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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Happy Kids

 

Yesterday I drove down to Marina del Rey to enjoy kayaking through the marina.  I parked the car, paid my $10.00 at the self pay station, and placed the receipt on my dashboard.  I carried my Oru kayak, th paddle, and beach bag out to the water's edge.  It's a short walk, and since my fold up kayak only weighs 24 lbs., it's pretty easy.

A woman and her husband watched me set it up on the sand.  She asked me if I minded her asking some questions.  I was happy to oblige; I love telling people about this kayak.  She explained  that she had purchased an inflatable kayak on Amazon, but that it popped while she was inflating it.  She returned it and bought a plastic kayak from Sam's Club.  She said that it's heavy, and she doesn't like how it cuts through the water.  They weight about 90 lbs.  Her  friend told her that it's worth it to spend more money.  I agreed.  I told her that I just love mine, and especially appreciate how lightweight and portable it is.  I can  throw it in the backseat of my car and it stores well in my cottage.  

I paddled around, admiring all of the beautiful boats, and studying their names.  They seem to be from all over: Corona, Catalina, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, San Diego, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and more.  I could look at them all day.  They are all so unique and artistic.  The photo above in Long Beach.

I chatted with a man in a green inflatable kayak.  "Aren't you afraid it will pop?" I questioned.  I realized after saying it that it was probably kind of rude. "No," he replied.  He feels it will last a few years, and that then the salt will weaken the material.  He told me that he lives in a one bedroom apartment, and loves how compact his is for storage and driving to the beach.  

I met another lady in a tandem kayak with her grandson.  They were from Beverly Hills.  She was relaxed and smiling, enjoying the sunshine, views, and family time.  We talked about how pleasant it would be to live there, on a houseboat. 

As I headed back to shore, a sweet little boy eagerly called out to me from the kayak he was sharing with his mother.  "I thought I wasn't going to like it," he admitted.  "But, he continued, "I saw a DOG, and it was eating a FISH!  I love it!"  He was so enthusiastic and friendly.  I laughed and encouraged him.

After laying on the warm sand  in the sun for a while, and  munching on an orange and a piece of cherry pie, I packed things up, reluctantly.  It was so relaxing there, but I knew I needed to get back on the 405 and beat the traffic home.  

After cleaning and folding up the kayak, I passed the mother and daughter from the family with the little boy.  "Wow!" she exclaimed, when she saw my folded up version of the boat. She sounded like she was from Norway.   "That is incredible!" her daughter cried out, in amazement.  I agreed with her, smiled, waved, and got back in my car to drive home.  The traffic was thick and heavy at the 5 North, but worth it.  I felt a deep sense of contentment and relaxation from the kind people and relaxing time on the water.

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My First Podcast

 

One of the dancers from "Hello Hollywood, Hello!" asked me to do an interview for her podcast, "Bluebells Forever," last month.  It was released today.  It's called, "Never Stop Learning."  You can listen to it it on Apple podcasts, or google Bluebells Forever podcast with Stephenie Lawton to find it.  It should be under June 17th 2021.  https://linkpodcasts.apple.com/.../bluebells.../id1513513525...

We live in an amazing time with technology that is available.   The interview was given on Zoom.  I initially resisted downloading the software, but have thoroughly enjoyed every meeting that I've attended.  It is so fun to see my old friends' faces and to hear their voices and laughter.  We are all older, but somehow still the same, on a soul level.

How are you doing in this heat?  It was 110 degrees in Canyon Country.  Wow!  Palm Springs hit 118 degrees, and I heard on the radio that it was 125 degrees in Death Valley.  (hence the name.)  I have the bathtub filled with cold water, and have been taking a dip in the lake or the tub throughout the day.  I hope you are staying cool and comfortable.  Be careful of heat exhaustion; it can creep up on you.   I just watered the trees in my forest, and they are giving off lots of fresh oxygen.  

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Making Fitness Part of Your Lifestyle

Today, after swimming, I stopped and chatted with a woman who had just worked out at the gym.  She was tall, with long grey hair, and  excellent posture.  You could tell that she worked out regularly.  "I'm 83," she told me.  I was so impressed!  She uses the weight machines every day.  I am meeting more and more seniors who are strong, fit, and disciplined.  They all make exercise a habit, and  seem happy, at ease, and self assured.

