Signs of Spring

Believe it or not there are some early signs of spring happening here on the northern California coast! I used my new camera for the first time last week and recorded the new blossoms and blooms amidst the sunny day. I think my mom chose the right name for me. I feel very much at home and alive in these springy like days. Here are some pics from my camera's first "test drive." I think she fared well...

Our flowering plum tree is bursting into beautiful bloom

Ornamental Kale. My camera has a zoom, yes!

Someone wanted pics taken of him too.

Out on a stroll through the Arcata marsh I found these beauties wading.

Early Spring how I love thee!

River Fun

Last weekend we took a trip down to the river for a relaxing family outing. I'm glad we did because it has rained all week. It seems summer is taking her sweet time arriving! The kids had a great time digging in the river rocks and creating "islands" for themselves. Dad helped with the digging and mom kicked back on a blanket. A great time was had by all!!

Dad and son having a good time together.

Sarah balancing on the rocks.

Do I really have to stop for a picture?

I found this awesome tiffin box at Target the other week. I saw these in Thailand and almost bought one, then regretted that I didn't. You can get metal ones in China town, etc. When I saw this one in pretty bright colors I couldn't resist it!

The Farmer's Market is Back!

Spring isn't really officially here until the Farmer's Market arrives. Today was the first one this year and we had a great time there! It's such fun to go to the market - it's a cultural experience in our area. We get a chance to see friends while we shop and check out all of the beautiful veggies, plants, flowers, trees and other goods. Ron usually likes to look at all of the trees for sale, while I gravitate toward the flowers. The kids like to run around on the grass and climb trees. A fun time was had by all!

I thought I'd try out the skirt/pants look today. I picked up the skirt for a few dollars at the thrift store a few weeks back.

Ron checking out a beech tree he ended up buying.

The market always has these awesome cacti.

Justin smelling some bees wax.

Big Wave Day

This past weekend we heard that 30 foot waves would be hitting the coast. Ron said, "Let's get out to the beach, I won't be denied!" These large waves generally hit only once or twice per year, so when it happens we try our best to go out and catch the action. We went to the beach and the jetty where we saw spectacular enormous waves. On days like this you realize the strength of the ocean, and truly respect its force. Here are a few pics from the day:

Huge waves rolling over the jetty. Normally the water is well below the jetty rocks.

One of the biggest waves we saw.

The dunes leading to the jetty. Lots of people were standing on these to view the waves.

The huge wall of 30 foot waves.

The kids had fun running from the waves.

Beautiful sea foam

Beach and River Family Day

We decided to head out to the beach today for some family time. We went out to the beach and it was so cold, but the kids had fun. We didn't stay a long time and decided it would be better to head to the river where it would be warmer! Here are some pics from the day:

Dad and son headed out to the waves.

Evidence that we really do live by the beach, a cold beach at that!
Building sand castles.
Sarah ballet leaping over the sea weed.

Justin threw rocks in the river...

Sarah read a book...

Justin laughed each time he threw a rock...

Sarah sat on a big log.

A heart rock Ron found me.

North Country Fair

Once a year every September our town has an arts and crafts fair known as the North Country Fair. Our craft fair is one of the most unique fairs I've ever encountered, much like the town we live in. Boothes line the plaza and artist sell their wares. One can find jewelry, ceramics, pottery, mosaics, crafts, hand sewn items, you name it. (Ron bought me a hand made bag as an early b-day present!) A variety of dance performances go on from belly dancing to swing. On Saturday the All Species Parade took place. This is the best part of the fair in my opinion. People dress up like animals and march around the plaza in a tribal fashion...like I said, unusual. Here are a few pics from today's festivities!

Ron and Justin checking out the scene

Justin and his hand made pottery "cat" mug dad bought him

flamenco dancers performing

Farmer's Market

This morning we headed off to our local farmer's market to buy some local organic veggies and breathe in the culture we know and love. The market is always set up at our town plaza, right smack dab in the middle of town, surrounded by the charming historic buildings and beautiful landscape of our town. The thing I like the most about our market is the amazing sense of community and culture I feel every time I go. I love being able to see friends I haven't seen in a while, friends I see a lot, and even acquaintances. Today we got to hear our area's best blue grass band, Huckleberry Flint, playing. We know most of the band members, so it was fun to get to come out and support them. The kids love farmer's market just as much as we do if not more. They like to run around and feel all the fruit and veggie textures, (much to the owners dislike at times!), watch the juggling acts and eat the home grown goodness. I love being able to just sit back and watch the sights, and for a moment I forget about all of the weekend's to do lists, chores, and mommy duties and get to soak in the flavor of our quaint little town. Today we filled our basket full to the brim with yummy fruits veggies, and even bought a gallon of locally made chai, yummy stuff. I'm glad I dragged myself out of bed and decided to go today, it was well worth it! (Sarah was here today, but she's in the "don't take my picture" mode now, and I wasn't able to steal any shots, which is why you don't see her here, ah well.)

There it is, our farmer's market in all its glory

Ron checking out the tomatoes he planned to use that night in a mozzarella/basil/tomato dish

Justin asked dad for a honey stick, and of course he got one

I love the look on his face here

A Berry Fun Day

Yesterday the kids and I went black berry picking at the Arcata marsh and had a great time! The black berries are just getting ripe now, so we didn't get a ton, but I got a good 4 cups worth. I made a cobbler with them that afternoon and used pie crust for the "lid." We took the cobbler over to a friend's house for dessert. Here are a few pics of the day:

Justin on the trail having fun

Look at those beauties!

Mmmm, cobbler

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch this weekend to pick out the some local pumpkins for our front porch. The kids had a good time and got some real winners! It was Justin's first year walking through the pumpkin patch and he had a great time, as did Sarah. Here are some pics from the day:

Justin working hard at pushing the cart for us!

Surveying the scenery (Great composition Ron!)

Sarah finds the perfect pumkin

Cart ride!

Late Season Blackberry Picking

My friend Allison and I went for a walk yesterday and noticed some late blooming blackberries. We decided to go picking today since it would be our last chance this season most likely. We brought the long clippers with us so we could get the ones too high to reach. Sarah came along, and between the three of us we picked two big bucket fulls! Sarah and I went home and made a yummy cobbler. It reminded me of the times I used to pick blackberries on my Grandparent's farm in Oregon. Blackberry cobbler will always bring back good memories of the farm.