacific Grove.  I feel as though I have known these people all my life, so much at home and so warm and friendly.  I have many reasons to return to this part of the world.

Thank you lovelies. xx