Karen and Craig invited me to attend the annual Laguna Arts Festival. There are multiple venues with a variety of expertise and art mediums. Unfortunately for the most part I was not allowed to take pictures, which I certainly understand.
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| Karen and Craig taking a break |
There is a roof over the exhibits but the walls are very open. It made for very comfortable viewing as we walked around seemingly outside.
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| California Seascape by Loretta Alvarado |
The artist allowed me to take this picture of her fabric sculpture. The sculpture hanging on the wall is about 4 feet tall. Her background is interesting. She was working as an engineer when a friend asked her if she could make him a full sized fabric moose head to put on the wall. Her attempt was so successful she started doing more fabric art. She is now a very successful artist. Her work is unique, very interesting and quite costly. Some of her pieces are listed at tens of thousands of dollars. The link shows how she works.
California Seascape Artist
Another artist who intrigued me is Susan Marosz. Her pictures are made completely in glass. She uses a patented process. You can see some of her work and a little about her at this link. Susan Marosz Glass Artist
After walking around the art exhibits for about 5 hours we stopped at the Chinese restaurant for an excellent takeout dinner. Then Craig had a good idea. Since we couldn't go to Canada on Guppy why not watch a show about Canadian cottage makeovers. The show was entertaining but didn't quite fill our Canada visit gap! After watching only one episode we were all ready for bed.
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| Laguna Beach Seaview trail mansions |
The next morning, Craig and I as usual, went for another hike. This time we walked along the Seaview Trail. It runs along a cliff just below numerous mansions. The cliff drops off almost straight down 800 feet.
The Badlands Park is west of the trail. There is a nice plaque that explains the geography and ma's affect on it!
It continues to amaze me that there are so many people with the money to build/buy these mansions. Also makes me wonder why. They are so huge it's incredible. I did a quick search and found currently some are listed for sale from the 10s of millions up to $50 million dollars. I know some are even more expensive.
The view should have been spectacular but we were pretty well fogged in. The sea fog made for a very comfortable hike, but not very good for pictures of the ocean view. I decided to take a video of the ocean fog! Craig and I want to return sometime to see the views. Once in a while we could get a glimpse. There are many places where the cliff drops almost straight down close to the ocean beach below.
One of the mansions caught my attention. I told Craig it reminded me of the House of Dracula or maybe the Munsters' house. Very unusual architecture and colors. Also very dark.
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| Well camouflaged Road Runner |
When we were almost back to the starting point, I spotted a Road Runner. It was very well camouflaged, but I could spot it when it moved. I was pleased when it moved to a place I could get a good picture. We didn't hear any "Beep, Beep!"
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| Road Runner |
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| Karen's new tomato crop |
Before I left San Juan Capistrano I had to check out Karen's new cherry tomato crop. Once again the plants are out of control. The tomatoes are delicious.
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| Chicken Marsala |
Karen generously sent some home with me. I decided to make Chicken Marsala from Linda's mom's recipe. It turned out great and I'm certain the fresh tomatoes made a big difference.
Craig and I were still lamenting our not being able to go to Canada. We decided to plan a trip during my stay with them in San Juan Capistrano to compensate for "No Canada". I considered Lake Tahoe after seeing the pictures Matt and Wendy sent. It looks spectacular and I'd never been there. The Rahns had.
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| Lake Tahoe |
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| Lake Tahoe |
Matt and Wendy had recently been to Big Bear Lake and highly recommended it. The Rahns had been to Big Bear Lake also so we had a lot of first hand knowledge. After some consultations we decided Big Bear Lake had a great deal to offer. It is considerably closer than Lake Tahoe and we are able to rent a very nice rental house for four days from a friend of the Rahns. Here are some pictures of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake photos
Tuesday I head to Ohio. My family will be celebrating both my sister Julie's (August 5th) and brother-in law Jim's (August 2nd) 80th birthdays. The party actually started a little early because the Torack family, my niece Christi's family was in town, as well as my cousin Marialice, and sister and brother-in-law Terri and Scott. I vicariously really enjoyed seeing people actually be able to celebrate in person. Of course we'll celebrate again when I get there.
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| Will, Kaitlyn, Julie, Christie and JP |
Fortunately I will get to see the Toracks and spend time with them in St. Louis. Christi suggested I stop on my way back to California and spend time with the family at their Lake house. They have a boat!!!!! Easy decision, the boat is secondary, but an added bonus.
It has been so long since I have seen Kaitlyn and JP it's ridiculous. We had a lot of fun together in Marathon Florida. The Toracks are always entertaining! I thought I'd put one memorable picture on and couldn't stop!
A few days ago someone asked, "How are you doing?" I appreciate the support and direct question. I had to think about it. It was Linda's and my 50th anniversary this year July 10th. Still can't get used to her not being here in person. After 50 years my thoughts automatically include her quite often. A friend told me "I know you are not ready to "Move On", and you might never choose to "Move On". But it is good to see you "Moving forward". For whatever reason that resonated with me. Moving forward includes going to Ohio, celebrating Julie and Jim's 80th birthdays, getting together with the Drouhard family, and finally getting together with the Franko Family at Andy and Helen's 50th anniversary party. In addition, I'll enjoy St. Louis with the Toracks, Big Bear Lake with the Rahns in September, and I'm going to New England to tour a little of Maine with Terri and Scott and then spend a week with the Scott family in Burlington. The Rahns plan to spend time in November with me in Florida on Yesterday's Dream. In January I will travel to Mexico to spend time with Randy and Cindy.
I've come to the conclusion that after having travelled on a boat with Linda for 12 years, and waiting out COVID for a year in Encinitas, "sitting still" is just not in my nature. I know I'm very fortunate to have what I have and to be where I am. I wouldn't trade the time I've spent with Matt, Wendy, Rebecca, London and Trevi for the world. People had told me I should stay busy so I wouldn't be thinking about Linda. I certainly wish she were still here with me, but I know thinking about her is helpful to me. Linda and I would have spent the last year here together if she hadn't passed away. We would have spent a lot of our time planning our next adventures. I include her thinking in my planning and often hear her suggestions for moving forward. Moving forward for me means I need to continue to explore, meet new friends, spend time with long time good friends and family. Perhaps it doesn't need to include a boat, but, I'm not ready to change that part of my life for the predictable future.
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