The Wendy Family Tour

I just returned from a great tour with a wonderful family! The Wendy family, Wendy, daughter Shelley, mom Ethel and dad Willie, are fine folks who welcomed me into their family from the moment we first met in Las Vegas. Their attitudes were warm and gracious with a large dash of flexibility and trust thrown into the mix.

The custom designed, private tour included too many exciting sites to mention, but in addition to Vegas, included Los Angeles, San Francisco and a million other exciting and interesting stops along the journey. Everyone had various interests that I tried my best to fulfill...the daughter loved Charmed and Buffy, the mom loved shopping, dad enjoyed churches and boats and Wendy wanted as much sun as possible.

On the way to the Grand Canyon, I pulled over in the town of Williams so Wendy could fulfill a wish, to get her kicks on Route 66. Wendy even adjusted the mirrors before starting to drive her very first automatic. Despite being exhausted (she had gotten up at 4 to watch Arsenal beat Manchester United), she displayed real grit and joy while staying awake during the very long day.


Shelley had dreamed of seeing the house used in filming the TV show, Charmed. Pretending to be lost, I asked everyone to be on the lookout for someone that we could ask and just happened to stop across from the house. I still tear up remembering the tears Shelley shed.

A surprise awaited as I took them to meet my son, Scott. I'm sure they thought I was a bit daft, but I remembered they said they loved the Mr. Men characters and it just happens that Scott's studio is producing the TV show. On secret cue, Scott came out to meet my new family and just happened to have a custom designed art piece of all the characters which he presented to them. They asked him to sign it for them.

Mom and daughter were able to get some beach time in and became real California beach babes...California Girls as the Beach Boys sing. I had also presented two sets of a 4 CD collection of songs especially chosen to reflect the itinerary. We enjoyed listening to it on the trip.

As we explored further afield, we stopped at Hearst Castle which was bathed in glorious sunshine and a gentle breeze.

In San Francisco, I presented the ladies with flowers for their hair. The worldwide hit, "San Francisco" (Wear Flowers In Your Hair) became an anthem of the hippie generation promoting peace, love and tolerance.

I thought the ladies would enjoy an added memory so I presented each with a little bouquet I put together in my motel room that morning after shopping at the local florist. Fun for all!!

After enjoying a bit of pool time at the hotel, it was time to start seeing some sights.

After seeing Wendy pointing a couple of times at a line drawing of the beautifully painted Victorian homes that are in the opening scene of Full House, I drove around while they enjoyed pool time and eventually found the location at Alamo Square. I had researched it before departing but had forgotten my notes except I remembered the word Alamo and so was able to find it on a map.

It was a fun trip for me and for my new family.
We all got along fine and I sure hope they return to America soon so we can meet again and spend time enjoying some more exploring.

I was able to give my new little P&S camera a bit of a workout and an added bonus was that Shelley had an interest in photography and so I was happy to give her a few tips here and there. I had brought my back-up camera and so she was able to use that in addition to her own camera.

And so, I leave you with a photo of the quintessential icon of the San Francisco skyline.