Bodega Beach

I went to California recently.
I loved the beach, the sun, the beach, the hot, the sun, the beach.
I enjoyed the people. They always make me smile--even infected with swine flu.


Here are some photos of my beach day.

FLOWERS!

It's been a rough week, to say the least!

I'm in my busiest season at the Y: Summer camp. Which means I'm in Boulder Valley soccer mom hell. My apologies if you are a soccer mom; but not really, if you act entitled, pushy, and down right mean. Because that's just not cool at all. And back to the loving place. 

As well as, I got news from my mother that my grandmother is about to die. I'm waiting for the call any day now. She needs to have surgery; however, with surgery, they doctors say she will not make it through that process. It would be too rough on her at this point. So, they are just making her as comfortable as possible and hoping for the best. 

With work and family I have been in stress overload. My stress has existed on several levels this week. So yesterday afternoon when I got home and there was a beautiful boquet of flowers waiting for me, I was utterly delighted. It put a huge smile on my face after such a long week.



A big THANK YOU to Rebecca, Vivien and Mook who always love me so well. You warmed my heart and ministered to my soul by your thoughtful gesture.  I felt so loved and encouraged. 

Love and Hugs to my California family today!!

Blog Catch Up: My Birthday

I was fortunate enough to spend my 34th birthday in California with Rebecca & Vivien--where I was spoiled beyond measure. I was able to have a day of relaxation where I stayed in comfy clothes all day, took a nap outside on the patio where I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. A sheer delight since Colorado had been quite snowy and cloudy. I also had a couple of days of exploring the Redwoods, the coast and the quaint town of Mendocino--which by the way, I want to move there and garden and play on the coast everyday.

On our way to see the Redwoods, we stopped about a million times for Rebecca to pull out her prized pony, aka a Nikon D90 she got for Christmas, and take pictures along the way.  So, needless to say, if she was posting this...the pics would be better. But alas, I don't have a pony, so don't judge my photos!!

One stop of the drive, I absolutely loved. It was the Tulip Hill Winery.


The tulips and florals were absolutely gorgeous. We were on a schedule, so sadly, no wine. Plus, I was the only wine drinker of the group anyway...so whatever....on with the trip. We made it to where we were staying near Redwoods National Park. A lovely place called the Benbow Inn. It was spectacular. When we arrived they had a bottle of champagne waiting for me as a birthday treat!! Fantastic!!



We arrived at the Benbow Inn just in time for afternoon tea and yummy heart shaped scones. After that we headed for the Redwoods. I don't really have words that can adequately explain how much I enjoyed the Redwoods. I was overwhelmed and in awe of this massive giants. Most have been there for about 1800 years. Can you believe that? Long before I was ever a thought in this world, these trees were standing, and when I'm no longer here, they more than likely will still be standing. Amazing.




My Redwood tree pics aren't that fabulous. Remember, I don't have a pony. Rebecca, send me some photos for my memories. Grrr!! While there, Vivien pulled out the Native American flute--which they didn't teach me how to play again!!--and this amazing thing happened. You see, there was a hawk flying over head and he kept circling around to the music. Eventually he brought some friends, and then more friends. These hawks circled above us while she played her music. It was fantastic.



After loads of fun exploring the Redwoods we took a wee scenic route in order for me to see the coast on our way back to Woodland.



We stopped in the quaint city of Mendocino. I love, love this town. I think all the gardeners of the world live and/or retire here. Every house and garden was a treat for they eyes.




Basically, I had an absolute blast on my birthday. A big thank you to Rebecca, Vivien and Mook for all the love and fun. It will be a birthday I remember always!!

California Dreamin' Pt. 2

I've finished my last few days in glorious California. I have been able to get my sightseeing in of the beautiful State of California (except Woodland of course, that place was terrible! just kidding); as well as, lots of good fun with Rebecca, Vivien, Mook and Spencer.

Here's another run down on my last few days in Cali:

Day 4

On Saturday, we spent time in "local" goodness. We started the day with the Farmer's Market in Davis. Followed by selecting and purchasing a 2nd Christmas tree. Mook thought the first tree wasn't quite large enough, plus she wanted to support the local Boy Scouts troop. So off to their tree farm we went.

