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!

Winter Farm Article

My most recent article was published today in the Lincoln journal. Read it here if you are interested in finding out what farmers do in the dead of winter.

Sunny Morning

We also saw a red cardinal, but he flew away before I could snap a photo of him...

The Pimento in My Olive

She's

the

nutmeg in my eggnog

the

marmite on my toast

the

anchovy on my pizza

the

fish sauce in my rice.

i love you clairey-boo!!!!!!

(p.s. i'll remind you of these photos when you
are in high school!!!).
love, your guest blogger, daddy.

Kennedy for Obama

I am not an American, therefore (sadly), I cannot participate in the presidential election this year. If you need to be inspired to vote, please read this article in the New York Times by Caroline Kennedy who is endorsing Barack Obama for president. It's powerful, it's moving, it makes me wish that I could vote this year!

Gloucester and Rockport

There is a reason that I had never been to Gloucester, Mass, before. I found out the reason why today.

Granted, it is probably lovely in the summer when the beaches are packed with families and sunbathers, the lobster shacks and ice cream parlors are hopping with activities, and the trees and flowers lighten up the grey empty spaces of the landscape.

Rockport, on the other hand, has been one of my favorite destinations around here. I don't think I ever went in the middle of winter, however, so this usually very quaint, artsy village was rather cold and bare. We managed to find a small beach with some beach glass for our collection, though, which made it worth it for our kids.

It was very cold today, but the sun was shining. And so, our outing was still lovely. I can also say now that I don't really have to go back to Gloucester again.