"I was watching you swimming; that's good exercise.  Is the water cold?" she asked.  "Yes, but I like it," I answered, enthusiastically.  I find hydrotherapy invigorating.  After doing my laps,  it feels wonderful to relax in the sun, enjoy a few snacks, and then slather on some sunscreen."  I like to absorb some vitamin D for the first half hour or so.    

I hopped on my bicycle and pedaled  back home.  Several neighbors waved to me from their cars as we  headed up the hill and around the bend.  Living in a walkable town is a great opportunity to leave the auto at home when running errands or taking  short trips.  It also helps the businesses, who may need the extra parking spaces for customers.  

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Ventured Out to Kayak at Pyramid Lake in California

 Today I drove up the 5 North towards Bakersfield.  I turned off at Smoky Bear exit to  the boat ramp for Pyramid Lake.  I had my Oru Beach kayak in the back seat.  I had stopped off earlier at Big 5 to buy a red life vest and a dry bag.  There were many big rig trucks climbing up the grapevine, which made me nervous.  I took a breath and focused on the water.

The people working at the park were extremely friendly and helpful.  I didn't realize it would cost $20.00 to use the lake with your own kayak, so I was a little short on cash.  Fortunately, the nice lady there  took my  debit card.  

It was windy, and the boat inspector warned me to be careful.  They have a sheriff's station with a boat that patrols the lake.  I carried my kayak to the boat ramp, and set it up.  This was my first time on such a large body of water.  I had been practicing and building up my strength at a smaller lake, near my cabin.  Using that is free, since I have an Adventure Pass.  

This location was much more intimidating.  The lake is huge, and very deep in places.  355 feet, according to my research.  I had read about drownings, so I wanted to be careful and extra cautious.  I met a couple of other kayakers who had rented theirs, and said hello to a fisherman who had a boat with pedals and a motor.  I saw him later as we were leaving.  He is able to transport his small boat in his van by putting the seats down-fascinating!

One of the sheriffs drover up to me on my lunch break and complimented me on my strength.  I don't think they expected someone my size to be able to handle the force of the wind on the water.  We had a great chat.  I used floaties in my kayak to keep it from sinking, in case water got in the boat.  I think I had watched too  many Youtube videos about ominous kayaking accidents.  I wanted to cover all of my bases.  It was warm today, but I think my next investment will be a wet suit for when the water is colder.  It's exciting to discover new places in LA to swim, bike, and paddle. 

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Suze Orman's Ultimate Retirement Guide

Replacing the Faucets and Hot Water Heater

 

Today I replaced the kitchen faucet and hot water heater.  I decided to buy a Bradford brand for the water heater, since they are the best quality, and last the longest.  I asked the plumber to choose a faucet that he thought would be well made, durable, and not need to be replaced quickly.  I would rather spend more money up front on excellent materials, than have to pay for another visit from a plumber, and all of the other expenses of replacing something that isn't well made.

The first thing I did was take a bath, then did a load of laundry.  The sun is hot, and it is drying the clothes and towels quickly on the line.  I stopped at a local fruit stand yesterday, and picked up some fresh blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.  They are so sweet and delicious.  My rhubarb is nearly ready to harvest.  I am slowly reaching my goal of having enough fruit from my trees to feed myself all year.  There are still blood oranges in the bins of my fridge.  The last harvest was huge!  They keep well, too.

The birds started to peck at the apricots on my tree before I got to them, so I stripped the tree, and placed the fruit carefully on the kitchen counter.  In just one day, the apricots had gotten soft and turned sweet.  They are such a delicious fruit, and grow so easily in California.  I love their flavor.

It's time to polish the furniture and clean my washing machine.  The older I get, the more I see that less clutter makes your life easier and happier.

