--VISITORS --

I am so excited that my son and daughter-in-law (Tim and Darlene) are coming to visit during mid April.  Yea!!!   I last spent time with them late December and saw them briefly the end of January.  We talk almost every day though hugs for real are the best.  We will have lots to do.

I have had lots of dog fixes lately with Duke, Daisy, Roxie, Bridget, Diesel, Maki, Annie and many more.  There are so many happy and wonderful pets here and they are all friendly and sweet.  I had some kind of a dog dream a few nights ago, so maybe one is close to coming into my life.  There are several travelers with cats.  This was a surprise to me though my friends (sort of family) that live in Ohio have a few cats and they may become part of us travelers in about a year.  (It is getting closer, Sharon!)

I had a wonderful visit with my former mother-in-law Sunday.  She will be 91 in May and is still doing very well on her own.  Though she does not drive, there are several friends that take her on her errands and to appointments.  She and one of her friends go to Taco Bell every Saturday for lunch.  It is wonderful she is still doing all she does.  And then she told me about another friend of hers who is 94 and is almost never home since she does so much volunteering. I wonder what it is about all of these people here who are enjoying their longevity.  Pretty amazing.

Since I was moving the spot I would be staying in here in the RV park, I decided to drive the motor home when I went to visit my former mother-in-law.   It was a good thing since I discovered a few issues that need attention.  I obviously have much more to learn about this little home on wheels.  I have a call into the repair person and I am waiting to hear from him so we can schedule taking care of these issues.  There are a few things I can do myself with a little assistance.  Grateful for that!

We finally got rain last night and today.  Much needed.  Maybe it will continue for a few days.  The weather people say one thing and then something else happens.  An interesting career in which a person can present information that then seems to be incorrect at least 80 percent of the time and yet they continue to collect a pay check.  Politics appears to be the only other area in which this occurs.  Hummmm!  You don't want me to get started on this.  It is not pretty.

I am getting a hair cut today.  It has been over two months and I am beginning to look like a bush woman.  I am not saying this is bad, only scary.  I am fortunate that Danielle is still here.  She is the person I used to go to when I lived here twelve years ago.  Her mother, who passed shortly after I moved away, and I were good friends.  Miss her.  

It was three years ago March 3rd since my Mom passed.  She was 91 and a half and had been still living on her on until five months prior to her actual passing.  She did have someone come in and help her three hours a day during the week.  I had just brought her to the coast the previous July and all of us "kids" were with her to celebrate her 91st birthday in August.  September took her into the hospital which ended up being the last time she would see her home.  

She rebounded several times and with rehab she almost made it back home, though I saw that her body was just giving out on her.  It wasn't until December that we were told she would be unable to leave the rehab facility to go home and be on her own.  That January and February were the months when her memory changed and she lived completely in the present moment.  I was living in Auburn then and drove almost every weekend to visit with her in Clovis.  

It was so sweet.  When I would walk in the room she would say, in a very happy voice, "Hi honey, it is so good to see you."  We would talk and laugh for a bit and then I would tell her I was going to talk with the nurses and be back in a few minutes.  So, I did and when I returned to her room she would say, "Hi honey, it is so good to see you."  It was as though it was the first time she had seen me for a week.  It was always that way from then on and for the first time I realized that she was not worrying about anything.  That was awesome!

And so it went.  We would get her all bundled up and we would go for a walk down the street, with her in her wheel chair.  She loved being outside and sometimes we would just go outside to their patio area and sit in the sun.  She would marvel about the leaves or lack of them and the colors of the flowers that managed to bloom at that time of year.  We talked about all kinds of things.

I find it common place to still talk with her today, only now it is in my head.  I hear her comment on flowers and birds and all things nature.  I hear her excitement in it all.  I am very grateful I had her for my Mom and she continues to teach me every day the ways of wonder.  Thanks, Mom!!! 

So, guess I am out and about now for the day.  Another walk seems in order and perhaps a stop at the little health food store.  They always have such fun things to look at and discover.  Baked salmon for dinner with steamed zucchini.  Yum!!!

Enjoy your present moment!!!

- PEREGRINE FALCONS -

View from  the harbor.

View from the Embarcadero.

Morro Rock is the home of two pairs of breeding Peregrine Falcons.  They have been brought back from the brink of extinction by some very dedicated people and today one of the pair (that call the Rock their home) was seen mating.  Soon there will be eggs in the nest and little ones to follow. Today we were able to see the female as she sat looking out at the ocean and harbor.  There are several locals who bring their binoculars and set up tripods and such so visitors to the area, and locals as well, can see these magnificent birds up close.

