I MADONNARI STREET PAINTING

AN ITALIAN FEAST

FOR THE EYES

      The chalk "street painters" were back in San Luis Obispo
for the annual IMadonnari and again they provided an incredible show. 

There were areas for amateurs, students and local

artists.  It's fascinating to see the work at various stages of completion.

The event adds a festive spirit to the San Luis Obispo

Mission Plaza.

 Not all of the "painting" was on the street.

It is a great Central California weekend, and this year it was a positive, life affirming event.

See you down the trail.

THE WEEKENDER :) INSPIRATIONAL GOLF

SOMETHING SPECIAL

This is a weekend of emotion.

Though an anniversary remembrance is

largely an arbitrary and often media driven

occasion, we can not help but be reminded of

that event 10 years ago, and all that has happened since.

But this is something else.

This is moving and it is a kind of remembrance.

If you are a golfer you will be particularly amazed.

If you have a pulse, I think you will be amazed

moved and will enjoy an extraordinary story of achievement.

See you down the trail.

CURIOUS AGRICULTURE

IT'S DIFFERENT NEAR THE COAST

Back in the mid-west we took pride in 

our tomatoes.  Out here on the central

coast we've had to go to great lengths.

We borrowed this idea of a "modified" green house

from Nan, who lives just blocks from the Pacific.

We are on a ridge, "top of the world" as it's called,

between the Santa Lucia Range and the drop to

to the Pacific. It is an area of many micro-climates

and we are in what Nan calls the Banana belt.

We get sun when she often has fog and it is 

warmer here-still we are close enough to the 

Pacific and the mountain breezes we need to 

"heat up the growing space."
Her design is a bit more refined, though this works.

It is not like the humid heat of the midwest garden

but we are getting a crop.

Next is working on getting those wonderful little

yellow or orange "cherry" tomatoes to grow.

In the meantime we noticed an interloper coming from the 

compost.

We don't think it's going to "make it" but it has been a

spirited volunteer.
STILL OF ODD AGRICULTURE
Link here for an eye opener about very curious agriculture. it is frightening in its implications.

See you down the trail.

AN AFTERNOON IN MONTEREY

SNAP SHOTS OF

CHOICES

A recent afternoon in Monterey

offered a chance to see choices.

If not the wharf or cannery row

then perhaps a Greek Fest

or maybe a conference room

See you down the trail.

FROM TOWN TO SEA

THE BOB JONES TRAIL

A GREAT WALK

From San Luis Obispo to the Pacific, the Bob Jones

Bike and walking trail is beautiful glimpse of Central Coastal California.

The area near Avila offers views of magnificent trees.

 In this frame you can see ancient tree and stone in fusion.

A classic, "lazy by the riverside" setting

 Can you spot the fellow traveler?

This curious "growth" appears along the trail. 

I was told this is the first phase of foundations 

for cabins.

In the meantime they provide a setting for a garden.

Named for an environmentalist and naturalist, the 

Bob Jones trail is not only a great tribute, it is a

great stretch to bike, jog, walk and push baby strollers.

Fitness starts early in San Luis Obispo County.

See you down the trail.

TOUCHES OF DORIS DAY

CHARMING IN CARMEL

The courtyard art is

enough to get you interested.

The front door invites you in.

The lobby asks you to sit.

And then you start looking around and you see

 a lot of Doris Day memorbilia

 and with good cause.

 She is an owner of the Cypress Inn

which is warm, cozy, charming and beautiful

 with hidden courtyards 

and the kind of privacy a star

would appreciate.

I had walked by the Cypress Inn many times, 

thinking how lovely it looks,

but it wasn't until I wondered in I

learned how lovely.

See you down the trail.