Sunday, August 30, 2015

Summer is coming to an end.

It's been a challenging summer for us here at the cottage.  I won't go into too many details yet, but I feel I have turned a corner and I am very grateful for it.  I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and will continue to grow and change as needed.    We did get to the coast 2 weeks ago, but just for the afternoon.  (We were in the middle of a large wildfire in the area which I am sure you heard about, the Rocky fire in Lake County, California.  It was 20 miles away so we were not in any danger, only lots of smoke on most days and worry about our fellow citizens and animals friends in the area.   And of course the firefighters safety too.)  The smoke was all the way to the coast, but at least you could smell the freshness of the ocean air.  It was a glorious day, 75 degrees with no cold breezes...warm and comfortable to sit in the sun with your toes in the sand. 
One of our lovely views on the beach in Fort Bragg.  After a couple of hours we headed to Mendocino for a bite to eat and to wander around the village.  One of my favorite things to do!  (Click on photos to enlarge)

Our view during dinner on the outside deck.  Again, the weather was warm and calm at 5 pm, which doesn't happen very often.

A couple of gorgeous plants you will find on your visit to Mendocino Village.
One of the many fabulous hydrangeas on our walk.   And look at this fabulous succulent wreath!  It was almost 2 feet in diameter. 

After our stroll around the village we headed out to the Headlands for a quick walk along the cliffs.  



Isn't this a lovely tidal pool? 

Lovely sunset off the Mendocino Coast. 
August 16, 2015

We didn't stay to watch the sun go down completely, but as we were heading home the sun was a bright red because of the smoke.  I wish I had gotten a photo...it was very mysterious looking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
--- Sir John Lubbock