California

Apologies for the delay...our own warm, sunny weather got the better of me, along with work, income taxes, domestic duties...

Below are the promised pictures of our trip over a month ago to California.

On our first day we took a walk from our hotel in Beverly Hills to Rodeo Drive. Kassie was fascinated by the treasures to be glimpsed in Cartier's storefront window, and just about every jewelry store window in Beverly Hills for that matter.

In the end she settled for a dress from Un Deux Trois, just off Rodeo Drive. Our pocketbooks are thankful.

The next day Kassie had fun spotting familiar names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of which had us driving through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Belair in a reluctant tour of stars' homes.

Mary-Kate and Ashley were not at home; however, we met on a winding street Joan Collins in an old Rolls Royce. Kassie didn't see her — not that she would have recognized the aging actress — but we did make sure to point out spots of interest to her, including Lindsay Lohan's former home, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's residence, and the spot where Britney Spears earned herself a traffic violation (actually, folks, it's a tricky intersection).

I myself would have preferred dropping in to Jack Nicholson's gated estate just off Mulholland Drive, not far from where this picture was taken. I figure if anyone knows how to party, it's ol' Jack.

We managed a trip to the beach, on perhaps the coldest day of our 10-day visit. Santa Monica beach and pier were virtually deserted, nearly as deserted as this stretch of Malibu. Brrr!

Thankfully, things got a good deal warmer in the desert. Here is a photo from Palm Springs, where we took the time to relax by the pool, venture out for a game of golf, spend a day at a local water park, and of course walk the fabled strip in the evenings.

Finally, pictures from Disneyland, where we learned the value of fast passes the hard way. Remember, it was March Break!

All in all, a great vacation!