The last kayaks of summer...Morro Bay, CA

With summers passing, & Labor Day just around the corner, the small coastal towns of Morro Bay and Pismo Beach were much quieter last weekend. We had considered renting a few kayaks for the day but by the time we'd explored the park, Morro Rock, and all the wonderful little shops we never made it in time, next trip for sure. The waterways of the harbor and bay are not so congested with every kind of boat and board now so I look forward to a quiet peaceful day on the water.

Our own bright red and yellow (mine!) kayaks hang in the garage loft back home, just too big and bulky to have brought with us from Washington. When we came to Cali we came prepared to live simply and with a modecum of possessions as our stay would (will) be temporary, another year at best (its been 3 1/2 so far). But they are one thing we sorely miss and look forward to every trip home.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent

Taft is known for its skydiving. There is a small airfield on the outskirts of town, and more days than not the air currents overhead facilitate smooth downward rides to many a thrill seeker. The closest I've come to this is parasailing, and at that I shared the ride with my sweetie.





Several years ago a friend & colleague, Margaret, did the piggy-back thing while vacationing in AZ, THAT I could probably do, but only if I was on top!
Here they are heading back to the large airplane that flies these guys (gals) in (and out) from ... well, from where ever I guess...not sure where the tours come from. This trip there must have been about 12 divers in the sky at once.

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why oh why can't I? ~E.Y. Harburg

One (of many) of the more worrisome traits of John McCain that has made me really, really nervous should he win the election, is the many articles and video clips showing us this man's short fuse. This morning I was reading in the Huffington Post this article by James Rubin (adjunct Professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.)where he states - The next President must be someone who can remain calm in a crisis, not jump to conclusions, and build a consensus with our friends and allies. That is how America's interests will be best defended and promoted in the twenty-first century. McCain's record of discord with our European allies and his shoot from the hip approach on Russia demonstrate that if the phone rings at three a.m. he'll be giving the wrong answers. My fears, exactly. The minute Russia started their aggression on Georgia McCain was beating the war drums! It seems WAR is McCains answer to most every crises.

Wish my crystal ball had not dropped while moving, it would be SO helpful to know what the future holds after November...a continuation of the current status quo (a McBush administration) or a gradual return (though long uphill climb I am sure) to intelligent governing, to a restoration of all the rights we have lost. Just 3 short months from now I'll be looking back at this post and either be celebrating - or weeping!

Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason. ~Author Unknown

Our little "Biker Chick" :)

Derek and family were vacationing at our cabin on Sidley lake this summer, seems they all had a really fun time. Sumi couldn't get enough of the 4 wheelin and Micah loved nothing better than camping out on the dock with his fishing pole. I LOVE this picture!

Ahhh...summers bounty. In this case, my neighbors abundant melon crop is seeping through my fence, much to my delight. Finders keepers.... when she's not looking I'm diverting as many trailing stems my way as I can :).






My own herb and flower bed across the yard ... this year I covered the fence in gourds ... yes gourds ... what was I thinking??? Just my luck the year I decide to do something "artistic" (plan was/is to dry/paint/ shellac a few) the economy goes down the tubes, & price of oil skyrockets resulting in rising food prices! Just my luck...squash or cucumbers or beans would have been a better choice, but who knew???