Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!



MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!



Cambria Christmas Lights



Wishing each of you
a most wondrous season
filled with joy and laughter 
and most of all, heartfelt love.
I am grateful for each of you in my life.
  And yes, even those I have yet to meet.  


Cambria Christmas Lights

Saturday, December 13, 2014

- MID DECEMBER? -

Early Morning Mid December


When did this happen?  Where was I?  Where was everybody else?  Wasn't anybody watching?  Seriously!!!  So, here I am just minding my own business here on the Central Coast and all of a sudden it is the middle of December.  I am still enjoying left over turkey from Thanksgiving.  (Don't panic, it has been frozen!)

Early morning Moon Set
I also have one of three packages shipped and the bulk of cards are in the mail, so I am ahead of things in my account.  I am just failing to remember all that happened between Thanksgiving and now.  I guess I should have realized the time thing since I have received packages and cards and everything is showing signs of Christmas.  Red, green and white colors are everywhere in decorations all over town and it is very festive.

We had the lighted boat parade, which was lovely, although my pictures didn't turn out very well because I was so far away.  The crowd was very mellow and the weather was perfect.  Zero wind left the harbor water smooth as glass, and with all the reflections of the lights on the water, it was magical.  My favorite was the Christmas tree.  The flame throwing dragon was absent.  There was also a very "partying" party boat containing, what sounded as, persons in various stages of intoxication.  The skipper must have been sober as the vessel stayed its course as boisterous banters continued between those on board and those on shore.

Sunset appears to be a fire storm after the rain,
We all seem to be no worse for wear here after the "huge" storm.  Lots of wind, with the Harbor reporting one gust at 72 mph, and rain, measured at almost two inches at the Harbor.  A full rainbow covered the rock early that one morning and that was beautiful. Surrounding areas had more, so it all helps as the hills are finally turning green.  It has been way too long.  The aftermath generated a spectacular sunset the last night.  And the following morning, while cool, was beautiful.  Everything is super clean and refreshed and feels ready for whatever is next.

Sunset after storm
My poor mums were rather beaten up and rain soaked and it seems two may be done for the season.  I put everything close together for protection which actually worked fairly well.  A limb broke off of the tree in the front yard.  Thankfully it was small and there is no damage.  I can't say the same for the rest of the town.  I heard of power outages and lots of debris down throughout.  The surf and waves over the jetty was amazing.

Old Glory standing guard as sunset reflects on clouds.
My heart goes out to all those adversely affected by the storm on both coasts.  A whole community in Camarillo was slammed by a mud/rock slide where debris reached the roof tops of two story homes.  While no one was seriously injured, they are saying it will be months to restore the area.  The pictures were shocking.

Coast Guard vessel on the right.  Lights on both.
There is so much energy from the ocean.  When it is stormy it is major intensified.  It was interesting to watch the Coast Guard standing by as a few small fishing boats braved a passage through the harbor entrance.  Then there were two party fishing boats attempting to go out.  After about twenty minutes of waiting and watching, both felt is was too unsafe and returned to the docks.  I'm certain boat owners and fishermen were all disappointed.  Still, better safe than sorry.

It is fun to see the on lookers who brave the elements and go out to the jetty to watch.  Some are in awe and some seem a bit careless by getting a bit too close to harms way.  To each their own.  I have to admit, it is comforting to know that we have our own Coast Guard personnel here ready to do what is needed of them.  I enjoy watching them as they protect those traversing the harbor entrance, which can be quite dangerous.

So, my only gripe is that Trader Joe's changed their Almond Butter.  It now has cashews in it and it is now in a plastic jar instead of glass.  I rarely let things bother me. Takes too much energy away from other things I prefer to give my attention to.  Anyway, this one gnawed at me just enough to prompt me to send them an email.  To date, no response.  I am sure they will return this product to its original state just because I want them to.  (Ha ha!)  At least they now know my feelings as I have expressed them.  Done!

