The Magic of Monaco

I have always wanted to visit Monte Carlo and Monaco.  People used to tell me that I looked like Princess Stephanie.  I had seen pictures of this beautiful place where the glamorous actress Grace Kelly lived.  I wondered if someday I would finally get there.

I was thrilled to see it listed on our cruise itinerary on The Norwegian Epic. I immediately loved the charm and beauty of the location.  Everything was so clean.  The buildings are pristine and perfectly cared for; nothing is dirty or rundown.  I didn't see any graffiti.  The plants, buildings, park, sea, and people fit together harmoniously.  It was an inspiring setting to experience.  I felt a sense of wonder and awe.     

I had booked a tour through NCL, our cruise line.  Time was limited, and there was tight traffic getting into the little city.  It's only a mile long.  Our tour guide's name was Pam, and she was very knowledgeable and passionate.  I broke off from the group at one point, and ventured out on my own.  She had already set a meeting point and time for us to return.  She was very clear, and explained how to get back a few times.  That was so helpful.

I found a small shop that sold incredibly delicious pizza.  I bought a slice of pepperoni for just 4 Euros.  It was the most tasty pizza that I have ever eaten!  As I was sitting on the stool,  munching happily, I heard a familiar voice.  Our tour guide was coming down the narrow street, explaining the history of the area to the travelers.  I smiled sheepishly at her and waved.  She giggled and waved back when she recognized me.  I prefer not to be part of a large group when I am overseas.  I like to blend in and people watch.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.

  

Happy to be Back Home from Europe

the view from my window at Hotel Colon in Barcelona

Yesterday afternoon I arrived back to LAX after taking a gorgeous Mediterranean cruise on NCL.  We went to so many incredible ports: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Rome, Florence, Cannes, and Palma, Mallorca.  It was a magical journey by sea.  Traveling by air now is very different than it used to be.  I found it challenging, but strived to remain positive. I made a concerted effort to focus on the beauty and charm of Europe.

the bedding and wallpaper were exquisite

I had a magnificent room at Hotel Colon.   Imagine my excitement when I pulled open my curtains and saw this view of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia.  It took my breath away; I spent hours gazing at it and soaking in the majestic energy that it emanates.  What a masterpiece.  I was absolutely thrilled with my good fortune in the positioning of my room.

a carriage in Mallorca, Spain

My flight didn't leave until 6:00 a.m.  To be on the safe side, I had booked an apartment in Barcelona to stay in the night before the cruise, and this luxurious hotel room at Hotel Colon for the night after we got back into port.  I decided to splurge on a boutique hotel, since I love old Europe and the charming buildings and decor.  I was so impressed with the detail, beauty, and impeccable staff there.  It ended up being a highlight of my trip.  I didn't do much outside, since I was exhausted from twelve days of sailing on The Epic and sightseeing.  I did sit on the Hop On Hop Off bus thorough the city.   My room had an espresso maker that was quite impressive.  It was a huge relief to soak in the relaxing bathtub after showering for the last fourteen days.

I will be posting photos and information about the vacation in the next several days.  I had some interesting experiences as a solo traveler.  As always, I was so happy to return home to my affectionate dog, comfortable cottage, and healthy garden.  Today I am making soup, winter tea for a cold that I contacted, and catching up on mail.  I'll also be paying bills online, and catching up on blogs.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.         

A Short Blogging Break and Personal Stories of the Tick Fire

Grassy Hollow picnic area in Wrightwood, Californa

I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a short blogging break.  I plan to be back on November 24th.  I have been pushing myself too hard, and decided to close my Etsy shop for a few weeks, too.  It will be good to relax, read, knit, and do yoga.

I have been talking with my neighbors about their experiences in the fire.  One woman told me that our street was completely black. The power had been shut off; and the whole area was evacuated.  She said that people were trudging down the street, from different neighborhoods.  She described them as looking like zombies.  It's so important to have flashlights and battery powered radios.  Solar lights are excellent for California, too. I have a few hurricane lamps, and the flame inside of the glass gives off a tremendous beam.  I used them during the last power outage.  I heard people noticing and commenting, "Stephenie..." when they walked by my house.  I put one lamp by the window.   You could see it through the light colored curtain.

One lady's house burned down because her driveway was too ornate and narrow for the fire trucks to enter.  She was crying on the news.  I had always noticed that house. It has a long, winding drive with intricate brick work.  It made me evaluate about how easy it is for the firemen to reach my cottage.  They have to be able to get to you to do their job.  Nobody thinks it's going to happen to them, but it can, and it does. 

An elderly couple on our street had the sheriffs knocking on their door as they were announcing on a megaphone to evacuate.  Their middle aged son wasn't home, and they needed assistance.  The officers escorted them to the shelter.  It's so important to check on parents and grandparents who are living on their own in these situations.  They might not  realize the magnitude of the situation.  When fires start at night, sometimes people are  sleeping.  I know of a young woman who died of smoke inhalation during a cruise ship fire.  She had gone to bed early.  We need to call each other, and to check and double check.

