Farewell

We started and ended our visit to California at Jack London State Park. There is something very serene and peaceful about the place. And with Spring in the air, fresh after several days of rain, the park seemed even more magical.

The kids found a small stream where they played with their 'pet slug', making it a home. The sun shone bright, warming our faces. I tried to bottle it up, just enough to last us a few more months before spring arrives here.

Interval of Sunshine

Our friend's house where we are staying at has a couple of lemon trees and an orange tree. I never understood why Californians ever have to buy citrus. Why not just set out baskets of these beauties outside for anyone who needs them? They are homegrown, local, and organic! What could be better?

Rain

Despite what you think, it does rain in California. It can rain a lot in California. And my camera is too dear for me to try to capture some photos of the blooming trees and wet children. Rest assured, though, that we are still having fun. We are having so much fun that we have delayed our return trip a few days (partly because we heard that there is a snow storm brewing back East)! Perhaps the sun will come back to bid us adieu before then.

Santa Cruz

It's good to be back.

At least for one more day. We have enjoyed our trip to California so much that we don't want it to end. But such is life: nothing is permanent; all good things come to an end. Such cliches, but all truthful, unfortunately.

We walked around the UCSC arboretum today. They have the largest collection of New Zealand flora, outside of New Zealand, so I was taking photographs like I was in some foreign land. The kids were in heaven exploring, running, climbing, with not a care in the world.

Rain is expected for tomorrow, our last day here for now. We still have friends to see, and places to visit. The good thing is that we know it won't be long until we return for good, if all goes well!

Costanoa

Costanoa used to be too close for us to spend a night. A mere thirty minute drive north of Santa Cruz, on the Pacific Ocean coast, Costanoa is a mixture of luxury camping, a lodge, an oasis on the California coast.

Well, now that we are homeless in Santa Cruz, this was the perfect place for us to stay during our visit. The cabin that we are staying in is cozy, with a fireplace that also functions as our night light after we turn off all the lights, and fall asleep. All the cabins share an out-house, and there is a wonderful restaurant, a spa, a hot tub, all within the living compound of the place. Like I said - luxury camping, at its best!

We took a hike down to the beach this morning, as the fog was rolling out to the sea. The kids loved the vernal pool they found in between all the sand dunes. I have missed this kind of outing with them - pure happiness, in natural beauty, at no cost.

We head to Santa Cruz tomorrow to visit friends, places, and memories.

Cousins and the Golden Gate Bridge

Another beautiful day in the city by the Bay! It's hard to believe that we have to leave it...

Sunshine

California Living

We left Boston during a winter storm. Our plane was de-iced before it left on the runway. The clouds hung low. It was the dead of winter.

Six hours later, after a nap, lots of movies, and compliments from our neighbors, we were greeted with sunshine, warmth, and a sense of openess.

Snow? What snow?

Our first day in Sonoma has been full of sunshine. The kids and I went to Jack London State Park where we found fields of narcissus, mustards, and daffodils. The kids were thrilled that they could make a little bouquet of flowers for their cousin Anders.

Eight more days of this, but who is counting?

Happy Valentine's Day

From Sonoma, California!

Berries

We went to a birthday party today where we found this beautiful plate of berries. They were not grown here, of course. They were probably not even grown on in this country...
Regardless, the kids devoured them, hungry for the flavors and colors they have not had in months. We may get to taste some local fruits next week when we will be back in California for 9 days! You know you will be seeing some colors then!

Bubbles

Love

Hope

Claire-Bear

Banjo Boy

He may be our only musically inclined member in either families. Thank goodness he's happy with just a rubberbanded-pot banjo for now.

New Member

One of the pregnant cows gave birth to a calf a week or so ago at Codman Farm. We were lucky to be able to visit them today! Momo tuned in and tried to communicate with the animals by mooing and clucking. If you didn't know, you would think he was practicing the opera.

It rained all last night, so the ground was supersaturated. This is what mud season will be like in a couple of months!