Finches!!!  I have gold finches and more.  It is awesome to see and listen to them.  A few of the swallows have taken to hanging on the feeders to get seed as well.  This aspect of my little yard is so calming and joy producing.  I also can report that my succulents are thriving.  The once tiny little plants are now huge and beautiful and have developed into some amazing specimens.  So, overall, my space is perfect.  

Joyce and I went to the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo and we spied this little fellow:









Who will one fine day magically transform into one of these:









During my morning swims, when it is early and things have yet to reach full momentum for the day, it is always fun to watch the hummingbirds.  Sometimes, out of nowhere, one will just fly straight up out of a tree, pause, and then zoom off in one direction.  It all happens so fast I'm not always sure I saw it happen.  The swallows have been absent for quite a while.

And then there was this young hawk.  My landlady and I each saw it at two different times swoop in towards the birds.  Fortunately it missed and the little ones fled quickly.  There are two rather thick bushes right there for them to hide in.  I suspect the hawk then realized that this was not going to be the easy pickings it anticipated.  We have not seen it for over a month.  Grateful.  As are the little birds, I'm sure.

I am very glad I have taken all of these pictures as it has helped me piece together the missing parts of my life!

Nicholson Hand Blown Ornaments, Auburn, CA
So, since I have made it to, and recognize it is, mid December, I need to ramp it up a titch so everything I want to do will be accomplished by my time frame.  Next up is making the fudge.  I think this is the only thing my son ever wants from me.  It sure makes it simple, when it turns out, of course.  Keep your fingers crossed, Tim!  I'll bring it when I come to pick up the car.  And thanks to my daughter-in-law who introduced me to my new favorite soap.


Yes, I am in the throws of buying a car, with the help of my son and his friend.  I few things need to be done to wrap it up and who knows, I may have a set of wheels by New Years.  This will open up a whole new aspect of my Adventures.  More about all of that later.  For now, I need to get the ingredients to make Panocha!




To All Those Celebrating,
Happy Birthday!



"Every generation laughs at the old fashions,
but follows religiously the new."
Henry David Thoreau


Enjoy whatever you wear!!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

SLO COAST JOURNAL DECEMBER, 22014 ARTICLE


Merry Christmas 

&

Happy New Year!


The December SLO Coast Journal Article is now out and ready for viewing.  Just click on the link below.


http://www.slocoastjournal.com/docs/roeadventure.html 


May this season be all you wish it to be!





Thursday, November 27, 2014

- SEASON OF THANKSGIVING -


This is the season to be thankful for, well, everything.  Thankful for our day, our moment and our breath.  Thankful for the ability of each of our senses to provide us with their amazing abilities.  How wonderful this all is. 
 Who could ask for anything more?  Not me.  I have and enjoy absolutely everything I could possibly need.

Right now I am thankful for the lovely sounds of the finches in my yard (Yes, they found the thistle feeder!) as they chatter among themselves and excitedly work to get the best spot on the feeder.  I have Sparrows and Gold Finches with their bright yellow markings.  They share the space and occasionally there will be a Sparrow clutching to the cloth feeder along with the Finches.  Awesome and comical at the same time!



I am thankful for the warm sunshine today that will give way to welcomed rain in a few days.  I am thankful for all those walking the beach this morning saying "Hello" and "Happy Thanksgiving."  I am thankful for the Monarch Butterfly that landed on my white chrysanthemum this morning.  It just goes on and on.  So, from my little space here on the Central Coast of California, to all of you, wherever you are, may you find bounty all around you.


Wishing all of you the blessings of this Season!



Thursday, November 13, 2014

- MONARCH BUTTERFLY SEASON



Wonderful visitors this time of year come to the Central Coast to share our temperate climate.  There are groves of Eucalyptus trees here where they hunker in at night and then as it warms in the morning, they are flying all over our area in search of nectar's.   There are many internet sites that sing the praises of these remarkable, beautiful, little insects and their amazing travels every year.  The Monarch Butterfly is truly a gem of Mother Nature and we are honored every year to have them spend their winters with us.



