Footage From The Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, California

 The Washington Post did this excellent story on The Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, California.  This shows the magnitude of the blaze.  Those are the hiking trails where I take my dogs.  

Found A Fabulous Cobbler

 Last week I found an excellent shoe repair, close to the cottage.  I could tell as soon as I walked in the door that Gary was a master.  He dyed and resoled my favorite fur lined winter boots from Alaska.  They look brand new now! 

My hiking boots needed a couple of the hooks replaced.  He sewed on leather straps that will work.  The rest of the shoe was fine.  They are Vibrams, and are very good quality.  Now they won’t feel lopsided when I lace them.

He sewed a buckle back on a pair of high quality sandals I found at  T.J. Maxx.  I had never worn them, since they needed repair.  They had one of those permanent plastic tags on them when I got home.  While cutting it off, I damaged them.

I feel like I have three brand new pair of shoes!  i even purchased some matching shoe polish for my favorite boots, so they don’t get scuffed. It’s made in Germany. 

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Extreme Self Care

 

I was chatting with an eighty-year-old dancer friend of mine recently.  She sounded much happier and more grounded than the last time we had spoken.  I mentioned it, and she explained that she had been practicing extreme self-care.  What a difference that makes.  Nobody around us has to change.  We can improve the quality of your lives through food, exercise, spiritual practices, and small luxuries.  

For me, being outside in nature and high up in the mountains makes me feel happy and at peace.  The views this time of year are spectacular, and there are very few people out on the trails.  It feels so expansive and freeing to meander up and down the paths, studying the trees, the clouds, and the position of the sun.

Yesterday I picked half of the persimmons from my Hachiya Persimmon tree and delivered bags of them to my neighbors.  (I know a few women who love to make persimmon cookies.)  They are always so appreciative this time of year when I bring them to their door.  Persimmons are expensive in the stores.  It is inspiring to pick hundreds of fruits from one standard sized tree.  I plan to plant more fruit trees for the future.  It's so rewarding to have your own supply in the front and backyard.  

What do you do to practice extreme self-care?

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Finding New Trails

 

Yesterday I took Jacques on a new trail for our bike ride and hike.  Dogs love adventure, just like people.  He seemed to enjoy the new smells, the majestic views, fresh air, and elevation.  It's a beautiful time of year to explore unknown areas; I want to get out as much as I can before the mountains are covered with snow.  The trails become icy and slippery; I don't venture out up here in the winter months, it's too dangerous. 

We are fortunate to live just a few miles from some of the most magnificent hiking trails in California.  It saves on gas to be able to park the car close to the cabin.  My vehicle gets excellent mileage.  I buy a yearly Adventure Pass, which I can use at most of the hiking trails that we frequent.  The Jeffrey Pines and Oaks are tall and grand.  I love the energy of old trees.  They are so comforting and stable. 

There are numerous campgrounds in our area.  The Pacific Crest Trail has a trail head at this one.  It's a fantastic place to view the fall colors this time of year.  The leaves are turning red, yellow and orange.  Soon the oaks will go dormant.  Raking those dry, brown leaves is on my list of chores this week.

Have you been doing any hiking or walking where you live?

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Using Your Time Wisely in Retirement

 

One thing I commonly hear from people nearing retirement is that they don't know what they will do all day!   Many of them identify strongly with their work/career role.    They worry that once that form of expression ends, they will be bored, lonely and have endless hours stretching out in front of them each day.  They imagine a depressed and lonely existence. 

I have found the exact opposite to be true.  With so many hobbies, in addition to the responsibility of taking care of my home and garden, I find that it's difficult to fit in everything I want to do in twenty-four hours.   Each day in retirement for me is full and busy. 

I love to be outside with my dogs on our gorgeous, sunny California hiking trails.  The shot above is taken on a long walk that I took last week in Agua Dulce.  That is the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The damp caves, sparkling stream, and flagstone staircase made the journey feel enchanting. Parts of the landscape are rocky, stark and memorable.  Vasquez Rocks in pictured in the background. 

Although in the past few years I took some magnificent trips to Europe, in 2023, I have stayed home.  The plans I carefully made to visit the Panama Canal, London, and the British Isles collapsed, because all three of my flights were canceled.  That disappointment dampened my excitement.  I lost the passion, due to not trusting in the airlines, travel insurance carriers, and other merchants.  There is so much to do close to my home, so I have been kayaking at our local lakes, paddling in the ocean, and biking on the bike trails and through our neighborhood. 

