- GOOD FOOD -

Rosea

It seems that lately I have spent a great deal of time with friends eating wonderful foods.  I had lunch with Patty and a lovely chat to catch up on everything.  The next day Joyce and Carol and I went to the Bayside Cafe and had yummy food, sitting outside and enjoying the mild weather in the back bay.  We took rabbit food to some older citizens at our local center, for them to feed the rabbits that come to their door, went to the Farmer's Market and afterwards, did some browsing at a few antique stores.

More Rosea

I've had a home made spaghetti dinner with my former mother-in-law, breakfast foods with Christa, and lunch with Megan, followed by a walk on the beach and coffee to finish everything off.  I truly enjoy all of the time I spend with these amazing people in my life.  I love the diversity as they are all so unique and share amazing aspects of themselves.

The dentist's office called to rescheduled my appointment to Thursday, so I did some laundry (I was able to hang everything out on the line) and I am catching up on other home chores which often go undone since I prefer to walk on the beach and all around town.  The weather has been amazing with low to mid 60's during the day with clear sky's.  The wind seems to be history for now and a bit of fog has come in.  It must be warm inland.  

More Rosea

I finally met the man who stays in the trailer next to me.  He works at the large solar facility near Santa Margarita for four days and then goes home to Las Vegas for the other three.  He leaves at five in the morning and returns around 7:30 pm on work days.  His wife was here over the weekend which was why I met them.  Apparently there are others here in the area working at the same facility and a car pool provides transport.  These are interesting times for all.

Another Heron

Herons continue to show up in my life.  There seem to be more around the rock, in the surf along the beach, in the trees along the Embarcadero and along the path of the harbor and bay.  I have seen them flying more often and almost posing for the few pictures I take.  I always thank them for showing themselves to me.  They are so elegant.

There was an antique emergency response vehicle show here over the weekend.   I was unaware of it until I went for my walk Saturday morning and saw all the parking lots of the motels full.  Wondering what that was all about, I questioned those who seem to know everything that is going on in town and learned of the event.  There were some fun old vehicles to see.

Yes, Rosea

This coming weekend there is the big kite event on the Morro Bay beach.  My Mom and I happened to be here several years ago and came upon these huge flying kites.  I had never seen so many kites and we were in awe of their size.  I am looking forward to seeing what they have this year as it has been many years since that last visit.  It is fascinating to see the handlers work to keep their prized kites flying high. It is a very fun event and draws many people to the area.

And still more Rosea

I tend to reread books and re-watch movies.  I am currently hung up on the Harry Potter series of movies and I am rereading "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman.  I usually have several books going at one time if I have already read them.  When I do read a new book for me, I marathon read.  It seems crazy at the time because nothing else gets accomplished.  Oh well, good thing I am without a schedule.

Ah, Rosea!

I have given you a glimpse of some of the beautiful Rosea flowers currently blooming.  There are patches of it everywhere through this city.  It is perfect for areas where it slopes and it helps to keep the earth from eroding.  It is so stunning when it is full sun during the day.  The pictures fail to capture the almost neon affect they present.  It is food for the eyes.  There are more varied colors now and they are all beautiful.

Happy Birthday, Cara!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Happy Birthday, Erin!

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Happy Birthday, Danielle!

"The Universe is wider

 than our views of it."

- Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your food!

- SLO COAST JOURNAL -

SloCoastJournal.com

I have written an article, for the Slo Coast Journal, which is an on line magazine about life and adventures of living on the Central Coast of California.  

This initial article summarizes what most of you already know about me.   A Roe Adventure can be found under Slo Coast Life on the home page.  So, from here I will be discussing life, as I know it, while living here in Morro Bay and discovering all that I find here.

Check it out and enjoy all the other offerings of the magazine.  You will learn a lot about this wonderful area.

Enjoy!

- AWESOME VISIT -

We had a great time walking on the beach, drinking coffee, walking,  eating food, walking, jabbering, walking, hugging and enjoying our time together.  The weather was wonderful for our time sharing and I will miss them until next month when I will be in the Sacramento area for a bit.  It was a perfect weekend and I love these two very special people in my life.  The odd thing was that I failed to take a single picture while they were here.  

So this entry contains pictures of orchids I have taken at a local nursery.  Some of them are simply amazing and so breath taking in their colors and shapes.  I simply love the beauty that nature provides us.  It is always a joy to the heart to be able to see it, where ever it is found.

