Nonnie Notes

Agapanthus

2011-07-28T21:18:00.001-07:00

Agapanthus abounds in CA. I had never heard of it until our first trip out here about 10 yrs. ago & have been in love w/it ever since. It is quite happy in my Houston garden, too. Hopefully, there will BE a garden when we return. The temperatures are just awful at home. We play a final round of golf at Pacific Grove tomorrow afternoon. Sat. a walk at Garland Ranch & Mass at the Mission. Then, home on Sun. Always good to get home. This has been a lovely month. Mostly, I am grateful for our time together and Wil's restored health.

Par 3 - HA!

2011-07-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

Every par 3 at Rancho Canada requires hitting over a ditch...a wide ditch. half the time I make it. The other half...not so successful...making par extremely difficult. I am always happy w/a 4 on these holes. Got over this one nicely today.

Last Round with Bob

2011-07-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Bob's son joined us for golf today. We had so much fun...in spite of vigorous wind & chilly temperature. We cross the Carmel River several times at Rancho Canada East.

Bees Love It!

2011-07-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Look in the middle of the photo. Enlarge if you can.

Lavender Fields Forever

2011-07-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Took a walk around Carmel Valley Ranch...climbed seriously UP to the lavendar fields. Oh, my stars! Breathe...more...more (What my yoga teacher/friend always said). Can you smell the exquisite lavender fragrance? As you can tell, all senses are engaged on this wlak!

How I Spend Our Evenings

2011-07-26T21:31:00.001-07:00

This is a work in progress...needlepoint. It will be turned in to a box to hold Christmas cards. So many people are still kind enough to send us Christmas cards, even though I no longer send them myself. Thank you if you are reading this & plan to send us a card. We do treasure them!

How We Spend Our Middays

2011-07-26T21:28:00.001-07:00

Finding golf balls...my quota is 2 a day but I've exceeded that...4 doz. so far, which will see me through the entire year. It drives everyone crazy but I am saving tons of money on golf balls. Ha! Ha! Jeff is still ahead of me in the "finding golf balls" game though.

How We Spend Our Mornings

2011-07-26T21:26:00.001-07:00

So much good reading! In addition, I finished The Paris Wife, which I mailed back to the library.

Potty Break

2011-07-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cute "facility." I can see it as an artist's studio, a cozy little hideaway. In reality, it is a restroom. Sun is shining but it was cold & windy. Played w/Ron & Hennie. Sure wish we could see them more than one month a year. It is such fun playing with a couple's friend. Got the good news on the course today that we have the house for Sept. next year. It will be such fun coming at a different month but to a familiar place. Dinner at Rio Grill celebrating Ron's birthday. We had pork shank, their specialty. So good. And a great CA cabernet.

Perfect Weather

2011-07-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Played w/Bob today & could not have asked for a warmer, prettier day...maybe 75, sunny, breezy, & a hot dog for lunch. MMM!

Good

2011-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Another Relaxing Day

2011-07-26T21:11:00.001-07:00

A morning walk at Garland Ranch after 3 cups of coffee & reading the paper. A visit to the driving range.

Dinner at Joe Rombi's (delicious red wine & spaghetti & meatballs).

Wil's Fargo

2011-07-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

A perfect afternoon...massage from Jessica...Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the village...early dinner at Wil's Fargo. Never can pass up the flat iron steak they serve. Wil had prime rib. So good.

Wish Mike & Gretchen could have been here with us. They used to eat here when they lived in Carmel (1 blk from the Mission).

Garland Ranch

2011-07-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

We took a walk at beautiful Garland Ranch...just far enough into the valley to have sunshine, breeze, & exquisite beauty.

Why I REALLY Like the Rodeo

2011-07-26T21:02:00.001-07:00

The cotton candy man!!! I get CC once a year...in Salinas, CA. Scrumptious but super sweet.

A Cowboy's Secret

2011-07-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

A cowboy must have to have a sip or fifty of CR to do some of the things they do...bull riding...bareback riding, etc. It hurts my back sometimes to watch them. The bullriding must be the hardest feat. A cowboy has to stay on for 8 seconds. Only 3 out of 12 could do that. Understandable.