You don't have to sit in front of the tv and veg out as you age.  If you stick to a routine, you can enjoy making delicious meals, get in your daily exercise, grow a lush garden, and take care of your home and pets.  I savor watching my favorite television shows and documentaries on Netflix and Max each evening.  For many of my lean years I didn't have tv, so now it feels like a real treat.  I definitely get my money's worth from the two streaming services I have.  

Retirement is what you make it.  If you fill it with things that you love to do, it can be a rewarding and fantastic time. 

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Making Time For What's Important in Retirement

 

As we age, we realize what makes us feel happy, fulfilled and relaxed.  Like many of you, I am a great lover of nature.  I feel fortunate to reside in an area where I can swim, kayak, hike, ride my bicycle and relax.  Although I love to visit cities, I always breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the mountains, the clear blue sky, and the sight of our freshwater lakes.  

Some of my friends and I enjoy watching documentaries.  I just watched one about a man who lived out in the wilderness of Alaska, in close association with grizzly bears.  He and his girlfriend were ultimately mauled to death by one of them.  It struck me how naive he seemed in the footage.  I felt an instant sense of predators from the moment we arrived on my land.  So did Lula.  When your cabin is near wild animals, you need to constantly be aware.  You also need to carefully observe people.  Your gut is always right.  I like to watch the wildlife on my cameras, but make sure to keep my distance if I encounter them.    So many people grossly underestimate their power and hunger.  Usually, they seem as surprised to see me as I am to see them.  

How have you been spending your time?  Do you have any new hobbies at this age?

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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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More on Anacapa

 After climbing up the steep, steel ladder to the dock, I peeled off my wet bathing suit in the changing room and hung it out to dry.  I walked up the steps that rose straight two stories straight in the air to the hiking trail.  Once up there, all you could see were birds.  The island is a nesting sight for the seagulls.  They are EVERYWHERE!  It's unbelievable.  They had their babies with then, who were juvenile sized, speckled, grey, and downy.  

There are no trees on Anacapa.  I was worried that it would be intensely hot, but the temperature was very pleasant.  I hiked up to a spot with a gorgeous view of the ocean.  You could hear the sea lions bellowing, but it was hard for me to  see them.  One older woman standing near me described them as "looking like rocks, but moving." I spotted the four kayakers, paddling eagerly around the perimeter of the island.  I secretly wished that  I could have gone with them.  

I decided to return to the cove for one more swim.  When I got back, there were a couple of families in the water.  I had recommended taking a dip to one woman who was now there with her kids,  We had talked on the trail, and she told me that they were wearing their suits.  Treading water, she had a huge smile on her face.  Our eyes met and I nodded, happy to see her submerged in the salt water.  

The ocean felt amazing and powerful.  I am convinced that being in lakes and the sea is fantastic for our health, on many levels.  I sat and chatted with a woman who was staying there with her teen age daughter and husband.  They were camping in tents for a few nights.  She told me that they brought their own water with them, and packed some instant meals and lots of snacks.  They have a camper stove.  She explained that has a lot of backpacking experience.  (a foreign and interesting world to me.)  I just go for day hikes with a backpack.  It's totally different.  

I thought about what it would be like to camp there.  She seemed very relaxed and grounded.  Her daughter had long black hair that was practically down to her ankles.  She was leaning to the side, combing it, as I got out of the water for the last time.

On the boat trip back, we saw a whale.  It was a magnificent being.  We all gasped and cheered as it put on a show for us.  Once again, a pod of dolphins swam alongside our boat, and behind us, in the wake.  I sighed with contentment.  It was a rewarding and satisfying  trip.  

Once we arrived in the parking lot, I drove back on the 126 East,  heading home.  It was 7:00 p.m. when I pulled into the driveway, and I felt sleepy from the salt water and air.   I forced myself to fry a turkey burger and made a salad.  After doing the dishes, and washing out my swimsuit, I fell into bed, and slept deeply and soundly.  My  mind remembered the frolicking dolphins and that majestic whale.  Ah...

  The ocean is so healing.  I plan to spend much more time there in retirement.  (even if it's  just for the day.)

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Enjoying the Weather

 

It's been an incredible week-Lula and I have been loving the sunshine!  The flowers are blooming, and soon the huge oak trees will be leafing out from their dormancy.  There are clusters of daffodils everywhere.  They add so much cheer and color to the neighborhood.  I love how they look surrounded by carefully structured stone walls.  

I've been watering the cypress, pines, and fruit trees.  Everything looks so healthy at this time of year.  Lula and I took a gorgeous hike together this morning.  We stopped at a bench for a short break and a snack.  There were just a few other hikers on the trail.  All were friendly and happy.   Everyone was enjoying the gorgeous vistas, pleasant weather, and fresh air.