Gosh, three more weeks before I leave to check out a few RV campgrounds near Sacramento.  I heard from one of the sisters I met on the Embarcadero a while back.  She lives in Tennessee and said all is calm there.  So that may be one of the places I go once I am out on the highway.  It was so sweet of her to call and let me know they had a great time while they were in California and all is well at home.

I have been seeing a lot of golden retrievers lately.  Lots of dogs, period.  I wonder if one is close to coming into my life.  I enjoy the friendship offered by those here in the RV park and on my walks.  All of them have been friendly and fun to be around, even if it is just temporary.

The wind blew strong all day yesterday and into the evening.  I did laundry this morning while it is clear and calm with the hopes that it stays this way until the clothes on the line are dry.  So far, it is looking good.  I had failed to realize how behind I was in this regard.  There was absolutely no time while my family was here.  Too many other fun things to do instead.

I am so sorry for all those affected by the tragic bombings in Boston yesterday.  It is impossible for me to understand any of this kind of behavior.  The intentional loss of life and injury to anyone is completely unacceptable.  I offer prayers and peace to the victims and their families.

There was a 7.8 earthquake in Iran this morning.  I have not had the TV  or radio on so unsure if there were injuries, etc.  That is huge.  If you have been following the earthquake site it appears as though there is a lot of activity right now in several area.  Makes me wonder what is really going on.  Many people and our earth will benefit from prayers and healing thoughts right now.

While Tim and Darlene were here they introduced me to a small Mexican food cafe that I have been avoiding.  It turns out it is very good and relatively healthy.  Since I am allergic to corn, I got a flour tortilla instead for my taco and it worked out well.  So, now when I am hungry and don't feel like cooking, I can go there and get something to eat.  It is comical that someone from out of town finds a good place to eat here, instead of me having a good eating place for them.  

There is a sweet 87 year old woman who rents a permanent mobile home here in the RV park and she just stopped by with her daughter who is here for a few weeks.  This woman is full of energy and does everything herself as she continues to live on her own.  They are off for a walk and probably other fun things.  She is an inspiration to me.

I have planned lunches with friends Wednesday and Thursday, and possibly Friday.  I am being the social butterfly again which is always fun and entertaining.  It is always nice to take the time to visit with friends and catch up on all that is going on with them.  They are all special people in my life that will remain so even after I leave this incredible area.  I will be back.

"You must live in the present,

launch yourself on every wave,

find your eternity in each moment."

- Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy your eternity!

- THE HAT -

I finally got tired of seeing myself with raccoon eyes from wearing sun glasses almost everywhere I go.  Even the early morning walks when it is overcast can generate darkening of the skin.  Hence, I found a gardening hat at the local hardware store and it is perfect.  It has a rather wide brim which protects the face and the back of the neck.  So while others are sporting cute base ball type caps, I look as though I am looking for some dirt to play in.  (Actually, I am!)

Yard sale house, yellow with a green roof and wrap around porch.  Lovely!

The wind finally stopped by the time I went to bed last night.  My poor little home on wheels was a rocking and rolling almost all day.  Too windy and too much debris in the air to venture out any more than I did in the morning.

Today is calm, the harbor has glassy water and the seals were in the back bay feeding and causing a ruckus.  The otters have other things on their minds, I think.  The large male appeared to be posturing and attempting to gain the attention of the females.  I suspect he has something else on his mind other than food at the moment.  I need to talk with the Harbor Patrol people and find out what is going on.

The small cottage for sale.

I took another walk up to the top of Black Hill and got some better pictures of the Rock and surrounding area.  It was much more clear even though there was a bit of moisture in the air.  I was grateful as this is what kept me cool as I hiked.  

I usually walk past the lovely yellow home when I go up to Black Hill.  I have been keeping a close eye on the blooming flowers that are, oh so close to being in full display.  I think perhaps within the next week it will be totally stunning.  I will be checking and hopefully capture pictures of this color treat for the eyes.

Add caption

While I was on my way back down from the top of Black Hill I was fortunate to see a small rabbit scurrying from under one bush along the path to another bush.  It didn't freak out too badly when it saw me, though it kept moving just in case I was a threat.  It was a cotton tail.  Way too cute.

These pictures give a rather clear sense of how this huge piece of rock is almost completely surrounded by water.  There was no way to drive to the rock initially, so they constructed a land mass for people so they could get to the rock without having to go for a swim.  A jetty was constructed which made the harbor entrance.   This protects the harbor from the enormous waves of the ocean and ships are protected in the harbor.  Thus, it is safer for everyone entering and leaving the safety of the harbor.

