Hello family and friends

Hello family and friends. We have created this blog as a record of our life and thoughts. Please join us on our journey and enjoy our stories.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Here we are in December...

 



A great hike up Cerro Alto today
Kathy, Sue, Cindy, Mary and Randy, Joel
 and Janet taking the picture


Kathy is back in town




Cindy and Randy stopped to take in the views


A rest along the trail



Wonderful views of Morro Rock




Views worth a picture



we had lots to catch up with Kathy

We were ready for lunch at the top











We had a nice Thanksgiving day at Kelly's
Good games of cards

Bixby hold his in his toes



Wrestling off the brussel sprouts


and carving the chicken

The following Saturday we always
 get the Christmas Tree
We walk across the creek from
 Kelly's to the Christmas tree farm



In search of the perfect tree

Bixby cuts it


We all take turns carrying it

Through the forest

Across the field




And down the street

Into the living room


Unfortunately, we discovered that Kelly's
water heater was leaking so...
the next day we wrestled it out and 
removed the wet drywall





Bixby and I tore ivy off the old well house
ready for the next project


Without hot water for a few days
at least Kelly can use her friends
trailer parked in her yard.
Bixby was tired...and so were we.














Friday, October 22, 2021

September and October

 Wow, a couple of months have passed and we have been active but seems like we are taking fewer photos. We have been doing the things we love ...camping at Santa Margarita once a month, sometimes with friends, always enjoying the kayaking,  wild life and hiking. Nature Club has started up again and I do document that with photos. We have enjoyed being with Bixby and helping Kelly clean up the orchard and fix leaky pipes. I try to visit dad once a week and even took him to lunch when he feels like it. Cameron and his family are all in school back in Ohio...a challenge but doing well. Cameron and Arlo are both going for  engineering degrees at different universities. They work part time in the Deli meat market, while Cameron still maintains treadmills at fitness clubs in his spare time !!! , Tina's expanding her skills studying  for a medical data entry certificate while working a full time job and helping her mom after her dad sadly passed away recently.,  Jack and Aislinn doing well in high school and Dani and Bixby turning 12. We are all healthy, busy and happy.



No fires or BBQs 
so cooking with cast iron


The lake level is way down

Sometimes mid week 
we are the only ones there.


But still wonderful kayaking
gliding into the inlets
looking for the bear
 that is sometimes spotted








Exploring the shore
and a cave that is now accessible
with the low water level



Worth a closer look inside










Always time for some fishing




Spotting Bald Eagles


This day we were watching deer,
a bald eagle flew over us
and landed in a tree.
Then a golden eagle flew over 
as an osprey dove in front of us.
Santa Margarita is an
amazing lake to kayak on.

Then a helicopter appeared
inspecting the fire danger






A group of us UU's
helped Susan load up a U Haul
and wave a sad goodbye
as she moved to Port Townsend.


Celebrating Bixby's 12th birthday
by assembling a new computer chair for him


A hike in Big Sur with Chris and Lucy




A return to Nature Club meeting in person.
I love deep hanging out with this group
at the beach








Here we were at one
 of the first Nature Club meetings

and now a couple of years later...


















The kiddos thought of 
playing tug o war with the kelp




Sisters work together to create nature art









We lost track of time and stayed until nearly sunset





Treasures were found

Lily didn't want to leave.
Children teach us to slow down
and spend time exploring
and looking at details



And our October adventure
Exploring holes in the cliff.





 We dig holes in the sand...
to find where the rocks have gone


Following racoon tracks 
to find out where the racoon went.

A spontaneous drum session


Lily explores the hillside


We shadows are dancing and 
keeping the beat with a kelp rattle
made by Eden


Addie Rose spots a moon Jelly






The clouds roll in
 as we head back up the steep steps





The Beach boys at Vina Robles 
outdoor Amphitheater



A Starlink rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force
The fireball looked like it was coming right towards us.


Lunch with Kelly and dad


New friends who gave me the honor
of performing their wedding ceremony




Restaining our wooden house


Always a good time with Bixby at the beach







A picnic at our favorite cove





Now, today the rain is finally here.
 Mike is making broccoli cheese soup
  Yummm...  Enjoy