Monday, December 19, 2022

Birthday in Tecate

If we have an occasion to celebrate and some $ in our pocket, we love returning to Rancho La Puerta in Mexico for a tune-up to our wellness routine. Morning hikes, stretching, yoga, massage, pickleball and other sports plus super healthy food and inspiring vistas on sacred native grounds all combine for real rest and recharge.


This is the outdoor dining space for breakfast and lunch.


Morning hikes begin before sunrise.


John turned 66 on the hike up to "Alex's oak."


Above the clouds...


... feels like heaven.


A snowy egret on a rock by a tree.


We were fortunate to be in Mexico for La Posada, a re-creation of the Christmas journey from door to door (la puerta a la puerta) in which Joseph and the pregnant Mary seek a place of refuge for the night. 
La posada means "shelter" in Spanish.


People walk the journey and sing in a call-and-response fashion, asking for refuge and being turned away twice before they are welcomed by a stranger. They celebrate with banuelos, churros and sweet treats, including a pinata for the children.


La Tuna, musicians from the University of Baja, joined the festivities.

Feliz Navidad!







Saturday, November 26, 2022

Thanksgiving at home

Our home overflowed with friends, family, gratitude, generosity and love this week as we hosted Regina, Ben & Russell, Howie & Barby and seven Osmanis for Thanksgiving. So much delicious food. So many good feels. Great way to kick off the winter holiday season! 














Sunday, November 13, 2022

No idle time in Idyllwild

John has this thing about firewood. He must have been cold a lot when he lived in Minnesota. With all the wood (pine & avocado) he ordered and stacked in Idyllwild, he'll never be cold again.



TreePeople were encouraging planting by giving away free trees. We planted two of these beautiful Purple Leaf Plums and a Montmorency Cherry tree. Hoping for blossoms someday.




After working in the yard and hiking in the forest, we've always got a pile of muddy shoes. That's how we know it's been a good day. :)


Friday, November 11, 2022

First signs of winter

After three days of stormy weather, the air is so clear that you can see from the mountains of Idyllwild to the Pacific Ocean, a distance of 63 miles. 


Snow and the last few clouds linger on the hills above our cabin.


But the chill in the air doesn't deter us from hiking in the snow.



Afterwards? A glass of wine by a roaring fire.




Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Neighborhood Walk

As beautiful as it is in sunshine, Idyllwild feels a bit magical in clouds and fog. These pix were taken walking around the neighborhood.





Sunday, October 16, 2022

Birthday celebration

Headed down the hill to Palm Desert for an overnight birthday celebration. Swanky hotel, spa, dining al fresco, almond croissants for breakfast, shopping on El Paseo... feeling very special and loved with my love. 💘





Monday, October 10, 2022

Devil's Slide Trail

Working our way uphill towards Taquitz Peak on Devil's Slide Trail. Still a long way to go to cover some distance, but the first few miles are definitely postcard-photo-worthy. Elevation 6800 feet.






As one trail-walker said this morning, when you're hiking Idyllwild, you're living the dream.


Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Idyllwild Redux

 Celebrating my birthday month again in Idyllwild. Here are a few hiking shots. More fun to come...!





Saturday, September 24, 2022

Sometimes We Stay

 Sometimes we stay home and people come to visit us.

Marcia and Benj

Sabrina with Benj and John

Carrie and Floyd zoom in from Florida





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 o...