Whew--where has the week gone?!
Upon arriving home from work on New Year's eve, April & Ben were busy in the kitchen. Ben Ryder was already off to work (a busy night when your store is directly in the path of the Rose Parade).

The four of us had a lovely dinner and then they left for the airport to fly out at 1 a.m.!

Holiday whirlwind now officially finished (and time for empty house syndrome to set in). . .
However, work continued at a crazy pace this past week. Haven't people spent all their money?? Why on earth are they still plodding through the mall? I can't figure it.
Spent Thursday night-Saturday morning up in Bakersfield visiting Erik. He took me out to see Kern Canyon and Lake Isabella which were beautiful.

Fun to know there are new and wonderful places to explore near Bakersfield!
Then I had to work this weekend, but enjoyed time with Erik in between and all day today on my day off (yay!) We took a hike this morning;

it was GORGEOUS outside.

And the nearly dry canyon I've visited many times with Ben was filled with rushing water!!

Things were actually GREEN and it smelled damp and lovely.

We got a little wet,

but had a wonderful time.

Didn't get back as far as the waterfall as the second creek crossing was too deep and fast; we'll have to go back and try again soon. :-)
Wishing you all a joy-filled new year!!