- A SHORT DRIVE -

I needed to move my motor home to a different space in the RV park, so I decided that since I would be running the motor home any way I may as well take it for a drive.  So I went to San Luis Obispo for supplies by way of the Los Osos Valley Road, about fifteen miles.

I was immediately captured by the lushness of the area, the sight of hawks soaring and layers of hills.  I have always enjoyed this way to SLO because it takes one through some lovely countryside and I quickly found that the rains and drizzles we had a bit ago have left their mark.

The hills that had been grayish brown now have a hint of green.  Mixed with the plowed, planted and tended fields that will yield produce and flowers soon, it was a delightful drive.  Lots of different colors of green everywhere and farmers busy caring for their fields.  The sun had broken through the fog and it was clear and beautiful and peaceful.

I entered the city and was bathed in the profusion of many vibrant colors of flowers and blooming trees lining the streets and adorning homes and building complexes.  It was warmer here and it truly made it feel as though Spring had sprung and everything was basking in its glory.  I felt happy and warm and thoroughly content.

I had intended to make several stops while in town, however, I dallied way too long in New Frontier's and decided to head back to Morro Bay before the tourists congested the main streets of the downtown area of my small town.  It is tricky getting in and out of the RV park, so I was grateful to be able to maneuver this without the sounds of honking horns by those wanting me out of their way.  Fortunately, I have found that most people are patient with us RV'ers 

I easily settled in to my new location and felt satisfied with my purchases and very glad I chose to end my spree when I did.  I only have so much room to store things and I was grateful that I managed to do just that.  Apples and grapefruits though, are on the limited counter space.  Guess I'll just have to eat them first.

Flowers are also blooming here in Morro Bay.  The succulents that only occasionally bloom are doing it again this year.  So, even though there has been little rain, many plants are thriving.  Even the Agapanthus plants are blooming.  It feels as though it is April or May with all the colors and flowers everywhere.  I am curious to see how April and May will feel!

I, for one, am grateful for the weather, flowers, plants, butterflies, birds and such, since these are all truly a wonderful part of this area.  Mother Nature provides a different feel here that is very comfortable for me and I can relax and simply be.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, my son, Tim!

Happy Birthday, Leslie!

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Happy Birthday, Chris B.!

Happy Birthday, Megan P.!

"To have courage

for whatever comes in life...

everything lies in that."

- St. Teresa of Avila

Enjoy your courage!

- WEATHER -

Well, we have had some wonderful rainy and misty days, much to the delight of everyone here.  I can remember many times in the past when we had wet days how some people would complain.  Now, since things have been a tad dry, everyone is appreciating the moisture.  

Currently, the wetness has ceased for a bit and we are enjoying clear blue skies, a few meandering clouds, temperatures in the upper 60's and a slight gentle off shore breeze.  The air is so clean and crisp after the rains.  The finches are singing, gulls are calling and all is well in the Universe.

The details of my living situation are worked out and I will be here in the RV park until the middle of March.  Then I will be transferring things from the motor home to the apartment and getting the RV ready to sell.  I will probably rent a small van for the trip to Sacramento and Auburn and return to organize and set things up.  I am very excited.

It is amazing to think I have been in my little home on wheels for a year and a half.  It will be interesting to see how I handle being stationary for a while.  There were so many times while traveling when I would be changing location once a week or so.  Aside from here in Morro Bay, Trinidad was my longest stay of two months. 

I became quite adept at hooking and unhooking everything.  Power cord, water hose, TV cable, and waste water connector.  Although, it was almost a given that I would fail to secure some drawer and it would go flying open as I went around a corner.  I had to laugh because, of course, I knew I had double checked everything.  One time (and only one time) I failed to secure the pocket door.  Good grief, the sound made me think something serious had broken.

So, as I prepare for this shift in my Adventure, I can only imagine my purpose in being here.  Lots of things present themselves in my mind.  Working, volunteering, pet sitting, picking up waste near the Rock, walking, eating, etc.  I am looking forward to whatever it may be.  Bring it on!

Thanks to each of my family members and friends for emails and calls and chatting and bringing me up to date on your lives. Thanks, Megan, for lunch and the walk to the rock and ride home.  Thanks, Sandy, for the gift.  It will work perfectly.  Thanks, Chris, for the upcoming home.  Thanks, Carol and Eric and Jo Ann, for the attempted trip to Atascadero to join Joyce and Pete.  Thanks, Carol S., for the San Luis trip for goodies.  All of you are so wonderful.  This is a great village.

Did I tell you I can now hang out laundry again?  As most of you know, this is one of my joys in life.  Sheets smell and feel so good after drying in the sunshine.  I am going to have to be creative to do this at the apartment.  The wheels are turning and I am certain I will think of something.  I would be thrilled  even if I could just do the sheets.

I have been back to the fudge shop and my favorite young woman (Mandy) who works there gave me a discount on my birthday.  (What better place to be than the fudge shop on one's birthday!)  She is getting married in October and is busy getting everything organized and ready for the event.  It is nice to know she is still here.

Flowers are in bloom here and everything is so colorful just about everywhere.  Now that we have had some rain it is possible the surrounding hills will turn green and show the usual colors of winter.  Currently they are the grey/brown that is what one usually sees in the summer.  Come on rain!

Thousands of Elephant Seals!

The tall ships have been in the harbor and they provide an educational venue for everyone as they transport all back in time to the days of the 18th century at sea.  One is a replica of the Lady Washington and another the Hawaiian Chieftan.  There is something so nostalgic and romantic in watching them maneuver through the harbor, heading out to sea, with their loads of passengers enjoying a "learn and do" adventure of a lifetime.

