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.

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

SLOCOASTJOURNAL OCTOBER ARTICLE CALM!!!

CALM!!!

Hard to be believe another month has passed.  So, here you go.



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

 Enjoy a slower pace!!!

- 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!!!

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!

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!

BACKYARD VISITORS - SLO COAST JOURNAL

SLO COAST JOURNAL  -  AUGUST ARTICLE

BACKYARD VISITORS

Here is the August Article.

Click on the link:

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

Enjoy your wildlife!

- 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!