Tall Ships

Last evening I took a sunset walk down to the Embarcadero and was thrilled to watch the tall ships entering the boat dock area of the Harbor.  They come in every year for people to climb on board and look them over.  For me, it seems to touch a unique place in the heart that yearns for those days of pirates and adventurers of the high seas.  I am beginning to suspect that I may have been a gypsy and/or explorer in many other lifetimes.


An update on Mae, the dog found wandering around the Embarcadero.  Her owner claimed her and she is home safe and sound with her people.  What a relief.  I can only imagine the anxious feelings of the owner upon discovering Mae was missing.  I can almost feel this and the thought of her being missing would be crazy awful.  Hooray for pets/people reunited.

I revisited the balancing rocks at The Rock and found it has embellished quite a bit.  Though some of the stacks have toppled over, probably due to wind, rain and other things.  To me it is inspiring that people do this art form, which is totally non destructive and very creative and peaceful to the viewer.  Great stuff!

This past week end I was a complete social butterfly.  I went to Cambria with Joyce and Carol and we completely enjoyed our meals at Robin's.  In my opinion, the best food in town.  The food is fresh, local, organic and prepared and served with love.  The most wonderful combinations of flavors and textures.  I am a lay person with all of this, however, I am able to taste an awesome meal when I have one.  Great place!  Of course, after browsing around in some shops, we needed to finish off with some sweets at the Sweet Offerings.  Yummy.  

Morro Rock and Harbor, early morning!

I had a wonderful breakfast with Dart and Margie.   Then Margie and I went to Cambria and the yarn shop there, and worked on our yarn projects while chatting with a few other women doing the same.  A lot of fun.  Margie and Dart go back to Washington State at the end of February.  They expect to be back next year.  Safe travels.

Morro Bay back Harbor, early morning.  Sun shining on boats.

Then I met Megan for dinner and we celebrated my birthday.  She brought me some, oh so wonderful, flowers that Malcolm grows.  They smell heavenly and look so beautiful.  Much better than the ones that struggled to bloom in November while I stayed with them.  We had a great time.  I look forward to spending more time with her.


I have accomplished many chores (you know; laundry, groceries, etc.) and yesterday I worked on my taxes.  If things continue this way, I will have my part of tax preparation complete today and in the mail to the accountant.  Yay!!!  I have, of course, stopped by the French Bakery and indulged in some of their incredible edibles.  




I have a smart phone.  It fascinates me when it shows a red weather icon alert.  This morning there was one for Morro Bay (Dense Fog Advisory).  Since it was clear when I awoke earlier, I looked out the window and saw that it was still clear.  Humm!  Perhaps there are some things better handled by humans rather than robots and computers.  Though for the past several days, I must admit, they were right on with the Frost Advisory.  Had there been pumpkins, they would have been covered in the white stuff.  Extremely cold in the mornings, with the days being delightful.  

"Sometimes you pick your friends.  

Sometimes they pick you!"

-  unknown

"Happy Birthday, Pat!!!"

Enjoy your weather!!!

Water Fowl!

Today seemed all about birds!  I went adventuring early this morning and it was a bit nippy.  I bundled myself up well and almost immediately came across this magnificent snowy egret along the walk to the Rock.  Depending on my viewpoint, (especially with the blue water background) determined just how well it stood out.  These amazing waterfowl are so beautiful with how, literally, snowy white they are.  This one is a great snowy egret with is mostly yellow bill and deep black legs and feet.  Quite a contrast and very striking.

This is picture is from the other side of the rock it was perched on and gives another dimension to its beauty.  Each time I attempt to get closer, they fly off and relocate.  Usually and fortunately they only go a short distance before landing.  Sometimes, though, they squawk at me and leave the area.  I do my best to avoid disturbing them to this degree.
















These water fowl are far from being song birds.  The sounds of the snowy egret, heron and pelicans are a rather harsh squawk that is difficult to describe, though they let you know when you have disturbed them.  




















I wasn't much further along with my walk when I came across these cormorants and a heron sitting in the sun to warm themselves.  I was feeling the chill in the air, as well.  I love how they are all facing the sun to get warm.

The waves were crashing over the jetty again this morning and since I was earlier than yesterday, the shadows were very different.  

These waves create the mist sprays that can feel so refreshing!

I personally could sit and watch this all day.  Each wave on the jetty results with a different splash.  While some are gentle and seem to roll over the rocks, others can be extremely large and powerful and very dramatic.  I spent only a small time here this morning as my fingers were cold from being outside in the air while I was attempting to capture a picture of each wave as it crested.


On to the boat launch to see what was going there and found a great snowy egret and a lesser snowy egret (they have orange feet) getting sun on the rocks.

