These days have been mostly about catching up with friends and family, Christmas shopping ( I love it…even in the Christmas rush), working on some Christmas gifts I’m making, and I’ve even had a chance to do a little baking.
Have a ‘peace’ of apple pie?
A lovely loaf of bread, right out of the oven!
It has been busy but fun.
Oh, and just in case you come over…! 😊
Also Mary and I borrowed the five movies that comprise the Twilight Saga from Jason and Mandy ( my son and daughter-in-law).
We’ve been binging on these in the evenings, including the many extra discs that have the special effects, interviews with the cast, and deleted scenes.
I know. It’s supposed to appeal to teenagers. Just call us young at heart! Remember, I’m the one who spent a week in Forks, WA, and a week at the RV Park at First Beach in LaPush, on the Quileute Indian Reservation, where the wolves hang out!
Remember this? Jacob in human form…and me. I seem to do ok with men as long as they are made of cardboard.
I’m so team Jacob! I think Mary is too.
The author of the saga, Stephanie Myers, a mom with three boys, who majored in English in college, but had never written a book before in her life, had a weird dream about Bella and Edward in the meadow. Three weeks later she had written the book called ‘Twilight’, and the meadow scene was in chapter 13. Just some trivia for ya. 😊
I went to a Christmas retirement party with some of the nurses I used to work with. Marsha and I did a selfie between the Mimosas. (Ok, this is the day before I got a much needed hair styling from Deb, who’s been doing my hair for the last almost 20 years, when I’m here.) Marsha lived in Spangle, WA for awhile after retirement. I visited her there a couple of times and blogged about it. Now she has moved back to the Central Coast area.
Mary and I had lunch at Tillie Gort’s Cafe, an old hippie hang out where you can find vegan fare.
Joel (the Joel Pole man), makes the best cup of java in existence. Joel the Java Man!
While visiting with Laura and Joel we drove up to a hill top at a Palo Alto park, and got a view of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay.
Jason and Mandy and I had lunch out in Big Sur at Napenthe…a tradition for us.
It was hard to get good costal pictures this day because of the smoke from the Southern California fires.
But I kept trying.
I get to go shopping at my very own Whole Foods market. Well, not exactly mine, but…you know what I mean? Hey, did you know I saw Clint Eastwood shopping there once? Made my day! 😘 And he was NOT cardboard.
Sharon (Mandy’s mom), with Joy and Shiloh. We went to lunch and then back to their property for a walk.
You know how in our travels to The Ranch, we followed autumn….that was awhile ago. Thought autumn was past, didja? Nope. It’s just now come to the central coast.
These changing leaves pictures were taken near Mary’s house today.
Yeah….I’m loving being home right now.
Wandering Spirit 
You look great and very happy!
Hi Sharon, thanks. Feeling happy. I’ve had some dog concerns, but I’ll leave that for another post. Otherwise ‘life is good’ right now. 😊
Welcome home, You’re right that there is no better place on earth! Marie
Hi Marie,
I don’t remember actually saying that! I think it’s all in the senses of the beholder. I think different people resonate with different places, and for me, your statement is correct….but everyone has a favorite place. 😀
Merry Christmas to you and your family Marie!
Thanks for the update. it was so nice meeting you up in the upper Michigan area.
Tom & Tina Sobers
Hi Tom and Tina,
Yes I remember you guys and your little Sheltie. Very nice meeting you. I sure enjoyed Michigan this past summer. That campground in Gladstone was recommended by my friend Marie…she and her husband had stayed there. Nice little place, wasn’t it?
ahhhh Napenthe, one of my favorite destinations. My husband and i always stop there on our drive up the 1 to Carmel. I’m in love with Carmel by the Sea, if i ever win the lottery that’s where i’m moving! (currently in L.A.) I love reading your blog and following your adventures!
Hi Heidi.
Isn’t it great? A bit expensive but the view as you sit and ear ( or drink!) is priceless. Nothing quite like a South Coast Margarita as you sit overlooking that very same south coast.
Very inspiring place.
PS Heidi. So very glad you are enjoying the blog!
Its a bit pricey but for the view who cares. We’re usually exhausted at that point and we find ourselves taking in a big sigh of relief that we’ve made it there (as you know the drive on the 1 is a little white knuckle at times). i haven’t been in a few years and having been dying to go back and to visit Carmel. I have a little dog that would just love Carmel too! and next time i’m ordering that margarita!!
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! The baked goods look scrumptious(I baked some bread today myself–looks a lot like yours!). The pics are great as usual…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Pat. Wondering what 2018 will bring….
That no-knead bread is so fun and easy. AND yummy!
WOW, we took a pretty good picture! Are you going to get a chance to come up here before you hit the road again?
Hi Marsha, I’ll reply by email!