Catalina Island

Our first stop on the cruise was Catalina, a small island off the coast of California.  Just months before she was discovered, Marilyn Monroe (then known as Norma Jeane Dougherty) lived here with her first husband, who was stationed on the island during World War II.

There was an exhibit at the local museum featuring pictures and diary entries from the year that she lived on island.  It was interesting to see glimpses of 1940's fashion as modeled by the future icon.

MM at 17.  Note the round theater/casino in the background

The same theater/casino today

Seaside canopies

Cruisin' on Paradise

My two sisters and I just finished our annual reunion in California.  This year we went on a cruise from Long Beach to Catalina Island to Ensenada, Mexico.  It was a pleasant way to vacation since the lodging, transportation, and meals were all taken care of; all we had to do was relax and enjoy ourselves.

The food was abundant and delicious, although much of it was "buffet quality."  Our favorite meal was lobster and the best dessert was tiramisu.

Not as pretty as my tiramisu, but delicious nonetheless.

The best part of the cruise was meeting new friends.  It just so happened that we were assigned to the same dinner table as a beautiful family from Washington state.  The daughter Ashlyn (who looks like Cameron Diaz) just finished Pioneer School.