This is not a very clear picture.  The great snowy egret is to the left while the lesser snowy egret is on the rock below and to the right (preening itself).

The water in the bay this morning is very calm and almost glass like which allows for reflections. I really like it this way though when it is rough, the small white caps can be very stimulating.











So, this morning was full of water fowl and I was able to get rather close to them without disturbance.  They watched me to make certain I stayed a respectable distance.  I apparently followed the rules this morning.

I was also to get a good amount of dog fixes this morning with some old friends and several new ones.  People seem so willing to share their pets with others and it is most common to see several gatherings of dogs with their people on the boardwalk to the Rock.  A great social time for all.

-    from Jane Seabrook drawings

Enjoy being yourself!

Old Friends!

I finally came across some old friends, Maki and Annie, whose people are Dorothy and Bob.    They were all on their walk this morning near the Rock.  It was so good seeing them all and catching up on everything.  They actually saw the same stray dog that Margie and Dart found and took to the animal shelter in San Luis Obispo yesterday.  

While Margie and Dart were at the shelter they discovered the dog is a female whose  name is Mae and apparently is an escape artist, as she has been there before.  She has a chip and the shelter called and left a message at the number they have on file for her.  Here is hoping she is reunited with her people soon.  She is such a sweet dog.

Today is a most beautiful bright sun shiny day and all the animals and birds seemed to agree.  This handsome fellow was basking in the sun along the rocks at the wharf.  His pose is what captured my attention first, (along with his huge size) and he simply remained there the entire time I was watching.  This is a sea lion which is determined by the external ears.  He was rather high up out of the water yet seemed quite comfortable with his perch.  

Lots of people stopped to take pictures and marvel at his size.  Here I chatted with an "old salt" gentleman for at least half an hour as he told me stories of his adventures.  He was quite entertaining and currently lives on a sail boat moored at the dock close to our showboat sea lion.


Several flowers are out in full bloom in many areas and, most notably along the board walk from the wharf to the Rock, where they have planted lots and lots of fragrant Sweet Alyssum.  What has surprised me is that my food has little taste due to my cold, however, I am very able to smell these wonderful small flowers.  Ah, the mysteries of life.  




I sat quite a while on the west side of the Rock just listening to the flow of the water, the calling of the gulls and the sound of the waves as they crashed onto the rocks of the jetty.  As the water hit the jetty and splashed over the rocks it sent up a spray that I could feel even though I was a safe distance away form the impact.  It was warm in the sun and the spray was refreshing.  I am unsure just how long I was out there since I had gotten lost in the rhythm of the area.  It was almost hypnotizing.  I finally pulled myself together and continued on my walk of the wharf to the boat launch.  

The pelicans have changed their habits since I was here last.  They have eluded me for the most part and are failing to show up at some of their usual haunts.  I have also noticed a lack of fishermen at the fish cleaning stations which would contribute to the lack of pelicans there.  I am curious what is going on.  Tomorrow may be a good day to stop in at the Harbor Patrol office and ask some questions.  Some of the things the "old salt" said may be true, which would be disturbing.

It fascinates me that I can virtually walk the same path every day and see and experience so many new things.  I see things I had missed previous days.  I smell new things and hear different sounds.  It feels different each time I am there.  There is a familiarity to the area though it is different.  I love this.  Means more adventure and discovery.  

-  Jane Seabrook drawing

Enjoy your old friends!

Thank You, Universe!!!

It is early February, right?

I am always amazed with the synchronicities of life.  So, this morning I decided to go to a near by cafe for breakfast.  As I was walking there, I felt I would do my usual walk to the Rock and then to the Marina before I ate.  I had several delays, dog experiences, people experiences and just plain getting lost with nature.  By the time I arrived back to the cafe I was a bit hungry.  There I am, sitting at a table with my coffee and water, waiting for my breakfast, and I look out the window and see this man and woman get out of a truck, and I realize I know them.

Flowering Jade Plant

It was Margie and Dart who had moved to Washington State three years ago.  I had not seen either of them since before I moved out of the area ten years ago.  I went to the cafe front door and welcomed them to the cafe.  They were as surprised to see me as I was to see them.  We had a great visit before my meal came and their third party arrived.  We exchanged contact information and then we all settled in to eat at different tables.  We will get together later for lunch and catch up on all of our adventures.  They will be here until the end of February (snow birds).  




At the register, which was close to where I was sitting, a waitress and a couple paying before leaving were talking about all those whose birthdays were in the past several days.  So I just had to chime in about mine and we talked about Aquarius people and how many of love to wear pink and purple colors (which several of us had on) and what wonderful people we are.  Needless to say, we laughed for many minutes enjoying our oneness.