I attempted to capture a picture of them feeding on a butterfly bush when the wind was blowing.  I'm uncertain which was moving more, me or the bush.  Needless to say, success was mostly lacking.  I also had a few struggling to obtain any food left to my quickly fading Lobelia flowers.  While the color contrast was beautiful, they moved on quickly, causing me to suspect they thought food gathering would be more plentiful elsewhere.  They even moved on without providing me with enough time to get my camera!




We are also a winter resting spot for many migratory birds.  They arrive every year and the National Audubon Society lists Morro Bay as a Globally Important Bird Area, according to a local source.  The migrants join our year round residents of herons, egrets and brown pelicans for a wonderful mix of feathered friends all around the estuary.  




There are also many blooming flowers that seem to come and go throughout the year.  Their colors are so vibrant and catch the eye so quickly.  My dahlia's have bitten the dust so to speak and I need to trim the brown tops so perhaps they will come back as full and colorful as they were this year. 




And this is just to show what owners do to their "hedge" jade plants when they get overgrown.  I know how all you jade plant lovers are in horror seeing what is done, though they truly grow as hedges outside on their own and can become overgrown to the point of blocking sidewalks.  This particular hedge is in Cayucos and is only one of many.




I am always amazed with how my little succulent has grown and how intricate my dahlia's have been this year.  And when I see a picture of them, I feel so happy inside just to be able to look at them every day.  Of course, the dahlia is faded, though, I have high hopes for next season.






And then there is the sun, moon, clouds and all that that entails.  I only need to step outside my door, look out and behold whatever is the offering.  I can get lost in cloud formations, sun rises/sets, moon rises/sets and everything in between.  



We had almost three quarters of an inch of rain recently and everything got a good washing, plants and trees got a good soaking and the air is fresh and clean.  Everything, including the people, seems to have a fresher outlook and a brighter perspective.  Here is hoping this is the start of a wonderful wet winter season that will bring abundance in the spring.  Thanks to all those rain dancers!!!






Happy Birthday,
 To All Those Celebrating!

Happy Birthday,
Pat!
Jennie!
Jan!
Karin!
Flory!
Sue!
Beth!
John!
Angel!
Carol!




"If we do not feel gratitude
for what we already have,
what makes us think
we'd be happy with more."
--unknown




Enjoy what you have!


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

SLO COAST JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2014 ARTICLE

TURKEY GOBBLES



And now it is November already!  Gracious...

May each of you enjoy the Thankful Season as we remember and share all we are grateful for in this lifetime.  

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Click on the link and enjoy.


Friday, October 3, 2014

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

- SEASONS CHANGE -



There is that wonderful nip in the air signaling things are changing.  Here, on the Central Coast, there is a changing of the guard with the birds.  The Eurasian Collard Dove have taken their young and left for unknown areas.  All that remains behind is their (well, you know what).  It is pretty much on everything under the beautiful olive tree which had been their home.  Fortunately it will all be washed away with the first rains.

The Towhee are still around though less active on the ground, where I usually see them.  They are now hopping along the long boards of the wooden fence outside my windows.  Sometimes they stop and listen to me as I chatter to them about how their day is going.  I always tell them how beautiful they are and thank them for stopping by.


Since my dahlia is still blooming (amazing), the hummingbirds continue to visit for a taste.  Sometimes they don't seem to even care that I am outside tending to the plants and flowers.  Yet other times, they make a u turn when they see me.  I wonder sometimes if it is what I am wearing.  I so enjoy the sounds from their wings and their clicking noises.

There are a few Scrub Jays that have discovered a new way to take a bath.  The therapy pool has a cover on it when it is not in use.  Sometimes there will be puddles on top of the cover.  So, the Jays splash and clean themselves in the puddles.  One stands guard and they take turns getting the job done.  Quite clever and rather comical to watch.

