- RAIN, NO RAIN, RAIN -

Owl at the Avant Gardens in Auburn

Trust yourself when it comes to the weather.  I have found that our dear dedicated weather forecasters, with all of their fantastic equipment, miss the spot when it comes to when it is going to rain.

Plants in a chair

Many of us were unprepared for the rain last night.  I was awakened by its lovely sound on my roof and thought about the last prediction and how it was void of the wet stuff.  It did do a rather impressive job of washing off most of the dirt the other day, though, I was unable to get it all off from the drizzle the day before.

Butterfly art and flowers

  


My daughter-in-law had the lawn cushions out which were wet this morning.  Puddles everywhere this morning.  It was great in that it truly dampened the dust and the air was again fresh and clean.  Lots of fluffy clouds today and the breeze helped to make this a beautiful day.






A few more nights in Auburn and then I will go to an RV campground in Winters for the weekend.  I am quite excited to see what they have to offer and venture out a bit.  The woman I have been talking to for months has been so nice and patient with my continually changing schedule. It is a good thing I am going when I am as Friday will be her last day before going out on maternity leave.

Foxglove at Avant garden

Then I will be at Millie's while she is in Oregon.  She is doing great and looking forward to spending time with her brothers.  The weather in the part of Oregon she is going is rain and more rain.  I'm sure she will have a great time.

This sparrow joined Millie and I  for lunch

"I BELIEVE MUCH TROUBLE

WOULD BE SAVED IF WE

OPENED OUR HEARTS MORE."

- Chief Joseph

Enjoy your open heart.

- THE FLOWER FARM -

Smoke tree

The Flower Farm in Granite Bay is a lovely bed and breakfast, event buildings and a respite for bicyclists, passers by, and those who know of its offerings.  Gaytrell and I have been there many times and at different times of the year.  At times, especially during the winter months, it feels and looks neglected and now, in the spring, it is alive, tended to and filled with guests.

Up close of smoke tree bloom

We have both admired the incredible smoke tree that is growing almost in the center of the landscaped area of the nursery.  Most times of the year, it is a tree.  However, in the spring it becomes the main attraction of the area.  It truly leaves me speechless to see it "bloom."  Up close to it, it shows the thin pieces of what must me its flowers.  Truly amazing.

Crane metal art peaking out from pink blossoms

There are many metal art characters scattered throughout the garden area. The crane peaking out from behind the smoke tree is very adorable and cleverly made.  His neck and backside are a pitch fork.  Way too cute.  I am very unclear about why I think it is a he.  Maybe it is a she.  Who knows!  It truly does not matter.  Simply adorable.

The crane.  Or is it a stork?

The plant in front of the smoke tree is beautiful.  It was in varying stages of blooming and simply a stunning burst of color.  Pink, which is one of my favorites.  Purple is my most favorite.  Although lately I have taken a liking to almost all of the amazing colors this particular spring is showing.  It seems as though there is color everywhere, even though the grasses are drying out.  So, I am a happy RV'er. 

Pink bush

Purple butterfly bush blossom

The butterfly bush is one of my favorites.  I have had several varieties and colors in my yards over the years.  This one is such a deep purple and the aroma is intoxicating.  A great accent to any yard, garden or happy space.

There is a friendly duck to greet the visitors.

A floppy eared dog whose tail does not wag.

A rather large watering can to accomplish any watering job.

And here is the gift shop part of the nursery with a wonderful waterwheel by the pond.

So, when you think you have nothing to do, a short drive from the city can bring about a very pleasant adventure in the area.  The little cafe has a nice offering of eats and there is seating inside and outside, shade or no shade.  You may also get a glimpse of the cow.

"RATHER THAN HOPING,

WISHING AND EVEN PRAYING

FOR AN OUTCOME,

ALLOW YOUR INNER WORLD

TO ALIGN WITH THE IDEA

THAT WHAT YOU DESIRE

IS FEASIBLE AND ON ITS WAY."

Enjoy your ideas!

-IN AUBURN -

I will be in Auburn until after Memorial Day.  I prefer to stay put on holidays.  People just seem to drive crazy, are in a hurry and seem to forget there are others out there.  