Looking down Beach Street to the Embarcadero.

This area is a mecca for wildlife and friendly locals who generously share their knowledge  and kindness with others.  It is such a delight just being here.  So, my walk this morning included at least an hour talking with two gentlemen who shared their stories and offered their binoculars for me to view the birds.  The birds are so far away up the rock that it is difficult for me to even see them.  Hence, I left picture taking to those with huge lenses on massive cameras.  Thanks, guys!

I have been reminded all morning how I continue to shed the layers of all my past years that had me so scheduled and sheltered.  I am allowing these layers to slip away each time I am out and about here, as I so enjoy the area and the people.  The next few months will still be mostly tourist free and I will be able to simply explore and learn from everything around me.  I am amazed at how my thought process is changing and my awareness is increasing by all that surrounds me.  I almost feel as though I am becoming a different person, when in reality I suspect I am returning to the me that used to be prior to all the constraints of society and its rules and schedules and conformities.  Thank you, Universe

Egret and a variety of loon.

There have been some pelicans fishing in the harbor area these past few days and successfully at that!  I don't know what the force of their impact is when they hit the water, though I can only imagine if it were me, I am certain I would have a headache.  I am, therefore, very happy to see them catch the fish they were after.  Occasionally one will just float on the water's surface after catching and swallowing their meal, which concerns me that perhaps they may be injured.  So I am always grateful to see them eventually take flight again.  I am so glad to see them back.  


This morning all of the otters were gathered near the Rock in the harbor.  Three of them had babies on their bellies.  When I used to live here I remember one morning I was walking along the docks and watched as an otter swam close to where I was standing.  It was a mom and her baby, which she left bobbing on the surface while she dove down under the water along the piling to gather something to eat.  All of a sudden this small creature let out a scream that was amazing for how small it was.  And the teeth!  They were huge and very threatening. I would prefer to avoid this little ones bite.  Shortly, the mom returned and all was well again, in this baby otters life.  Mine too, as the screaming ceased.  

Egret in flight near the Rock.

Morro Bay broke a temperature high yesterday reaching 82 degrees.  Very nice.  The prediction for the next several days is decreasing temperatures with possible sprinkles next week.  We shall see.  The marine layer began coming in while I was at the Rock and now it has receded and and it is very pleasant.  Margie and Dart figured the coldest temperatures where they live are over so they headed home yesterday to Washington State.  


I will be moving to a different spot within the RV park tomorrow.  I will be back to the space I was in when I was here in November.  My neighbors are the same, so it will feel as comfortable as home.  It appears for now that I will be here through April.  Only time will tell.  A month at a time and sometimes a day at a time.  And then there are those moments.  Love it.



Hi to Allison and Tucker who were here in the RV park for a while and may be on their way back to Canada.  From there they are on to Panama to live.  Happy journeys!  Allison, the orchid is actually next door to the Dog Swim.  Still stunningly gorgeous!!!  Thanks for sharing.

"If we see a child who is two or three,

perhaps four years old, we find a free human.

Why is this human free?

Because this human does whatever he or she wants to do.  The human is completely wild.

Just like a flower, a tree, or an animal

that has not been domesticated - wild!

And if we observe humans who are two years old,

we find that most of the time these humans

have a big smile on their face and they're having fun.

They are exploring the world.

They are not afraid to play.

They are afraid when they are hurt,

when they are hungry,

when some of their needs are not met,

but they don't worry about the past,

don't care about the future,

and only live in the present moment."

- Don  Miguel Ruis

- taken from his book

- The Four Agreements

Enjoy being your own child!

- 80 DEGREES & SUNNY --

Amazing orchid blooming in a pot.

Daffodils and orchid in a pot.

Someone thinks it is Spring here.  80 degrees with a light warm breeze.  Flowers that get water are blooming everywhere.  Daffodils, orchids, ice plant, pansies  and more.  Natures colors are everywhere and so beautiful.  The cherry trees are blooming in San Luis Obispo.  They are just starting to bloom here in Morro Bay.  


The hawks are out, and it is warm enough for the monarch butterflies to be mating and doing their thing.    

