Snow in Wrightwood

 

We had a peaceful snowfall the other night.  Everything was so clean and quiet around the cabin.  It has become foggy and wet.  I love the peace and stillness of winter.  Sitting by the fire, baking, reading library books, and going to bed early all heal me.  The long nights are comforting, and we sleep soundly in the mountains.

On Wednesday I made a batch of cauliflower cheese soup.  The recipe is on the blog; you can search for it. Homemade stews and casseroles are so satisfying in the cold, dark weather.  I used a rich homemade chicken stock with fresh herbs that I also shared with the dogs.  They love to have hot broth as gravy on their kibble.

It is more challenging in these frigid temperatures to do yoga at night.  I spread out a down comforter as a mat, and wear layers of merino wool and alpaca.  This is the weather for knitters!  The sauna is heating up for a purging sweat and cold plunge this afternoon.  The dogs are curled up comfortably, snoozing on the coach.  They are soaking in the heat from our wood fireplace insert.  It makes the cabin feel so cozy.  

Are you staying warm?

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New Christmas Tree Curtains for the Cabin

 

I found these sweet lace curtains in Applewood Court, Wrightwood, last week.  I love the look of lace from the outside of a cabin.  It softens the edges.  I ended up exchanging the swags for valances.  Actually, I kept the valances and rehung them in the upstairs bedroom.  Since I have shades on those windows, I can still pull them down for privacy.

These are the old ones.  They may have been  here since the fifties!   Will wash them and save them, or donate them to a charity shop.  Isn’t the view spectacular?  Nothing like it…

The dogs are hogging the couch, as usual.  I bought a couple of Holiday throw pillows, too.  We are loving the fireplace insert.  It warms up the whole house.  There is something about sleeping at night under quilts and flannel sheets that is so comforting.  The heat rises and creeps upstairs.  

Are you staying warm this time of year?

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Freeing up Psychological Energy by Preparing for Winter

 

Have you ever noticed that when you take care of chores that are nagging at you, you have more energy?  This week I had my firewood delivered, took my beach cruiser into the shop to be repaired, and lined up Lula's vaccinations.   Phew!  It feels like such a relief.  Most of the firewood is now neatly stacked, and I am carrying loads of what's left up the steps each day.  The snow tires on the red Beetle, and my mechanic just checked the transmission fluid this afternoon.  The oil was recently changed and the tank is full of gas.

As the birds were starting to zing their beaks into my apples, I picked what was left from the trees.  They have made fragrant apple crisp and tart and flavorful unsweetened applesauce.  Wrightwood is filled with several different varieties of apple trees.  It used to be an apple orchard.  Well, part of it did.  Pears grow very well here, too.  I love walking by all of the fruit trees this time of year.  Two different people gave me apples today.  It was an unexpected surprise. 

  I think you really have to enjoy working with contractors if you own a home.  I find it all very rewarding.  The same thing goes with the car.  I so appreciate paying talented people to use their skills and knowledge in areas where I don't have it.  

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Keeping Your Cottage Instead of Moving Into Assisted Living

 

Time and time again, seniors are encouraged to sell their homes, downsize, and move into assisted living.  Is this the right advice for you?  In my case, it isn't.  Not everyone has the personality to live in those types of situations.  You need to really like being in groups.  Some senior living homeowners  report problems with residents who drink too much, are inconsiderate, and won't follow the rules.  

My parents both spent their final days in their home. They owned a gorgeous Spanish style house that they had taken impeccable care of, restoring it lovingly and nurturing the vibrant garden.  They could afford help in their later years.  A housekeeper came every couple of weeks and took care of the cleaning.  My dad eventually hired a gardener to manage the front and backyard when he was in his early eighties.  He took care of all the plants until that time.  He was very proud of how lush and healthy the front and backyard looked.  

As a person who likes one on one time and privacy, I don't think I would feel comfortable in assisted living.  I like my privacy, spend much of my time on this porch, and I would miss my garden.  I love watching the alpacas frolic on the hillside, observing the bees and butterflies, and seeing the color of the sky shift and change at night.

 Each of the plants I picked out myself and planted.  The soil was clay when I bought the bungalow.  I amended it regularly with straw and compost over the years so that it would support the flowers, trees, herbs and wildlife.