I learned about the last fire through Anita, who comments on my blog.  She knew about the fire before I did!  She saw it on television, and I was up at the cabin.  I don't have t.v. or Internet there, and was reading blissfully by the fire.  She was called me and asked frantically, "Are you okay?"  I hadn't seen the images on the news. 

Facebook is an easy and fast way to reach people, too.  You can mark yourself as safe, or post an announcement to your group.  

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I hope you will continue to read some of the other posts here until I start up again.


I appreciate your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.               

Ann Miller Rehearsal and show

A Back Up Phone

I realized yesterday that I still have my very first cell phone.  It was tucked away in my nightstand dresser drawer.  The charger looks brand new.  It still works!  I charged it fully.

I use my dad's bedroom set from when he was a little boy growing up in San Francisco.  I love the wood, and shine it carefully with Old English furniture polish.  That's what my mom always used.

my neighbor's photo of the Tick Fire, when it first started

She ordered this phone for me as a birthday present many years ago.  It was for safety; I had a land line.  She was concerned about me teaching dance and yoga at night.  I think it was so sweet and thoughtful of her.  There is nothing like a mom's concern.  It's designed  for seniors, and I was only in my thirties.

It's funny how it just has the three buttons.  I had forgotten that they used to make them this way.  Who knew that the Smart Phones were coming and all that they would be able to do...Thanks Mom. 

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them. 

The Power of Organization

Being organized increased our energy and our confidence.  When we finish our paperwork, plan our days, and have what we need on hand, we feel stronger and more in control.  Before computers came along, I used to make a list of what I needed to do each day.  I have returned to this practice.  It is such a positive feeling to cross things off  once they are completed.  I like the direction and focus that it gives me.  

When we have loose ends, appliances or gadgets that don't work, or when we can't find something, we lose energy.  Being disorganized can make us feel incapable and forgetful.  I will be so relieved when my new phone from Great Call arrives.  My old one till works, but it's iffy.  I am thankful that it is still functioning, though.

The other night I spilled hot apple cider onto my keyboard pad.  Now several of the keys do not work.  I am blogging at the library today.  I unplugged the keyboard, and am on my way to Best Buy today to replace it.  I should have known better; I have been very lucky with my hot coffee until now.  At least I didn't ruin something more expensive, like the hard drive.  

I have been reconnecting with my neighbors back at the pink cottage.  It is fun to catch up with them, and to hear all of their experiences while I was gone.  I have been here for 23 years, and have made strong connections with many of the people in this area.  I can see now why many older people don't want to move as they age.  I'm glad that I found something in the mountains while I am still in my fifties.  Both places have so many qualities that I appreciate.  The weather down here is so mild, and I can ride the bike all year.  That's a plus.  Do you think you will ever move from where you are now?  What are your plans for the future?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.          

“Satori” Russian tour | St. Petersburg & Moscow

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?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Soaking In the Energy of the Trees

Soaking in the energy of the trees up here has been so uplifting.  Wrightwood  really is a heavenly place.  I checked out a few fascinating books by hikers who have completed the Pacific Crest Trail.  The stories captivate me, because I know the area.  I walk sections of it, and pretend that I am traveling the entire way.  It really is a spiritual feeling.  There is so much history here.  The path is impeccably maintained in this area, too.  We all have a passion for hiking. 

Today I relaxed for quite a while by the fire.  It felt so cozy to drink coffee, read my library books, gaze at the incredible views of the mountains, and relax.  I was covered with a warm wool blanket that one of the previous owners must have crocheted.  It's impressive work.  The blankets are thick and heavy.  I love them.

 I finally took Lula for a walk on the main trail by Highway 2 this  afternoon.  She's used to going in the morning.  I lounged around, waited for more sun, and enjoyed a hot lunch.  I nuked  a sandwich of turkey ham with melted cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread.  Yesterday I worked nonstop for eight hours, so it felt good to be lazy and relaxed.     

 It's been thirty degrees here, so I am wearing all of my beloved hand knits.  The ladies at the library always compliment me, and ask me if I've made what I'm wearing.  I appreciate their enthusiasm.  The alpaca/wool gloves have really come in handy.  I knit them several years ago and they are still going strong.  Sock yarn is so durable.  It wears like iron.   Are you needing to wear gloves yet where you live?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear, as they are moderated. 

Back to Canyon Country, After the Tick Fire

little brown cabin in Wrightwood, California

Thank you for all of your comments on the blog.  I appreciate your care and concern.  I drove home very early this morning.  The sun was just coming up as I filled the gas tank with gas.  I don't let it get below half a tank anymore. 