On the way home, we sat by a stream and listened to the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall. Lula crunched on some snow laying on the embankment, and eagerly devoured her dog biscuits.

If you enjoy free or inexpensive hobbies, you spend far less money. (especially in retirement.)  I'm looking forward to a bike ride later this afternoon.  The longer days are inspiring.  Summer is on its way!

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Learning from the Royals

 After watching snippets of the Oprah interview with Harry and Meghan, I came to several realizations.  Using your talents and following your dreams is crucial to happiness.  I was fortunate that I was able to train as a dancer and perform in Broadway touring musicals and nightclub acts.  It's what I always wanted to do.

As I've gotten older, I have put more focus on the home.  To me, a comfortable, peaceful living space is intrinsic to feeling safe and relaxed.  As I age, I see that having fewer possessions makes my life less stressful.  In my thirties, I had three dogs, a turtle, and two chickens.  Now I have one dog.  I prefer less responsibility at this stage of my life.  I also greatly value my privacy and independence.

Many people think that expensive weddings, a spouse, homes, and cars will make them happy.  It doesn't work that way.  You have to do the things you love, and spend time with people with whom you truly connect.  A deep soul connection is rare, and it's very valuable.  I love the spark of romance I see between these two.  I couldn't help but notice that the things that Harry enjoys most in California are the same simple activities that ignite a flame of enthusiasm in me: riding my bike, hiking, and going to the beach.  I hope they are able to enjoy their life together here, and can let go of the pain and unsuitability of the past.  I wish them the best.  They certainly have a gorgeous home.

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Enjoying Free Movies on Youtube

I have been happily watching documentaries and movies at home, since the virus hit.  (I never used to be a movie buff.)  I don't care for car chases or violence.  Last night I watched Hello Dolly, and absolutely loved it.  I was heart warming for me, because  both Tommy Tune and Michael Crawford became stars after filming it.  They each helped my career as a performer tremendously, giving me opportunities to break out of the chorus.  I just love seeing their early work.  How fortunate it  was to cross paths with them in my career.  They both were exciting, energetic, and outstanding in the film.

Yesterday I took a long walk with my neighbor.  Lula joined us.  The weather was spectacular!  It is so pretty up in the mountains with the sun is shining.  We meandered down the narrow streets returned along the Wrightwood Trail.  Our walk took an hour and a half.  I really enjoy living in such a walkable town.  It saves  so much money on gas, and it feels healthy to get out in the mountain air each day.

I just watched a fascinating documentary called The Hearst and Davies Affair.  Once it is safe to travel again, I want to visit Hearst Castle.  I am going to research the trip online.  It's a few hours drive from the cottage.  Cambria is supposed to be a gorgeous area.  I love that whole era: the glamour, furniture, clothing, and architecture... 

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A Lovely Hike

Yesterday Lula and I took a hike with a friend of mine on the Acorn Trail.  I had always wanted to try this path, but could never find the trail head.  It turns out it is right near where I suspected that it was, but when I was looking, they hadn't yet put in the trail marker.  There is a Catholic camp right across the street.  The land and scenery is just wonderful!

Lula had a terrific time; she was in her glory.  I had packed a backpack full of supplies, water, a lunch and some dog treats.  Lula crunched on her dog biscuits happily.  My friend and I sat on some enormous  chunks of logs that were turned on their sides.

The Acorn Trail meets the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The next time I take it, I plant to hike up to that section.  I hear that there are also some beautiful wild big horn sheep up in that area.   I am looking forward to seeing them.

It's been hot here, so I need to get outside and water my garden.  The sunflowers are still in bloom.  I love how bright and cheerful they are.  I spent some time knitting a dishcloth on the porch this afternoon.  Lula and I took an evening  walk when it was cooler and I chatted with a couple of my neighbors.  It was fun to catch up with them. 

How are things in your area?

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Staying Home and Spending Less

Have you been spending less money since the pandemic?  Many of us are finding that since we are not commuting, eating out, traveling or shopping that we have reduced our expenses.

I have been making a concerted effort to stay on my budget and to use the supplies that I have.  I am eating through the stockpile, and replenishing it slowly and carefully.  I buy a lot of my groceries in bulk, which saves me time, trips to the store, and money.  The garden has been producing well, and the produce I get from the local co-op means very few items are needed from the market.  It's rewarding to eat what's in season, and to support our local farmers.  It's satisfying to not use any packaging.  Everything is placed in our reusable baskets.

Living in a mountain town that's walkable means lots of daily exercise and fresh air.  I never realized how much I would enjoy settling in a small village where everything that I need is within a mile or two of my cabin.

