Where did July go? It’s just the sweetest month and although it’s been a rainy one in the east, at home in Victoria, the days have been long, sunny and a comfortable 25-28C. We sure have nothing to complain about.
 
When I posted a sunrise picture from our bedroom a week ago, someone asked on Facebook “Why would you leave?” and that’s a question that is always worth asking. Here it is, in case you missed it.
 

 
Sometimes coming home and (eventually) unpacking a suitcase just makes you more grateful; other times, it’s clear that if you’re going to pursue a dream, you simply have to pick up and go. Life, as we know, is short and sometimes you don’t get a second chance. Especially when it’s a bucket list item.
 
When I was a teen, I would dance my butt off (quite literally; I lost track of how many times I’d choose a thinner notch in my kilt waist buckle after coming home from school and dancing for an hour to Saturday Night Fever or the FM station out of the US). One of the bands I couldn’t get enough of was ELO: The Electric Light Orchestra.
 
From songs like “Turn to Stone” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” they always had a beat, orchestration and production that was unmatched by anyone else. I’ve loved Jeff Lynne forever. But since I was a mere teen when he and ELO were touring, I had no chance to get to the big city (from where we lived in Brighton, Ontario) to see them.
 
The passage of time, Jeff’s work on myriad other projects (including working on Beatles’ later releases like “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love” and as a Traveling Wilbury) made it seem impossible that he’d ever take to a stage to perform ELO’s hits again.
 
So, imagine my excitement when I learned several months ago that he was embarking on a limited eight-city tour! That soon turned to disappointment when we saw that the only Canadian stop he was making was Toronto. No Vancouver. Not even nearby Seattle! So we made the decision to buy tickets and see ELO in Oakland, California.
 
Rob and I had long wanted to take a drive along the California highway that runs beside the ocean. From BC all the way to the Golden State, we had visions of top down, wind in our hair and sights we’d never forget. This concert provided the perfect opportunity! Just for laughs, we checked to see where the Blue Jays are these days and, lo and behold, there they are in Oakland that same week! So we’re going to see Jeff Lynne, the Blue Jays and Alcatraz all on the same little road trip.
 
As we did in the case of the US southwest driving trip we took in early June, Rob is driving down in three days, while I’m flying in a few days later (today). All going well, he’ll meet me this afternoon in San Francisco and our adventure together will truly begin.
 
I plan to post pictures and stories again and hope you’ll come along for the ride. Take care and talk to you here in August – or tomorrow – whichever comes first!