Big Sur!

I visited Monterey over the July 4th weekend. I came on my own. The kids stayed home and my husband carried the torch for 4th of July. Not being my favorite holiday, I was happy to leave Roseville behind to visit the land of fog and drizzle.
My time here that weekend was bittersweet. Every time I looked at the news feed online or went into town for coffee or pastry (http://www.parker-lusseaupastries.com/home.htm) I would hear of the fire.
Fires raged all over the Big Sur area, sweeping down over the mountains and right to the road. Businesses were sprayed with fire-retardant gel. We waited for word and listened wistfully as we heard the stats relating to the containment of the fire.
I was worried that Nepenthe, this fantastic. iconic restaurant and gift shop would be lost to the flames. I heard stories that the owner refused to go when the evacuation order was given.
So, it was hard to be here. My dad fought forest fires when I was a kid. He even fought them in the nearby Carmel Valley. It was quite a trip to come here, 15 years later, when I first moved to California and see where he fought those long ago fires.
It is about three weeks later now and the kids and I went to Big Sur today.
We visited the hard to find Pfeiffer Beach. I love that beach. Hidden away at the end of a winding road, it is secluded enough that there are not hoards of people. Today there were several small groups, couples, dogs, kids. The beach was lovely and the kids dug, chased waves and rolled down the hill.
We had lunch at Nepenthe. The 5 year old had what she claimed to be the best Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich EVER!!! The views were stunning.
We swung into Pfeiffer Big Sur State park to look at the river and the falls. Sadly, we found that most of the park is closed. The trails in some cases are non-existent. The hillsides are bare, except for the shadows of ash left over from the fire fight.
There are signs everywhere thanking the fire crews. Spirits are high and businesses are busy. It was nice to see the area in recovery.
I paused to think of other parts of California. Right now in Paradise, in northern California, there are many many homes lost. There is devastating damage. Sadly, Paradise, despite it's name, is not a huge tourist destination. There is less money coming into the area and less attention being paid to it as a result.
So, to the residents and the crews, my thoughts go out to all of you.

Vacation?

So, I packed up the kids to head to Monterey for the week..yes, week!
Why is it that they manage to have all of the necessary items while I end up with one sandal, a t-shirt and half a pair of pj's? In the race to get the three of them ready, I always manage to forget the essentials!
Luckily, we are at my moms and I am certain (hopeful?) that she does not mind that I am raiding her wardrobe while she is away.
Having this respite from the HOT Roseville summer is so nice. Right now it is foggy and cold...48 degrees!
So, days spent on the beach, digging huge holes and evenings relaxing watching the deer walking along 17 Mile Drive are a lovely distraction from the everyday.
I love this time away, our days take on a different tone. We are not racing around. Large chain stores are not part of our circuit. If we need something , we run to a local place. Sometimes it costs more but I love that we are away from what I call chain store hell.
I find it harder and harder to escape that monotony in Roseville. Being a suburb, the town just sprawls and sprawls, ever larger. Most days our attempts to eat and shop local are thwarted.
There are some places there and some opportunities. There are many Farmer's Markets in the area and some new restaurants are trying to turn the central commissary tide.
So, for the moment, we are away. We have big plans for more digging and dog watching on Carmel Beach and for chowder at a place in Pacific Grove. It is a lovely break!

Oh yes, there is knitting as well!!! I am joining in an Art Swap that a fellow etsy seller has organized called Namaste Art Swap.
While here I will go to
this shop to find some wool to go with some vegetable dyed yarn I got in Taos, NM. I am thinking a felted bowl or a mobius basket! ( The kids are less enthusiastic about this part of the day!)

So it begins.....

The need to connect and create is very strong for me. I thought I would start this blog as a means to connect with others!
I have experienced many great exchanges with others online. It is amazing how small the world can be when you find common ground with other people, miles and miles away.
I would love for this to be a place for me to share some amazing things I've found online, on etsy and beyond.
I love to discuss kids, knitting ab books, along with many other topics!
If you have found this, check back again. I'll do my best to be engaging.