Making use of the numerous hiking, bicycle trails and local lakes has provided inexpensive and free entertainment.  Instead of purchasing a kayak, I bought a $20.00 blow up raft at the hardware store.  It suits my needs just fine, and I can carry it with me to and from the country club.   One of the ladies who works there commented that I'm certainly getting my money's worth out of my membership.  She's right.  My parents raised me that way.  If they bought us something like soccer cleats, or a skateboard, we were expected to use it.  Going for a daily swim in the lake has been so  beneficial, on  many levels.  Once the weather turns cold, these long sunny days will be over; so I enjoy it now as much as possible.

There seems to be much less laundry to do this time of year.  I wear sundresses and sandals most of the time, which are light, cool, and breezy.  My beach towel is carefully laid outside to dry each afternoon.  The swimsuit is rinsed in cold water and hung on the towel rack in the sauna. Both are  fresh and soft the next morning. The beach towel can be used several times before needing to be laundered.   

How is your summer going?

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Busy Working From Home

Do any of you work from home?  I find it so exciting that we are able to send documents and complete business transactions  remotely these days.  No having to drive to an office  saves you so much money on gas, clothing, food, time and energy.  If you are disciplined, you can get a tremendous amount of work done from your living space.  I like being able to have my meals simmering on the stove  and a load of laundry tossing  in the washing machine as I'm typing or editing. 

For me, it helps to get a cardio workout done early in the day.  During the summer, Lula thrives on a routine of walking or running alongside my bicycle while it's still cool outside.  Yesterday we hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.  Halfway through our route, we ran into a loose dog that we used to see regularly on a trail that we hiked a few months ago.  I had switched my ritual, trying to avoid an exuberant Australian shepherd and the difficult couple that own him.  They refuse to put their dog on a leash, and I was getting tired of the stress of our conflicting attitudes.  Tempers had escalated.  I thought it was kind of funny that we met up with them again.  I just veered off the path with Lula and made a half circle.  Their  dog is still charging around, completely out of their control, but at least he is happy and fairly friendly.  If you ask them to get him so that you can pass, they yell at you.  Since I hike to relax and connect with nature, I now just avoid the conflict.

How is your summer going? 

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Good Fortune

Yesterday I received a phone call from one of the ladies that runs the country club.  Each year in May they hold a lottery. They draw names to pick the new members.  It's a small place, and very popular with the locals.  My name was picked, and I am now a full fledged member!  I received my key card for the security gate.

This morning I got there early and took a refreshing swim.  I rode my bicycle from the cabin, and parked it at the bike rack near the office.  I packed some beef jerky, fruit and water,  and brought warm hand knit clothes, since the lake is cold and stimulating.  I love the charge our bodies get  from the chilly, fresh water.

I took a short walk on the hiking trail.  The views are exquisite.  I will have to take more photos for you.  I ran out of storage on my ipad again.  It's hard for me to part with my pictures.

I had the lake to myself!  I swam with the tadpoles.  The snow melt feels amazing.  It makes your body tingle.  What a relief to feel so relaxed and one with nature.  There is another nearby lake that just opened.  I was afraid it would be closed, due to the pandemic.  I am still wearing a mask and keeping my distance from others.  I may also buy a kayak and explore the larger lake, too.  It's near a public campsite.  There is so much to enjoy  in these mountains.  I am so happy that I found the cabin.  It has been a calming refuge during many stressful times.

Have you been swimming yet?

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A Kind Hiker

The other day on our hike, I accidentally left my rod iron bar near the trail after taking a water break.  It has a leather handle, and I use it on our walks every day.  Between juggling my backpack, water, Lula's water dish, and leash, I forgot the bar.

Our hike was six miles, and once I realized that I didn't have it,  the thought of going all the way back to the creek depressed me.  It was just too far.  I was upset with myself for forgetting, but hoped that someone would find it who could use it.

Once we arrived back at the parking lot,  I sat on a wooden bench under the Eucalyptus trees  to rest for a minute. I gave Lula another dish of water, and drank from my now almost empty container.  After catching my breath, something made me walk over to the display where they have information posted about the trail and local wildlife.

There was my rod iron bar!  Someone had carefully propped it up against the display.  I felt elated.  What a joy to experience the kindness of strangers.  Now I won't have to spend money on another walking stick.  It's also good excellent protection against loose dogs. 

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Yaktrax For Walking On Icy Surfaces

A couple of days ago I purchased a pair of Yaktrax at our local hardware store, to pull over my kamik winter boots.  They give excellent traction in the ice and snow.  I feel so much safer now that I have them. 

