Cayucos

We went to the dog beach in Cayucos on our way home from Cambria. The monkey had a blast (he loves the ocean, like his mama). We used a few for this year's Christmas card...

We didn't feel comfortable letting Moose off leash, but he did great. He's come a long way since being a homicidal maniac. In fact, he is like a rehabilitated Hannibal Lector. He is such a gentleman, now!

SNOW!

I am behind on my blog, since it was report card & parent conferences, so will finish Cambria photos later. Look at the snow sequence from today! First photo is at 8:18 a.m., then the following photos were taken at 9:34, 11:04, 12:05, & 1:14 p.m.! Pretty cool sequence, eh? AND the snow is still falling!!

More Cambria Photos!

So, the house we rented in Cambria was so adorable. Wonderful decks, & multiple levels tucked into a wooded hillside. In fact, this am was like a Disney movie, with a variety of woodland creatures puttering outside the window, including: squirrels, quail, woodpeckers, & these little birds that looked like they were wearing bright yellow goggles (will have to look them up). Of course, the photos from this am are on my iPhone, & I haven't uploaded them yet. So, those will come later.

This was the adorable room the monkey slept in. It had its own deck with the bbq (but we didn't use the bbq this time). Moose slept in his room both nights, keeping a close watch on his boy...

This is the cute little backyard. Note the moss that hung from all the trees. Despite all the wood & damp environment, not a trace of mold in the house (& I would be the one to spot it, as I have the nose of a bloodhound). I did detect a little residual dog odor in a few spots, & let the management co. know, but the hub & monkey didn't smell it at all.

Our room was on the top level, with its own little deck (a bit of ocean view can be seen on a clear day), a little stove, & its own bathroom.

  After visiting Rocky Creek, we went to Jack Creek Farms, for some yummy treats. They have really prettied up the property. They had ropes & a small practice cow (the monkey is seen sitting on). We had fun trying to rope it.

  From Jack Creek, we drove up Vineyard (one of the prettiest roads in Paso Robles) to Opolo (will post photos tomorrow). We had a yummy lunch of wood fired pizza & a sausage platter, washed down with some delicious sangiovese.

I took this photo at Pasolivo, where we stopped to sample olive oil. I love, love their olive oils! There were some beautiful layers of oak leaves on the ground (photos to come tomorrow).

These are olive trees along Vineyard Drive...

This hillside was just gorgeous in person, with the vines displaying their brilliant fall hues...

This is the same hillside, but seen through the massive oaks that Paso Robles is known for (it is officially El Paseo de Robles, which means Pass of the Oaks).

Elephant Seals!

After the olive oil, it was back to the coast, to check out the elephant seals!!

We stopped at Piedras Blancas, north of San Simeon. The seals did not disappoint; look at them all! They make the funniest noises, and seemed very content. Speaking of content, look how happy Moose looks in the next two photos...

Ahhhh....Cambria & Paso Robles!

This is breakfast this am in Cambria! Pancakes f/the monkey, eggs for us (the hub had both!). Even Moose had a pancake. Took him for an early morning walk & a man driving by said he was 'cute like his mom.' I was afraid the guy was going to be a flasher, since he was wearing a bathrobe, but phew! Not a flasher, just a flirt...

This is Friday at the Cambria Pines Lodge, before our anniversary dinner...

The first winery we went to yesterday, was Jack Creek Winery. We had never been there before, and are glad we went! The owner is a fascinating Hungarian man, with a ton of energy and talent. Loved the wine there!

I will finish our posts tonight. Snapped some great photos of elephant seals yesterday. Curious to see if any of that snow that fell while we were gone is left....

Early November Updates...

The monkey had November 1 off, so the family used our PMLC auction tix & went to Disneyland!

It was a great day to go, very mellow, no long waits...11 rides plus a brief visit to California Adventure. Now  we know a park hopper is unecessary. For the monkey's ticket, I found a GREAT discount outlet, so friends, just ask me...

So we had some pretty, early November snow...it killed my corn, but so lovely...I will post Cambria & Paso Robles pictures later today, but here are two for now...(its a dog-friendly house!).

We are staying in an awesome house that costs the same as a hotel room!

This house reminds me a little of our home in the mountains. It is set up high, so you feel like you are in a tree house. It is adorable, with skylights all over...

October Wrap-Up & 'Back in the Saddle!'

  We have been so crazy-busy since I began teaching as a long-term sub (wish I could keep the job!). I am basically making min. wage (or less!) with the hours I put in, & no benefits, but I am so happy anyway!!
  This is the monkey at the Cuddy Valley Pony Club Fall Harvest Festival. Next year, anyone with kids HAS to come! They give the kids a FREE pony or horse ride (about 1/4 mile or more). Additional laps are only $2, they have yummy goodies for sale, and it is all in a beautiful setting!

The monkey also got to ride a big horse....





















The big news for me, personally, is that momma got to be
BACK in the SADDLE again!

I was soooo happy that Sharon Bonfield let me take a few laps on 'Luke.' I was a little rusty (had to remember how to post on the correct diagonal), but I had sooo much fun!!! Woo Hoo!!

Halloween!!

The monkey was Davey Crockett, and lookes so cute!!

Monkey had so much fun trick-or-treating, and the homes in Pinon Pines went all-out with the decorating!!