I am at Machado's each night and last evening I was the grass police.  The local elementary school had their open house and parents, etc. tend to not pay attention to where they park.  So I guarded the lawn at the store to remind them to be responsible.  The  difficult thing is there is actually very little parking for those attending.  Fortunately all went well.  I did not have to blow my whistle even once.

Machado's store after closing for the day.

The fare at Machado's right now is fresh bing and rainier cherries and apricots.  They have amazing sources for their produce and it is great to be here to enjoy the bounty.  It is wonderful to watch the fresh produce grow in variety as the season progresses.  It would be great to be here in July when the peaches and nectarines are ripe.  

Machado's Oak Tree in Spring.

It was a little warmer this morning and I was prepared for the temperature drop last night.  Yesterday was in the upper 60's and delightful.  Predictions are the same with the possibility of showers on Monday.  We'll see.  It will be what it will be.  There is nothing anyone can do to change the weather.  If so, they have yet to let us know.

Machado's flowers in front of store.

Dry skin.  I forgot how dry skin can get here.  It was so nice with all the moisture at the coast.  It keeps the skin soft and smooth.  Not so much here.  I think I could drink tons of water and it would have little effect.  I think the water here is harder, as well, so just have to use lots of lotion.

Machado's peach orchard at sunset.

Saturday was a great time with Gaytrell.  We went to The Flower Garden in Granite Bay.  It is a bed and breakfast and they have a little cafe, nursery, and a wine tasting building.  The weather was perfect for eating outside and meandering through the landscaped area of the nursery.  We also checked out the iris farm, a nearby mobile home park and checked foliage measurements  along her driveway at her home.  Great day. 

Sunday Millie came up and we had breakfast at Aweful Annie's.  One of my favorite waitresses, Liz, was there so we sat in her section.  A wonderful meal, then off to do a bit of shopping.  We ended up at the Flour Garden for a cool drink and a German chocolate cake muffin, which we split.  Again, another beautiful day to eat out side and enjoy the surroundings.

Last evening I checked in with Raina and visited with the cat I had to leave, Sam.  He looks great and I got to hold and love on him.  He still has the greatest purr box of every cat I have been around.  Raina and Lynn take such good care of him.  And apparently there are a few other cats that have joined the outside, keep the rodents at bay club.

The clouds that came in yesterday and looked so cool as they drifted by have given way to clear sky.  It was a beautiful pinkish dawn and the temps are cool.  Predicted showers late today.  Anyone care to make a bet on this one?  Not me.  Too many predictions lay quiet on the sidelines.

Planning to do some catch up today and tomorrow I will schedule my stay in Winters.  Also do some laundry.  Oh, my kingdom for a clothes line.  I was very spoiled while in Morro Bay.  And so it is.

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Happy Birthday, Jodi!

Happy Birthday, Jill!

Happy Birthday, Deborah!

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

Happy Birthday, Heather!

Carol, have a great time in England!

Joyce, I hope you are feeling better!
Jen, where are you?

"Tomorrow never leaves a secret

in the book of Eternity!"

-Kahlil Gibran

Enjoy your today!

- SONGBIRDS -

Rosea around a mail box.

To me some of the most lovely things to be awakened by are songbirds.  While in Morro Bay it was usually to finches happily singing the beginning of a new day.  While at my son and daughter-in-laws more finches, plus mockingbirds and several other birds I was unable to identify.  And here at my friends there are robins, finches and many other birds.

Great Blue Heron in the harbor

The sounds of different birds singing in the morning are so much better than any type of alarm clock I have ever encountered.  It is rather curious that the robins seem to sing during the very early morning.  Sometimes it was 2 a.m.  There were lots of robins in my yard when I lived in Sacramento and even though they would sometimes wake me early, I love their song.

Morro Rock from Black Hill

While I lived in Auburn, there were again the robins, finches, bluebirds, doves, the occasional oriole and many other birds.  There were resident hawks and woodpeckers and they could be heard throughout the day.  The bird sounds always made me feel close to nature.

I think the only alarm clock that I was relatively okay waking to was a chime.  There were actually little wind chimes that had a chime piece behind them and the bar would slowly swing gently against the chimes.  It was a rather pleasant sound for something to intentionally wake one up from sleeping.

