Sunday, January 15, 2023 in Orange County, California

Beach at San Clemente State Park, San Clemente, California

4:46pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, USA, Sunday afternoon, January 15, 2023. My daughter, her friend and her mom joined me for breakfast with my cousin and her family in Dana Point this morning. We met them at the harbor because they were coming from San Clemente. Afterwards, we went to the beach to build sand castles and continue our visit. Even though the sky we still managed to have a good time. This afternoon I drove to San Juan, signed the lease on my new apartment and paid the deposit. I will get the keys middle of next month and move my stuff back from Arizona a little later. Now we are relaxing and cooking dinner before the week begins tomorrow.

I don’t want that kind of energy in my life

8:47pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Aliso Viejo, California, Friday night, January 13, 2023. Looked at three properties today. The first residence in Laguna Beach was depressing. The building should have been condemned thirty years ago. The second was in Capistrano Beach, which is part of Dana Point. I liked the location and there were certain things about the apartment that were nice but, overall I am not sure I want to live there. Finally, the last unit was the best. The complex is quiet and it is located in a good neighborhood. The price is a little higher than my budget but, not out of the question. However, the landlady has a way of making me feel guilty every time we talk. That and she lives close by. It may sound a little drastic but, I don’t think I want that kind of energy in my life right now. Even in such a simple capacity as renting.

Strands Beach, Dana Point, CA

3:58pm, pacific standard time, Strands Beach, Dana Point, California, USA, Sunday afternoon, October 23, 2022. Ended up going out with a friend last night which put me behind packing for the week. I didn’t leave Chandler until 9am. That meant hitting terrible traffic outside Palm Springs. When I pulled in to Dana Point at 3:30pm my daughter and her friend were already dressed for the beach. Now they are playing in the waves while I rest in the sand.

Waiting for the key

5:40pm, pacific standard time, Dana Point, California, USA, Saturday evening, July 23, 2022. Drove to Orange County this morning to go to the beach with my daughter and some friends. After a long hot day we arrived home to a locked door. We are sitting outside, waiting for the key.

The future

5:22pm, pacific standard time, Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point, California, USA, Saturday afternoon, July 16, 2022. Drove to California this morning, had a good conversation with my daughter’s mom about work, living arrangements and the future. We will do what is best for us our daughter, whatever that takes. At the beach right now. Tried to connect with my best friend from high school who is in town this weekend but, he is at Disneyland . Might be too much for him, and me, to get together today.

At the beach, Dana Point, California

6:08pm, pacific standard time, at the beach, Dana Point, California, USA, Friday evening, July 1, 2022. Good day today. Took my daughter to school, ran errands, picked her up and came to the beach. We have been here all afternoon. Starting to get cold. Time to leave soon and grab dinner.

Beach Day

8:00pm, pacific standard time, Dana Point, California, USA, Friday night, June 10, 2022. Beach day today after 8th grade promotion and lunch with family and friends.

Daughter and friend, beach at Dana Point, California, USA

The beach

4:28pm Dana Point, Saturday afternoon. I got out of Phoenix shortly after 4am and made it to Dana Point around 9:30am with the time change. My daughter has a friend who plays volleyball so she wanted to play a little when I arrived. After playing volleyball we headed down the path south of the apartment and went to the beach. I tried boogie boarding for the first time. Then the girls wanted to play more volleyball ball. Now we are back home relaxing a bit before heading out to run errands. So far it has been a good day.

beach plan

6:16pm Friday night, Arizona. Another punchy feeling day. I didn’t eat all day yesterday. When I finally had dinner last night it made me feel sick. I haven’t shaken that sensation yet so as I went to meetings around town my patience was short. Tomorrow I am taking my daughter and a friend to the beach along with the other dad. I hope I feel better by then. It has been a while since I have gone to the beach. It will be nice to be social and feel the waves again.