January 2025

We lost Allan this month. He was 92 and lived a full, rich and meaningful life. We are grieving, but also living his philosophy to always look forward. In that spirit, I hit the road again this week, and am finding lots of joy out here.

First stop: Fresno State for a reading of a new TYA play called Lemonade Stand inspired by the multi-ethnic agro community here. So proud of the budding actors who brought the story to life for an appreciative audience. 

 I was in Fresno for Chinese New Year, so I couldn't pass up dim sum for dinner.

Pork buns

Shrimp dumplings

I left Fresno this morning and drove two hours southwest to Paso Robles (Path of the Oaks) for R&R in the wine country. I am listening to music and enjoying the view tonight at Blanc et Rouge Farm, nestled in the hills among the oaks and vineyards. The cottage is gorgeous and comfy.

My first wine stop earlier today was at Loma Seca Winery. The vineyards are not irrigated and pesticide-free, which makes for robust flavors. I tried six varieties (Primitivo, Grenache, Garnacha, Mouvédre, Petite Syrah, and one blend) while sitting outside and enjoying the spectacular view.

After the purchase of several bottles and a visit to Vivant Cheese Shop to pick up provisions, I'm settled in for a relaxing night. Everyone I love is with me in spirit tonight. I feel so very blessed to be living this good life. Oh, and there are chickens here. 

Thankful for my Midwest family

 Hannah hosted the holiday in Madison  

Delicious and fun!

Now I know the benefit of having kids… so they grow up to do the work!

John was on pie crust duty. 

Now is when I’m 64

 

It’s Day 3 of my birthday week here in Idyllwild and while I’m waiting for my cake to cool so I can frost it, I thought I would share some pix of our celebrations. 

This was our dessert on my actual birthday at Ferro restaurant.  It tasted so much better than it looks >>> banana cake topped with a deep dark chocolate gelato, and half banana topped with Nutella drizzle and salty pistachios. AMAZING! (John is a gift every day.)

Blue skies, nothing but blue skies…

Shadow casting on my favorite hike. 

64 years, 3328 weeks, 23296 mornings 

Sunset at 123 Lavender Farm

Hopeful for another year of trees, flowers, friends and travel adventures.

Grateful for it all. 😘

Last days in Maine

 We’ve had a great week in Maine but all things must end, and so, too, does our time here. The following are photos of our final day on Mt Desert Island and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

More rocky shoreline

So much moss!

Tree lichen

A walk in the woods is always a good day

John being ever curious

Is this steeple not so New England?

A week of crabmeat, lobster and finally oysters!

And truly finally, a few colors for the leaf peepers.

Acadia National Park

 Is it possible that each day is as beautiful as the last one? Apparently so in Acadia. Enjoying more ocean views from various vantage points on the shoreline.

Sand Beach

Mountain reflection

Fleet feet… Hannah always walks faster than I do. Occasionally I catch up long enough to snap a pic.

Our kind of rock climbing

Rocky shoreline typifies Maine beaches

A sign we left on the trail for John so he knew which fork to take to find us.