MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2009

Lots of folks fishing off the pier, didn't see any "catches" but it looked relaxing and fun.

This curious fellow was playing "tourist" as well...he seemed not in the least intimidated by the onlookers, seemed content to wander the pier, hold "his ground" . He eventually became surrounded by too many of us photo opportunists and flew off very indignantly!

As you begin to walk out on the Pier its interesting to see "thriving" new businesses ... such as this...who says there are NO jobs in America??!! ... prior to coming to this little site we passed a much larger and more "sophisticated" version, but this seemed to be achieving greater success, "small wonder". Click on picture to enlarge to be able to better read his message...

Downtown "Barbara" was abuzz with folks shopping, lunching, site-seeing. We caught an early dinner at a sidewalk cafe and indulged in some "people watching" ... everyone from the cali valley girls, artists, the "real" housewives of the OC, the proudly gay crowd and the obvious "tourists" (the ones with sensible shoes!) *Again, to really get a better "feel" for these scenes, click on each picture to super enlarge. MUCH more detail!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2009

With a gorgeous summer day to work with, we grabbed our hats and cameras and headed to the coast. Our original "excuse" to go was to see if this painting we'd admired last trip over was still available for sale in a quaint little antique shop in Goleta, a seaside community maybe 10 minutes north of Santa Barbara. It wasn't, but I figured as much, knew I should have nabbed it when I had the chance. Reminder to self: get while the gettins good.

I love the trip over to the coast this time of year, its Yucca blooming season, and the Yuccas were amazing as always. They only bloom for a few short weeks then die back into what look like toothpicks covering the hillsides.

After a brunch at an All Natural cafe on Main Street Goleta (yummy portobello mushroom burgers and fresh veggie soup) we made our way over to Santa Barbara. We first stopped and walked this lovely hillside park, which overlooks the ocean. From here we could enjoy the incredible views and just exhale, let the cares and worries of the world fall away as we surveyed the endless vista. The ocean does for me what no pill could ever do, can't explain it.