There is a sand spit that extends into the harbor on the south east side and is visible in the pictures.  When one goes to the museum near the Morro Bay State campground they explain all about the wildlife that lives on the sand spit which includes deer and mountain lions and many other kinds of wild life.  The museum is very close to one of my favorite restaurants, the Bayside Cafe.  Joyce and Pete, Carol and I went to lunch in San Luis Obispo recently and decided the Bayside was the next lunch place for us.  Yea!
Grilled tuna wrapped in bacon with teriyaki sauce and a small salad.  Yummmm.

I am getting ready for the arrival of my son and daughter-in-law (Tim and Darlene) on Friday evening.  I need to clean house (which since it is small will happen quickly) and get other chores completed.  I actually did some mending the other day and perhaps I will continue to whittle down the items I brought with me.

Balancing rock on the trail of Black Hill.

Super foggy this morning and now it is clear and a bit windy.  I may venture out a little later to check on the flowers.  Otherwise, some cooking and chatting with the people here in the park.  Life is good.

"Humankind has not woven

the web of life.

We are but one thread within it.

  Whatever we do to the web,

we do to ourselves.

All things are bound together.

All things connect."

- Chief Seattle

Enjoy your connection!

- LOCATION - LOCATION - LOCATION -

Saturday was the day of the city wide yard sale here in Morro Bay.  I helped my friends, Joyce and Pete, who were able to use the yard of friends.  The streets near where we were are rather narrow making it interesting to watch as people attempted to find parking.  Most of them gave up and parked their cars on wider streets and simply walked the areas that were of interest to them.  As I looked up the streets you could see people everywhere, like ants at a picnic.  It was really quite comical and almost invading.

I feel the location we had was perfect as it is on a corner and the home itself is charming.  Many people  shyly came up to us asking if it was our home.  We politely replied no though wished it might be so.  Actually not for me, as it is way too big to clean.  It is, in my opinion, one of the most charming and inviting homes in the city.  

So the other interesting thing of the day was a home nearby that is listed for sale.  I had seen it Friday and Saturday mornings and thought to myself that I would really like to see the inside.  This little home is on one of the small lots in the city, the area called the "heights."  It is very desirable due to its location.  Close to the down town and Embarcadero areas yet out of the main stream of traffic.  Quite and with a view of the Rock.  What more could one ask for?

Well, I was fortunate to see that an open house was being held as I walked home.  To me the little cottage looks just like a little English cottage with large aged plants in the front yard that is surrounded by a white picket fence.  I half expected to see elves and fairies hiding and peeking and flittering about among the front yard plants.

It has a single car detached garage behind the house and a nice sized back yard with grass and plants and a small patio for a table and chairs.  The size of the house is 560 square feet!  Yes, 560 square feet!  This is the size of some apartments one could rent.

Investigating the homes rooms was easy.  The front of the house has a delightful bay window which is the one bedroom of the home.  There is a small shower lavatory off the bedroom.  There is a small living space with a small dining area.  The kitchen, of course, was small and beyond that is a small laundry area and a bit of a pantry where the water heater is located.  The layout of the home was nice considering its size.  If I remember correctly the home was built in 1916 or 1926.  Unsure.  For the day it was probably considered spacious and comfortable.  

I think it would be comfortable for one person, perhaps two very friendly people.  A family would be a huge stretch.  So, here is the kicker.  The listed price is $299,995!  Yes, $299,995.  In the real estate world they would remind the perspective buyer about location being extremely desirable and the potential for adding on.  One might do what many have done before them and tear it down and rebuild a new home.  

To me it is sad to see these adorable and quaint homes being leveled to make way for a a house that is larger and more modern in style.  Then again, each to their own.  I would prefer to see the old be restored and refurbished and taken care of.  Yet I understand the desire to have something that is new and up to date and modern.

And I am thrilled with the location of the RV park where I am.  Close to everything so walking wherever I need is doable.  I do my best to remember the things I need so I can keep the grocery store off the must do walks.  This leaves time for more, where I would rather go, walks.  Fortunately this is usually how it is and I am grateful.

Last night and today it has been incredibly windy.  It makes one want to stay in shelter until it calms down.  I was invited to go to San Luis Obispo this morning, so Dorothy and I braved the elements.  It was a cold wind so that only added to the, want to shelter, feel.  We accomplished all that we wanted to and found the wind still going strong when we returned to Morro Bay.  Just have to wait it out.