There was a Junco a few days ago very aware of the water and wanting to either drink or take a bath.  It hadn't yet  figured out the whole pool cover thing.  The poor little bird  would fly back and forth across the pool.   He would swoop low, only to abort and go back to its perch at the far end of the pool.  I left before I ever knew if it was successful.  Certainly hope so.


The swallows are less frequent now which causes me to suspect they are finished constructing their homes and are busy raising their young ones.  I have not seen any signs of their homes, so I imagine they all built in out of the way places.  A very good idea as their homes (often times built under the eaves of peoples homes) are usually a nuisance to home owners.  It is truly quite a mess.

I have changed my bird feeding station to contain thistle to attract song birds.  It usually takes a while before they find it, though I may have it too low to the ground.  I'll give it a few more weeks before relocating it higher up.   They would be a delightful welcome addition to the yard.  Some of the finches are so colorful and would brighten up the foggy days.

I occasionally hear the local woodpecker, though it has moved a distance away so it is rather faint.  Obviously better wood availability wherever it is now.  I have heard an owl within the past weeks.  Also a distance away.  This is a good thing as my landlady has a cat that she intends to keep close.  Only problem is that the cat hunts at night.  

We also have a resident frog.  It used to be in my planters on my deck and then it went missing.  Now, thankfully, it has returned and is residing in something on my landlady's back deck.  It can easily be heard day and night and sounds huge.  I do think it is probably very small.  It is amazing how their sound travels and echos.  

So, we are now in the longer night, shorter day period.  Since I do not have to be up in the morning at any specific time, this fails to cause too much disruption for me. I do remember all the years I was working and taking care of my son, and all those mornings when it was dark getting up, and all the evenings it was dark before I ever got home.   

I used to always fell so sorry for my son when he was young, and having to deal with the ridiculous time change thing that he could not understand.  I, to this day, still think we need to just let it be and stop changing the time twice a year.  I feel for those who still need to deal with this during the winter months.  Hurry up Spring!

 It is almost the end of September already.  I truly have no idea where this entire year has gone.  It has been full of change, (all good) new lodgings, new life style, new friends, (still have my old friends, thank you God!) and new adventures of all kinds.

I am, again, so grateful I am where I am and able to live how I choose.  I am able to walk the streets, walkways and beach for hours and get lost in the moments that present themselves.  I am able to chat with strangers from other country's and states and grateful they all speak English.  

I am able to feel the cool breezes off the ocean on a warm day and cuddle in comforters when it is chilly.  I am able to hear the sounds of all that nature offers here on the coast.  I am able to see the sea lions in the harbor, the new resident pigeons on the docks and boats, the stately  pelicans as they seem to float above the water, and the never ending gulls and other water birds.  

I am able to enjoy the company of my friends here, too many to mention.    I am able to stay connected with those farther away.  I am grateful for each of you and the time we share whether in person, via mail, internet or phone.  And yes, I still love to write letters.  One of my favorite things to do.

So, cheers to each of you.  May you always find happiness in your hearts and laugh often.  It is good for you, I hear!!!









To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday to:
Patty!
Mo!
Gaytrell!
Bunny!
Kelly!
Mary!
Bobbi!

Happy Birthday to:
Virginia!
Bill!
Dotty!
Lela!

Shelly!
Amy!



"Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive.
Both men and women should feel free to be strong.
It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum,
instead of two sets of opposing ideals.
We should stop defining each other by what we are not,
and start defining ourselves
by who we are."
- Emma Watson
A lovely presentation before the UN


Enjoy YOURSELF!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

SUMMER TIME SOFTLY CLOSES



The last days of summer are upon us and the warmer temperatures are fading.  There is a crispness in the air and the birds appear to be getting ready for the changes to come.

The SLO Coast Journal September article is just published and ready for viewing.  Click the link below.  Enjoy!


http://www.slocoastjournal.com/docs/roeadventure.html 

Enjoy the changes!