I had been slipping and sliding on my deck, when I was walking outside to get firewood.  It's so easy to hit a patch of ice  and fall.  You really have to be careful, especially as you get older.   

It's always exciting to find something that makes life easier, and helps you to feel safer.  Have any of you ever tried Yaktrax?  A couple of the men that I see on my morning walks with Lula recommended them. 

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A Snowy Hike and Picnic

I found a trail that was flat and wide

 
This morning I drove to a few different places, searching for a hiking trail that would be safe to hike in the snow.  It can get icy and extremely slippery.  We had two hikers die in December near Mount Whitney.  One was a 53 year old man who was hiking with a group, the other was a 32 year old search and rescue worker, who was looking for him.  On the steep slopes, there are chutes where people go sliding down the mountain.  It's a dangerous situation and can have a tragic ending.   They had to call off the search for the first man. 

Lula and  I enjoyed this trail that was covered with snow.  She galloped along in front of me, thrilled with the challenge that  the snow presented.  The air was fresh and crisp, and it felt energizing to be outside in nature.  I brought my backpack filled with supplies.  We stopped at a cleared off picnic table for lunch.  Lula had a dog biscuit, and I ate a slice of cold pizza.  We drove home in the red Beetle, and I drank my hot coffee that I had stored in the thermos on the kitchen counter.  The seller left it and a vintage Mr. Coffemaker with  the house.  It has a timer, and you can have your coffee brewing before you wake up in the morning.  I love how the smell wafts up the stairs.  The thermos/pitcher  really does an excellent job of keeping beverages hot.  I didn't have to buy anything for that cabin.  It came fully equipped.  I am so thankful. 

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Phone Issues

I have been devouring the book on the Pacific Crest Trail that I am reading.  It is full of personal stories.  Some of them are tragic and devastating.  It is so fascinating to read about all of the hikers who have traveled through that area.  I really resonate with them.

Today Lula and I returned, and we saw a little marker at the side of the trail.  Someone from Europe had left a couple of ceramic hiking boots with a little hand carved wooden sign.  There were three small pine cones nestled next to it.  It was a surprising find.  Generally, there is nothing out there but trees and nature-no sign of humans.  People are very conscientious about carrying out their trash.  It's such a pristine environment.  It makes me so thankful to be a California native.

Last night  I was woken up at 11:11 p.m. by a call from the power company telling me that the electricity would be cut off at the cottage again.  I am very grateful to have the cabin.  We consistently have  power, water, and gas heat.  I also have a huge stack of firewood.  My cell phone has been acting very strange.  It won't hold a charge, and even when I charge it, it drops down to 30%.  I ordered a new one, but UPS couldn't find my new address, and sent it back to Great Call.

I may just go replace it at Best Buy.  It's so important to have a phone, and I don't have a land line.  My old one is several years old, and I think it's wearing out.  I wasn't able to get a signal in Canyon Country for almost two weeks.  I think with the power outages the towers were affected.  I am careful not to drive at night, and  make sure  to choose highways that have call boxes at the side of the road.

I am glad that I still have an old fashioned address book, because if I were dependent on my phone, I would have been out of luck.  What is your phone situation?

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Learning From Your Parents

Yesterday  I felt like I flew through housework and chores nonstop.  That's how my poor mom used to live her life.  She would frantically clean the house all day, for about six hours per day.  In between, she was making dinner, packing lunches, folding laundry, and taking a few short breaks. 

The older I get, the more I appreciate how beautifully she kept our home.  It took constant work and effort, and she put that time in every day.  I wonder if she would have been happier if she had spent more time in nature, like I do.  She did enjoy sunbathing on our patio, and listening to the birds.  She would usually read a romance novel and have a glass of wine, or two, or three...

This morning Lula and I hiked together and admired the Fall colors.  The birds are hard to spot; they seem to hide in the trees, and act very afraid.  Those near my cottage are always out in the open, and frequent the bird feeders and bird baths.  I guess there are more birds of prey out in the wilderness.  it's a whole different vibration.  We stopped and had lunch by a stream.  I packed some dog biscuits for Lula.  I munched on some beef jerky, a couple of small white nectarines, and a few sugar cookies.  Food tastes so delicious when you're out in the mountain air. 

Yesterday I took care of some paperwork that needed to be finished, and I feel much better today.  I wrote my dad's obituary, printed out my flight information and hotel reservations for an upcoming trip, and paid my utilities and property taxes.  My parents were always very organized.  They planned ahead, and stuck to a daily schedule.   It really does reduce stress to have the bills paid, the meals cooked, and your plans firm.  What did you learn from your parents?

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