Santa Cruz & Capitola

Adobe on Green

Back from our get-away to Santa Cruz. We stayed at a great B&B, the Adobe on Green. A quaint, quiet place to stay walking distance to shops, cinemas and restaurants. You never see the staff here, you're on your own once you arrive. They leave your key and all the info you need and provide access to a computer and wireless access for your own laptop, a DVD library, a sitting room by a fireplace, and access to a nice kitchen where they serve a breakfast buffet. The room has a separate tub and shower. The tub has jacuzzi jets in it! It's a beautiful location and quiet, we definitely recommend it. (www.adobeongreen.com)

Alaska cold

Today was beautiful. Cold like Alaska, but very clear out. Taking care of business and getting ready for a new year. Next is a family visit and then a romantic get-away w/George. I upgraded this blog and will be adding links and lists in the sidebar soon. If I don't get back here to share before Monday, I wish you a happy New Year!

My latest Haiku:

Short days of winter
Possibilities abound
As a new year dawns

Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice and the last day of Hanukkah. We've been lighting our candles every night. We've also been watering our cute Charlie Brown potted, Christmas tree. Which by the way, can be donated to the Urban Forest after the holiday's and replanted. It feels very environmentally correct. Today's work day will end a little earlier which is nice. Looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas weekend with George.

I got some new festive tea to try, Ginger Snappish (snappy ginger herb tea with lemon) by Bigelow. It sounds fun since I love ginger tea. Shopping is done. Just have more baking to do which I enjoy anyway. Have to compensate by going to the gym though because baking always involves testing in my kitchen. :)

Enjoy the start of winter. It's a good time to get cozy, make some tea or festive hot beverage and watch a good movie (It's a Wonderful Life is timeless), read a good book, write something... or whatever indoor activites appeal to you.

2006

The year is winding down. It's been a good year for us. My greatest acheivements are making a positive job change and losing 15 pounds. We also made some furniture upgrades in our home, took our first cruise (w/my family to Alaska), I got a new financial advisor, visited my best friend in Portland, and we both turned 40!

Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, we are only going to the morning service since I am lighting the advent candles at church. We might go to the movies on Christmas Eve.... not sure yet. I really want to see the Will Smith movie "Pursuit of Happyness" which was filmed here in beautiful San Francisco, and I'd like to see"Rocky Balboa". Playing it by ear.

Christmas day ... it's about celebrating our Savior.

I also wish my Aunt Joyce a very happy birthday.

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Award-winning I might add! Tied for first place at our company potluck with Turtle fudge and Tiramisu! Thanks Steph. Thanks Paula Deen. :)

Pumpkin gingerbread trifle

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Tis the season

Fancy dinner

Salad at michael minna

Red

Festive

11-22-06

Sadly, nine years ago today you left this world Michael Hutchence.

Your life and talent are still missed.

peace

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:6-7 (New Century Version)

Fall leaves

I love Fall. The air is crisp and cool in the evenings lately. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks already! Time to start baking all recipes pumpkin! I did a practice batch of my pumpkin bread recipe and made it even healthier because I was short on ingredients. I used a cup less sugar and 1/2 healthy oil and the other 1/2 cup applesauce. I added raisins and walnuts and it came out really good.

a new chapter begins

Here's to the good life! Congratulations on your retirement Dad. You have worked hard for sooooo many years. May you enjoy the freedom you now have to spend your days as you choose. I look forward to spending time with you hopefully soon. xoxo

What would you do that seems impossible?

I just completed another online class, Writerific. This was the last assignment. Next week I start a new online course, Travel Writing, can't wait!

If it weren’t impossible,
I’d travel the world with George right now
Learning about people, culture, art and language.
I’d write about experiences, places, faith,
beauty, and the food and wine.

I’d always have a wellspring of ideas to write collections of poetry,
travel essays, and spiritual/inspiration pieces.
I’d have a disciplined writing practice
and submit my pieces for publication.

If I put a little effort and planning forth,
I’d pare my home in San Francisco down
to essentials we only use or love.
I’d often take advantage of the many gifts available here,
in my hometown. Such as, exploring more neighborhoods,
writing in café’s, and attending more literary events!

birthday bacon

Happy (belated) 8th birthday to the Bacon Queen!
xoxo

congrats to my friend

Congratulations on your wedding Mira & Robert. I send you love and prayers on your journey to France and Africa over the next three months!!!

Fame at Farmer's Market

I ran into a co-worker at Farmer's Market yesterday and as we browsed around at produce, the ABC news stopped us and asked him some questions about produce and the recalls regarding e-coli lately. They aired a few seconds of his interview on the 6:00 News! A little fame during lunch hour. You just never know.

Orange

I flourish in autumn when the weather cools and days begin to shorten. I tinge the leaves before they dry out and fall to the ground. I am cheerful, warm, and even glow sometimes. You will find me abundant in pumpkin patches and marketplaces in October, The children run around enjoying all the pumpkins while adults select and purchase them. I am even in the pumpkin’s insides which gets scooped out before the decoration process. I enhance the tangy butternut squash soup that warms your belly.