Rebecca  & Spencer making sure the tree is being put on the car properly!

After that, most of the day was spent decorating or attempting to decorate both trees, while Vivien worked on the front yard.

Day 5
Napa Valley!! The best day of my life. Right ladies?!
So fun friends, so fun. We drove up to Napa so I could get a good look at the vineyards that I know and love. Even in the autumn, the vineyards were spectacular. The colors were so amazing. On our way up, we stopped at the Oakville Grocery for lunch. It was crazy cool. I loved that place.









After we had a bite to eat we continued onto Napa. As we passed all the vineyards it was a visual experience that i'll never forget. Each winery does it's best to outshine the other. So there was plenty for your eyes to feast upon.









We strolled, or rather drove, around for a few hours and I enjoyed every moment of it. On ur way back we stopped to get yummy chocolate at Woodhouse Chocolate--if you haven't been there, you must go. It's fabulous. And the inside of the store is a dazzling treat. Plus I absolutely adore their logo and color choice. It's all very divine. And then carried onto Taylor's Refresher. A "must go" if you ever get the chance.


I have a thousand more pictures and a thousand more things I could tell you. But...this blog would never end. And already it has more pictures than I originally planned. All this to say, I have had a fantastic time and have had an amazing trip. And will be sad to leave tomorrow. 

Oh and many hand claps for my hostesses as they have been absolutely brilliant. 

I'll be back again. I just know it. :)

California Dreamin'

I'm in Cali visiting Rebecca & Vivien. Yes, Rebecca, I really came to see you. It's been a great couple of days so far.

Here's a rundown of the trip thus far....

Day 1:
I arrived late, but was still able to enjoy experiencing "The Catherine Tate Show" with Rebecca. I love this show. It's that awkward funny that you can't help but love. Nice. My favorite clips were the ones of Lauren.



Day 2:
I woke up and had homemade pancake balls made by the lovely Vivien. And then we went to see the movie "Australia". We didn't realize how long (nearly 3 hours) it was going to be and had to leave during the last 15/20 minutes because we were going to be late to Thanksgiving dinner. Which brings me to....I had Thanksgiving dinner with Rebecca's family--which was lovely, but awkward at the same time. Even though I'm a people person, during holiday's with other families, i'm never quite sure how to "be"! Silly, I know. But true nonetheless, I'm just weird that way. It's all the internal anxiety, but whatever. After dinner, I managed to get Rebecca to watch "Hairspray" and "Talledega Nights". She was definitely a trooper, that's for sure. 

Day 3:
San Francisco!!! We headed to San Fran this morning and I was super excited, as i've never been there. We crossed the Golden Gate bridge, which was awesome, yet a bit tainted for me as I had just watched the documentary The Bridge a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully, there were no jumpers. After crossing the Golden Gate, we headed down to Fisherman's Wharf where we enjoyed a good lunch and walked around for a bit to enjoy the sites and the city. (I may or may not have had a bit of an anxiety attack along the way due to hunger, no caffeine and the car ride; but, Whatever. Ha!!)

You could see Alcatraz from the pier, I tried to get a few good pictures, but my camera sucks. Next, I had my first carriage ride, ever, with Rebecca and Vivien. Rebecca and I sat in the back snuggled up as it was getting a bit chilly, all the while I was driving her crazy with trying to take about a million photos. She secretly loved it. And Vivien found a friend in the driver, Derek. He was a fellow Kiwi, so they were "catching up!"





After the carriage ride, we headed down to Pier 39 to look around at all the hubbub of shopping, tourists and Sea Lions!!



We topped the day off with coming upon the lighting of the Christmas tree downtown San Francisco, an In-n-Out burger and buying a Christmas tree to decorate tomorrow evening.

I must get some shut eye, because tomorrow is the "local" tour of Davis/Woodland which includes a Farmers Market and whatever else we find along the way.

Last Hit!!