Murrieta, CA with Jim's Family

Hi folks, Arrived here on Friday evening to visit with Dick and Trudy, Jim's brother and his wife. Have enjoyed meeting some of their children and grandchildren and visited their homes where they all have vast renovation projects underway. As with all of Southern California the architecture is Spanish in style and this being a desert there use desert types plants and trees and instead of the green lawns we have in the East other materials are used to conserve on water such as lava rocks.

Jim's brother Dick built a waterfall in his backyard which is elevated and affords a view of the mountains as a backdrop.

We had supper last night at an unusual restaurant which serves cafeteria style and begins with a vast salad bar including several types of soups, pastas, bread, rolls and cakes. Also offers fresh fruit, yogurt and beverages including milk (unusual) all for the price of $10. per person. Like most of the U.S. this area has seen property values plummet during the recession. By comparison Hampton Roads has fared better that most. This is evident by comparing home market prices here and at home.

As usual we are buying supplies, tending to personal grooming needs, etc while in Port. Today we'll wash the rig inside and out. Tomorrow we'll have some electrical work done and then on to the Grand Canyon on Wednesday. We expect that to be a two day trip from here so we'll be at our next scheduled stop in Houston in about a week and a half.

Love Janet and Jim