Last month, we had a full schedule, from camping and a wedding to traveling north from San Diego to Oregon. It’s been exhausting, but the best time ever. Being with family and close friends is like a huge vitamin B shot. The greatest infusion came when Lutz and I took a ride to the Del Mar Lifeguard tower. So many wonderful memories came to fill me with gratefulness. In 1964, my father became the captain of the Del Mar lifeguards. I was 12 years old, and leaving Manhattan Beach, CA, was very trying for a teen heading into middle school. But it was the best life ever.
Also, catching up with my old friend Sara just made my day! So grateful for the energy she shares!
We had TV marathons in our camper with my son!
And of course, my grandkids. Ruby is in middle school. She is a busy bee with hockey, swimming, and friends. I’m so grateful she chose to spend her two free days from school with us in the camper for a movie marathon, but I forgot to get her picture. Eva joined us on her free nights as well.
I want to add this shot of my two grandkids with their Grandpa Lopez. I got it after the beautiful wedding of Jessica Lopez to Christian. What a handsome man, and look at my grandkids, dang, they are gorgeous!
The reality of being with close friends and family is such a potent energizer that we got to see it firsthand. My daughter grew up in Florida, and all her close friends are still spread out there. Albert, Jericho’s husband, planned a surprise visit for my daughter. Ashley and Julie arrived to take her away for a weekend holiday to infuse her with energy after her hard work on her new business and on Jessica’s wonderful wedding last month. Oh yes, and because he loves her! Meridith arrived at the hotel to complete the surprise!
The sun was out most of the days we were in San Diego, and of course, another walk on the beach was in order.
Lutz, Albert, and Jarrod got in a few games of golf as well.
And naturally, another viewing of Eva in action as they moved her to the advanced Jiu-Jitsu class!
It always brings me joy to see how much my grandkids have grown and what caring souls they have become. Celebrating St Martin’s Day with a lantern procession is an event we love to attend, since Eva is attending and Ruby did attend Einstein Academy, a German immersion school.
Always room for seafood! An evening out was planned and did not disappoint!
After three super weeks in my daughter’s family RV, it was time to start moving north to Brookings, Oregon, to visit my sister, her husband, and my mom.
But first, a stop in Encinitas and a visit with my sister’s daughter, Oceanna, her husband, Chris, and daughter Autumn. I had to stop traffic to take this pic. I was so excited to see my old stomping ground!
The next day was a nice drive up the coast to Camarillo to stay with my brother, Boe. We drove Highway 1 and saw the devastation of the homes along the coast in Malibu. So sad and still under construction.
This photo is directly across the street from the one above. It shows the one house that was in the news since it withstood the fire due to its concrete structure. This whole strip of beach was filled with expensive homes before the fire.
The pier was intact, and we made a stroll to the end.
We arrived at my brother’s home, and, of course, we had another walk on Venture Beach!
One evening, we met up with his oldest daughter, Hannah, and her two children, Avalia and Leo—another refreshing meeting to fill the soul.
We decided to take our time heading north and made a two-day stop to visit our dear friends, Cathy and Larry, and, of course, their dog, Bailey. They’re our super-energizing friends; we met years ago while camping in Borrego. They live about two hours north of my brother in Orcutt near Pismo Beach. Of course, another energy-filled walk on the beach was a must.
Two excellent meals that were out of this world filled our bellies: Mexican tacos one night and seared tuna the other. In addition, Lutz and Larry got in a round of golf. We’ll be back to this amazing “Airbnb” for sure. We left with huge hearts and feeling less exhausted.
We stayed on Highway 101 and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge north.
What a view! Looking back.
Six hours later, we landed in Santa Rosa, and I found the cutest hotel in downtown Old Town. It is the historic Hotel La Rosa, and it is really reasonable at $125 a night!
They even had the hotel ready for the holiday season. Our room was quaint and filled with historic memorabilia.
After a great meal of sushi around the corner and a restful sleep, we were off again!
Just before the border of Oregon, there is this cool campground with an old schoolhouse, and every time we pass, we see a few elk. This time it was loaded, and a picture was a must.
We finally made it to Brookings, Oregon, in time for dinner!
Our first stop was a surprise visit to my mom!
Then it was up the hill to my sister and her husband!
A car trip with Mom the next day, along the coast, was amazing. So beautiful. Of course, Lutz had to stop at each viewpoint and snap a picture. Ok, so here is our photo dump!
The scenery is ever-changing and does so much for the soul. We spent days in the sun reading…
Digging for gold…
picking mushrooms…
And watching incredible sunsets from my sister’s balcony, no, I did not photo shop it. This is really, truly how it looked.
And cooking! This is ridiculous, but I have no Thanksgiving dinner pictures. We made homemade Pazole and bought tamales from the local Mexican restaurant. You’ve got to trust me with this. We had all the fixings and a great evening of games. But I’ve discovered that it’s the friends and family who mean the most. Maybe that’s why we only have one Thanksgiving picture of my loved ones: Lutz, Melissa, Steve, Mom, Janet, my dear childhood friend, and no food. They give me the energy to fill me up!
I sure hope your hearts and souls were filled to the brim this last month. I know my stomach has been filled; my pants are a constant reminder! But I can work that off; family and friends don’t make you gain weight, fill you with energy! Check out this recipe below for the next round of holiday fun, and remember to keep family and friends closer; they don’t exhaust you as much as overeating does! LOL, Oh look what I found. A picture of our leftover dinner; round two!
Fave Recipe: German Lebkuchen
Want a taste of the German holiday on your table? These are delicious and easy to make. I like to double it for a crowd and freeze a batch!
Fave Resource: New Year’s Resources PBS
I love being in the USA so I can watch PBS. It is one of the most educational channels and provides the best resources for learning about history, today’s news, ideas, and programs that broaden your mind. This online site is so cool.
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.