CA Rodeo - Salinas

2011-07-26T20:54:00.001-07:00

The 101st CA Rodeo, which I love! It was cold, of course. We usually go Sun. p.m. but came Fri. night this year. Driving home over the mountain was tricky, too, due to heavy fog & very twisty road. We both agreed we will not take that road again ever at night. Still, the rodeo is fabulous. I could go everyday...same in Houston, too, if it weren't so hard to get to.

Lunch

2011-07-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Big & yummy breakfast at Jeffrey's (poached egg...mmmm) so not even close to hungry until 2:00 p.m. Just strolling around Carmel & WHAT should come into our line of vision but this lovely creature at the local bakery. It was pretty tasty, alright. We knew we were headed to a pulled pork sandwich at the rodeo so had to leave space for that experience.

Mother & Mimi

2011-07-26T20:47:00.001-07:00

A candle lit in memory of and in honor of two women in my life whom I loved very much...my mother and Wil's mother. I still miss them both.

The Mission Shop

2011-07-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

This little vignette welcoms shoppers to the Mission Store. I love the old wall behind the flowers & barrel.

The Mission

2011-07-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

We try to go to noon Mass at the Mission once a week. I love these parrot gladioli against the wall with the Mission peeking over the top. WHY did my parrot gladioli not bloom this year? barbara's did & they are from her. Grrr.

A Day in Paradise

2011-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is out of order...it is Mon., July 25 & the most perfect day, perfect weather, & pretty darn good golf. Last year we played 22 rounds in 29 days...WAY too much. This year we'll play 15 rounds in 29 days...much more sensible.

Par 4...in Our Dreams

2011-07-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

This IS a par 4 if you can stay out of the marsh right past this pretty scene. Or hit your drive more than 50 yards. Or not roll off the back of the green. Or...Or...Or...

Where Is the Old Ranch?

2011-07-26T20:32:00.001-07:00

Actually, where is the wonderful, old, rickety cabin that used to live on this ranch bordering the golf course? Now, there is this fancy NEW log cabin. I miss the old one.

4 Days of Golf

2011-07-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

We decided to push ourselves this week & play 4 days in a row. Actually, Wil's idea. He must be fully recovered now. We both agreed tho' that it's better playing 2 days & a day off. Anyway...

7/18 - Rancho Canada East

7/19 - Monterrey Pines followed by the Farmers' Mkt.

7/20 - RCE w/Bob

7/21 - RCE w/Bob

This is a pretty par 3 over a DITCH...sometimes we make it over & sometimes we don't. LESSON: use an old ball for this tee shot.

Hello, Bob!

2011-07-26T20:22:00.001-07:00

Wonderful seeing our friend Bob again from MI! He is finally retiring this Sept. (so he says) at age 88. He really inspires me to be active as long as possible & keep a positive attitude even when arthritis becomes the enemy. We stop for a drink & a visit everyday after playing.

The British Open

2011-07-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed watching the British Open & so glad Darren Clarke won. What a story his life is! And, of course, Phil Mickelson was as gracious as always in his tribute to him. A nice walk at Garland Ranch...perfect weather...warm & sunny all day with a breeze. Joe Rombi's for dinner tonight. Lots of golf planned for next week. Wil is feeling 95% he told me at dinner last night. Thank God! It's been a month since the hospital & I think he has bounced back more quickly than we expected. That anesthesia does a number on the body. These flowers are from the gardens here at the house. Aren't they pretty?!

Good Golf At Last!

2011-07-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

Finally, it happened! A great round of golf for me. We played w/2 good golfers (Bob...career Navy & retired hospital administrator and Haider...moving to Bali next week). I knew from the start they were good golfers & was terribly nervous but somehow my mind got control of my game & nearly all shots were what I wanted...good fairway drives, good chips, good putts. YAY! In fact, the guys even said I was a good golfer. They would not have said that before today. Anyway, REMEMBER: 1.)Gilbert's original routine; 2.)keep knees tight so that I follow thru' w/the swing; 3.) keep head down thru' swing. It all worked today. PERFECT WEATHER, too...69 plus sun plus a breeze...exactly what we came for!

Mass at the Mission. Dinner at Bahama Billy's: meatloaf for Wil; chipotle pasta for me; shared sundae & WAY too big of a martini. Dogs are dearly loved out here & we had 4 HUGE ones at the table next to us. They were pretty good tho'. We sat by the firepit. Nice!

