She's Here...

Happy Birthday Hailee!!!!!

My first grandchild (ok, almost-grandchild) is here!!! Little baby Hailee was born today weighing 6lbs, 15 oz!! Treva did an amazing job! I cannot wait to meet little Miss Hailee! And guess who gets to take her first official photographs?

Unfortunately, I have to wait until Monday, at the earliest, to see her since I flew to Avila Beach this morning (although what a great place to be!). My flight to SFO was cancelled, but United had me re-booked on US Airways and although I had to switch terminals, I was able to take a direct flight to San Luis Obispo.

If I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE Avila Beach! And keep in mind, I'm just not a California gal... I'm east coast, all the way. Completely prefer the Atlantic Ocean over the Pacific Ocean. (Although San Francisco is one of my favorite cities). But there is just something about Avila Beach. It's beautiful, unique, and incredibly quiet. Like an undiscovered Mayberry plopped down on the most choice piece of land imagineable. I've met and talked with enough of the locals to firmly believe that they are genuinely nice and down-to-earth, with a kindness and compassion unlike any other place I've visited. It's this genuine friendliness that makes the customer service and customer experience top notch.

My recommendations:

• Joe Momma's Coffee Shop - not only do I rent a room from them (skip the hotel and go for the local feel!) but they also provide my morning latte!


• Avila Beach Grocery - A++++ for the cheeseburger and homemade chips. I will go out on a limb and say they make the best cheeseburger ever! Add the great service onto it, and it's pretty much heaven!


• The pier - nothing negative to say. You get your exercise while practically feeling as though you are walking on water. Not just regular water, the powerful ocean that is just teeming with sea creatures! The local fisherman add flavor to the experience and there is nothing better than a beautiful sunset with the light sparkling off the water. Breathtaking.


• And of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Hula Hut - LOVE their fudge!!

It took some patience, but I was able to eventually catch a mommy and baby dolphin! Oh, and I was entertained by a Rock Star sea bird. He was all about getting his picture taken - even to the point of posing for over 45 minutes with his wings spread out to each side. Funniest thing!

Yes, this is now on my list as a favorite place (along with Standish, Bucksport, Old Orchard, and Raymond, ME, Bangalore and Kibini India, and Brighton, England).