Do you plan on moving in retirement, or will you stay where you are?

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A Peaceful Retirement

 

Yesterday as the clerk rang up my groceries at Trader Joe's, he asked me what I had planned for the day.  "Chores," I answered, cheerfully.  "Are you going to do anything fun?" he persisted.  I felt a little bit annoyed, as I was just there to shop, not to explain how and why I spend my time.

I had run the dogs along the Walkydog that morning.  The exercise was energizing for all of us, and I love the buzz of endorphins it brings.  So do my canines.  I told him that I was looking forward to making delicious meals with all of the items I had purchased.

I thought about the times when I was a dance teacher making barely enough money to make ends meet.  Grocery shopping in those days took careful planning, so I that didn't go over my small budget.  My mom used to tell me on the phone that she wished I didn't have to work so hard.  It was a difficult and strenuous time, but I got through it.  Sometimes she would slip me a gift card for groceries in the mail.  It was our secret.  I always appreciated it.

So, now that I'm retired, it is a relief to be able to relax at the market and be able to buy what I want.  I can splurge on blueberries, raspberries, popsicles, cookies, and candy.  There was a time when I only made my desserts from scratch, and bought all of the ingredients in bulk.  There were no extras: no vacations, meals out, new clothes, etc.  It was part of the sacrifice of being a dance teacher.  

Tight finances make life very tense.  The man behind the register didn't really understand all that, but your priorities change as you age.  I am happy sitting on my porch, gazing at my glorious garden, and reading an entertaining library book.  A happy and peaceful retirement is built over time.  It takes planning and preparation.

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Watching The Sunrise

One of my favorite rituals is to sit by the window each morning, sip a mug of coffee, and watch the sunrise.  It is steady, reliable, and the colors of the sky are always different.  The backdrop of mountains and trees make it even more beautiful.  I enjoy the discipline of rising before dawn.  Before heading upstairs to bed at night, I set up the copper tea kettle, French press, and grind the coffee beans.  I add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to the grounds.  

What's your coffee or tea ritual?

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Getting Back to Normal in the California Mountains

 The past few days have been a huge relief.  The blizzard finally ended.    This photo above shows how our cars were buried.   After digging mine out, and the huge pile of berm in front of it, I drove into town.  I picked up some dry firewood, fresh fruit, and other staples.  

Today I felt a huge shift.  The roads are plowed, the snow is melting, and I no longer had to shovel for several hours a day.  I finished clearing the deck yesterday, and still need to get the snow off of the upstairs balcony.  At this point, I can't open the screen door, the snow is now up to my waist.  It was at my head's level, initially.

 Yesterday morning I drove down the mountain and deposited my heavy black trash bag at our local dump.  It's the little things that you really appreciate when you have been snowed in at your cabin.  I bought a huge bag of dog food, and some small Lindt chocolate eggs.  What a relief to see our cars again.  I came home and took a luxurious sauna and enjoyed a movie before bed.

How are things with you?

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Snug and Warm Noro Socks

 

I finally finished knitting these brightly colored socks with Noro Silk Garden sock yarn.  They don't match because of the way Mr. Noro dyes the wool.  It was so much fun to knit with; I loved watching the vibrant shades unfold on my tiny knitting needles.

We received a welcome break from the rain and snow, and it has been wonderful.  The dogs and I have enjoyed riding the bike in the sunshine.  California looks beautiful and vibrant again.  The hills are so green, after all that rain.  

Today I did laundry and had my roots touched up with henna.  In order to cover grey hair with the paste, you need to leave it on for at least four hours.  I leave mine on for eight.  It's amazing how well the color lasts.  I love that there are no chemicals or dyes.

I picked up the white rabbit shawlette and fox fur that I bought at our local mountain vintage shop.  I had taken them to a furrier in Beverly Hills for mending, conditioning and cleaning.  They now look brand new.  I wouldn't kill an animal for a fur coat, but I hated to see these sitting on a hanger, unused.   What a waste.  They are so warm and soft.  I will keep them forever and take excellent care of them.

