On February 2nd, Steve and Veronica flew out to LA. Veronica accepted an invitation to Honor Day at California Lutheran University. The flight was booked, Veronica scored a center seat across the isle from mine. The picture on the right shows Veronica driving her first rental car, first time in LA traffic, first time using a drive-thru, and ordering her first double-double. A very exciting day.

I dropped Veronica off at about 8 AM and she began her very full day. There were lectures, papers to write, department heads to talk to, and interviews. Veronica did great! She remembered other students she met from a Lutheran Youth Gathering she attended here last summer. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the grassy open spaces. Here Veronica is enjoying the grassy open spaces with Kaitlyn, another Honor nominee.

Judy let Veronica wear a pearl necklace from Japan. The dress code was business classy and Veronica did great. This picture was taken at the end of the day and Veronica was feeling very excited about her performance. We asked the staff for a steak house recommendation and made plans to hit Morton's. Veronica drove, getting a good taste of Friday afternoon LA traffic. Good high speed control (70+), lane changes, and the inevitable traffic jam. We found Morton's and used the valet parking. With 20 minutes to kill we hit the bar for the requisite martini and Shirley Temple. When asked what we were celebrating, Veronica was quick to share her experience of Honor day. The bar tended was also from Cal Lutheran. That set the mood for a wonderful celebratory evening.

Veronica ordered her favorite filet and truffle fries. I got a salad! The meal was great and offered a great ending to our wonderful day.

While Veronica was busy with her Honor Day activities, I drove up to Lancaster for a quick visit with Ron and Lori Pletsch. Ron just had hip replacement surgery and it was good to check in on the two of them.

The house is looking good and Lori answered the door, shocked to see me. Nothing like dropping in unannounced! I spent the morning updating them on Veronica and hearing how well the surgery went. Ron is already on his feet just two days after the replacement. I moved some boxes for Lori, made a pot of coffee, and got out of their way. Ron and Lori, thank you for a great visit.