A day of rest in Tehachapi...

After coffee on the patio watching the sunrise and a delicious breakfast, Leslie and I gathered two of her grandchildren and headed to church.  Attending with Leslie has been a tradition since I began visiting her.  It is what she does and it is quite a relaxing way to spend a Saturday.

The rest of the day was spent visiting and game playing... these are just a few of my favorite things!!!

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My weekend in Tehachapi with Leslie...

We met in college.  The adage, "Opposites attract", has always applied to me and Leslie and yet we've remained friends over three decades.  When she moved to Tehachapi in 1995 I came for a visit and have loved my sojourns here ever since.

I am spending three nights in this quaint town to celebrate Leslie's birthday.  It couldn't be more perfect.  The sky is exceptionally clear and blue and the air is exhilaratingly crisp.  There is even a slight hint of snow.

It will be a weekend of catching up over hot tea, long walks and great vegetarian food.  One night we will meander the hills of Tehachapi and delight in all the Christmas lights illuminating the sky (along with the full moon).  I love it here!

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Sunflowers in Temecula...

After having a very distinctive car for so many years, I knew instantly upon purchasing my very white blank slate of a car, it would be a canvas I had to 'paint'.
Knowing my fondness for sunflowers, it will be of no surprise to anyone when they see my car after today!

Dwayne, at Sign Concepts, did an awesome job.  There are five, beautiful groupings of sunflowers visible from every side of my car.  Hopefully that will be enough for me to spot it in the sea of white cars anywhere.  If not, it doesn't matter because just like in Italy, each time I see a sunflower, I have to smile...
 
...Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light.
-Eugenio Montale

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Carlsbad for a beach walk and the Farmers' Market...
Carlsbad is named for a famed 19th century spa in Europe, yet its history reflects the heritage of many cultures. This area was claimed as a territory by Spain and then by Mexico before becoming a part of the United States. The shoreline of Carlsbad’s coastal lagoon was home to the indigenous Luiseno and Diegueños Indians for centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards (and it has a pretty awesome beach now).
“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
--Jacques Cousteau
We strolled an almost deserted shoreline.  Dolphins frolicked while the sun illuminated the waves.  It was one of those days that made one happy to be alive.
The seas have been turbulent lately, and the items we found washed upon the shore were not like any we had seen before in previous beachcombing explorations.  It made the stroll extremely interesting.
No trip to Carlsbad (on a Wednesday) is complete without going to the Farmers' Market.  A destination since 1994, the produce, and other items for sale, are amazing.
We have loved these tamales for years.  What a treat to have them waiting for us.  Hot and full of cheese and chilies.  Delicioso!. 
There was something sweet about this "A Man, a Mutt and a Motorcycle" photo that I just had to capture and share.  It was a cute ending to a pretty fabulous day.

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An Italian feast with friends...

David and Karen live 40 minutes from us yet we met for the first time in our apartment in Spoleto (see June 6th entry for details).  Tonight was an opportunity for us to meet them again along with some of their wonderful family.

The event was an Italian feast complete with great red wine and Spaghetti Carbonara (crispy bacon, sauteed onions and garlic tossed with cooked spaghetti, beaten eggs and a generous measure of Parmesan cheese) followed by tiramisu.  Molto buono!

It was a delightful and delicious reunion.  We look forward to many unforgettable memories with this fun couple.

"Life is a combination of magic and pasta."
- Federico Fellini

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Back to Balboa Island...

I needed to return to Balboa to pick up something I had ordered while exploring with the Japanese so Steve joined me.  The day began extremely brisk but as it progressed it became so warm, we took off all the clothes we legally could...an absolutely breathtaking December day.

We strolled through the neighborhood as homeowners prepare for the annual "Ring of Lights" contest. Beautifully decorated bayside homes and businesses, surrounding the harbor, go all out with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from roof-top animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees. I want to return when everything is in full swing (Dec. 14th). 

The day truly launched me into Holiday mode.

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Our day of being tourists...
I love seeing our town through the eyes of first time visitors.  This week has been a great reintroduction to Temecula.
MMS is the sister school to Nakayama Jr. High, in Daisen. A visit is a must.  Both my boys are alumni and I spent many a volunteer hour here.  It was wonderful to be back!
My family loves thrift stores and we wanted to introduce the Japanese to this American tradition.  When you shop at Goodwill, you are supporting job training and placement programs for people with disabilities and other disadvantages.  Goodwill stores feature gently used and new items that are bargains for smart shoppers (I bought a really cute dress for $7.99).
We were invited on to the Pechanga Reservation.  A big treat for me was to see Rancho del Paisano.  This was where mystery writer, Erle Stanley Gardner, made his home from 1937 through his passing in 1970.  Gardner is best known for writing Perry Mason novels, the basis for the Perry Mason television show.  I have known about this amazing place since I moved here and I am so happy I finally got to see it, firsthand.
I was extremely excited to be a tree hugger.  To the Pechanga people, the land and the Great Oak that stands upon it carry meaning that transcends physical presence. The Great Oak has come to embody the identity and character of the Pechanga Band: strength, wisdom, longevity and determination.
The Great Oak is the largest natural-growing, indigenous coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia ) wi'aashal tree in the United States and is estimated to be anywhere from 850 to 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest oak trees in the world. The tree has been used by countless generations as a gathering place. The Great Oak area, Wi'aasha, is home to numerous culturally sensitive, historical and archaeological sites, including tribal interment sites from time immemorial.
We were given an informative tour and history lesson by Raymond Basquez Jr., of the Cultural Resources Department.  He shared with us the story of creation as we all sat, spellbound, in a sweatlodge.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians (Payomkawichum-the Western People as they prefer) has called the Temecula valley home for more than 10,000 years.   What an interesting afternoon of learning and friendship!
Lori, my friend and City employee, and I delighted in showing the Daisen guests the sites we have known well.  We were both impressed by the rich and interesting history of the Pechanga people.  We learned a great deal and had an extremely fun day!

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A beach day with Daisen friends...

My day was spent being a tourist with a wonderful group of visitors from our Sister City in Japan.  Robin, the City liaison, invited me to join her on the drive to Los Angeles to gather the group.  We then headed to Balboa Island for ferry rides and a delightful lunch at the end of the pier.

What a glorious day to be at the beach.  I am loving California in November.  I think our Daisen friends loved it as well.  What a great introduction.

"Our memories of the ocean will linger on,
long after our footprints in the sand are gone."

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Family fun at the beach...

Today, we met Christy's family at Carlsbad for pizza, beer and our feet in the warm beach sand.  It was a delightful afternoon of more fabulous family fun.

"My life is like a stroll on the beach...
as near to the edge as I can go."
-Henry David Thoreau

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