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When There is a Power Outage at Your Cabin

 

People think of sunshine and the beach when visualizing California, but up in Wrightwood, we do have snow.  Those are Cedar trees on the right.  They are so spiritual.  I found deer tracks alongside that side of cabin.  It's fun to compare the footprints of all the animals that come to visit.  We get such a variety.

The other night we lost power.  It was getting late, so I took the hurricane lamps upstairs to the bedroom.  The dogs quickly grabbed their bones and ran up before me.  I thought it was funny that they carried their prized possessions with them to bed.  You can see their eyes glowing like coyotes.  

We only lost our power for about an hour.  The fireplace was filled with wood, and I set the temperature of the insert on low for the evening.  I got up a couple of times during the night to use the restroom and to add more wood.  I was glad that I had plenty of flashlights, matches and candles.  I found it more comfortable to stay in one room than to try to roam around the house in the dark.  I just did yoga and then the power returned.  I read a few chapters of John Muir's book, Travels in Alaska, and then fell fast asleep, under the canopy of the trees.  It is so calming to sleep out in nature.  There is such a different energy than in the city.

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Preparing For The Snow Up At The Cabin

 

Yesterday as I was setting my clock back, I dropped it on the floor.  Crash!  It broke.  I think it belonged to the original owner, and was  probably from the 1970's.  I drove down to Alice's Vintage Cottage and purchased one that I had been eyeing for months.  I climbed up on a kitchen chair, and carefully hung it on the wall.  It has hand painted pink roses and says "Paris"...it's so pretty.  I love the Roman numerals.

We have a snowstorm on the way, so I put the chains on the VW Beetle this morning.  It was still clear outside.  I wasn't sure if I would remember how to do it without watching a Youtube video as a refresher, but it all came back to me.  It's so much easier to fit them around the tire when it's not freezing cold and you aren't under any pressure or stress.  I got the dogs exercised as it began drizzling, too.  Weather has no bearing on their desire to go for a long walk.  

For the past several days I have been carrying several loads of firewood to my porch.  It's a secure feeling to have plenty of wood for the fireplace insert close to the house, stored in a dry place.  It's so much easier than lugging a snow-covered tarps and wood during a storm.  The weather can be extreme in the mountains.  We need the rain, and I am grateful that the snow is coming.  I am so glad that the house painters finished their work before this weather hit.  I also went to the grocery store on Saturday and stocked up on essentials and bought a large bag of dog food.

How about you? Are you prepared for the cold weather?

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Hiking and Mountain Biking During Retirement

 

Having a regular exercise routine when you are retired is an important part of staying fit.  Health is key at any age.   I enjoy running my dogs along my bike on the Walkydog.  They look forward the daily exertion, and I enjoy the fresh mountain air, the gorgeous scenery, and an intense cardio workout.

Cooking and preparing your own meals goes a long way in fighting inflation and saving money.  Although I enjoy eating out when I travel, the rest of the year I save money by buying what's on sale at the grocery store, eating foods that are in season, and baking desserts when the weather permits.  Right now it's been too hot, but fresh pineapple, watermelon and sorbet are delicious substitutes.

I love these old cabins, their rustic fencing, and the wooden signs.  It all reminds me of how California used to be.  Things were simpler then; cars and homes were smaller, and people enjoyed spending time outside, doing chores.

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When Your Dog Food Sickens Your Pet

 Last night I was up with Jacques on ten different trips in the dark to go to the bathroom.  He had horrible diarrhea. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but he was miserable.  He kept panting and pacing in the bedroom.  Normally he sleeps quietly and soundly.  He had an urgent need to get outside to avoid having an accident indoors.  I praised him for being so considerate.  

Each time he woke me, I turned on the outside light, checked for wild animals, and listened to him squirt more liquid onto the bare earth.   I was getting very concerned.  This had started a week ago, and it really escalated last night.  I decided to Google the brand of food that I had bought for him, Iams.   I had even purchased a second bag, in case the first one happened to be a bad batch.

It turns out other pet owners have had the same problem.  Like their dogs, mine didn't express any interest in eating the kibble after feeling sick.  I decided to try Rachel Ray's brand.  They already seem much more energetic, and it's only been a day.  I normally would switch gradually to a new pet food, but not this time.  Whatever was in the last two packages was very toxic.  They acted like they had food poisoning.  (Lula's case was milder.)  She had blood in her stool.  Ugh!  