Vernon

2011-07-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

We received the sad news this morning that Vernon, Brian's dad, had passed away. We had, of course, met him at Donna & Brian's wedding & been together on another occasion. Other than that we only knew him though Donna & Brian. Their family stories convey a good & kind man, extremely faithful & devoted to his dear wife of 70 years. We had exchanged several notes in recent years...a lovely gesture on his part, I thought. I will always remember his comment when both he & Emily were in the hospital & she was feeling a bit down. Vernon said to her, "Oh, Emily, this is just a blip in the road." Imagine such optimism. He truly touched my life from afar. Vernon, may you rest in peace.

Pebble Beach II

2011-07-17T16:13:00.001-07:00

Yes, this is the 18th green at Pebble. Yes, this is the VIEW from our table. We had such a nice lunch: champagne; cream of artichoke soup; lobster salad for Wil & crab cakes for me. Then we continued on the 17 mi. drive home. We were SO FULL for lunch that all we had for dinner was a cup of crab chowder, which I had made from my new cookbook fortunately, & a peach from the Farmers' Mkt. YUM! Another lovely day together. Thank You, God.

Pebble Beach

2011-07-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

We put on our best resale shop duds (Wil in his famous $5 Carmel pants & his very nice Carmel sweater - me in my newly purchased jacket/scarf) & headed to Pebble Beach! Lots of good sales (75% off!) so Wil got his 2nd sweat shirt (It is cold out here!) & 2 golf shirts. I got a golf shirt, too. The putting green is behind us.

The Dump

2011-07-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is the dump at Rancho Canada West Golf Course! Even the dump here is beautiful & producing flowers. Still disappointed in the consistency of my game...cannot figure out what is wrong. At least, I am finding golf balls to last me all year! Finished my first book The Paris Wife (Hemingway & Hadley). It was good but not the best I've ever read in spite of waiting 6 mos. for it from the library. Will start Judy's Maeve Benchey tonight. She just writes about sweet lives in Ireland. Also, reading Maureen's Life after 60. It holds some good discussion points. Needlepoint is progressing nicely thanks to our nightly viewings of Raymond/PBS News Hour/Seinfeld. What a life!

A Browsing Day

2011-07-17T15:47:00.001-07:00

A morning walk at Garland Ranch. How I wish Barbara & I could walk this together. She would love it. This is Cottonwood Trail. I love the color of the dried grasses...a golden tan. Then to Crosswoods for my annual 2 hr. shopping spree at the most wonderful stationary store ever. Mostly, it is all about the reading & the looking at all the things & a few note cards to last the year. Then an hour at the book store. Bought a book of sports writing from the New Yorker. It looks interesting (tho' long - 600 pages). Only have to read it one essay at a time. Then to the frozen yogurt shop for a pistachio yogurt...still a cool day but who can pass up frozen yogurt? I bought a pint for us to bring home. Final stop: the soap shop. I got my favorite: fig & zinfandel plus 2 new ones: basil spice & white jasmine, which reminds me a bit of the bubble bath we used to have as little girls. It was called honeysuckle, I think. This soap is from Napa Valley & the shop is Mimosa. Oh, forgot to mention the resale shop. Wil got some golf balls (I've found 3 doz. so far so feel very flush.) & I got a denim jacket & scarf...love both.

Friends!

2011-07-17T15:27:00.001-07:00

So wonderful seeing Ron & Hennie again! Hennie always inspires me to plasy better golf. Ron is as good as always tho' feeling a bit under the weather. This coast Guard plane flew over us...no more that 30 ft. We could see the fillings in the pilot's teeth. Still, it was pretty exciting. We were at Monterey Pines, where I broke 100 last year. It's the Naval Base & lots of sky activity as we play golf. Had to settle for a straight 100 this round.

A Day of Diversity

2011-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

It is cold & foggy where we live but another trip to Garland Ranch offers some yearned for sunshine. Finally had to turn on the HEAT this a.m. as we are so cold. It has been in the 40's at night & not even 60 by day...NOT what we came for. After the walk, shopping at Brinton's & Macy's...then a good movie "Larry Crowne." It did not get good reviews but it was just a happy movie & made us smile. (Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts whom my sisters all ADORE! HA!)

Back on the Links

2011-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

We have both been disappointed so far in our golf but at least we have pretty spots to look at. This is from Rancho Canada East.

