Muir Woods National Monument

Went to Muir Woods National Monument on Saturday.

This forest was named in honor of John Muir, an explorer and naturalist who was one of the earliest environmental activists.

The land was donated in 1908 to the nation from William and Elizabeth Kent.

The land has Redwoods, Sequoia's, monster ferns and very large clover.
I took a 4 mile hike, which took me along the main trail, up (literally) the Ben Johnson trail and then across the Dipsea trail.
Dave had bought me a retractable walking stick for Christmas- that was the bomb!
I am so glad I had it, especially for the "UP" climb.


Although you can not see it here very well, at the "V" in the mountain,
you could see the Pacific Ocean.

Rain is badly needed here, and this is the rainy season, with less than normal rain fall but

it was wonderful to have such a beautiful day.

To lean more about Muir Woods go to www.nps.gov/muwo

Sausilito and SF Bay Bridge at Night

Downtown Sausilito is like a lot of other quaint towns around the bay area.

Great little shop, art and photo galleries, and of course fantastic eateries.

The day was beautiful, so the streets were hoppin!

This was a great little Italian kitchen and wine shop.

I could have spent an hour here, but made myself leave.

Ate on the waterfront, restaurant was called Horizons.

As you can see the meal was as pretty as it was good.

Shrimp, lobster, mussels, clams, and crab.

With a good clam chowder and Gordon Biersch, who could ask for more!

There was a glass wall between the dining area and the bay- guess this little guy decided it wasn't fair. He wanted his share as well. There was a little 2 year old at the table close to the window, needless to say she was delighted when the seagull showed up. He did eventually fly off but came back about five minutes later. Made for a special event that is for sure.

Leaving Sausilito and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, the only way to highway 101 is through San Francisco. So it was stop and go for awhile, a lit of traffic. But the one advantage that I had was that it was getting to be dusk and I was stopped at a light that showed the Bay Bridge in all it's glory and lights.

Christmas 2008 Pictures

Cam and gramma getting ready for the family photo.

Movie trivia- these guys are all masters of scenes.

Christmas dinner is always a treat- this year was total Italian. We had the Soprano's Sunday Supper, fried turkey, antipasto, Garlic potatoes, asparagus bundles, pasta and the best home-made marina sauce. For desert- Tiramisu made by Kelly.

The Holidays at our house

Christmas at our house was on a Saturday this year, to give Cam, Nikki, and Jim time in their own home for Christmas, Matt and Molly to spend the day at her families home and the same for Bo and Kelly. So I had the family for the whole day!

The AF train put the finishing touch on our beautiful tree.

Matt opening his quilt from his momma

Rockum sockum robots. The two playing are just slightly competitive

Cam with her new baby doll and cradle

Best buddies

Holiday lights at the Cincinnati Zoo

Gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate were a must have!

Rode the Merry go-round twice with Grandpa!

Ducks and Swans braving the elements of the cold.

The elephants were happy campers in their cozy stalls

Oh such choices-- turtles, camels, or seals

The lights at Clifton Mill

Clifton, Ohio has been known to have magic at Christmas.

What a beautiful place to see.

Cam and Uncle Boat are great buddies (besides, Uncle Boat has warm arms!)

A great multitude of Santa's on display

Viewing the synchronized lights to music

73 degrees on December 6, 2008

Ok, so for all of you in the midwest and east that are freezing-

take a look at these pictures to warm you up.

(Double click on any picture to get a better view)

Today's travels took me to Santa Cruz, California. I went looking for Monarch butterflies and ended up walking the ocean and admiring all the surfers. Teens to late-life, they were all dressed in wet suits and looked to be enjoying the beautiful sun and sea.

There must have been about 50 surfers, waiting for the big ones.

Caught this guy riding the wave