Hopefully tonight will be peaceful and serene.  They slept most of the day to make up for the rest we all lost last night.  I even nodded off during my Suze Orman podcast.  Quality pet food is so important.  What do you give your pets?

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Weeding in the Woods

 I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been busy with repairs and responsibilities.  As you can see, Jacques has grown.  His bark has deepened and he is maturing.  A natural  guardian and protector, he brings a sense of safety and security to our home.    I wrap his leash around my waist and he joins me as I do my chores on the mountain.  The monks of New Skete recommend training German Shepherds this way.  The dogs get used to being right at your side, and will stay there off leash in time.

I bought a new electric weed whacker that runs off of a cartridge.  Each day I have been removing the tall weeds and grasses.  I plan to turn the leaves into the soil to help keep it rich.  We are experiencing a drought in California, so I water sparingly and rely on the natural mulch.  It makes such a difference.  We had a few inches of snow last week, which helped.  It melted very quickly.  

The tulips, daffodils, and irises have been flowering.  Spring is here!  The herbs have returned, as well as the violas, poppies, artichoke plant, and roses.  It's an exciting time in the garden.  Soon the Hollyhocks will unfold their colorful beauty.    

We have had a surge of deaths in LA county from Covid recently.  Over seeven hundred people in the past two weeks.  I'm glad I bought more masks.  I received  my Moderna booster about a week ago.  It made me feel very sick, but I recovered quickly.  How is your health?

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Living Near the Beach in Retirement

 

My bungalo is thirty miles from the ocean.  Although that sounds far, on the 405 South it is a fast and convenient trip.  (As long as you drive during off peak times.) 

Yesterday I took Jacques to Fisherman's Village, and discovered a new bike path.  It led us into Toe Beach, which is quiet, unpopulated and magnificent.  You could feel how excited everyone was to be there.  From the accents I heard,  it sounded like many of the visitors were tourists from Europe.  They were beautifully dressed and polite. I smiled at the women  I passed while parking my bicycle and entering the public restroom.   I could feel that they perceived I was a local.  I remember the chills I got on my first road trip to Santa Monica beach as a teenager.   I was a babysitter traveling with a family.  I knew then that I intended to live here someday.  

It can be much cheaper to live a short drive from the ocean.  Beach houses are extremely pricey.  There also is the issue of privacy.   I am so glad that I kept my first home for my old age.  It has plenty of parking, is close to the freeway, and is in a perfect area for bicycling.  Our bike paths on the west coast are thrilling.  The weather has been sunny and warm.  How fortunate we are to live in California.

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Getting Grounded

 The last few days I have been doing a lot of cooking, baking, exercising and knitting.  All of these activities are very grounding.  I feel calm and relaxed after completing them.  A few days ago, I made homemade pizza from scratch.  I love the rhythm of kneading the dough, letting it rise, and keeping it in the fridge overnight. That way it becomes easy to handle and elastic.  Delicious food takes time to prepare, but the results are well worth the effort.

I added fresh herbs from my garden to the sauce.  I bought some Italian crushed tomatoes on sale, since the cans were slightly dented.  It came out really well.  I had forgotten to buy more tomato paste, so I just left out the water and tomato paste in my pizza sauce recipe.  It was still flavorful and tasty.

I baked a lemon pudding cake using Meyer lemons from my tree. It's one of my favorite vintage recipes.  I used goat's milk in place of the regular milk.   It's a treat to have a freshly made dessert sitting on the kitchen counter. 

I picked a bag of homegrown Algerian tangerines, Navel oranges, and Meyer lemons and dropped them off at my neighbor's house.  She loves citrus, and runs a wonderful co-op for us in Wrightwood,  I knew she would appreciate their organic goodness and flavor.  Fruit is expensive these days, too.  

I have been biking Jacques on one of our local trails.  It's safe from cars, and the mountain scenery is gorgeous.  I like being around the other locals who walk or run each day.  Daily exercise is such preventive medicine.  Being out in the fresh air is an added bonus, too.  Home cooked meals have been tasting so good to me lately.  Maybe it's all of the time outdoors and the cardio.  I have been kayaking and walking the dogs regularly, too. 

