Winter Getaway

After four straight storms passing through in less than two weeks I felt soggy and needed a big dose of sun! Jack wanted to see the 15-25 ft. waves that were reported on the coast, and hadn't seen parts of the CA coastline so we were off for another adventure! We began in Gilroy, drove to Hollister and stopped at Mt. Madonna county park to see what damages occurred. it wasn't as bad as I thought and as a bonus we came across two pretty deer who were as curious about us as we were about them! Then, off to Monterey Bay Aquarium. The weather was nasty and rainy off and on all day but we were treated to special exhibits and feedings throughout the Aquarium. There was a break in the weather so we headed for the Old Fisherman's Grotto (my all time favorite place to eat) on the wharf for dinner. Dinner was yum!

There was all kinds of noise going on-machine and vehicles clearing debris but the deer didn't seem to notice....

Jack said if I got out of the car very quietly and slowly they'd come even closer..he was right!

One of the newer exhibits is the seahorses....Oh my! It's worth the price of admission....

Of course the jellies is my all-time favorite....You could drop me off this exhibit and pick me up a few days later. Just fascinating creatures.

These may be the dwarf seahorses-don't they look delicate?

This is really bizzare-these are called leafy green dragons...

If you haven't gone to the Monterey Bay Aquarium or if it's been 20+ years (did you know it's been open for 25 years?) do put this trip on your "to do" list!

This was a first for Jack-we started the trek through Big Sur just north in Carmel

Some pretty good waves but not the 15-25 ft. advertised.

We weren't sure why these folks had chairs down on the beach-it may be prep for a wedding or just a comfortable place to watch the show..

Either way, at every turn we saw nature at its spectacular best.

Jack was happy to be at the"calendar bridge"-the bridge he says is the most photographed on the coast.

This is a naval facility lighthouse...and a photo of the California contented cow...

Julia Phieffer State Park Beach is not the easiest to find, and we were discouraged from taking the road since there were trees that partially blocked the path. Of course, that didn't stop us! This beach is my all-time favorite place...it's a cathedral.

There's lots of evidence of the storms. Jack is finding some purple sand to keep as a memento.

All this coastal magnificence reminded Jack of fishing....Some coastal construction engineers had a sense of humor.. and had chairs carved out of tree stumps...

Just more beautiful scenery...

The "plan" was to get to Hearst Castle by nightfall...

And watch the sun set

A perfect winter getaway weekend!

First visit for 2010

Nothing beats the blahs like a visit from the grandchildren...Kris came and tended to chores (I always have a "to do" list waiting for her) while I just sat around and enjoyed my grandchildren, Miss C and Miss E.

How fast they grow!

Here's a switch- Miss C is reading to me! Later we went down memory lane with a slide show-I showed Miss C some pictures of her when she was Miss E's age. It's a lot of work for Kris to get the children ready and spend the night-I'm so blessed! Maybe next visit Sandi can come, too.

Christmas 2009

Christmas celebration begins with decorating cookies! This has become an annual tradition, having Miss C and her friends come over and pile on the sugar! This year we had miniature gingerbread cookies as well as sugar cookies. Thanks Sandi, for finding cookies already baked and ready to decorate!

Shelby and Cole were welcome additions-Shelby has lots of experience creating one-of-a-kind cakes...

When Miss woke from her nap we were treated to a "piano concerto"

And before we knew it, it was Christmas! Miss C left cookies and milk for Santa and beer and carrots for Rudolph. We knew Santa came because the beer and carrots were gone as well as the milk and most of the cookies-the reindeer left a mess on the carpet-and Santa brought a beautiful big girl bike! And left it on the dining room table!

But wait! There's more! Lots and lots more! Miss C helped Miss E by opening her presents....

Big hit was the princess outfit complete with jewelry, crown, purse, hi heels and skirt.

And, the ever favorite play dough

Later we all sat down for a splendid dinner of prime rib. Three cheers for the cook (Kris) and all the sou chefs who contributed to such a grand meal.

Aloha!

Talk about modern marvels....I'm sitting in my stateroom blogging! We've been at sea for four days-my cell phone doesn't have any service but the internet is alive and kicking! The good/bad news is that my camera is on the fritz-no pictures! Jeanne Williams and I are going shopping in Hilo tomorrow-our first port-and guess what? Wal Mart sends a courtesy shuttle to the ship. What a crack up!

We've been keeping ourselves busy attending the twice daily trivia games and when you see Jeanne ask her how she fared on Princess Surviver.....

Hi Santa

After a very busy two days and one night babysitting, (see previous blog) I went to visit Santa Jack...It was absolutely delightful, watching children (and adults) give themselves over to the magic...

Santa talks to children no matter how young.

Santa says it's the best job on this planet-And I believe him!

Santa knows when a visitor is too shy to sit on his lap- he can still elicit their dreams...

A November Weekend

Well, I know why women do NOT have children at our age....what a busy weekend! Sandi arranged for the two of them to get away to celebrate Kris's 40th birthday and enlisted me and her mom Linda to take care of the girls. I began the weekend and Linda came over Saturday afternoon to finish but Kris and Sandi missed the girls too much and came home late Saturday night. Sleep deprivation, feedings, and entertaining a 4 year old was both a joy and a chore!

Lucky for me big sister loves to take care of baby-for a few minutes at a time!

We had to have a tea party

Miss E is just starting cereal.....

Oh yeah!

Kris is 40!

Where did the time go? Just "yesterday" Kris was planning a surprise 35th party for me-and now she's celebrating her 40th! Next Tuesday is the official day but with school and owrk during the week the family came to celebrate today. Kris asked for (and got) several cooking tools for camping-and some recipes from my friends and the internet. Since Sandi's birthday was last week, her gift was a gift card (I lost her present somewhere between WA and home.)

Miss C has just grown so much! Miss E is almost 5 mos. old and such a talker!

We had a great time-even though it was cold!

The campfire was perfect-thanks, Jack, for leaving such a good supply of wood!

Here she is...the birthday girl!

Ann (cookie grandma) came for a quick visit...and shared some yummy mint chocolate cookies-yum.

It must be the mountain air that got Miss E a 4hr. nap......