FEEL GOOD PHOTOS

After all the stress of the past few weeks with the illness, passing & funeral of my wonderful mother-in-law, Bruni, I felt the need to share some of my favorite "feel good photos" of my Charley from her last time with us. When I look at her sweet, smiling face it warms my heart, makes me feel good all over & reinforces that life goes on. 

We have such a great time together. Here we are at her & Darrin's apartment in Hayward making some good old-fashioned Rice Krispie Treats.

Charley loves to bake! I remember making Toll House chocolate chip cookies with my grandma. It is such a delight to be able to do it with my granddaughter.

Of course, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love!

As Charley gets older she wants to do more & more by herself. Anyway, the worst that can happen is we have to sweep up four cups of Rice Krispies from the floor.

When Darrin was a kid  he loved going to Jack London Square in Oakland to see the trains go down the main street & eat at the Spaghetti Factory (which is no longer there). Our family would take turns choosing a restaurant when we went out to eat. When it was Darrin's turn, Allen & I made sure that we were up for a trip to Jack London Square since he picked it every time!

Our Charley is creating her own traditions at this East Bay landmark.

Charley loves to ride "Wolfie", the wolf statue from Jack London's "Call of the Wild" novel. That is Jack's cabin recreated in the background.

Our girl following the wolf footprints that meander all through Jack London Square.

Thumbs up! Darrin says he has about 20 similar photos since every time Charley wants her picture taken.

Charley & Daddy waiting sort of patiently for our pizza to arrive at "The Plank" restaurant.

Most of you know about the "Favorite Rock" in Pacifica on the coast. Charley absolutely loves visiting her rock & watching the sunset.

The Northern California coast really is beautiful....almost as beautiful as our little sweetheart.

This is one of my favorite photos ever! Darrin took an incredible shot!

They took me to their favorite rock in Pacifica. I had been there many, many times but it took on a whole new meaning when shared with Charley.

Once the sun set, we had promised Charley we would go to Taco Bell in Pacifica for dinner. Yes, she is definitely related to me & loves Taco Bell. It is literally on the beach but doesn't look like a normal Taco Bell since it blends in with the surroundings. As we got out of the car, Charley says, "This isn't Taco Bell." Took a little doing but we finally convinced her it was indeed a Taco Bell.

A couple of California Girls.....born & raised.

We love playing with Maya & Jada, identical three year old twins, who live in the apartment complex with Darrin & Charley. Last year when we met them, I introduced myself to their mother as "Charley's grandma, Gaga." Somehow, the comma was eliminated & I became "Grandma Gaga" to Maya, Jada & their parents.

Maya, Charley & Jada, I think. Or it could be Jada, Charley & Maya. Either way I know Charley is in the middle.

Maya, Jada, Charley & Grandma Gaga!