How about you?  Are you able to get outside where you live? 

Kayaking With Your Dog Not Recommended

 

Yesterday I decided to take Jacques kayaking.  He has been so obedient that I thought he had the perfect temperament to sit quietly.  I imagined us as a team as I paddled.  He could gaze peacefully ahead as we skimmed along the water together. (like in the advertisment.) 

What happened was a different story.  After lugging my supplies to the water, and unfolding and setting up my Oru, a woman with a small, hyperactive, dog that was running loose appeared.   Jacques wanted to play with him. "No!" I told him sharply.  I pulled Jacques towards me and explained to her that I was trying him out in the kayak for the first time.  I hoped she would make some attempt to contain her dog, who ran right up to us.  "He's fine," she told me.  I could feel this wasn't going well.  

I coaxed Jacques into the kayak.  It started to rock.  I eased myself onto the seat, and he started to panic.  The kayak flipped to the left, and he was immediately in the water, upset and frightened.  The woman watched us, floundering.   Somehow the boat tipped me out of it to the right, and I was swimming, fully clothed, while frantically pushing the boat back to shore.  The leash was underneath us, Jacques was still on the choke chain, and my olive sundress was now soaking wet,  the lower half floating beside me in the water.

Fortunately, we were right near the shoreline.  It had a sudden and extreme drop off, which I hadn't anticipated.  Conditions are different this time of year.  The tide was much further out than normal.

I dragged the kayak back onto the sand, walked Jacques back to the car, and put him in the backseat.  I pretended like it was perfectly normal for a woman in her late fifties to be walking her dog in a sopping wet, olive green, flowered sun dress.  (Which was now trailing down to my ankles.)

I returned to the kayak, relieved that I had underdressed a leopard print one piece bathing suit, tied the drenched dress to my storage area, and paddled out through the marina.  I admired the boats, enjoyed the calm water and lack of people, and ate my lunch in one of the picturesque canals.  

Neither Lula nor Jacques have done well in the kayak.  It seems very dangerous to me.  The balance is too tricky.  You really need to keep your weight centered, to avoid tipping.  Your head has to be over your navel.  A moving dog will cause you to topple.  It's very disorienting, and your kayak could capsize.  I had my Oru floaties tucked into position, which I think helped.  I was also wearing a snug fitting life vest.  My plan was to just sit in the kayak, in the shallow end, to get Jackques acclimated, but it didn't work.  

All's well that ends well. 

A New German Shepherd

 Today I adopted a young male German Shepherd at one of our local animal shelters.  He is amazing.  He has such a regal presence, and is very aware and observant.  I had forgotten how much I love this breed.  They are the perfect dog for protection and companionship.  He commands respect.  I haven't chosen a name for him yet.  I have tried several. and he doesn't answer to any of them.  Maybe King.  

He has been neutered, microchipped, wormed, vaccinated and given flea treatment.  I was so impressed with all they had done.  They even gave me a collar and leash for him.  He and Lula get along famously. He has already bonded to me.  He came and checked on me when I was soaking in the bathtub.  He gave me a couple of kisses, then went back to his post of guarding the entrance.  He has a wonderful, mature and protective presence.

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A New Vinyl Fence

 

Yesterday I had a new white fence put up at the cottage.  The old one was sagging, the paint had chipped, and looking at it completely depressed me.  I think it had been there since the 1940's.  It was so distressed and beyond repair.  I settled on a ranch style vinyl fence.  I had some mesh wire put on the inside to keep Lula in, and deter  any coyotes or other animals. 

 After about  an hour, the two workers accidentally hit a pipe and broke it.  I showed them where the water shut off was, and they turned it off and repaired the pipe.  They had the glue, replacement PVC pipe and tools in their truck.  It happens fairly often, from what they told me.