It is fun being in the RV because there are so many people here from other states and countries.  I recently had a few chats with two couples from Holland.  Over the winter there have been lots of folks from Washington and Oregon.  By the time I leave at the end of April I am certain representatives from many other states will arrive and enjoy the summer on the central coast.

It will seem odd to leave here as I feel so at home.  I have talked with those that live in San Diego and other coastal cities that love to come to Morro Bay to vacation and rest.  It is anything other than a place to make money and build a career or start a business.  It is a place to come and find the peace in your heart and connect with nature in a very unique and special way.

I know I am very privileged to be here now and I am so grateful for all this wonderful place has given and shared with me.  This is where the swans stirred my heart to do this amazing Adventure and from here is the support and knowledge to continue on to wherever I go.  

Right now I feel I would love to eventually return here to finally settle, and yet I have a very funny feeling that I may find other places and areas that will cause me to fell this same way.  I suspect it will all unfold as it is meant to do.  I shall enjoy the flow of it all.

"You must be in a space of

loving everyone - 

more than that,

you've got to see yourself as

connected to everyone -

in order to get the attention

of your Source."

- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Enjoy your location!

- LOW TIDES -

Heron and water reflections!

The things that can be seen when the tides are low can be fascinating.  It is most noticeable around the  harbor and the boat docks, which are constructed so they can move up and down with the flow of the tides.  The sea and shore birds have greater access to some of their food sources when the tides are low. 

The tide height can also be seen rather clearly on the beach.  It is usually well marked where the high tide has reached on the sand once the water has receded.  When the tide is low, much more is visible and accessible.  This is the perfect time to investigate all of the tide pools that become exposed.  Many times star fish can be seen clinging to the sides of the exposed rocks.  

Heron looking for food in the plants!

A few days ago, with the most recent minus tide, I was able to observe  four herons, six egrets and many other waterfowl working the waters edge for food along the shore line of the harbor.  The herons would hold ever so still in their search, while the egrets gently shook a foot in the grasses of the water to scare out any potential meals.  They all have their own unique way of "fishing."

Water reflections with a beautiful heron!

 I found, besides the tide book for the area, that the easiest way for me to see whether the tide is coming in or going out is looking at the boats moored at their buoys.  When the front (bow) of the boat is pointing inland, the tide is moving out.  And when the bow of the boat is pointing out to sea, the tide is coming in.  It is always fun to watch when the tide is changing and the boats are all pointing in different directions with the waters movement.  Very entertaining.

An egret and company looking for food!

Three days ago I woke up and felt as though everything was right in the universe.  I felt calm and happy and peaceful.  As though everything that was happening in that moment was perfect.  I have been experiencing this off and on now for at least a month.  I am uncertain if it is because of where I am or if it is because I am settling in with who I am and all that I am doing right now. I am certain it is of little matter since it all means the same thing anyway.


So, for right now, all is perfect (which it always is) and I am peacefully excited.  The excited feeling is almost as though I have butterflies in my stomach and heart.  It is the feeling one gets just before something wonderful is about to occur.  You know it is coming.  Well, this is knowing it is here and it is wonderful.  I am definitely experiencing many moments of my heaven here on earth.  Loving it.  Though it makes me curious about the traveling thing.  Is the discovery of all that is happening here what I was guided to do or am I to continue traveling in the discovery of many other experiences.  We shall see.  Either way, I am excited for each new moment and occurrence.

A cormorant looking for food!

It rained last night, which woke me from a deep sleep.  It was a bit cloudy this morning and this has given way to a beautiful sun shiny day.  The tourists that are here this week are different than those here last week.  These people are parents,  and friends, etc. of the students at Cal Poly.  They seem a little calmer and more adjusted to the area and less in a hurry.  There are many more people surfing in the bay and a few more in the local coffee cafes.  And by the end of the coming weekend, which is also the city wide yard sale, everyone will have gone back to where they came from.  All will then be a bit less congested until the end of May.  Then, watch out for the craziness of summer tourists.

Egret flying over the harbor waterway!

I have been seeing some pelicans here and there.  I am glad to see they are still around and I actually saw one dive and catch a meal a few days ago.  I am so glad their food source is still intact for the moment.  They had a rough winter with a lack of food.  I wonder though, if there were enough young ones that survived the winter and can carry on the species.  I certainly hope so.

I continue to pick up other peoples garbage on the walkways and to and around the Rock area.  The greatest amount of trash is cigarette butts.  The City has trash containers everywhere so it seems a bit confusing that people choose to throw things on the ground rather than in a receptacle that is less than a few feet away.  


