Day Eight - Cool Weather & Outlet Shopping

The funniest road sign I have seen in a long time!

Henry's Market

Laura - Valentina's new best friend

A little taste of home away from home

Hyacinth - my friend from Jamaica

Well hello everyone! Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? Ha ha... Today was a great day. I was fasting for my blood work this morning. Fun. Got the girly cramps from He**-o & they decided I could finally change rooms 10 minutes before the shuttle left, which left me running around like a chicken with my head off & up & down from 1st to 2nd floor. By the time I got to the clinic, I was ready to pass out. Then they start pulling blood & I was really ready to pass out! Emily the nurse was really kind in helping me to the bed & I was able to lay down & gain a little strength.

I fell asleep & woke up feeling much better. It was so nice to have my new 'friends & family' stop in & check on me. One brought my juice & almonds in, another brought my purse & another stopped in to let me know she'd see me back at the hotel. Wow! I'm so lucky to have met so many nice people! I discovered that the quilt I was lying under was made by a lady from Nanton! Small world! The IV was dripping really slow today, but once I woke up & paid a bit more attention, it seemed to drip a lot quicker!

I managed to get back onto the shuttle about 1230 & while we were waiting (again) to cross the border, I realized there are 25 (!) lanes for traffic heading into the US from Mexico. That doesn't include the foot traffic, either. It's crazy! Someone said it is the busiest border crossing in the world & over 100,000 people cross through everyday. With that many crossing, I'm amazed there is anyone left in Mexico!! I took a photo of the sign on the interstate today. It made Mom & I chuckle. We have deer & elk signs back home. They have 'people dashing' signs!

Once back at the hotel I finally unpacked & got settled. Not shortly thereafter the shuttle was ready to take us to Henry's Market. It is the top rated health food store in San Diego. It was really wonderful to have access to fresh produce & some of the familiar healthy brands from home. We only had 1/2 an hour, so I hurried & stocked up, as our shuttle is only once a week.

Laura & I made plans to go to Las Americas. It is a large outdoor shopping area with mainly outlets. Wow! It was brilliant! A little tough, as I did NOT buy a single item! There were some awesome bargains, but I resisted! Apparently I am supposed to decipher between 'needs' & 'wants'. Well, who doesn't NEED a new handbag or top or scarf or boots?!? Come on! :o) I'll be back with savings in my pockets next time! Let me tell ya! Laura found some great bargains on kids clothes & some really sweet deals for big kids clothes too! We took the bus both ways & it was even dark out & we survived! No scary or smelly people on the bus either! Bonus!

Once back at the hotel, we played around on Facebook & shared our photos. Laura is a talented photographer, so I enjoyed seeing some of her work & of course, I showed her the wedding photos from Africa & Canada. We looked at a few YouTube videos - search for 'sleep walking dog' - you'll howl!

I'm anxious to meet with Dr. Castillo again on Thursday. I will find out how the blood work is improving & any other insights he might have. He is an incredibly intelligent man with a broad range of expertise on many health issues. He doesn't just see cancer patients. If you are ever in a position to come, don't hesitate! It will be the best thing you have ever done! I am amazed each & every day at the number of people I am meeting who have been helped by him. I can't wait to be a walking testimony to his methods! Whoo hoo! Hyacinth, my friend from Jamaica, left today with her Lupus well under control. She flew all the way from Jamaica to see Dr. Castillo!

Oh, before I forget... I was talking to a lady in the shuttle from Cheyenne, WY, while we were waiting to cross the border. We saw a drug dog out amongst the vehicles. I said, 'Hmm, I think Valentina needs a boyfriend'. (Sorry Doug the Pug, you just haven't called?!?)

The lady says, 'Well, he would be a great choice.'

'Yeah, she likes a dog in uniform.'

'And you know he has a steady job - so at least there's a paycheck coming in.'

We had a great laugh about that. So, Valentina is on the hunt for a Drug Dog. She's free on Fridays, but has to be home by 11. :o)

So, that's it for today... Here's to an exciting tomorrow. (Don't hold your breath, I think it's laundry time!)

Love & Hugs,

Jill & Valentina xxxx