Days' End

2011-07-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

...a massage from Jessica (lovely)...Mass at the Mission (lovely)...dinner at Wil's Fargo outside by the fire pit (delicious). We each had martinis (Wil is liking them.) & a flat iron steak.

Food for Thought

2011-07-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Lots of interesting bumper stickers in CA. My all time favorite from several years ago: "My religion is simple. My religion is kindness. " The Dali Lama. Seen this year at the Farmers' Mkt. - "War: The rich start it. The poor fight in it. The young die in it." HMMMM..."food for thought."

Fun in the Sun?

2011-07-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

My favorite place to walk...sunny & cool today...Wil & I enjoyed the time here.

By the Sea, By the Sea

2011-07-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

After antiquing for a few hrs., we walked about 4 blocks to the ocean. Just to clarify, Wil had found a coffee shop to read the newspaper. He did not do any antiquing. Back to the beach...add all 5 of your senses & soak it in...remembering that it was about 65 degrees. So fine. We just sat there about 30 min. recalling the last time we sat here (2 yrs. ago when Laurie & Jeff came back from Africa w/o A,J,D). That was such a difficult time. Thank You, God, for walking with our family through that heartache.

From the ocean, we went to the Lighthouse Cafe for clam chowder & a sandwich. The chowder last night was so incredibly good that this was a disappointment. We've always like it before but not so much today. Home by 2:00 for a serious nap. Then...blogging for 4 hrs. (Yikes!), martinis outside, dinner, TV. AAHHH! Another sweet day.

Treasures from St. Mary's

2011-07-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, what FUN shopping at this show. Pictured are a few of my treasures of the day: a cream pitcher to add to that collection; 2 frogs to add to that collection. These are not the croaking frogs but the flower frogs (FYI). And, a cute rooster tray (for that collection) for the patio at Seguin...just the size for a cocktail for each of us. Also, some antique linens. The show is famous for their linens. There were more purchased but, just in case you are on my Christmas gift list, I cannot show all I got.

St. Mary's Antique show

2011-07-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

A spinner and a blacksmith welcome the antiquers to the show.

7/8/11

2011-07-08T21:12:00.001-07:00

This is a beautiful church in Pacific Grove. Cyrus & Harriet McCormick married here in the late 1800's & later gave this Tiffany window in gratitude for their happy marriage. The church was started by 6 ladies who got tired of WALKING to Monterrey for church. It reminds me a bit of how Charity Guild started...just a handful of women trying to make life better for those less fortunate.

7/7/11

2011-07-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

We've had a delightful first week, which we were not sure would happen. After Wil's "holiday" in Methodist in June, we were not sure at all we'd be able to come to CA or that we might have to delay a week. We've done a LOT this week but Wil is feeling good...rested & enjoying the cool
weather. My sisters welcomed him home last month with a balloon bouquet. We are so grateful for his restored health & for this wonderful week together. Thank You, God!

7/7/11

2011-07-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today we played Monterrey Pines (after our 3rd trip to the Apple Store & 2nd to the camera shop trying to get the supplies working for my blog). This is the old Naval course, where Hennie made her first hole-in-one 2 yrs. ago. she has since made TWO MORE. On Thurs. they start on the back 9 so the front 9 can be watered, mowed, etc. Anyway, a terrible back 9 for me (59!) & then the front 9 was awesome (44!!!). this game is just too strange for words.

After golf we drove up hwy 101 to Moss Landing. This is a quintessential "sleepy" fishing village...population less than 200...always encased in fog...mostly dirt, no grass. BUT look at those beautiful nasturtiums...just growing w/no care & not a care. Of course, the color is extremely attractive to me.

Moss Landing also has a very famous restaurant: Phil's Fish Mkt. I intended to get fish & chips but there was broiled halibut on the menu. Delicious & such generous servings. I brought home enough vegetables for us for 2 nights. Wil had clam chowder, fried scallops, & cole slaw. It is quite a journey to ML but really, really good seafood.

7/6/11

2011-07-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Wil & I are not shoppers, as a rule. But when we come out here, we tend to splurge a bit. Plus, the whole city goes on sale after 7/4. He got some slacks, 2 shirts, 2 socks, 2 belts (Ferragamo, if you please). I got jeans, black pants, & a top. Then to the Cheese Shop for some cheeses for the patio in the evenings before dinner. A nice day!