There was some traffic on the 14 South, since the far right lane was closed at Shadow Pines.  I studied the charred hillsides.  The landscape reminded me of burnt cookies or toast.  It looks cleaner, though.  There's something about having that dry brush burnt away that gives me a sense of relief.

sweet little red cabin

I have done two loads of  laundry, cleaned up the yard, and am raking leaves this afternoon.  I put all of the pine cones into a large plastic green waste bin.  I will take them up to the cabin to use as kindling.  They make pretty decorations, too.  I watered everything really well this morning.  Fortunately, the plants all look healthy.  The temperatures haven't been too bad, and they seemed to handle the smoke just fine.  I refilled the birdbath, which was empty.

red and green cabin with flowers

I fed and watered Snow White, my Silkie.  She had laid four eggs while I was gone!  I was floored.  Usually my hens don't lay eggs at this time of year.  Thrilled, I thanked her profusely.  I plan to do some baking.  I will probably make pumpkin or banana bread, and maybe some Snickerdoodles. 

cabin with fir tree cutouts

I usually leave down some pine needles and leaves as mulch, but will clean everything up today.  I don't want anything in the yard that can burn.  I will compost the leaves.  I have two large bins for green waste.  They will be recycled into mulch at the plant.  My fruit trees look terrific.  So far, so good.  The wind is supposed to pick up tonight at 11:00 p.m.  The Santa Anas are what cause the most trouble.  I keep imagining green, healthy gardens and light rain.  I think it's so important to focus on what you want.   

I took these photos in my neighborhood up at the cabin for you.  It has been such a refuge up there.  It's hard to believe it's just sixty miles from where the Tick Fire was.  How are things in your area?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear.  They are moderated.

More Fires

Hi Everyone,

I just logged on to the Internet at the library up at the cabin.  I was shocked to see how bad the fire in Sonoma is.  There is also a new one, near the 405 freeway.  Yikes!  My cottage is about fifteen miles from the latest fire.  The wind is what makes it so dangerous.  My friend in Australia also posted photos of horrific fires there.

My neighbors said that things had calmed down a couple of days ago.  The roads had reopened, and people were going to Trader Joe's and Stater Brothers, stocking up on staples and groceries.  We weren't  sure how long it would last, though.  They told me that the air is like an ashtray or bbq, and recommended that I just stay up here in the mountains.

I feel safer up here, but am still going to pack a bag, and keep in touch with what's happening, just in case.

Lula and I took an amazing hike on the Pacific Crest Trail this morning.  I stumbled onto an incredible campsite.  I sat at picnic tables there and had a tuna sandwich and some fruit.  Lula munched on dog biscuits.

I hope everyone in California and Oz has a safe place to go.  I plan to call my neighbors again and see how things are going.  I was planning to return today, but have decided to stay put.  I appreciate your concern, and hope that you all are doing well.  I will try to get to your blogs soon.  I have had a lot of messages to answer from friends.  I'm sorry for the delay.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  They may take a few days to appear, as they are moderated.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.   

Tick Fire Update

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to those who called and wrote to check up on me in the Tick Fire.  I am safe at the cabin.  I have been in touch with several of my neighbors.  The fire was burning a block from my cottage.  I am shocked that many of the people on my street have chosen not to evacuate.  They will let people out, but not back in...

I have offered space in my home to several people in the area.  I would be afraid to stay there in this situation.  The fire moves so quickly.  The heat is incredibly intense. 

I tried to return yesterday to water my garden and feed my chicken, but all of the roads leading into town were closed.  They weren't allowing any foot traffic, either. Thankfully, one of my neighbors is taking care of my chicken for me.  She took all of the kids over with her, and they had a fun time.  It can be stressful being cooped up in the house in this kind of situation.  People are running out of things like milk, bread, and other staples.  We don't realize how quickly we go through them.

It made me realize how important it is to have a stockpile, cash, gas in the car, a bag packed, and all of your documents.  Fortunately, I am prepared, and brought everything with me.  My intuition had told me to pack my Suze Orman valuables box and my passport.  I do wish I had packed all of my hand knit sweaters, though.  Oh well.  So far, our houses are still standing.

I will answer your blogs as soon as possible.  I have limited Internet access at the library.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.        

Standing In Your Truth

One thing that financial expert Suze Orman stresses is the importance of standing in your truth.  It takes guts and strength, but we need to stand up for ourselves, and to not let others  walk all over us.

When people trample our boundaries, they are not honoring who we are.  Many people will flip into denial, rather than admit that they are breaking the rules, crossing the line, or behaving in a sneaky or dishonest manner. 

With cell phones, everybody has a camera now.  I have found that one of the most effective tools in dealing with people with boundary issues is to tape or photograph them.  They will not climb your fence, trespass, or let their dog run through your yard if you if you document it.  The camera doesn't lie.  This also can help if you prefer to avoid  getting  into an argument. 

A fellow dance teacher once told me,  "Just remember, every time you set a boundary, someone is going to try and cross it."  It takes consistency and firmness to teach people that they can't take advantage.  Have you ever had someone in your life with poor boundaries?  Sonia Choquette says that people with good boundaries are respectful of other people's boundaries.  I have found this to be true.  What do you think?     

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.