Category Archives: Lifestyle

Showing some of life in southern California.

Taking Time to Really Look

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sunset

This semester I’m taking a class in beginning digital photography. One of the homework assignments was to photograph a sunset. The first two evenings, I got so busy, I forgot to go outside and look. On the 3rd day, I actually set an alarm to remind myself  to head out into the backyard with my camera, at the appropriate time. Looking over our back wall, I realized  that I had never really looked at a sunset. It was lovely and I got a few good shots, but not as colorful as I had hoped. The next evening my husband and I climbed a near by trail just before the sun went down and were rewarded with a beautiufl view of a breathtaking sunset. The class assignment had turned into a very enjoyable experience that included a lovely walk with Martin.

water ripples

The second assignment was to take an action shot. I chose the ocean water moving over rocks at Dana Point Harbor.  Again, something I had never really taken the time to observe closely.

When I registered for the class, my motive was to learn to take better photographs.  What I didn’t realize, was just how many beautiful subjects there are to photograph, when we slow down enough to look around and really see. I hope to improve my skills, but even if I don’t, I have learned a valuable life lesson. I find myself constantly looking for the perfect subject for my next photo, and this alone has taught me to appreciate the beauty that is all around us. Perhaps after reading this, you may find yourself taking a little more time to notice the beauty which I’m sure surrounds you too.

Away From the Heat and the Smoke

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water ripples

One of our favorite scooter destinations is Silverado Canyon, and that was the plan, until yesterday, around 10:00 A.M., when a wild fire started in Silverado Canyon. I spotted the tell tale cloud of smoke around 1:00 P.M., as I headed off to a  class, and by the time I arrived home at 4:30 the fire had obviously grown in size. There was no wind thank goodness, so the fire was not being pushed along as so often happens here in Southern California.

This morning when we woke we could smell smoke, and according to the weather report we were in for another scorcher. We made the decision to ride our scooters to the coast and see if we could find some cool, smoke free air. We weren’t the only ones looking.

yellow sails

As I write this we are home, about ten miles from the fire, which is still burning. The canyon has been evacuated and brave firefighters work to save homes. We are sending them good thoughts, and wishing the residents of Silverado Canyon a quick and safe return to their homes.

A Local Treasure in Dana Point

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The Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area

The Dana Point Headlands Interpretive Center

You may have read that our south facing beaches here in California have had enormous waves the past week or so. The authorities are asking us to stay away, because several people have been injured while surfing or swimming. This morning our curiosity got the better of us and we decided to have a look. We drove to Dana Point and had lunch at Smokey’s House of BBQ on Pacific Coast Highway. We are familiar with Smokey’s because our San Clemente Scooter Club often meets there for dinner.
After lunch, we went to the Dana Point Marina, where we drove up the very steep Cove Road, and then spotted Green Lantern. This was a road we had never noticed before, even though for many years we kept a sail boat in the Dana Point Marina.

We turned on to the street to see where it led. It was then that we spotted the sign announcing The Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. We parked and went in to the Interpretive Center. We were welcomed by two docents who showed us around and told us the building had been there for four years, which was quite a surprise to us. They also told us about the hiking trails that were part of the conservation area. After looking at the exhibits, we headed out on the trail.

Martin walking

Here you can see my husband, Martin, walking the sandy trail, with the beautiful Pacific in the distance. The trails were easy to follow, and very well tended.

 

ocean view 2      panoramic view

 

 

 

 

The view was absolutely breathtaking. We hiked for a little over thirty minutes and then turned back. We had not planned on a hike, so were not carrying water, or sun screen. We were so happy to have found this wonderful treasure, so close to home. We plan to return soon, carrying the proper supplies, and hike farther next time. Oh, by the way, we never did get to see the waves up close. That is probably a good thing as the lifeguards are busy enough, without us adding to their work.

 

 

New Zealand, A Wonderful Place to Visit

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Boat viewNow that we are retired, people sometimes ask if we get to travel. The answer is yes, to visit our three kids.We then get that poor you look from those who don’t really know where our children live. Those who do, know our children live in beautiful places well worth visiting. This photo of Tiare Iti  (Little Flower in Polynesia) belongs to our younger daughter, who lives in New Zealand. It is spring there, and as we await winter, they look forward to their summer. Nicole sent these photos to us this morning and I could not resist sharing them.  She is readying her boat for the summer sailing season.

 

inside boatAs you can see , it is very colorful and cozy down below. Last spring I spent a month living aboard Tiare Iti and it was great fun.

 

 

 

Boat libraryTui life jacket Here you see part of Nicole’s book shelf, and her cat, Tui, wearing a life jacket. Tui is named for the black and white New Zealand Tui bird.

New Zealand is a  lovely country and we are very fortunate to have a great reason to visit often.

I am looking forward, to sharing with you, in future posts, the beautiful places where our two other children live.

 

 

 

 

 

A Scooter Trip Down Memory Lane

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backyard 2 Yesterday was a beautiful day and perfect for a ride on our motor scooters. We headed  into the canyon past Cook’s Corner. A big favorite with local motorcyclists. There is always an enormous crowd on weekends and especially onSundays. We made our way along the curving tree lined road past O’Neil Park, eventually reaching the coast, where we turned south to San Clemente. As we passed Doheny State Beach, I could smell the smoke from smoldering beach fires and I was also aware of the smell of sea weed and salt water. All of these reminded me of  high school summers spent at Huntington Beach.

We turned around in San Clemente and headed home through San Juan Capistrano, with all of its memories.

San Juan Garden

The first time I set foot in the beautiful gardens of the Mission San Juan Capistrano I was twelve years old and living in Toronto, Canada. We were visiting relatives who had moved to California. I remember how amazing the mission was to me. Two years later my family moved to Southern California. One thing about riding a scooter, it gives you lots of time to think, especially if traffic is lite. As an adult I worked for a dentist in Capistrano and stabled a horse there as well. So many happy memories of time spent there came back to me as we rode along.

Then  it was time to eat and we stopped to grab a quick burger. You can probably guess where the quickest stop was. Yep, McDonald’s.  I felt like I had spent the day in a time wharp, so when we stepped into the Ladera Ranch McDonald’s which happenes to be decorated with a 50s theme I just had to take a photo of the wall.  We had chosen the perfect place to eat after a memory filled day.

McDonalds