Monday, August 18, 2014

WINTER IN MORRO BAY?



I, for one, was quite taken back when I reached the boardwalk for a stroll one morning.  There in front of me was a view that I thought would only be seen in much colder climates and conditions.  A bit of a shock.  

Looking closer, however, I discovered that the white stuff on the water was something very different than bits of ice.  It was foam.  Just looking at the picture now even causes me to think it is a cold morning somewhere waaaay up north.  

I occasionally see this occurring along the beach while I am walking.  I always wonder what is causing it as it blows along the waters edge and wet sands.  I saw a large amount of this on one of my trips through Neskowin, Oregon last summer.

Well, Summer is gently ending and flowers are beginning to fade a little.  The days are shorter and there is a bit of a nip to the air this afternoon.  Must mean Fall is on its way.  The tourists are thinning out a lot with most of them heading home for the start of school for their children.  Soon it will only be the locals and the full time RV folks.  All of this is fine with me.


Rock with its own weather
I so enjoy how quite it is after all the extra people have left.  We do still have Labor Day weekend to contend with, which will be the last hoorah of the summer.  There are a few town events during the fall, though they are much milder than summer time.

This has been one of the fastest summers I can recall.  It could be because with the lack of winter rains, it felt as though summer began very early this year.  I am so looking forward to the rains this fall and all that it brings.  The entire town could use a good wash down and cleaning.  I am certain everyone here feels the same.

Lots of house/pet sitting scheduled for the fall. I get to stay at the home of Rolex for a bit.  She is a rather large mixed breed that is a total love.   I am also looking forward to having Kirby, the Corgi, here again.  He is such a sweet special needs dog and all of this helps with the dog fixes I apparently need from time to time.  We shall see if I again end up with a furry friend of my own one day.  A Newfoundland would do nicely.  I guess it would get the bed!!!

I have been able to share awesome time with my local friends and have enjoyed the amazing weather we have had this summer.  It has been mostly clear, sunny and relatively warm.  Lots of good food and special company always agrees with my soul.  That seems to be all I truly need.  I thank them for being in my life.


I have sort of cooled on the car search.  It seems everyone is out buying cars right now and vehicles of all kinds are flying off the lots.  I think I will wait until November when things are in a lull.  I have a salesman who is keeping an eye out for what I want, so I may have one before then.  We'll see.

The heel is healing.  I was doing great until it took a nose dive.  Just completed physical therapy so I am now on my own with the exercises, stretches, rest and ice.  I am definitely doing better so now it is just getting it back to as normal as possible.  This has been an interesting process.

Just to let all of you know that the French Bakery, Ice Cream Shoppe and the Candy Store are all still in operation and going strong.  They all do well during the summer months with the tourists being here, though the winter months can be a struggle for them.  I, along with the other locals, do the best to support them so they are always around when the cravings hit.  I suspect mine are more prevalent than others.  Oh well, someone has to support them!  Yay, it is me!!!






To All Those Celebrating,
Happy Birthday!

Happy Belated Birthday to:
Brenda!
Kathy!
Maureen!
Margie!

Happy Birthday to:
James!
Kristina!
Sandy!
Mary!
Jeanne!
Devin!



"Wherever you go,
no matter what the weather,
always bring your own sunshine."

-Anthony J. D'Angelo



Enjoy your weather, whatever it is!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

BACKYARD VISITORS - SLO COAST JOURNAL

SLO COAST JOURNAL  -  AUGUST ARTICLE

BACKYARD VISITORS


Here is the August Article.

Click on the link:



Enjoy your wildlife!


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

- INDEPENDENCE DAY - 2014 -

INDEPENDENCE DAY, 2014







LEE GREENWOOD LYRICS


"Proud To Be An American"

"If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there's pride in every American heart,
and it's time to stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A."




Enjoy July's article using this link:
http://www.slocoastjournal.com/docs/roeadventure.html 

Enjoy your Independence!