Traveling East ?????

Yep, we were heading East today and although it was a beautiful, sunny day, I took very few pictures
because we didn't stop much at all.  So, I have treated you to the feature picture of that Bubblegum Alley which I wrote about yesterday. 

On the road we passed by huge vineyards, orchards, olive tree groves and various citrus tree groves.  It was unreal to see some tree groves that were literally miles and miles in size.  The only pickers we saw were a very few in an orange tree grove, but most trees looked like they were done for the season, and the grape vines were definately done.  Since this area is not THE wine country area, we didn't see any famous vineyards.  But from the looks of a few of the "houses," these people famously make $$$.  To see them was very interesting, but because they were not in full bloom or product, they were not really picture worthy.  The few pictures I did take look drab. 

Driving through the rolling hills and mountains was a change mostly because the grass (?) was brown instead of the green found on the coast.  This area looks much more desert like, and those who have vineyards or orchards obviously pipe in water from somewhere.  Water is much the topic here in California.  The controversy over water appears in the newspapers, hotel literature and roadside signs (homemade and printed).  "Some" want to get water out in their secluded area, but "others" do not want to let "some" have it.
"Others" are already piping it in from other states and "those" people are getting worried that the water will run out.  And of course the politicians are in on "some" side or the "other" so that really turns water into a liquid controversy.  Be very, very thankful for your glass of water tonight and for your fresh shower.  We in the Midwest don't have this problem . . . yet.

Well, I'm going to put my feet up and read and enjoy our cozy hotel.  We have found that the Best Westerns in California are top notch and have been staying at them whenever possible.  They are luxury quality and very clean.  Love and hugs to all.  We're not sure where or what we'll be eating tomorrow for Thanksgiving Day, but you can bet that we will be thinking of you all at Noah & Holly's house eating a delicious traditional dinner.
Sam, Papaw says that you are smelly - smelly - smelly, and I love you too xoxoxo
Love and hugs to Samantha, Alex, Adam, Andrew, Anthony,
Love and hugs to Noah & Holly
Love and hugs to Timber & Josh, Wylie & Rory
Love and hugs to Mom
Love and hugs to Boone too who is in the Caribbean
Love and hugs to all of our friends and HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Bellexoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Today was the first day that upon stopping for lunch we did not see Fresh Fish listed on the menu.  Such is life off of the coast.