7/6/11

2011-07-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

Upstairs to browse in my favorite garden shop. The owner is a very interesting man...says he likes the energy Texans bring to CA. Then we discussed LIFE. He has not listened to the gloom & doom news in 2 yrs. he said. His business is down from the crazy days when money flowed like fog in CA but, as he says, he is able to pay his bills each month and have a bit leftover so he feels lucky. I bought a ceramic flower to add to my window box collection . May return for one of these cute roosters & a ladybug. It's just such a hassle bringing these delicate objects home.

7/6/11

2011-07-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

And, then, our annual lunch at the Tuck Box. Ray M. had an aunt/uncle who either owned or ran this charming restaurant. Wil had pot pie & I had my usual...Welsh Rarebit. MMMMM!

7/6/11

2011-07-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

Followed by noon Mass at the Mission. We are not far from where Gretchen & Mike used to live. I always think of them when we come here. It is such a beautiful Mass whether in the chapel or the main church. I lit a candle in gratitude for Wil's restored health. Next time for Mother & Mimi. the same people are here as last year at daily Mass.

7/6/11

2011-07-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Our day of pleasure began w/a facial for me at my favorite local spa. This pretty kimono hangs on the wall. It is such luxury but I did come out w/SERIOUS eyebrows. Oh my stars...think Joan Crawford. I've been trying to scrub them away but it will take time. Between a too short haircut & EYEBROWS, I am not 100 % please w/"the look" right now. It will pass, I know, & no one here I know that well.

7/5/11

2011-07-08T20:15:00.001-07:00

After golf, we felt our way along the twisty & turny coast to Monterrey to the Farmers' Mkt. We LOVE the lamb curry served by one of the vendors...the yummy homemade pies...the delicious fruit/vegetables...AND these exquisite handwoven baskets from Ghana. I did not get one this time but probably will next time. They are a bit pricey but, oh so beautiful. Plus, we do have that Africa connection. We found a free parking spot & walked a few blocks to Alvarado St.. Came home w/lots of delicious treats (esp broccolini) & a pecan tart for Wil, a rhubarb tart for me, which we managed to stretch for 3 meals. We are SO GOOD!!!

7/5/11

2011-07-08T17:59:00.001-07:00

CLEARLY the reason for the great round of golf today is these snazzy new shoes purchased before we played. On sale, of course. I love them & am sure everytime they are worn will produce awesome golf!

7/5/11

2011-07-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

It is breathtaking in person...add the wind...the sound of the surf...the cool temperature...and transport yourself away to CA Paradise!

7/5/11

2011-07-08T17:51:00.001-07:00

Hope springs eternal in the life of a golfer...so what to do with all this optimism...play another round of golf. Today we went to Pacific Grove. This is the famous PG Lighthouse on the back 9, which runs along the ocean, earning it the nickname of "the poor man's Pebble Beach." It was cold (55 & windy). Wil had to buy a 3rd jacket, all of which he wore! I played so well. Where were those shots on Tues.?

ALAN

2011-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Night, night, Alan! Hope you had a terrific birthday. We love you very much and are proud of how well you are doing in school. Nonnie and Buddy

7/4/11

2011-07-08T17:37:00.001-07:00

Wil really enjoys the old cars & the Firefighter Activities. So, of course, that makes me enjoy them, too. He is pretty tolerant of my craft shopping, too. Karol was here, as always, & I picked up some of her pretty handstitched dishtowels. Last year I got a dozen so she greeted me with: "Oh, it's the dishtowel lady!" It's true. I am!

7/4/11

2011-07-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

There is a lot of blood, sweat, tears, & DOLLARS invested in these beauties. It is fun to look at them & think of Mama's old car we used to ride around in in New Orleans.

7/4/11

2011-07-08T17:24:00.001-07:00

We do not see too much of this shirt any more...certainly not at Minute Maid Park. Those were fine years for the Astros. We hope our new owner can bring back some of that fire and spark of the Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman years.

7/4/11

2011-07-08T17:21:00.001-07:00

This is the man in charge of the day. Is it any wonder it is all so much fun? We used to have such a hat for J & C but it is gone now...wish I could find another one. Court jesters bring out the best in all of us!

7/4/11

2011-07-08T17:16:00.001-07:00

As the band played the anthem for the army, this elderly vet stood at perfect attention...what stories he could share with all of us.

