February 25-March 13, 2026. So, when we last posted, we had just made our way through the mountains to the shore of the Pacific. It was a little surreal for us. After DRIVING cross country through unusually cold weather, we had at last arrived. Big exhale and high fives all around! Lea Ann had originally planned to fly back to Connecticut during this time. Taxes needed to be filed, physicals needed to be taken, teeth needed to be cleaned. Anticipating this, Jeff booked a state park campsite on the north end of Malibu for himself and Chester to hang while Lea Ann was away. The campground was right between LA (friends to visit) and Santa Barbara, where Jeff’s brother Jon lives with his partner Jane.
Turns out, Lea Ann was so happy in California that she called the accountant, rescheduled the physical and stayed with us! Yay! We spent many days at the beach, shopping in Malibu, and eating well. Jeff connected with 2 very close friends Lizz Zanin TV Director… and Johnny Elkins…a buddy from Interlochen who writes music, songs and musicals. They drove up during week 1 for dinner. Lea Ann got to see her friend, Tim Hoy, who was her attorney during the Torville and Dean tour days.
Midway through the stay we broke camp for a few days and drove about an hour up to Santa Barbara and stayed with Jon and Jane. Got in some great golf at their new club…We also spent a night with our friends Kandi Amelon and Jon LaPuma on their amazing farm in Santa Barbara.
Then it was back down to the campsite, and a trip to LA for lunch with Lea Ann’s old pal Susan Austin, and her husband Dave. To cap it off, we spent the afternoon at Tara Lipinski’s house. So fun to meet her 2 year old daughter Georgie. We’ve known Tara since Lea Ann choreographed programs for her 30 years ago. What😂
We also used our time here for some chores. Haircuts and grocery shopping in 1000 Oaks, and a scheduled maintenance visit for the camper in Oxnard. We loved SoCal, but it’s time to head north. More later!