Morro Bay bus stop west wall

Morro Bay bus stop east wall

I needed to go to the small town of Cayucos a few days ago, so I figured out the whole bus thing and bought a pass for the month.  The pass will take me all the way north to Hearst Castle with San Simeon and Cambria on the way,  as well as, south to San Luis Obispo.  Getting the senior discount makes it very affordable at $22 for the month.  Yea!!


So, I went to the bus stop in Morro Bay at the park and went to sit in the waiting area.  It is a square building with the north and east sides having roll up doors, floor to ceiling.  The other two walls are painted murals to look like the inside of a house.  These pictures are all painted murals, including the windows, with the exception of the sofa, (south wall) and bench (west wall) which are brown colored formed concrete.  

Morro Bus stop, south wall  The sofa looks so real.

This is the most thought through bus stop waiting area I have ever seen.  Very realistic, good shelter (though the sofa is rather uncomfortable) and yet open on two sides during the hours the bus runs.  They close the doors at night which keeps out the critters, etc.

While I was sitting on the concrete bench a young man and his dog came through and he asked me for the time.  I checked and told him and he continued on.  He returned a few minutes with a piece of lavender offering it to me and thanking me for giving him the time.  He was a complete gentle young man and appeared as what I would call a "hippie."  He told me the lavender is calming and he uses it when he is around a lot of people.  He was on the same bus I took and his dog rode for free because it is a service dog.  When I got off the bus, I couldn't help but give him the amount of his fare as a gift in return for sharing his spirit with me.  I love these kinds of events occurring.  What a nice thing to happen just before going into the dentist.

While I was in Cayucos I went to one of my favorite restaurants, The Sea Shanty.  I ran into some friends, dogs and watched some local guys talking to each other at the bed of their truck.  (This is definitely a boy thing!)

While I was walking to the restaurant I noticed there were three sheriff cars at one of the motels on the main street.  They were all talking on the radios and hand held devices.  This will be the talk of the town for at least a week as everyone attempts to figure out just what it was all about. Everyone knows everything is a small town.  Love it.


The weekend after this Cayucos will hold their annual Sea Glass Festival.  They will have all sorts of treasures featuring sea glass with so many talented artists displaying and selling their creations and wares.  It is a fun event to check out and see so many unusual items.

"An expert dedicates his life to his training

with the purpose of winning competitions.

Someday you may become a master gymnast.

The master dedicates his training to life."

- Dan Millman

- excerpt from his book

- Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Enjoy your first day of March!

- WIND - SPRING - CAN'T BE -

Walking round town lately has presented flowering plants that in other areas are still asleep in winter time.  This lovely jasmine plant is beginning to flower out and offers such a wonderfully sweet aroma for passersby.  

Saturday was incredibly windy.  My little home was a rocking each time there was a gust.  Megan came into town from Arroyo Grande and we walked to Top Dog for coffee.  Something warm truly hit the spot.  We walked back meandering through the street fair and almost had to hold onto each other to keep from being blown away. 

I also found this wonderful succulent blooming away on my path.  It looks so happy with the bright yellow flowers just beginning to open.  So now I am on a quest to discover as many succulents in bloom as possible.  







This one could be used as a Christmas tree.

This appears to be a hens-n-chickens plant with a flowering top I never knew they made.  Must be a specific variety.  Very stunning up close and personal.

Sunday I discovered additional otters in the harbor.  This little secluded and sheltered area was hosting one otter.  Then there were three and now there are seven.  I have counted as many as twelve out in the harbor closer to the jetty and this is the first time I have seen this many together in the calmer waters of the boat docks in the harbor.  Curious.

I just never know what will present itself when I am out and about.  One of my pure pleasures about being here.

I just heard gas prices are rising again which could have an affect on my traveling.  While I have this wonderful home on wheels, good gas mileage is one of its rather weaker points.  This is definitely one of the things I will consider as I venture forth.

I met Judy, who is the editor of Slo Coastal Journal, a monthly online magazine for this amazing area.  Margie and Dart introduced us Saturday morning while we were all out talking near the jetty. Judy and I have talked since our meeting and beginning with the April issue, I will be writing a column for the magazine.  I am looking forward to doing this and I am fairly certain I can link it to my blog.  You can always check it out ahead of time by reading articles written by the locals at:  www.slocoastjournal.com.  Thank you, Judy.

Life is ever changing.  I learned from my Mom, during her last few months, the grace one receives when living in the moment.  I am doing my best at this and getting better at it every day.  I am letting go of major planning.  Simply putting it out there and allowing it to present itself.  When I lived in Sacramento I had discovered this house in a rather wealthy part of town that I fell in love with.  It had an appeal that I just couldn't resist.  I silently wished that I could be able to see the inside.  