7/4/11

2011-07-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Our annual trek to Spreckels for the 4th of July Celebration...a concert...some crafts...tri tip sandwich & fresh strawberry shortcake...a nap in the sun...antique cars parade &, of course, the firemens' muster.

7/3/11

2011-07-08T16:45:00.001-07:00

At least there is a pleasant solution to poor rounds of golf...sitting on the patio in 68 degree weather...sipping a delicious martini that is mixed in a plastic pitcher with a wooden spoon...turns out that "stirred" is every bit as delicious as "shaken"...just no ice crystals. sorry, Mr. Bond. I never would have thought so either!

7/3/11

2011-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

We must have misdirected our prayers to the patron saint of golf because this first round was TERRIBLE!! After hitting such great shots at the range yesterday. Another double GGRRRR!! How can it be so difficult to hit a nonmoving target?

7/2/11

2011-07-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

A fun first day...hit about 100 balls each at the driving range...encouraging. Mass at the beautiful Carmel Mission w/a brass band, trumpets, etc. celebrating the founding of the Mission and the 4th of July...very emotional. the sermon was about courage. After Mass, a delightful evening at Joe Rombi's w/friends from Houston (Karen & Dan). Dan shot an 86 at Pebble. Amazing! We had a great visit & talked about how this past year has been for them...very inspiring.

Simply Beautiful cont'd

2011-07-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Still getting back into the swing of blogging (3 trips to the Apple Store & 2 to the camera shop due to forgetting some of the equipment. GGRRR!)

CA 2011 - Simply Beautiful

2011-07-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

Gardens that surround our place...everything thrives in this cool climate!

Seguin Fun

2011-05-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Reacquainting myself w/blogging

Farewell, St. Petersburg

2010-09-06T18:27:00.001-07:00

Kids all over the world are getting ready to return to school this week & am I EVER glad I will not be at the schoolroom door on that first day. This was a wonderful trip. Hard to believe that I have been now to every country in Europe...13 trips for a total of 6 mos. So much to be grateful for & I am. Thank You, God.

Y'all Come Back Now!

2010-09-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is the Red Throne Room of the Hermitage. Is that why they call it the "Red Army?" I missed that lecture. Back to the hotel for our fantastic farewell lunch (just the two of us): wine, osso bucco. Melt in your mouth delicious. A terrific Russian folk Show tonight...the "crescendo" of the trip w/out doubt...fantastic dancing...a farewell dinner (9:30) in the hotel :caviar, vodka,

chicken kiev. A lovely farewell toast from Oivind.

Picasso

2010-09-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

I like it!

Cezanne

2010-09-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

When Laurie & I went to Provence, we saw Cezanne's studio...including this pitcher, the bowls, the table.

Pissaro

2010-09-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Impressionists. of course, I LOVE this one w/that orange roof!

Rembrandt

2010-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

His first wife...I think she is beautiful as did the 10 mill. visitors in front of me. I was lucky to get her picture.

Renoir

2010-09-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely? I just sat & looked at her for about 10 min. - a luxury as our time w/the Impressionists was limited.

Rembrandt

2010-09-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

A Jewish neighbor of Rembrandt's...doesn't his face have a story to tell?!

Catherine's cont'd

2010-09-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Perhaps, you could dust some of the chandeleirs as you make your tour. I do so like to keep them "shiny" & sparkly.

Welcome

2010-09-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

I, Catherine the Great, would like to extend the most cordial of welcomes to you to spend a little time in my home...7 years if you need it.

The Winter Palace

2010-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

The day we've been anticipating...a trip to the Hermitage, which would take 7 years of a person's life to see everything in its multiple buildings...all belonging to one woman.

Beautiful Theatre - Terrible Ballet

2010-09-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Did I mention how much we hated "Spartacus?" But, the theatre had 6 tiers w/gilding all over the place...truly beautiful.

Russian Cole Slaw - Divine

2010-09-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Pushkin Park

2010-09-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

After this park in the near the Czars' Village, we headed "home" for a yummy lunch in the hotel of cream of chicken soup. A short nap then early dinner at a restaurant that has been there nearly 30 years. IT WAS DELICIOUS! Cole slaw, borscht, beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes,

ice cream & cake. The to the ballet...beautiful theatre but THE WORST ballet ("Spartacus") I have ever in my life seen. It lacked scenery, costuming, music, choreography, & dancing. Now, isn't that what ballet is supposed to be about? Perfectly terrible. But we would have missed the dinner had we not gone & that was outstanding.

