Close to the Curl

Song - Miserlou by Dick Dale & the Deltones

Mr. B and I headed to Santa Cruz over the long weekend with our two doggies.  We had some work to do on the cabin and we both needed some time to relax.

I even got some painting in!

We took long walks on the beach and collected little shots of nature and people out having fun.  Well, I did the "little shots" while Mr B pretended to pose for me so I could get some good shots of people behind him being "natural".

He also held little critters for me to take pictures of.  Actually, he is a handy little photo assistant!

This is a live Sand Dollar with a Barnacle attached to it.  Poor thing.....  Mr. B wanted to do surgery but I suggested we just throw it back into the water.

We came across all kinds of good finds....shells, jellyfish, crab shells, beautiful kites, Sand Dabs, Pelican's flying in formation, etc.

But the best find was a Longboard Surfing Competition at Steamer Lane!

When we were there, it was the "Grand Masters" heat.  That meant old guys over 60!

Here is the crowd watching the competition out near the lighthouse.

I'm not sure about the point system but apparently you get points for:

• Nose riding, trimming and stalling;
• Walking the board;
• Standard and crouching island pullouts;
• Bottom turns – full rail or from tail;
• Cut backs – drop knee or wide stance / sit down style;
• Top turn or re-entry.

Then this green guy came along and did this......

And this......

 Then he had to get back up again.....

The closer you are to the curl of the wave, the more points.

Then you needed to dismount gracefully..........mmm.....not like this guy!

THE END

“Out of water, I am nothing” --Duke Kahanamoku

The Figurative Storm

Song - The Way We Were by Gladys Knight

Mt. Diablo from Kaiser Hospital in Antioch

Yes, I have been out of commission for the last few weeks as I have been helping my parents out.  My mom had hip replacement surgery and my dad needed some support.  Luckily I have a wonderful brother, sister-in-law & Mr. B to help out.

All went well and I brought mom home from the nursing facility this morning! 

So the figurative storm is passing......

It filled my heart with joy to see the two of them sitting in their beautiful backyard today, in the warm sun, holding hands!


"Life is better than death, I believe, if only because it is less boring, and because it has fresh peaches in it."  --Alice Walker

A Little Road Trip

Song - Many Rivers to Cross by Joe Cocker

Mr. B and I have been so busy lately that we have not had much time to relax and when we do it's usually TV or a book or going out to dinner.

But earlier this week we decided to change that and we earmarked this weekend to spend some time together.

We haven't taken a "road trip" in quite awhile so we dropped the doggies off with Grandma & Grandpa in the morning.  Got our coffee & Diet Coke and headed to Marin County.

Even though it has be unseasonably warm around here, the hills in Marin are still quite green and full of wildflowers.

We first stopped in Point Reyes Station but between bicycle riders, motorcycles and cars, it was a little crowded. 

We did head into the Cow Girl Creamery.......mmm.....love their cheese!

Then we headed up Hwy. 1 towards Tomales enjoying the winding road, Oyster beds and people enjoying the beautiful day.

After having lunch outside in Tomales, we went to Dillon Beach to watch the surfers.

Now when was the last time you saw a Public Telephone???

No surfers today but lot's of people on the beach and several people flying kites.  There was a line of about 15 cars waiting to get into the beach parking lot so we decided to head further north towards Bodega Bay.

George Dillon who founded the town in 1858

The hills were filled with lazy cows waiting in line to be milked, sweet young lambs & even a few Llamas!

Tonight is "Dinner & a Movie" night with the kids so I had better get cooking!!

Happy Monday!


"To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted" - Bill Bryson

My Garden Would Like to Say "Hello"

Song - Give Me Love by George Harrison

Just in the last week my garden has exploded in blooms.

Especially the Bearded Iris and Roses.....oh my!

I take daily walks around my yard in the morning & evening.

It is so relaxing.

Especially the shade garden which is full of Dogwood, Columbine, Violets, Hostas, Primrose, Impatients,  Hydrangea & Lily of the Valley.

I can feel myself relaxing as I stroll through my flowers, checking on how they are doing.

I like to dead head or pick a bouquet for the dinner table.  I check to see if everyone is being watered & happy.  I check for deer damage &  gophers/moles.  Ugg. But it goes along with having a garden.



























I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my garden.

Please come again.
My flowers and I wish you a happy Thursday!


"In our moments of most intense joy, we realize how vulnerable we are."  -  Brene Brown