I have been in contact with Chris, who has a birthday coming up, Joyce, who was my next door neighbor when I lived here and Patty, who recently sold the motel in Cayucos, and is currently on vacation with her husband in Utah.  I look forward to seeing each of them and spending precious time together while I am here.  Sometimes it feels as though I have been here all along.  Sometimes it feels as though I have been away a very long time.  And sometimes it feels as though I retired years ago and at other times, as though I just started my Adventure.  Still contemplating this whole time thing.  Think I will ever understand it?  I'll let you know.

The wonderful purple plant.

It was a beautiful warm sunny day yesterday and today it is high fog.  A turtle neck and sweatshirt are enough to be comfortable.  Well, long jogging pants too.  The town is almost back to just locals.  It was rather busy with people and traffic on Sunday so I am grateful for the peace and quiet of the visitors going back to where they came from.

A very odd experience occurred last night.  I was awakened to sounds of a young man running down the nearby street screaming at the top of his voice, "Satin, get away."  I could hear the fear in his voice as he continued to scream and yell as he ran on and his voice became harder to hear.  My heart went out to this young man because I could truly feel his fear and his attempting to run from whatever was terrorizing him.  My guess is drugs, however, it is impossible to know.  I sent prayers his way with the hope someone would find him and provide the help he needed at the moment.  So sad.  I am so grateful for my life as it is.  I truly feel blessed every moment.

I love the shadow  it casts.

The rocks where I would see the pelicans resting and drying out were void of the birds with the exception of this elegant Great Blue Heron.  I took one picture of it and then changed my location only to have it fly away and squawk at me upon leaving.  When I walked back by the same area it was back and more accepting of my presence and picture taking.

























OK, I need to get back to working on my taxes, find my motor home manual (that is obviously in a very, very  safe place), and do some online banking.  Then I suspect it will be time for another stroll.  It appears we may have fog all day.  

Also, Margie and  Dart picked up a dog wandering around on the beach this morning while walking their dog.  She looks as though she is a small chocolate lab, although she has a few white splotches on her chest.  Obviously a mix of some sort.  Very sweet.  They are taking her to the San Luis Obispo animal shelter with a request to avoid putting her down.  She has a collar on though no tags, name or numbers.  Hopefully her owners will claim her, otherwise, I may just have to rescue her.  We will see what the Universe suggests.  Huummm!

"There are no accidents in a Universe 

directed by a Source energy that 

creates endless real magic 

in the form of its creations."

-  Dr. Wayne Dyer

Enjoy your (no accidental) creations!

"Another Birthday"

This one was mine.  Friday, February 1st was the day, so I drove from Citrus Heights to Morro Bay.  It was an easy drive even though there was some fairly dense fog between south Sacramento and Stockton.  After that it was sunshine and warmer temperatures.  I listened to a CD of classic Disney songs as I drove and got a bit emotional with some of them.  Though, coming over the final coastal mountain there was coastal fog.  It was fine because I am dealing with a bit of a head cold and all I really wanted to do when I got here was to sleep.  Which I did.




A big "thank you" to all of my well wishers.  It was so wonderful hearing from each of you and, Sandy, thanks for the art email.  You are such a creative person.  Wishes came from so many sources, it was amazing.  I even have three balloons creating a rather festive atmosphere in the motor home.










I spent most of yesterday attempting to catch up on much needed computer and paperwork.  I also continued to sleep more to keep this head cold from getting any bigger or developing into anything else.  So far, so good.  It was a foggy day, so it was fine.  By sunset, the fog gave way to some scattered thin high clouds making for another most unusual and beautiful sunset.  The sky was shaded the most delicate pink for quite a while and felt so soothing.  Love Mother Nature!


This morning I awoke to fog that cleared by around 9 a.m.  Feeling better, I went for a walk on the Embarcadero and along the wharf to the rock.  There is a high surf warning as waves were crashing over the jetty.  Three young men wearing wet suits were making their way along the rocks of the jetty and occasionally a huge wave would wash over them.  They were way beyond the safety markers, so all one can do is hope they stayed safe.

Correct me if I am mistaken, however, I think it is still winter.  I took some mail to the local post office and came across a blooming Agapanthus.  Caught me by surprise.  Then I began to notice lots of other summer blooming plants in bloom.  Did I miss spring or something?  




I got my dog fix with several dogs along my walk.  An awesome Bernese Mountain Dog was having it's picture taken and smiling the entire time.  He was only two years old, however he was calm and loving all the attention everyone was giving him.  (Me included.)  There was a chocolate lab in the back of a pick up which was begging for attention.  So, obviously, I came to it's rescue.  It has a scar across is nose from some mishap, though he/she was completely friendly and loving human touch.

