On July 28, 2012 Nadine's Simi Valley High school class held their 40th (I can't believe it) reunion at the Lost Canyons golf course. We used this as an excuse to make a trip to the USA to attend, visit friends, and go shopping. The first leg of our trip was Christmas in July at Cindy's house, where Nadine did her favorite thing in life, receive presents. Some she ordered herself, and some were surprises from her family. During the bescherung we managed to polish of a boatload of ribs and two bottles of champagne.

The next evening was the night of the reunion. The event was a model of good organization. There was a room full of delicious desserts, and another room full of 60's, and 70's memorabilia. While I strolled down memory lane with Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe, eating my way through the dessert table, Nadine talked to people she knew in kindergarten and before. One of them was Carolyn Costin, who was Nadine's best friend as she was growing up. One of the original band members from the band Iron Butterfly old favorites (too loudly) while we mingled until it was time to go to sleep.

The next day we visited Nadine' mom, Mary, at her house along with cousin Lynne and Mr. Cuddles. We managed to extract a promise from Lynne to visit us here in Chapala, and hung out with them until it was time to catch our flight to Reno.