We were well into our sixth week now and we needed to find something to do besides the beach. We had visited the zoo, aquarium and done an illegal viewing of the airplanes as they took off from San Diego International. We had visited "My Mexico" and eaten at fabulous restaurants in both there and California.

On evening at a local wine bar, I met a man who was in the real estate business. He had been doing beach houses for buyers as a buyer's agent in Coronado Beach and nearby San Diego. He drove a Maserati, and had some extra cash to burn it seemed. We shared a glass of wine and some conversation. We were both fans of bold reds, and shared a bottle of Cabernet and Malbec. The Malbec was from Argentina, and we had a bottle of Stag's Leap from the Napa Valley. Finally after one glass of high-end, single production, low-yield Merlot, I was fit to be tied.

I took a cab home and we exchanged numbers. I was eager to see Paul again, but I wondered where it could possibly go...I lived in North Carolina, and he in California. Brady had dreamed of having a vineyard on the west coast, and preferred Washington State to California, as he saw the value in up-and-coming areas, and AVA's.

Paul had agreed to take me and the kids out to dinner at his favourite restaurant in nearby La Jolla. I knew it would be a fine dining restaurant where we could share some more wine, and the children could eat some of the finer food that California had to offer. I agreed; somewhat reluctantly, that they could have "virgin" versions of alcoholic drinks so they could feel like part of the group for the evening.

We would go out, as the plans were to meet on Friday night and I was excited to see just what restaurant he would pick. I already had a wine in mine that I wanted to order, and I wondered if he would "pony up", and enjoy my selection.

Time would tell. It was Wednesday, and I waited impatiently by the phone for Paul to call.

It had been a while since I wrote my mother a letter, so I sat down at the kitchen table one evening to write:

Mom,

We have now been at Coronado Beach for a little over a month. In addition to California, we have traveled to, and spent the better part of a week in Mexico. I am connecting with my surroundings more and more these days and wonder if that is a sign of maturity. I have named our house for the summer, "Casa Amor", or "House of Love". When traveling thru Mexico; while only about five days, it became "My Mexico".

Personally, I think these are signs of healing. My medication has been good to me; and while I do not feel I need it at this point, I realize that that is a general medical flaw that most patients go thru. Thus, I am taking my medication religiously and using the beach and my surroundings to do the rest. Casa Amor is relaxing. While we spend almost everyday thru the week at the beach, Saturdays and Sundays are preferably spent in this beautiful Italian Villa.

The owners are in Tuscany and they will return in a few weeks to check on us, get some clothes and return to Tuscany for the remainder of the summer. I hope to be able to barter with the owner to "pre-book" for next summer.

We have visited the zoo in San Diego, the Gas Lamp District in downtown, the aquarium, and many other locations. We intend to really learn the history behind this city and especially Coronado, as it has become our respite.

Finally, the kids are well. They surf and play volleyball with a small handful of friends nearly daily, and enjoy our evenings out to dinner and certainly to Coldstone for ice cream. I am leading the "taste tester" race, as I am up to twenty-seven flavours for the summer.

With Love,

Stephanie