Brain cancer is...

...no better time for "firsts."

This day is absolutely perfect.  Here are nine of the "firsts" that have made it so great.


1.  First time for waking up to this view.

2.  First time walking a different portion of the circumference of the island and touching the water off Catalina at Lovers' Cove.  (New Rule for Everyone:  If you're ever somewhere where the word "lover" appears in the name, you must use the "oil painting" filter to edit the photo.  Or not.  You do what you want.)

 3.  First time renting a golf cart and pretending to listen while the guy explains the suggested route. 

4.  First time viewing the Pacific from a high point on Santa Catalina Island, glad we didn't listen to directions because there's pretty much one road.

5.  First time enjoying the Avalon Grille with another ho-hum view. 

6.  First time eating a buffalo burger after failing to spot any live buffalos and taking lots of photos of buffalo statues.  (We've been over this.  Team D doesn't judge.) The burger--and every other part of lunch--was delicious.  Thanks, Lynda.



7.  First time glimpsing this view during a Jacuzzi tub.

8.  First time shaving a scalp, or having a scalp shaved, depending on which of us you ask. (This is after the actual shaving.  We didn't think Christine M. could handle it, no matter how good of a sport she is about the shower scenes.)  Darrell's framing the view.  Reader's advice:  In case you plan on shaving/having shaved a scalp:  Four disposable razors.  And thanks for the other advice, Gail. 

9.  First time having a wine party sparked by a deluxe gift basket.  Thanks Matt and Mer.  Cakebread Cabernet is a mighty fine wine.  Also in this pic you see the bane of our lives in the VIP room:  Plastic cups for fine wine.  Gasp.  Fresh flowers delivered late.  We need our flowers on time, friends.

Kidding.    It's 4:35.   Must go.  We're soooooo  busy.  Hoping you at least one happy "first" today.