In the winter, you don’t see much of me, until I revive again in spring. I dance in the tulips and splash flecks in the wings of butterflies. I scent the breezes with citrus and can be seen in trees that bear fruit. In the evenings I often join with the pinks and lavenders in a golden blaze at sunset.

As purple signifies royalty and majesty, I’d like to think I represent joy and laughter since I easily bring smiles to peoples faces. I’m delightfully orange.

Present in Paris

Looking at Paris in this light, I am reminded that being somewhere new is a great way to stay fully in-the-present. I begin to search for landmarks and some street names that I will remember later. He and I navigate along the Left Bank and later to the Right Bank. Following signs to the Metro and deciphering maps we explore the City of Light. With senses heightened, I am living in the moment.

We walk through the Tuileries Garden and I admire the many beautiful statues. We stop for a meal and savor each bite of steak and frites. I taste my food and sip red wine. Intentionally slowing down is a helpful way to be present. With conscious effort, I guard my mind from: Did I unplug the coffeepot? Is the alarm clock turned off? When I get back I need to make an appointment with…. Dear Sylvia, we are having a wonderful time in Paris… Yes, I can even begin to compose postcards.

At home with familiar routines, I find myself on autopilot more often than I care to admit. I take the same path, thoughtless about where I’m going. Thinking about what needs to be done and daydreaming about what I wish I were doing, the days begin to blend together and weeks slip by unnoticed. There’s nothing like travel to shake away complacency.

As I try to relish in each moment, I begin to wonder how to take this awareness home with me. While visiting the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the message becomes clear. All these beautiful resting places adorned with flowers, become a sober reminder that life is fleeting. When we get back to our hotel he tells me, “Let’s change our reservations and extend the trip, and hopefully we still have jobs when we return.”

9/18/06

Happy Birthday Mom
Have a wonderful day.
I love you.

prayer

Tonight I send up a prayer for Jack Davis, who suffered a heart attack this past weekend. "I ask You Lord, to surround him with tender mercies, love, and grace. May You fill Jack with with peace and the strength needed to recover. Please comfort and strengthen his loved ones as well. I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen."

Valley of the Moon

Sunday morning we went for a massage. That was a nice treat for us both. We later found the Jack London State Park which turned out to be far more interesting than we'd imagined. There is a little house/museum. Apparently he lived on this property from 1905 till 1916. He built his dream house (very large) and it sadly burned down before he and his family moved in. There is also a grave site where he and his wife's ashes are laid.

We made a stop at Viansa on our way out and picked up some nice wines. It's a beautiful winery, designed to resemble Tuscany. It was a treat to have sunshine and warm weather all weekend because once we were back at Golden Gate Bridge, it was like nature opened her freezer!

It was a beautiful weekend and I wouldn't have done it any other way. It was exactly how I wanted to spend a milestone birthday, thanks to George, my love, for making it all possible.

Wine Country

When your day begins with gelato , you know it's a good day. This is at an art/street fair in downtown Napa.


Did a little wine tasting at the Madonna Estate winery, and had a picnic lunch. George opening a very nice chardonnay.


We stayed in a nice hotel just outside of Sonoma. Turns out B&B's are booked way in advance and require a two-night stay! We'll do that another time.

So Long 39...

My hairdresser Paco gave me a complimentary up-do for my birthday. It's a tad windblown, but it is supposed to look like twisty ribbons.
Beginning a new and fabulous decade tomorrow and will be out on a fun adventure with my sweet George.
Ciao!

George in Alaska; he could 'bearly' contain himself

more from Alaska

pizza haiku literally

boboli with cheese
mushrooms salami basil
pizza for dinner

thinking about writing

I sit here thinking about writing goals. Should I sign up for the 2-year course? Should I find a local writers group? I do however, think I will join an online group "Sunday Scribblings" with a weekly writing prompt. http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/

What is it about the desire to write and the actual DOING the writing? There seems to be a large gap between the two, for me at least. Sadly, I THINK about writing far more than I actually write. I mean, aside from a few scratches here and there in a moleskine journal, working on a creative piece or project. The fact that I am not 'working' on anything creative, blocks me! Is that crazy? That's why I think I need some structure, whether involved in some group(s) or taking a class. It keeps the pen moving! Whatever works, right? I'm sure most writer's have their own battles with the page. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to send 'em!

sailing down the page

It's good to be back and finally caught up on rest and back in the groove of work and all. This week I came across a writing program that operates as a correspondence course with a mentor and lessons over a two-year period! The price is very fair and the guy who heads this up is reputable. I'm intrigued. I'm praying for some guidance and soul searching to see if I am really up for such a long-term commitment and can muster the discipline necessary to successfully complete this program.

My new job is going very well. I really like everyone and I'm learning more. It's a good change for sure.

I just heard on the news that some crazy man w/mental issues drove around the city running people over in the street and sidewalks on purpose today! There were 14 victims. Sad.

Before I get down on the world again, George comes over to remind me that there are good samaritans and good things happening every day. He always brightens my perspective.

birthday's

Happy Anniversary -August 28

46 years
and still going strong!

greetings from the dining room

bacon, pizza and fries