The Perfect Winter Day ~ California Style ~ March 4, 2015

Time to clean house this morning, top to bottom. It took us a few hours, but well worth the effort. What to do with the rest of the day? In the interest of keeping the house clean for as long as possible we ran away from home. First stop was a well earned lunch at the Hole in the Wall in Sebastopol. If you live locally you need to try it. 

It's time to check out the new North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. We were looking for challenge and were not disappointed. The Lookout Trail climbs 800 feet in elevation from the parking lot. It is a 4.2 mile round trip of rambling trail and switchbacks winding through meadows, woods and open space. The view is nothing short of astounding.

The wildflowers are starting to show themselves, but are probably a couple of weeks from "full tilt boogie" color. It is early March after all! The cool winter weather was perfect for the hike. Don't know that I'd want to try it in the heat of summer.

Due to it being mid-week the park was uncrowded. About 90% of the folks we met on the trail were senior citizens like ourselves, further proof that age is only a number, and youth a state of mind. Rod did a short video from the lookout with his iPhone. The youtube link is http://youtu.be/a1VqpWi-nk4

Return trip ~ all down hill

Wherever we hike we are always on the lookout for hearts and have never been disappointed. Found these on the trail. We got back down to the parking lot about 4 pm. Rather than head home and mess up the kitchen we stopped at Fandee's, another of our go to places in Sebastopol, for soup and salad.

It was a day well spent, a treasure for us both. We did 4.2 miles of four wheel drive hiking and were no worse for wear. Where to for the next hike? Well we have a Sonoma County Park pass, so must be time to do some exploring in our own backyard. Welcome to the Use It or Lose Tour. Now go play outside. 

Just a Thought Series - Feb 1, 1976

He had such a sweet way of using her

Staying on just long enough

To fill his emptiness

He opened her with his honesty

Broke her defenses with a smile

Then so quietly he left her

With a feeling
Maybe
In awhile

Lady Rider

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lewfoster

A prisoner 
Of his own confusion

He found himself on trial

But it was easier to close the door

Than to compromise his style

Their paths may again cross one day
But she's not the girl 
He once knew
No longer easily disarmed
A wiser woman
Sure of self
Immune to reckless charm

Random Musings ~ March 19, 2012

Age to Aging to Ageless

It seems to me

Time unmeasured is time well spent

Road to the Lost Coast 2009

A river to the sea

The beauty of random choice

Strength of purpose

Nourishing heart 

Renewed awareness 

Round every bend

Just a Thought Series ~ On Birthdays

1970 ~ 25th Birthday

Athabasca Glacer, British Columbia

On the road again

A journey that provides miles of learning

Today's gift

Home is where your heart IS

1976 ~ 31st Birthday

Willow Tree

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioRobertWu

Wind on the water 

The willow learns to bend

A day of discovery

On creating my own space

Enjoying the company of friends

1985 ~ 40th Birthday

"I don't mind be 70, what really bugs me
is having a 40 year old daughter"
(favorite Momism)

2012 ~ 67th Birthday

I remain a child at heart
Ever the optomist

Following my creative muses

Sharing my life
With an amazing group of friends
And a delightful man
Who brings me yellow roses 

Just a Thought Series ~ March 24, 1970

Move inside yourself

live within your heart and

follow those feelings

but be conscious

of the fact

you interact with others

Attachment to an idea

or a person

can be dangerous

for you may lose your freedom

and take the chance

of restricting

someone else's

~

Where you are is where you exist

not in past thought

or future expectation

Today

Today is not for

I should be

I'm supposed to

I need to

Today is for

Saying thank you to those who serve

Hometown Heros

http://www.etsy.com/people/KimDow

Opening a door for someone

Smiling at a stranger

Taking a walk outside

Calling a friend

Planting a tree

Dancing in your living room or

Making a child giggle

Remembering

Those no longer with us

http://www.etsy.com/people/samclarkphotography

Never Forgetting

How precious life is and

How lucky we are

Life is too short to sit around and let happen: follow your heart, chase your dreams, and do what makes you happy. Rain or shine step outside for a few hours. It's amazing what awaits you on the other side of the door!

Simply Unexpected

When we were young it seemed cards and flowers, presents or a candlelit dinner were to be expected on Feb 14th. We have now shared 28 Valentine's Days and find that the little unexpected gestures, acts of imagination, and something as simple as the offer of a foot rub after dinner have more meaning than anything we could buy.

I am a collector of rocks and crystals and last year my husband awoke to find this on the counter. He is the chef in the family and today fixed pancakes for breakfast. When he brought my plate to the table there were 2 heart shaped pancakes smothered in a compote of raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. I was so caught up in the moment I was halfway through the first pancake before I realized I should have taken a picture! However, because of my delightful, edible gift he has been forgiven for skunking me at Cribbage this morning!

So when Valentine's day comes around again don't purchase your thoughts of love; create something from your imagination, pick a bouquet wildflowers, cook something special or go for a long walk. It's the little things that make a difference.

Rock Hound

Riverfront Park, Windsor, CA

I have a thing for rocks. My grandfather was a geologist so maybe it's in my genes. My husband and I have been travelling blue highways for almost 30 years and I always found a rock or two that insisted on riding home with us. His dream is to use all of our road trip rocks to build a BBQ/Bread Oven in the back yard, then we can admire them and never have to move them again. I've wised up a bit and now use my digital camera to "bring them home".

Crandell Lake, Waterton Park, Alberta

The Lost Coast west of Garberville in Humboldt County, CA.

There is a similar outcropping at Walks On Beach at Gualala, CA

The Smith River at Jedediah Smith Park in Northern California