Girls (and boys) just wanna have fun............

Even cute dogs such as Kiltie enjoyed runs out in the boat. See my toes (right), they were soaking up the sun and loving every moment relaxing as we circled beautiful Lake Almanor.

Paula, my best friend of almost 46 years (we arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1962 and have kept in touch ever since 'altho we live on opposite coasts) and Jasmin, enjoying an evening ride.

Jasmin's initiation into water skiing.

Fabulous grilled salmon and halibut caught in Alaska by our host, with fresh picked squash and eggplant from the astounding garden of Judy and Chris in Chico. Much more later about our visit to them, Corey Amaro of Tongue in Cheek's cousins, and to Corey's fabulous family in California!

Anabel and Jasmin made great desserts at the fire pit.....................

......................then joined by Cullen, entertained us with a great Thriller dance routine.

The end of another wonderful day.

Lake Almanor, Northern California

Such a fabulous place to be visiting our dearest friends at their vacation home on this beautiful lake.

Having so much fun on and around the water.



Mt. Lassen near Lake Almanor, Northern California.

Climbing mountains. Dipping hot feet in high snow. Learning to use watercraft. Kissed by the sun. Showered by a quick rain. Grilling out. Tasting California wine. Making new friends.
So little time to blog. Will have great photos and stories to share when I have more time.
Just want you to know we are having a fabulous time here.
Tomorrow we leave for Salt Lake City.
More road stories soon.

Leaving one's heart in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge in early morning fog.

Looking across to Lombard Street (the most crooked street in the city) from Coit Tower.

Jasmin looking out toward Seal Rocks and the blue Pacific Ocean.

The noisy, smelly, really funny seals basking at Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf.

Haight-Ashbury - remember the '60's 'love generation', with hippies and flowers? This is where it all happened!!

The famous Victorian houses of Alamo Square on Russian Hill.

The Ferry Terminal.

Charming gardens and shops of Sausalito.


Looking toward San Francisco from Sausalito.

A curvy cliff edge ride to Stinson Beach.

We're having a great time. The mornings are cool until the fog rolls out, then warm and sunny afternoons, perfect!

Pink Sugar Saturday................

Can you imagine taking sugar, water, a pretty color, and coming up with the sweetest product ever?

Sugars by Sharon

Hand Molded and Colored Tea Sugars

A little cellophane cube tied with pink ribbon contains four stacks of sugar pretties - pink roses and green leaves - to drop into your teacup. As Sharon says, "add a touch of grace and beauty to your tea experience".

Today, to honor Pink Saturday, I'm thinking a cup of Earl Grey with a slice of plum-raspberry gateau topped with more raspberries..........but should I open the almost too pretty to use sugars?

This delightful gift came from Susie and Jenny (mom and daughter team from SuzAnna's Antiques). Thanks so much dear friends, you are so kind to always think of me.

As you know, I'm not at home to make tea today..............instead I'm more likely searching for a tea shop in San Francisco!

Hope you all visit our hostess Beverly at How Sweet The Sound today to see lots more pink.

Rocky Mountain High

Today, we crossed the country under sunny skies and fluffy clouds - a lovely smooth flight. It was clear enough to see the many different types of landscapes along
the way............and I took a fun photo of a special girl taking a photo of the Rocky Mountains.




Left Raleigh at 7 AM where it was already 85 humid degrees following a night of the loudest thunder and brilliant lightning. Arrived in San Francisco where it's chilly and windy. Tomorrow, a full day of sightseeing, and hopefully it will be sunny and warmer.

America the beautiful......from sea to shining sea.

Farewell.....until I return

Almost time to leave for the other coast of this vast land.

I'll miss my home and garden........especially now the Morning Glories are blooming.

I'll even miss my kitchen hours preparing the local Summer harvest......with the best tomatoes ever.

Most of all I'll miss my friends, just meeting for a coffee and a chat, or a browse around a favorite 'treasure hunting' spot.

Will post from the Golden Gate Bridge, the most crooked street in the world, a special California lake, the Great Salt Lake, a high red butte, a mountain peak, Old Faithful...................well maybe not if there's no WI-FI.............but will hopefully find at least a few 'hot spots' along the way to keep in touch. Back in a couple of weeks.

Go West -------->

Travelling westward in an 1800's Conestoga covered wagon. Fun for more adventurous souls, a bit tough on those of us long in the tooth.
Of course one could at least pack more, including the kitchen sink, which I can never seem to fit in the overhead!

Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco

Tomorrow I'm heading West with DH and 'travelling granddaughter' Jasmin. Our first stop will be San Francisco. This will be our final Summer trip..............then I hope to stay home for a while and do all the jobs/projects that have piled up lately.

A few relaxing 'on the water' days here with our dearest friends at Lake Almanor, Northern California.................

Grand Tetons National Park - Mt. Morant by Daryl Gibson

........then on to many other beautiful places such as Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana........

...........and of course Yellowstone National Park.

I hope to be able to keep in touch and post along the way, depending on WI-FI access. Having traveled to America's West several times, I know there is much scenery of amazing beauty to share with you.

Off to complete the packing and get an early night!