New Dress

This is my eleven-year-old granddaughter Caitrin in a new dress. I sent her a gift card for Old Navy for her eleventh birthday and this is what she picked out. I am so thrilled to see her wearing her new purchase since we live many miles apart and I may not see her in person till next year. At times like this I am grateful for e-mail, photos that can be sent across cyberspace, and for gift cards to favorite stores that can be bought in one city and used in another. Technology can be frustrating at times, but it can also bring people together in wonderful ways. This is just one of them. Happy birthday again, Caitrin. I love you. Magah

Bird Paradise

Yesterday afternoon I enjoyed a two-hour nature walk along the Watsonville Slough--just minutes from my home. It's a paradise for countless species of birds. What a find! I've lived in this area for a year but this was my first look at these famous wetlands in Pajaro Valley, the bird capital of the world, home to 300 species of birds and 100 species of plants. It is a stopping place for thousands of birds as they migrate to lands north and south of here. Some travel as much as 10,000 miles so it's understandable they need a water and feeding break. I wonder if anyone awards them frequent flyer miles! Thanks to our tour guide we received a first-class education. We saw a hawk, a snowy egret, a great egret, a cormorant, a turkey vulture, a cinnamon teal and Mallard ducks, amid other species. We also spotted a garden snake, dragonflies and plenty of furry brown caterpillars. I'm going to make these Sunday afternoon walks a part of my life. Just two minutes west of Main Street one can leave the cares of the world behind and commune with nature along the Watsonville Slough.

The County Fair

What fun it was to work (volunteer in our church's photo booth) and play at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Charles and I had fun walking the premises with our grandchildren--especially four-year-old Miles. Here's a photo of him 'miking' the wooden cow! As for me, I HAD to have garlic French fries. After all, nearby Gilroy is the garlic capital of the country. We looked at the old-time car exhibit and low and behold, Charles found a car as old as he is!! Such times are precious and we are making the most of them.

On the Ball!

In case you think I'm not (on the ball, that is), here's a photo to prove I AM (taken at my dance workout class). It has been such fun to dance, stretch, lift weights, use the balance ball, and do a bit of jazz twice a week with other women who enjoy it as much as I do. I feel like a born-again dancer. I even bought a pair of jazz shoes so I look the part. My efforts, however, are strictly for fun and fitness. Don't look for me on "Dancing With The Stars!"

Ah Nature!

Last week was a busy one--away from my office. I hiked twice (here are the redwoods I talked about last week). Today I'm de-cluttering my files and shelves and organizing my desk space. When I make space in my room, I make space in my mind, as well. What a good feeling. Nature has a way of helping me with such things. I go away for a day, work my body, and come home with new ideas, thoughts, and energy.

Oh those beautiful redwoods!

Hiked again today--in the redwoods near home. Joyce Kilmer was right. Only God can make a tree! Came home after walking five or six miles feeling energized and grateful for such beauty so close to where I live. I'll post photos tomorrow. Right now I need a good shower. 'nuf said!

Soup's On!

Oh for the imagination of preschoolers. My four-year-old grandson Miles and his little friend Olivia spent a day with me a couple of weeks ago and again today. We went to the park, played Shadow Tag, Color Tag, and Beanie Baby Catch! We're all good at inventing our own games. They're more fun than the ones you pay for at the toy store. I'm worn out after such an active day but the kids could go on for hours. Fortunately, they were willing to calm down by making a big bowl of 'flower soup' from blooms in my garden. We had a lovely 'pretend' meal before they departed for home. They have inspired my creativity and fired up my imagination. What could be better? Children really do know where it's at!!

My Beautiful Mother

Today I'm thinking of my mother who passed on to heaven four years ago. This photo was taken when she was in her 40s, still young, vibrant, and so active in our lives. She loved flowers and so do I. She loved children and I do too. She taught me to be grateful––and I am. She had lovely blue eyes and a smile as warm as sunshine. I miss her but I know we'll be together again someday. Meanwhile, I want to keep her legacy alive within me by living each day to the fullest.

On the Trail

What a great day it's been. I joined the Ventana chapter of the Sierra Club in Monterey County near where I now live, and today I hiked with the seniors group for the first time. We spent the day at beautiful Point Lobos Preserve--where land and sea meet in a most majestic way. I came home energized, happy, peaceful, and thoroughly exercised! There is nothing like the wilderness to alter my perspective. I now have a new group of friends who love the woods and sea as much as I do. I'm already looking forward to our next day on the trail.