- 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!!!