Purple blue spike flower

I also had a sound machine alarm clock that has a fairly sweet melody to awaken one.  Although I found that the same melody began to bother me if I heard it too many mornings in a row.  I much prefer the sounds of nature.  And now I only use my phone alarm (when I absolutely have to be awakened by a particular time) and hide it under a pillow so it is as quiet as possible.  Give me nature anytime.

I have been in the Sacramento area since the third of May and have gone back and forth from my friends home and my son and daughter-in-laws home.  I have had great fun sanding, washing and painting walls, shopping for accents, planting plants, making desserts (and eating them) and sharing time.  I will be taking some time to be in Auburn and then I will do some house sitting for my friend while she visits family in Oregon. 

Morro Rock hidden by fog.

 After that I will be on the road, so to speak.  Since the middle of the country is dealing with such difficult weather I think I will head north, north east to begin.  There is a friend in Oregon I would like to see and friends of my friend in an RV park in Montana that will be fun to visit.  I have spent some time in each of these states so it will just be to see these specific people.

We shall see if this actually occurs as change seems to be the name of this Adventure.  It is actually fun to be able to be so flexible with my life.  It is nice to be able to help out family and friends in order to perhaps make their lives a bit easier.  It feels good.

Jade plant variety

My last week in Morro Bay was full.  The day before I left I had lunch with Joyce and Carol on the wharf.  It was great food and it was shirt sleeve weather sitting outside.  I must admit that I ended up with a bit of a sunburn on my face.  I forgot to bring my hat and I was facing into the sun.  It all felt so great I failed to realize what was happening.  So, back to reverse raccoon eyes that were exaggerated and a little pealing and itching of the facial skin.  A rather crazy way to do a facial peal.  I am certain all the skin experts would be appalled by my experience.  Such is life sometimes.

Thanks to all of my friends in Morro Bay for all of the fun experiences I shared with each of you.  I fell back in love with this sweet little town and I am looking forward to when I return and feel the mist and cool air off the ocean.  I will seek each of you out when I return and we can create new experiences.

For now, I am leaving for Auburn in the morning so I can spend time with my  friends there. I want to spend time with them before I am away from this area for a while.

Bumper sticker.

I offer prayers and I am holding good thoughts for all of those adversely affected by the recent tornadoes.  Hopefully they will be able to restore everything so people may resume their lives as they wish.  Loss of life can be a very difficult experience, which each of us deals with in our own way.  Heartfelt wishes to all.

"The most valuable possession

you can own

is an open heart.

The most powerful weapon

you can be

is an instrument of peace."

 - Carlos Santana

Enjoy the music to your ears!

SLO COAST JOURNAL MAY ARTICLE

Morro Bay's Otters

by Roe Yeager

A peaceful walk along the path to the rock is shattered by the sound of a scream coming from the middle of the waterway out towards the harbor entrance.  I only see  several otters splashing in the water and the inevitable gulls hanging around them hoping for some leftovers.
It turns out to be the sound of a baby sea otter who is apparently upset that it's mother left it bobbing on top of the water's surface while she dove to get some breakfast. I recognized this sound because when I used to live here years ago and I was walking along the pier in the harbor, I observed a mother otter with her baby on her stomach near the pier pilings.  I was excited to be able to see them so close.
I watched as the mother left her baby at the surface while she dove under the water for food.  Then, out of the middle of nothing came this intense, loud, frightening sound.  This little bundle of fur let out a scream that shocked me and others nearby.  The teeth it had were just as astonishing.  I was completely surprised and probably stepped back at first.  Then I watched as this little one continued to scream, mouth wide open and showing its teeth, until it's mom returned to the surface with breakfast.  Mom quickly nabbed her little one and they moved out to the middle of the waterway and ate in peace.  We could hear her using a tool to crack open whatever she had managed to collect.
I never would have guessed how loud of a sound could come from such a small little sea otter.  It sounded very human, which also surprised me.
Well, the babies are again at the screaming stage as their mom's are now leaving them on the surface to collect food for themselves and their babies. Their screams can be heard for quite a distance over the water and many people stop and look wondering where it is coming from and if some young child is in distress.