I don't care for solid vinyl fencing because it looks too plastic to me, but I do like the design that I chose.  I studied other choices around Santa Clarita before deciding.   For some reason with three slats it almost looks like wood.  Vinyl doesn't chip, and it should last a lifetime.  I love that I can hose it off to clean it;  it's so convenient.  They  added a small gate and now Lula  has a dog run in the driveway.  She doesn't understand the set up, and stares at me through the mesh, confused.  She sits sideways, and doesn't even watch the street, she is completely fixated on me.   I thought she would act like a guard dog,  but she just looks wistfully at me, as I rock in my glider. on the porch.  "Can I come in?" her expression says,   I think she thinks she's being punished.  As always, she adapts.  When she used to lean at my side  she would become covered with mulch.  I would have to vacuum each time she came back  inside the house.   That's not my idea of relaxation.  

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Ventured Out to Ventura Harbor

 Today I packed a lunch and drove out to Ventura Beach with Lula.  I found a parking spot in the residential area near the pier.  I hooked up Lula to the Walkydog, and we rode along the bike path, admiring the waves and the water.

After crossing under pier, I pulled over to a bench and we sat and watched the surfers.  While Lula snacked on a dog biscuit,  I ate my quesadilla that I had prepared at home and packed in tupperware.  I gave Lula some water, took a few gulps myself,  and then we walked down onto the rocks.   Listening to the ocean and feeling the energy of the sea was hypnotic and calming.

After putting the bike on my bike rack and getting Lula settled into the  backseat of the car, I drove South on the 101 and exited at Telegraph.  From there I found Ventura Harbor.  As I was putting together my Oru Kayak, a skeptical man exiting the boat ramp  eyed me.  "Interesting,"  he commented.  He seemed sarcastic and dubious.  Once the kayak was assembled, I went to the parking lot and retrieved Lula.  

The man was still at the boat ramp.  "That's too much weight," he told me, as I was urging Lula to board.  "It holds 275 pounds," I answered.  His energy shifted.  "Did you design it?" he asked me.  "No," I told him.  "I kayak every day, in a lake," I added.  I could tell that he didn't think I was very experienced.

"It's an incredible design," he admitted.  "It cuts across the water really fast," I told him, enthusiastically.  

"I wish there was some way I could help," he offered, as I coaxed Lula in the boat and clumsily got in with her.  "Thanks!" I said, and pushed off the shore with the paddle.  Lula laid down lazily and rested her head on the edge of the top.  People on the other side of the harbor waved and made a fuss over her and how cute she looked.  She really is like a Disney dog.  We had a fabulous paddle together.  

It's so much easier when Lula is laying down in the kayak than when she is sitting.  If she leans to the side, (which she sometimes does,)  it could cause us to topple. "NO!" I told her sharply when she started to peer over at a fish or something distracting.  I praised her effusively each time she flattened her body on the bottom of the boat.  She got the idea.  It helped that she was tired from running alongside my bicycle, earlier.  One of the girls commented about how relaxed she was.  

We will practice again soon.  A yearly pass is $150.00, and I think it will be well worth it for us.  Today it cost $13.00 to park for the day.  How is your summer going?

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Met a PCT Hiker Today

 

Today while I was running Lula alongside my bicycle on the Walkydog, I ran into a smiling, radiant woman wearing a hat.  She was walking a cinnamon colored dashhound mix.  The dog had long hair, and an intelligent, expressive face.  She told me that she is sixty, and is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail!  (For those who don't know, the PCT runs all the way from Mexico to Canada.) It takes months to complete.  She is doing it solo.  

I was so impressed,  That's something that I've always imagined doing.  I told her that I'd read all the books about it, and really admired her.  I asked her if she was scared.  "No," she replied.  "I  just stay aware as I do when going to the grocery store at night."  I asked her if she had done a lot of camping, and she nodded.   

I commented that she looked very stylish for a hiker.  They are usually dusty, and lugging these huge backpacks.  She laughed and told me that the woman who owns the cabin where she is staying let her shower, do laundry, and that she also lent her some clothes.  Her eyes were flashing with joy and adventure.  I could see that she was very spiritual.

A little further down the road I ran into one of my neighbors who was out on a walk.  I asked her how she was enjoying her retirement.  She answered  that she had just returned from driving from the West coast to the East coast on her own, staying with different friends along the way.  I smiled, nodded, and told her that she looked very happy and jazzed.  I think we all love adventure.  These women both enjoy their own company.  We are all exploring new ways of traveling.

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