Kind and Encouraging Drivers

 

Today as I was pumping my way on my bicycle up the hill after a trip to the lake, three separate men offered me encouragement.  One gave me the thumbs up sign.  It seems that many men really like trailers.  The Burley Travoy that I have won an award in Europe.  It's an excellent design.  Mine has market bags that hook onto it; they fit on the dolly perfectly.  My mom bought them for me, when she was still alive.  They were expensive, but have been totally worth it.  I'm sure she's happy that I'm using them so frequently.  She always bought the extras with her purchases, and I'm starting to see why.

As I was pushing myself to make it up the incline, two cars needed to pass each other on our narrow mountain road.  I pulled off to the shoulder to let them pass.  The first young man said, "You are such an inspiration..."  He was really sincere.  I thought that was so sweet.  I have been pushing my body very hard lately, especially with the kayaking.  It feels healthy to get the muscles toned and strong again.

The next driver apologized to me for my having to stop to let them by... I could tell he knew I needed the momentum to keep going uphill.  It's not his fault, passing is tight with two cars squeezing by each other.  I laughed and explained that it was no problem, and that my sandal had slipped off my heel.  Both men seemed athletic, and I could tell they  knew about bike riding.  I am surprised that I don't see more adults on bikes here.  Many of the young boys ride small motorcycles.  I guess people are just used to driving their cars.  I think a lot of it has to do with stuff, too.  We carry an amazing amount of equipment  with us to the beach, the lake, and to campsites.

Another lady on my street asked me about the "neat contraption" I was pulling, too.  It's a shopping cart that snaps onto the back of my bicycle.  I told her that it really saves me money on gas.  I love leaving the car at home, and enjoy the intense exercise and fresh air as I cycle around town.  Gas has shot  up to over four dollars a gallon here in Clifornia.  Yikes!  I only drive if I have to, and combine my trips.

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A New Coffee Table

 

One of the reasons I love vintage and antique furniture is that the pieces are smaller and crafted to last a lifetime.   I just purchased a coffee table for my den.  I had been setting my tray of java, half and half, sugar, and a spoon on a bench that came with the cabin.  I kept wishing for a coffee table like my parents had when we were young.

I found exactly what I was looking for at one of our local shops.  It has has beautiful, dark, wooden curved legs, with roses carved into the wood.  The top is an oval piece of grey and white marble.  I just love it.  My grandparents had marble steps that led up to their front door at their home in San Francisco, and it always made me gasp...the smoothness and richness of the stone filled me with awe.

I picked up a few birdhouses at the vintage shop as well, and hung them around the garden for decoration.  A pair of quail has been visiting my front yard every day.  I leave water for them in the tiny stone  birdbath.  Recently,  I've only seen one of the pair, so I'm hoping that the female is sitting on her eggs.  

It's back to swimming and sunbathing at the lake each day.  I love the routine.  Today I rode my bike there.  It's so healing to immerse yourself in the  refreshing, cold water.  All of the kids that hang out at the country club are so friendly and happy.  It's heartwarming to see everyone's smiles again.  What a  wonderful place Wrightwood is  for children to grow up; they are surrounded by nature.

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First Day on the Oru Beach Kayak-Fabulous!

Today I took my new kayak to a local lake for its first excursion.  I had practiced putting assembling it at home, inside the cottage.   I was so sore and tired after dismantling  it, that I didn't have the energy to attempt using it at the lake.  It will take a few times to break in and become less stiff.

Today, after spending the morning watering my pine and oak trees, I packed up a beach bag with a homemade  quesadilla for lunch, and headed to the water.  I reviewed the how to video on Youtube before I left.

  I placed my California Adventure Pass on the rearview mirror.  That way you don't have to pay for day use.  They are valid for one year.  I carried the lightweight kayak down to the water from my shaded parking spot. 

I unfolded the kayak, and began buckling the straps, and inserting the pieces.  An excited Asian man ran up to me.  "Do you want help?" he asked.  I accepted.  He was thrilled to see how all the pieces fit together.   This foldable kayak is a great  conversation starter.  He spoke very little English, but we were in sync.  I think he is from Korea.  I will have to ask him.

I explained a few of the details, and we worked quickly and easily together.  He had about five family members with him, all women.  They were very friendly and helpful.  One lady offered me an egg salad sandwich.  I thanked her, and took  half of one with me.  