Otters Near Boats

Many of the locals are familiar with the sounds while most of the tourists are unable to figure it out.  What everyone does notice is the gathering of the males in the waters sheltered by the boats inside the pier areas. They are the bachelors, who have been told in no uncertain terms, that they are unwelcome near the mothers with their babies.   So they hang out together, probably attempting to determine when they may be able to rejoin the females and live together again with their newly extended family.
I have recently been told that the pier pilings have been stripped clean of the food the otters like to eat.  They seem to be spending more time diving down to the bottom of the harbor waterways to gather the food they need.  I can only hope there is enough for them so their species can thrive here where they have taken up residence for many, many years.
It would be sad to have them move on to other waters, or worse yet, fail to thrive here.  They bring so much joy to the tourists and us locals.  (Yes, I again consider myself a local!)  So many times while out walking they can be seen wrapped up in the seaweed to keep from drifting away, cleaning themselves, and yet other times eating something they have managed to find.  I remember my Mom loving to see them each time I brought her here from Fresno for many mini-vacations.
For me, I will enjoy them while we are all here.  Though I may occasionally do some traveling elsewhere, I hope they will remain, so each time I return they will be here for me to enjoy as a part of this most wonderful area.

There are seven bachelors here at the moment.

I encourage you to log onto the SLO Coast Journal site and enjoy the other articles and information of the Central Coast of California.  It truly is a magical place to be.

- ELEPHANT SEALS & LIFE -

Juvenile elephant seals practicing their fighting skills.

It seems, at times, that life is full of surprises.  We think we are in control and can plan and schedule and project, only to find out that we are so far from in control that it is laughable.

All huddled together.

 It has been a week since I have been on the computer and very out of any kind of routine I thought I might have had.  I had gotten used to sitting at the table in my RV while writing, with all of my supplies close at hand.  Though, I have been doing things differently, which they say keeps the brain aware and perhaps even grows new brain cells.  That would be nice.

Can you count the elephant seals?

So, I am giving it all up.  I will do my best to just go with the flow and where the wind blows.  To simply let life lead me and direct me to where I am best to be.  It is a lot less stressful and much more enjoyable.

I am actually enjoying all of the go with the flow things lately.  I am grateful my friend has discovered her heart is in excellent condition and she is free to fly.  I am glad I have had time to share with my son and daughter-in-law.  We have been sanding, painting, moving things around, shopping for accents, and basically redecorating their entire home (with exception of the office).

Elephant seals as far as the eye can see.

Millie and I discovered an amazing chick pea hummus at the Whole Foods and Fountains Center, Farmers Market in Roseville.  It is fresh artichoke with lemon and dill.  We used it to go with our grilled salmon, grilled vegetables and sour dough bread and it was amazing.  We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy the bountiful local foods.  A total YUM!

Elephant seal peaceful beach.

I am looking forward to spending a bit of time in Auburn next week and catching up with some friends. It was January since I have seen most of them and I am excited to learn how all of them are in the present.  I will probably eat too much in the process, so, oh well!

Machado's will be opening tomorrow, Saturday, May 18th, and the main fare will be fresh picked CHERRY'S!!!  Fresh baked fresh cherry pie!!!  And all the other goodies they are known for offering.  It will be good to see the Machado balloon again floating high above the store to announce they are open.  If you are unable to spy the balloon, just let your nose guide the way.

Elephant seals resting in calm weather.

From there it seems I will head to Winters, CA and an RV resort for a few days and then perhaps a few nights on the delta.  I now prefer to look ahead only a short time so I can continue to be able to stop and smell the roses, jasmine, lantana, sweet peas and all the other lovely fragrant parts of nature I so love.

Elephant seals appear as logs on the beach.

Fairly soon most of the schools will be out for the summer.  Everyone will attempt to have a vacation away from home and discover things new for them.  Catch some rays, relax while reading, swimming, boating, rafting, and all sorts of other activities.  May all of you be safe and happy in your travels.  Which reminds me, the woman from Canada I met in Morro Bay has finished her journey and is home in her part of Canada.  Her last account said she had a wonderful experience and is glad to be home again.

I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures since when I arrived it was in the way upper 90's.  We had a titch of rain yesterday and the nights have been perfect for sleeping.  I am very grateful for the fluctuations of temperatures as I seem to struggle with very hot weather.  So, until Monday when the temps are predicted to be mid 90's, I am extremely happy with the more moderate weather.  This will have an influence on the direction I travel next.

