My stepmom is still here and we are going back to the Veterans Hospital tomorrow. I expect us to be there most of the day so this time, I’m bringing a picnic lunch so we can all eat healthy. I’ve packed water, hard-boiled eggs, salt & pepper, homemade bread and blueberry cake, almonds, apples, tangerines, and a banana. I realize this survival kit could take us across the Mojave Desert but it will be a touch of home during a stressful day of medical tests for her husband.

What an experience I had today.  My stepmom’s 2nd husband, who’s a veteran, had to go in for some tests at the veterans center in Los Angeles so I took them both in today.  We were in the main hospital building and it was not at all what I expected.  I saw state-of-the-art equipment, efficient nurses and lab technicians, super clean surroundings, and a very friendly staff. We explored the main floor and found a huge food court, a general store that carried everything from bandaids to flat screen TVs – no sales tax for veterans. There’s more… upstairs in a quiet, peaceful corner was a lovely chapel. It was tough to see some of the injured soldiers, but it did my heart good to see the quality of services available to the men and women who have served our country.

My sister and I spent the weekend (with our respective partners, Shawn & Denis, of course) going all over L.A. and today we went to Universal CityWalk – what a fun place to go. It’s part of Universal Studios in Hollywood and it’s kind of like a midway filled with music and lights with restaurants, shops, and today… street performers. We were there for Streetfest and saw jugglers, acrobats, dancers, and tons of people.  It was a super way to cap off a fun weekend. She still has chipmunk cheeks and I still look like I’m expecting twins in that outfit.  We had a good time but she is leaving town in the morning, heading back to Canada. 🙁