My son and daughter-in-law are coming to visit me next weekend.  I am very excited since I have not seen them since January when I was in the Sacramento area.  I talk with my daughter-in-law almost every day which helps bridge the distance and seeing them face to face.  I was able to find a good rate at one of the local motels, so all is good.

"Eventually you will come to understand

that love heals everything,

and love is all there is."

- Gary Zukav

Enjoy your tides!

-APRIL FLOWERS -

This is the season for new flowers everywhere.  They are blooming in profusion and almost everyone is noticing.  I took a walk up to the top of Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park a few days ago and I am watching for the full bloom of the little pink flowers I mentioned before.

There are a few patches here and there and they seem to be the deeper colored ones that seem to glow right now.  So I will keep my eye on the progress of the pink ones and provide pictures once they are completely doing their thing.  For now the blue/purple stock like flowers seem to be very happy and showing off their growth quite well.

One morning while walking, I was so blessed to be able to rub all over five golden retrievers.  It was so great.  All of them were visitors to the area and ranged in color from pale taffy to a medium reddish.  Some were old and others full of puppy energy.  Definitely a good dog fix day.  I have also been happy to see old friends, such as, Duke, Annie, Maki, Monkey and more.  Of course, I also had the opportunity to visit with their people.  Great fun.

When I took the hike up Black Hill I was hoping to get some clear pictures of Morro Rock and the surrounding area.  This spot gives a complete 360 degree view of the scenery.  The weather, however, had a different idea.  The fog kept developing and dissipating and the sun was again playing hide and seek.  So the pictures I did take failed to provide the mood I was attempting to capture.  I will do this trip again later and perhaps the weather will be more favorable.

The top of Black Hill is around 661 feet elevation with nine switchbacks.  (This was minimal to the twenty seven switchbacks I once traversed with my younger brother many years ago.)  It is a healthy walk from sea level and where my little home is located.  Including the walk to the Rock and back, I accomplished some serious miles that day.

While walking I came across Monarch butterflies, lizards, bees, lots of song birds and, of course, many flowers.  The air was cool and misty enough so it was comfortable going.  There were several people out working in their gardens and at one home there was a beautiful Siamese cat with the most intense blue eyes I have ever seen.  She was amazing.  Reminded me of Kidder who I took care of in January.

Easter was a beautiful day to wake up to and the sun was out in full force.  I was invited to go to the Cavalier restaurant in San Simeon for lunch by Joyce and join family and friends.  Joyce brought a corsage for each woman in our group and she asked that we give them to some other older woman in the restaurant before we leave.  What a kind heart Joyce has.  We were able to wear the orchids while eating and then grace someone unknown to enjoy the flowers afterwards.  Very sweet idea.

Joyce also brought us a sort of rubber baby chick in a basket that lite up when squeezed.  Too fun.  We were going to give them to any children in the restaurant, however, they had all left before we realized it.  About half an hour before we left we watched as the fog literally rolled in.  It was rather dense as we headed back to Morro Bay and quite a bit chillier.  I had a great visit with all.

Morro Bay holds an annual city wide garage sale.  It will be this coming weekend from Friday afternoon  through Sunday.  Saturday I hear is the crazy busy day.  I will be helping Joyce and Pete out while they have their goods set up at a friends home.  It will be lots of fun talking with people that come from other areas to find that perfect item and bargain.  I will walk which I suspect will be safer, though I have been warned to watch out for drivers who seem to be only looking at all the items and not so much for us pedestrians.  Say some prayers!

Yesterday I watched as the fishing boats brought their catch to the docks for weighing and selling.  There were several large bins filled with live crabs and other large bins filled with black cod.  The gulls were doing their best to get a free meal and kept swooping into the bins to peck at the fish before the fishermen and dock hands could chase them off.  Apparently there were several fishing boats there to off load their fare and several fishermen were a bit unhappy with how long the process was taking.  

Several spaces were vacated here at my little home by RV'rs on the first of April, that have now been taken over by other RV'rs.  This is an ever changing place that brings nice people into our lives for a short while, only to replace them with other nice people.  A rather fun aspect of being in one place for a short while and becoming aware of and appreciating the process that occurs.  Very Blessed!

Happy Birthday today, Sheay!

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Ryan!

Happy Birthday tomorrow, Jeanne V.!

"The earth is the mother of all people,

and all people should have equal rights

 upon it."

"Treat all men alike.

Give them the same law.

Give them an even chance

to live and grow."

- Chief Joseph

Enjoy your living!