Russian Dessert

2010-09-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

OH.MY.STARS.

Catherine's "Jogging" Path

2010-09-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

All it takes is a crown & all the money of the kingdom to create such an oasis. Sadly, 2 people on our trip were pickpocketed. Nancy & I were extremely cautious but we were warned to be careful everytime we got off the bus. We are in a very luxurious hotel w/very comfy beds. Dinner was great our first night: meat, mashed potatoes,, carpese, flan. A river cruise after dinner but too rainy to go outside.

Catherine, the Fashionista

2010-09-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Catherine loved her clothes...changing sometimes 5 x a day. When she died, she had 15,000 outfits in her closet. Charity Guild could have used a few of them!

The Breakfast Room

2010-09-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Floor Protection

2010-09-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

The summer palace is all parkay floors so we had to wear these slippers so as not to damage them.

Czar Village

2010-09-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Catherine's "summer home," consisting of many palaces. It just is mindboggling the way they lived.

St. Petersburg...Too Grand!!!

2010-09-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

Who knew St. Petersburg was so glorious...all the results of war & plunder & serfs barely able to live but it is indeed one magnificent city that Peter the Great founded & Catherine the Great (his granddaughter-in-law) made opulent. Our first night was another canal tour.

Last Day in Helsinki

2010-09-06T17:29:00.001-07:00

A lovely day of leisure as we did not take the optional 10 hr. $100 tour to Estonia. NO REGRETS. Spent time in the bar in the a.m. reading. Then, back to the waterfront for a yummy lunch (cheese crepe & lingonberry crepe). We shared one each, which was perfect. Had fun walking around & people watching. A nice quiet dinner (Caesar salad) just the 2 of us in the hotel & early lights out.

Not Yet, St. Petersburg

2010-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Oops...totally forgot about Helsinki. This is the Olympic Stadium from 1938. We had a nice restful visit in Helsinki w/a LARGE hotel room. Off to the railway station to exchange all our money for Euros. nancy will buy my extras for her trip to Paris next spring. Then we walked down to the Farmers' Mkt. on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Bought 2 vintage Mary Mekko pot holders & had a soda at the mkt. Visited w/a local who said this is the warmest summer in 75 years. Nice dinner at the hotel:asparagus soup; sea bass; ice cream topped w/lingonberries (TART).

Cruising the Baltic

2010-09-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Nancy Toasted, Too!

2010-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sailing!

2010-09-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

From Stockholm to St. Petersburg...toasting the voyage w/a beer. Nice ship, smooth sailing, fair smorgasbord but good caviar.

Daddy, I Can't See!!

2010-09-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Stockholm: a picture is worth a 1000 words...or more!

Stockholm: Changing of the Guard

2010-09-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Great people watching. This costume continued on to black tights, high heels, & all on a motorcycle.

2010-09-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

A walking tour of Old Town on a beautiful sunny morning. We saw many bridal couples thru'out the trip having photos taken. May these two have a long & happy life together. Our best lunch of the trip after the walking tour; in the communion cellar of the old cathedral of Stockholm: delicious Swedish beer; flounder; potatoes; raspberry cake chased by a NAP!!! We had dinner in the hotel: ghoulash soup. Also, delicious. Finished by first book: Sacred Hearts.

Swedish Horse

2010-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

This horse is a symbol of Sweden & they are found everywhere on everything for every tourist to BUY.

this one lives outside the Stockholm Town Hall, which is where all the Nobel Prize banquets are held in a room entirely made of gold mosaics. It is unbelievable but I did not get a photo of it...too much reflection.

Stockholm...Our Favorite City

2010-09-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

Another long bus ride arriving Stockholm about 4:30.Got our bearings & walked over to the Old Town area(about 1/2 mi.or so from our hotel). Another charming area to browse in. The architecture is very European & just lovely. We ate dinner in a midEast cafe (kabobs) outside on a patio under beautiful trees. Double cone for dessert. Great night's sleep.

RA II - Made of Bamboo

2010-09-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Remains of a Viking Ship

2010-09-06T14:51:00.000-07:00