As you can see, I am adjusting to being here in Morro Bay again and thrilled with the prospect of what this will be for me.  I am again enjoying all of the sights and sounds of this lovely little town.  There are lots of familiar faces and many more new ones.  And I am grateful to again call this place home.

Someone is hungry!

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mabel!

Happy Birthday, Ken!

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Happy Birthday, Elan!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Happy Birthday, Rhonda!

Happy Birthday, Susan!

"Every creature is better

alive than dead,

men and moose and pine trees,

and he who understands it aright

will rather preserve its life

than destroy it."

 - Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy all aspects of your life!

- GREAT BLUE HERON -

I have only been back in Morro Bay a few weeks and I have seen more great blue herons during every stroll to the beach than I had ever seen previously.  I may see two and three in a day.  I find this amazing and incredibly awesome.  We have had some rather low tides which I suspect may explain their increase in numbers.  Snowy egrets also seem more abundant.  Whatever the reason, I am always happy to see them.

I am glad to see the flocks of pelicans resting on the sand bar in the Harbor and flying along the coast line, gatherings of the otters in the Harbor and observing the ever diligent Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol vessels standing by at the Harbor entrance while various whale watching and fishing vessels made their way through the dangerous water way.  The Coast Guard vessels were doing maneuvers between making sure everyone was safe.  There is always something going on and so many things to do and see.  

There was about a week of very large surf which generates extremely high waves that splash over the jetty.  One of the days I was sitting out at the rock and simply enjoying the movements of Mother Nature, I saw a pod of dolphins swimming along between the wave crests and the jetty. It is fascinating to see them move so easily in the rough waters.  The splashing waves were also creating rainbows in the mist from the waves.  These are only a few of the reasons I am completely content observing and communing with nature.  I guess one could call me a happy camper!

Two days before my birthday, Joyce, Carol and Jo Ann surprised me with a birthday lunch in San Simeon.  Joyce made a pineapple upside cake, which was shared with the wait staff, and was delicious.  She also shared some fun gifts.  From there we went to check on the elephant seals and their new born pups.  Watching the huge males protect their females is completely entertaining.  On the way back we stopped in at the Wampum store where I got a t-shirt.  What a lovely day.  Thanks to each of you.

Sunday we had a wonderful day of rain which amounted to 1.12".  It is also raining today.  It started last night, waking me up, and has been raining off and all all day.  Sometimes it is quite heavy.  I love the sounds on my little roof and the sense of mother nature getting some much needed moisture.  I guess getting my motor home washed did the trick.  I still will be polishing the chrome and other outside maintenance so continual rain is in our future.  Relief!!!

So far, I have been able to share coffee and great conversations with Megan;  breakfast, the yarn shop and Cambria with Margie and Dart;  and SLO shopping with Carol.  There are few others to connect with yet.  It has been wonderful enjoying the company of these friends.  The last time I was here was the first part of May last year.  The familiar feelings of it having been so long, and yet almost as though I have been here all the time, are alive and well. 

While I was traveling I missed the sound of the fog horn at night.  It is a very comforting sound for me.  It makes me feel safe and assured that everyone is being watched out for and protected.  It is interesting that how the air flow is moving determines whether or not I can actually hear the sound from the RV park.  When the flow is off shore, I would fail to even know there is a fog horn because it is inaudible.  Hence, the on shore flow brings the sweet comforting sound that lulls me to sleep.

OK, now for the big news.  I have decided to land in Morro Bay for a while.  I will be selling the motor home and renting a studio apartment at my friend Chris's home.  I have know her for almost fifteen years and we went through some difficult times together when her dog, Abbie, was hit by a small truck.   She now does canine water therapy at her home.

I will be making a trip to Sacramento to retrieve items from Tim and Darlene's, Millie and Gaytrell.  This will also give me a chance to connect with friends and family up there before I settle in at the coast.  

I have mentioned in previous writings that I was constantly comparing everywhere I was with Morro Bay.  About a week after arriving here I asked Chris about the studio and one thing led to another and now her current tenant has just given notice, making the unit available mid March.  Things occurred in such a way that it was clear to me and Chris that this will be good for both of us for as long as it will be.  I am very excited about this and looking forward to spending more time here.

I am so grateful for the experiences I have had with my motor home and how well it cared for my needs and comforts.  While there were a few mishaps (the refrigerator door falling off) it has been an amazing experience that made it clear to me that the coast is where I feel the best.  Of all the coastal areas I explored, Morro Bay was always at the top of the list.  

So, here I am, getting ready to settle in and more deeply explore this area and become more intimate with this section of Nature.  I feel completely at home here and I know this is where I am to be for now.  Just the thought of this alone gives me great joy.  I had thought I would do greater traveling with the motor home, however, it is clear that aspect of my adventuring is coming to a close.  I enjoyed every minute of it and I am a little sad to be setting it aside though now I am on to other new adventures, whatever, whenever, and wherever they may be.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Millie!

Happy Birthday, Trisha!

Happy Birthday, Tracy!

Happy Birthday, to Me!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

Happy Birthday, Valerie!

Happy Birthday, Danielle!

Happy Birthday, Patti!

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Happy Birthday, Francine!

Happy Birthday, Carol!

Happy Birthday, Lynn!

Keep close to nature's heart....

and break clear away,

once in a while,

and climb a mountain

or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean!

John Muir

Enjoy your clean spirit!!!

FEBRUARY ARTICLE - SLO COAST JOURNAL

Sunday morning and it began raining around 10 am.  It is good and steady and predicted to last most of the day.  YEA!!!  Much better than the fifteen minutes of drizzle we had several days ago.

Here is the February SLO Coast Journal article.  Enjoy!

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