Today is super bowl Sunday for all the football fans.  I am kind of thinking I will go for another stroll once it starts and all the people will be back in their homes or someone else's and I will have the streets to myself.  Maybe I will be able to get a better picture of the otters in the bay.  They had company today as there was a local group of divers investigating the vegetation near where the otters were resting.  As I came upon them the sun was behind them and they appeared to be something big and black and rather scary.  They almost looked like tar figures coming out of a tar pit.  Strictly my first impression.  Fortunately I was relieved to see them up close and subdued my concerns.


It feels so good to be at the ocean.  The sounds of the surf and the waves crashing, the fog horn, the gulls and other birds and hawks.  For now, this is home.  And I am grateful.

"I never before knew the full value of trees.  

Under them I breakfast,

 dine, write, read and receive my company."

-  Thomas Jefferson

Enjoy your vegetation!

"Happy Birthday!"

Google image

Lots of friends have birthdays this week.  My friend of forty years, Millie, celebrates her birthday tomorrow.  Her family and I had a surprise party for her last Saturday night and it was such fun.  She kind of suspected something, though it was still a bit unexpected for her.  I am glad I have been here so I could participate in the festivities.  One of the other fun parts was that she received several scarves.  A hand made swirly scarf, a hand crocheted scarf, a scarf with tassels and one scarf that could be tied in a variety of ways. Each of us was proud that we all were like minded with the scarf thing.  She, of course, was thrilled and is probably covered in this area for many years to come.

I am getting ready to head back to Morro Bay for a while.  I am looking forward to having a bit more temperate climate.  Predictions are for upper 60's by Friday.  I can handle that.  Then, depending on the weather, I will start planning my route.  Lots of wonderful ideas have come to me from all kinds of sources.  There are just so many amazing places to see.

I have come across several thought provoking plaques while shopping in craft stores and grocery stores.  Here are a few that caught my attention:

And this is true even for my little home on wheels.

This is probably also true for people they don't even know.

And this is probably true for all of us.

I am having lots of fun with family and friends and have lots to do before I start my travels back to the Central Coast.  I am so glad I have been here for as long as I have and I will always look forward to being back here as I am able.  

A beautiful flower in Morro Bay!

Enjoy your little things!

High Hand Nursery

Another mug at The Fresh Market

Gaytrell and I recently went to the High Hand Nursery in Loomis and I felt as though I was in a special part of heaven.  This incredible place has so many different plants and areas of plants that compliment each other so well.  There are vignettes of trees, plants and flowers through out the nursery.  As this is a time when most things are dormant, it was amazing to see the area as beautiful.  I can just imagine how beautiful it must be the other three seasons of the year.

There is also a wonderful cafe.  The food was very good though a bit pricey and I  feel it was worth the cost.   All of the walls are glass, including the ceiling, and on one side is a glass garage door that opens for events and outside eating.  Only one wall is solid and goes to the kitchen and a gift area.  The nursery sits next to the old packing shed that has been renovated and now houses an art co-op of local artists and several other unique and creative shops.  The building also includes the remains of some of the workings of the packing shed from its golden days of shipping products via train to the rest of the country.    This is a lovely place to enjoy the day.  






Wednesday I again joined "My Networking Group" for breakfast and had a wonderful time sharing with old friends and meeting some new business owners.  I love it when it is time for the speakers to talk about their business.  I always learn something new.  This was a day about finger and toe nail enhancements and care and also the interior designer brought our attention to the hardware world of design and decorating.  Always something to learn.






My Son, Daughter-In-Law and I went to a newly discovered Chinese restaurant for lunch yesterday.  Absolutely delicious.  We were the only non Chinese people in the restaurant and they were so gracious to us. We left a very happy group and very full.  This is definitely a place to go again.  I don't know the name however I know how to get there.  Gaytrell was kind enough to pick me up from my Son's as I returned his car.  I will be leaving Auburn today and going back to Millie's for a short time.  We have several eating out plans and of course, Mimi's is on the list with their French Onion soup and salad special.  It seems lately that a lot of things have been around food.  I wonder if this could be the cause of my weight gain.  Don't answer that.



I plan (used that word again) to go back to Morro Bay for a while before heading east.  I think it is probably a good idea to let the country thaw out a bit before I truly hit the road.  The Central Coast has still fairly moderate temperatures though they did experience some freezing temperatures the week it was so cold in Auburn.  I heard that even San Diego had below freezing temperatures.  It appears the weather patterns around the world are changing.




OK, need to get packed up, unplugged and ready to relocate.  I still have my taxes to finish and a few things I received in the mail to resolve.  Always something to do and keep me busy.  So, thanks to all of you in Auburn that I was able to connect with and share time with.  It was awesome seeing you, even if only for short time, and I look forward to seeing you again when I travel through the area.

The Fresh Market

Enjoy the flowers!