About twenty years later my husband and I were going to a friends wedding at a private home.  When we pulled up to the address, I was shocked, speechless and thrilled to see it was THE house.  My mind was in such a state of shock that I think I was unable to focus on the actual inside.  I remember thinking at the time that the rooms seemed smaller than what I thought they would be.  Everything was English Tudor style.  There was a huge pool, putting green and tennis courts on the back of the property.  I had failed to imagine how large the parcel could be.  I continued to process this whole event and how something I had silently wished for so long ago was actually happening.  

I was amazed and curious and excited.  I suspect this was one of the many things that occurred during those years that were preparing me for the Adventure of searching out my own spirituality.  My path has been amazing, and is so today.  I continually marvel at the discoveries I find, the subtle messages and ideas that come, and at watching how things simply unfold when left to do so.  I am becoming happier and more at peace all the time.  I am aware of my acceptance and comfort at what is happening in my life.  And I am feeling grateful a lot for everything.  Thank You, Universe!  So, I continue on.

"You are already connected to everything you need

when you're inspired

- what takes place is a

realignment within you that allows for everything,

every event, and every person, to merge

in your 'In-Spirited' consciousness."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

taken from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Happy Birthday, Roger!!!  (Older Brother!)

Enjoy your inspiration!

- SHORT STORM -

The weather channels predicted a rather hefty storm that in reality turned out to be about five hours of off and on rain.  Periods of gentle rain and periods of heavy rain.  It was clear by 6 pm and then we had clear skies overnight.  Nights have been cold though the days are clear and upper 50's.  I can handle this.


Yesterday I got my people (Chris, Dorothy and Bob, and Dick), dog (Duke, Abbey, Maki, Daisy and Bridgett) and French Bakery fix.  (Yes, I did the bakery thing!)  It was rather chilly first thing in the morning, then it warmed by the time I walked by the bakery.  I was able to play with Daisy, a dog here in the park, who is adorably sweet.  She is probably the right size of dog for traveling, so keeping my eyes and ears open for whatever shows up.  (Still hoping for a golden, St. Bernard or Newfoundland.)  Unclear just how much room that would leave for me.  Plus dog hair, plus wet dog hair, plus dirt, plus water, plus food, plus brushing, plus washing, plus big stuff to pick up.  I am working all of this out in my mind.  Makes me laugh.

Millie and I have been playing "Words with Friends" on our phones.  Tuesday she was having trouble with the app so we did not get to play for two days.  I actually went through withdrawals.  She and I talked this morning and she is up and running again.  It makes one think about how much time we spend doing these kinds of things and entertaining our addictions.  Of course our other addiction, local port and Belgium chocolates, needs to be continually nourished when we spend time together.  Oh, darn!  I guess we'll just have to struggle through it and do our best.

All of these pictures were taken Tuesday morning during my early morning walk.  It didn't actually rain until about 1:15 pm, just as I walked out of the grocery store to go back to my home.  Fortunately it was just starting and drizzling so I arrived just a bit damp and wet around the edges.  I have discovered one just needs to do whatever it is and let happen what happens.  If one waits around for things to change, they will change, though maybe different than what one hoped for.  So, just move onward.


Years ago there was this wonderful song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."  It is curious that I still occasionally hear it when it is most appropriate.  It reminds me to let go of any worry about anything and trust that all things happen for a reason.  I may never know why, which is just the point.  Let it go.  Check in with my own happiness and continue to do my best.  Keep in the unconditional love space and be in the moment.  That is all I have anyway.  Who knows what the instant may bring.  All things are subject to change, just as the weather is here.  Locals say that if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change.  Pretty right on.

"The one Source of All-Encompassing Love

knows nothing of boundaries,

differing customs, geographic divisions, family splits;

or differences in race, creed, sex, and so on -

It only knows love for all."

-  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Enjoy your Love!

- CALM BEFORE THE STORM -

Well, according to the weather channels, it is supposed to be raining.  Someone forgot to look outside.  Again!  The Rock was actually glowing gold this morning as the sun was shining on it.  It was very dynamic since the sky was filled with dark clouds and the water in the harbor was so still and glass like, reflecting the Rock so beautifully.  Very calm this morning.  

