Chester's blog

During the winter, there're couple of times chances that I could see snow on mountain top around Valencia. These are the scene within 2 miles of my commuting. Isn't it cool?

Last weekend, Rachel & I went to Sequoia National Park which is about 3 hours north from my place. I didn't know the national park is that close to me but it's a gorgeous place to be. Rachel always wanted to go somewhere has nice trees and water stream. Sequoia is exactly a place which fulfills Rachel's needs.

The day after Fourth of July, Joey, Rachel and I went to the Lake Casitas on Ojai, California. The lake is located at a little bit north of Ventura and about an hour driving distance from my home, Valencia. This lake has lots of interesting points. There's a big water park for kids and adults, huge camping grounds for overnight staying and various types of boats to enjoy the lake. The grass is also big and lots of trees make shade for midsummer day's napping. We really took a nap after the tough sailing with a small motor boat. The weather is as hot as Valencia, over there but it's relaxing to take a short day trip for certain weekend with friends and family.

One fine day, Rachel and I were having lunch at home. During lunch, Rachel yelled "Honey, look outside!" and I saw the amazing scene through the window. There were a band of ducks crossing the ten lanes big street! All the cars suddenly stopped and waited for all the ducks to finish crossing street. That has taken a while. It was interesting that the tallest guy lead all others like a military band. Actually, there's a brand new shopping mall at the direction, they are heading. The new shopping mall has a cute little pond and the other side has a big artificial lake. These days, people said that ducks are often going back and forth between two water places and it's my first time to see it by my eyes. Valencia is getting interesting. ^^

Kevin, Gene, Sarah, Xin, Jessica, Rachel and I had a nice chance to stay at the house of Bob (Sarah's grandpa) located by Newport beach two nights. We enjoyed the free nights at the gorgeous home with nicest friends! Personally, I probably fell in love with Monopoly. Next time, I may have my own board with practice. :) We played guitar hero but no one could beat up the serious Kev. Look at his face! Instead, I enjoyed bodyboard for a long time, next day. Newport beach is a nice and quiet beach. Fortunately, the Saturday wasn't that cold and I could stay in the water couple of hours. But, everyone else didn't get into the sea except Kevin. Xin found his hidden talent of frisbee right here. I've missed Kevin's omelet since Big Bear cabin, last winter and finally, we could taste his delicious food again. Sarah cooked nice spaghetti with her grandma's recipe. I should try it later by myself.