These Elephant Seal pictures are the courtesy of Gaytrell.  They were taken on the same day we went to Hearst Castle and I had forgotten my picture taking device.  I recently acquired a camera and expect to be able to have more clear pictures from now on.  This is, of course, once I become comfortable using it and transferring pictures to the blog.  Wish me luck!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO ALL THOSE BIRTHDAYS MISSED

AND TO THOSE TO COME IN THE NEXT WEEK

AND TO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE

A BIRTHDAY WISH JUST FOR THE HECK OF IT!    

Morro Rock can create its own weather.

"The Bluebird carries the sky on its back!"

- Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your sky!

- THANK YOU ALL -

Thanks to each of you and all of your prayers.  My friend Millie, has come home after a four day stay in the hospital.  She underwent a bi-zillion tests and she passed all with flying colors.

 A few days of regaining her strength and she has been given the green light to live her life freely.  She is 100% healthy!!!  How many of us can say that.

It seems, according to the cardiologist, that the medications she had been prescribed were the culprit.  This suggests that perhaps we all might benefit by making sure anything we may be taking, over time, might be checked out periodically to insure they are still appropriate.

So, thank you, each of you, for your prayers.  This could have had a much different outcome.  I am certain prayers and good thoughts and sent blessings helped.

Blessings to each of you.

"Live long and prosper."

 - Mr. Spock, Star Trek

Enjoy your good health!

- HEARST CASTLE FLOWERS -

Stepping into the magical world of Hearst Castle!

Having experienced the Central Coast of California since the early 1970's, I have been to Hearst Castle many, many times.  While I lived here, I took most of my visitors to the Castle sometime during their stay.  I have seen it in all different seasons and all types of weather.  The night tour during the winter is especially magical.

Incredible landscaping at every turn.

Recently when Gaytrell came to visit, we did all kinds of things which included a trip to Hearst Castle.  It had been about twelve years since my last visit and I had heard  tour changes were made.  I was curious to see what was actually occurring.

Flowers & lights accent each other.

The tours used to be eighty minutes long and included the outside and inside pools, plus a short movie near the end.   If I remember correctly there used to be four tours total, with the gardens being a separate tour.  I recently came across a tour ticket stub from 2000 which was $10.

I have heard the changes occurred about two plus years ago.  The tours are now forty minutes long.  The outside and inside pools are now no longer included in any of the tours.  Now the pools and gardens and grounds may be enjoyed for as long as you wish after you have finished your original tour.  The buses that return people to the visitor center depart every fifteen minutes from the castle.  The ticket cost per tour is $25, although if you purchase an additional tour once you are at the castle, each additional ticket costs $22.  

Topiary, flowers, color, scents.

The day Gaytrell and I went was wonderful.  The flowers that were in bloom were abundant and beautiful.  It was fantastic to depart the bus and be greeted by such a variety of bright and soft colors and smells.  We started with the Grand Rooms Tour and then added the Bedrooms Tour, we stayed and roamed the gardens for hours afterwards and it was an amazing way to spend a day.

Palm treed with climbing roses.

I think each person has to decide for themselves the value of this state historical monument.  The original tours always kept visitors controlled in the gardens and around the grounds.  No one was allowed to venture away from their tour group.  Now, it is so nice to be able to wander about the gardens and meander along narrow paths and to be able to capture a picture of a stunning flower or the alluring hillsides.   

Hillside vista and fog.

There were lots of security personnel and staff stationed around to answer questions and insure visitors remain within the confines of the hilltop.  All those we encountered were very nice and friendly and helpful.  Especially when it came to finding the real restrooms.  It was great to sit in the lounge chairs at the outside pool and imagine what this must have been like in the day.

A statue among roses.

Other than the Castle, Gaytrell and I had lots of fun doing other things.  Introducing her to this area was fun and also allowed me to see a few things in a different light.  She ended up staying an extra day to further explore the area.  I hope to catch up with her in the Auburn area while I am here.

A path to follow and dream along.

Thank you Gaytrell for providing these wonderful pictures, since I forgot my picture taking device.  

"You must live in the present,

launch yourself on every wave,

find your eternity in each moment."

 - Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your flowers!