I spent quite a while chatting with Jerry at the boat dock.  She comes three days a week to provide food and fresh water for a feral cat that lives under one of the docks.  She and two others care for this beautiful animal that would otherwise be solitary.  They have captured her and took her for a veterinary check up, shots and getting fixed.  These three people are the only ones that can touch and hold her.  I am so grateful for those that care for the unwanted animals in this world.  

While we were chatting, the sky was almost completely clear and the sun was generating much warmth.  All of us, that had checked the weather before we started our walk, had on several layers, ready for the rain and cold. It was certainly eluding us at this point in time.  So, one sheds a layer or two and continues on.  

I also came across a litter critter (one of many) that lives in the rock chunks along the shoreline of the harbor.  It was being very still and I almost stepped on it.  He seemed to be moving a bit slow, maybe because it hadn't warmed up enough for him to be scampering about, which is what they usually do.  Anyway, he posed for a picture before he moved back into one of his hiding places.  Very cute.  Also, looked as though he has been having lots to eat.


There were also otters resting in the harbor near the boats.  It seems to me that many of the animals are behaving a bit differently this morning.  Maybe it is just me, though maybe too, they are getting ready for the incoming storm.  (Where is it?)  So, at around 11:00 am, it drizzled for about three minutes.  OK!  I am still seeing shadows.  It is amazing to see how smooth and calm the water is in the harbor.  There is no wind and everything is still.  

Of course, it is also very calm and still due to all of the tourists going back to their homes yesterday.  I am very grateful for this.  The streets are almost deserted and one can walk down the sidewalks without being mobbed or bumped.  I realize the local businesses rely on tourists for their lively hood, however, I sure do enjoy the peace and quite when they are gone. 

"There are three masteries that lead people to become Toltecs.  

First is the Mastery of Awareness.  

This is to be aware of who we really are, with all the possibilities.  

The second is the Mastery of Transformation - 

how to change, how to be free of domestication.  

The third is the Mastery of Intent.  

Intent from the Toltec point of view 

is that part of life that makes transformation of energy possible; 

it is the one living being that seamlessly encompasses all energy, 

or what we call "God." 

 Intent is life itself; it is unconditional love.  

The Mastery of Intent is therefore the Mastery of Love."

- Don Miguel Ruiz

from his book

The Four Agreements

Happy Birthday, Chris B.!

Enjoy your calm!

- LEMON ZESTER -

Last week, after Joyce, Carol and I had lunch at Robin's, we went to a local hardware store and each of us purchased a lemon zester.  I have been using it and I love it.  It is simple and effective to use and I have been putting lemon zest in my smoothies every morning, and adding it to my salads.  All are yummy.  The one we purchased has a good grip and creates better zest than anything I have used in the past.  We paid a much more modest price than what I have seen on the internet.    It makes me happy when I find a good deal.  Thank you, Universe!

The People Are Here!  They are everywhere.  This long weekend has brought all of them.  At least, it seems that way.  I took a late afternoon walk and almost couldn't navigate the few streets there are here.  This is probably part of the problem.  Everyone congregates on the Embarcadero or Main Street.  Once I strolled over a few streets, it was fine.  Pretty crazy.  There must also have been a motorcycle group here as well, because I heard them during the early afternoon.  Fortunately the sounds they make were silent by early evening.  

The sun is holding, though they are predicting rain tomorrow and off and on through the week.  It is still so nice in the mornings and I love the walks to the rock and boat launch.  I get my dog fixes and the new day.  I go by the French Bakery and do my best to avoid going in.  I do confess my strength has failed me a few times.  The nice thing about early mornings is most of the tourists have yet to be out and about.  There are some, but mostly locals.  Very nice.

Patty and I went to lunch at the Bayside Cafe and celebrated my birthday.  The Bayside is one of my favorite places to go and I have not been there since I lived here.  They offer skewers of tuna wrapped in bacon and cooked with teriyaki sauce.  Add a small salad and yummy!   We sat out in the sun and enjoyed our meal and attempted to solve the issues of the world, etc.  I am unsure if we were successful, however I thoroughly enjoyed the time together.  Patty and her husband, Stu, just sold their motel and are taking a bit of a break  I wish them well.

" Make it your intention to always stay inspired

and live what your heart knows,

rather than only what your eyes see!"

-  Dr. Wyne W. Dyer

from his book

Your Ultimate Calling

Happy Birthday, Tim!

Happy Birthday, Leslie!

Enjoy your zest!