Hello, to all my new friends,

I am staying in California for a bit. I arrived last week and wanted to take a bit of a rest after my last journey and after celebrating a lovely Christmas season with the San Juan Hittys. I took the Postal Bus south, to northern California, to my next stop with the Sonoma County Hittys in Santa Rosa. They welcomed me warmly. I have met so many new Hittys, my head is spinning! I am so glad I have an excellent record of my travels thus far that I may reflect upon when I end my journey.

I got off the bus just outside the Crow's Nest Cafe, which is the gathering point for this entire neighborhood.

Hitty Pearl S. Buck arrives in Sonoma
County, CA. She gets off the bus at Javier's cafe, the Crow's Nest

They were expecting me and there were a number of lovely Hittys and friends waiting to welcome me to town. Everywhere I go, I have met with such warm welcomes!

Everyone wants to meet her!

The host, Javier and his wife Jacinta, invited me to refresh myself with some tea and cakes.As I sipped my tea, each of my welcomers introduced themselves to me.

Jacinta and Javier invite her to stay
for some refreshing tea and cakes

Her hostess, Hitty Lola is anxious
to meet her guest. Hitty Pearl will be staying at Lola's motor court

Jacinta and Javier have asked Pearl
if she would mind signing her books for them and a couple of friends

Everyone has so many questions for her
They could listen to her talk all night!

Hitty Pearl modestly agrees to
sign the books

Captain Aries is delighted to meet the
author, but little Anna feels shy about meeting someone famous

Many of them have read some of my books and have been most flattering about them. Each of them has an idea of a special part of this area they want to share with me while I am here. I heard mention of the vineyards and wineries, the orchards and the seashore, the mountains and the food festivals, which seem to go on all year here. If it isn't the season to celebrate the gathering of the grapes, they make a festival to celebrate the yellow mustard that grows in the dormant vineyards! I do not believe I have ever attended a festival for weeds before! Apparently the Mustard Festival is in full "bloom", with tastings, art shows, dancing and all. We shall see . . .

The weather has been surprisingly cold here! Although I hear that night temperatures are usually in the 40's, it has been below freezing every night I have been here. The days are clear and warm, though. I have enjoyed walks in the countryside and along the beach. Last night, Jacinta asked me if I would sign those of my books she has and I enjoyed dinner with her, Javier and a few of their friends.

The next morning, Hitty Pearl introduces
herself to her immediate neighbors, the Lees

Tonight, I have been invited to dine with my neighbors, the Lee family. I am looking forward to some homemade Chinese food and will doubtless enjoy talking to them about where in China their family is.

She hears a baby laughing and asks if
she can see the baby. She really loves children!

She enjoys playing with the baby
whose proud grandparents look on

Grandfather Lee takes the baby's
picture with the famous author. He will save it for his grandson until he is older

Their little grandson lives with them, too, and is a very good natured baby. He gets much attention from his parents and grandparents and is most entertaining.

Tomorrow, I will take time to catch up with my Journal and will write further. I have put some current pictures in the Travel Doll album in "Photos" should you like to see them.
Hitty Pearl S. Buck

Lola show Hitty Pearl to her best cabin
Pearl thanks her, and settles in for her visit

Her bedroom is serene and Hitty Pearl
is looking forward to a rest after her trip

The next evening, after meeting with
everyone as she walks through the neighborhood, Pearl is looking forward to some quiet

She has enjoyed a quiet dinner with the
Lee family and retires to bed, alone at last.