Tuesday the 10th: We left home after a flurry of activity, trying to get the house as safe as we possibly could since we are worried about someone breaking in while we are away We drove to Laura's without incident, stopping at the food connection on Barton Road for lunch. Laura was up and waiting for us when we arrived, we visited with her and Mike and the boys before we left for our dinner arraignment with Jan and Brandt. We met them at Eduardos, a favorite Italian restaurant in Palmdale, we enjoyed the food and company. Back to Laura's and early to bed - well - as early as possible 9:30. Wednesday the 11th: we went to Lancaster and Palmdale with Laura since she had the night before off work and was more rested with sleep. We went to the mall and got our questions answered concerning our cell phone, shopped a bit in Gottschalks, then went to Red Lobster for lunch. Stopped also in Staples and Best Buy, then on to Laura's house. John and I went to Susan's to pick up the boys, went back and helped with dinner; Mike BBQ'd hamburgers. We chatted a bit then were off to bed.

We left Laura's house and drove to Lancaster where we were to have lunch with the retiree's from the Personnel office at Edwards Air Force Base. First we stopped in Ralphs for a few grocery items, then went off to find the restaurant, Camilles - new since I left Palmdale. We had a nice lunch and visit with those who attended, we left at 1 PM to get on the road. Drove through Mojave on 14, then though Red Rock Canyon and continued north on 395. Not much new or different on this drive, it's quite 'old hat' after many trips in both directions. The Sierra's were absolutely beautiful with the blanket of snow that still covered the top half of them, we love the scenery no matter how many times we drive this road. We decided to stay at Baker Creek Campground outside of Big Pine, we had camped there before and liked it. We found a fairly good site, but I really wanted a different one, but it was taken. We took a nice walk part way up the hill across the creek from the campground, took some pictures, walked back to our camp and drank a beer, ate supper and took another short walk. All was so green due to the melting snows and spring rains. Campsites on either side of us were filled during the night, 5 tents in each one, they kept me awake while they were setting up, playing music and walking back and forth to each others camp using large flashlights. It was a cold night, nice to b e cuddled up to John! A quarter moon and millions of stars were visible, awesome!