The kayaking was a blast!  I was amazed at how lightly and smoothly it glided across the water.  I could have stayed out there all day.  It's so much fun.  The paddle gave me great speed.  It really opens your heart, too.  The views of the pine trees and mountains were spectacular.   As I skimmed across the water back to where I had launched, my new friend came running towards me with a bottle of water.  I thanked him, and told him that I had packed a bottle of water in my supply bag.

When I debarked, he must have noticed that I was having a bit of trouble using my knees to break down the boat.  He came over and helped me.  He had a rag in his hand, and was wiping the sand off of the bottom.   He was such a kind and eager helper.  It was really touching.  (especially with all of the violence Asians have been facing in our country recently.)  

He carried the kayak back to my car for me.  The lady with him asked me if it was expensive.  "Yes," I answered.  "A hundred dollars?" she guessed.  "Over a thousand,"  I answered.  It was worth every penny.  I think I will be kayaking daily.  It's such a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the water and nature.  

As we were packing up, one of the women wanted to know if I planned to come back tomorrow.  "Yes," I responded.  "What time?" she inquired.  When I told her my schedule, she said with a smile, "He will be here to help you."  They are so sweet.  I am looking forward to seeing them again.  

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A New Kayak and a Visit to the Campground

 Yesterday my fold up kayak from Oru arrived.  I was very excited to receive it.  I watched the instructional video, and carefully read the manual.  It has a drawing of a woman and her dog in the kayak.  Reminds me of Lula.  I was able to assemble it in my living room fairly quickly.  It takes a lot of muscle.  My arms were really sore this morning.  I think I will get used to it...I hope.

The design is like origami.  It's quite sophisticated.  I also ordered four solar lights, a paddle,  floaties, and a backpack to carry the boat to and from the water.  Everything seems to be very well made.  I am excited to get out on the lake and start paddling.  It's time to research the best marinas and locations.

I drove up to Table Mountain campground this morning and visited my neighbor.  She had a choice spot  there.  She is able to watch the sunrise in the morning, and enjoy  the sunset at night.  She had everything set up beautifully.  I was very impressed.  Her location actually reminds me of where I live.  I think I like staying in the cabin just as well as I would like sleeping in a camper.  There's something about the comforts of home that I love.  My soft couch, hot water heater, well stocked kitchen, and chaise lounge are all things I would probably miss.  I do enjoy cooking outdoors, though.  

I ran into some friends at the lake today.  We chatted for a while.  It's wonderful to be enjoying the sunshine and water again.  Summers in California are so fabulous!  How are you doing?

Perspectives on the Pandemic | "Blood Clots and Beyond" | Episode 15

Invited to a Campsite

Today I ran into one of my neighbors on my way home from swimming and sunbathing at the lake.  She told me that she has a campsite reserved nearby, and invited me to visit.  I put it on my calendar.  I am so excited!  I plan to bring my bicycle, as it's near one of my favorite bike paths.   The views are glorious, especially at sunset.  She has a fantastic camper with pop-ups.  Being outside is a great way to socialize.  I still wear a mask, but am looking forward to the adventure.

I have never been camping, but I did visit another friend of mine at her campsite once, in Lake Tahoe.  It was so much fun!  She's from Australia, and was staying there in a tent, with her son.  I remember cooking over an open fire.  Being outdoors is such a part of the Aussie  lifestyle.  It's part of mine, too.  Lake Tahoe is an exquisite location.  We were doing "Sugar Babies" together there at  the time, at Harrah's.  

Being up at the cabin feels like glamping.  I see trees everywhere, from all the windows.  The air is fragrant with pines and lilacs, and the birds are singing.  For me, having a kitchen, bathtub, and sauna makes it very comfortable and luxurious.  Now that's it's warmer, we can walk to the lake and take a swim.  The air mattress is getting regular use, the sunscreen that smells of delicious honey is slathered on, and I even started soaking in the jacuzzi.  The jets are powerful,  and the heat feels fabulous!  I just love the lazy days of late spring and summer.  

Have you been enjoying any warm weather where you are?  

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.