Little House in the Big Woods

We had to drive by our home in Felton. I used to have that whole hill landscaped. It's just a weed patch now but the house looks great. It's 4 stories and it was one of our most favorite places too live. It was a kids paradise with all those nooks and crannies.





One of our favorite beaches , Twin Lakes.










Redwoods grow big in this area and these aren't even that large.


A cozy bed, such pretty pillows.


This is calamari from Carpo's in Soquel with the double dip, it's to die for......too yummy.

One of my favorite and most missed delights in Santa Cruz.






This is the cabin we were privileged to stay in, at our friends place. It was delightful! I did have a couple of raccoons observe me in the bathroom; one couldn't believe his eyes he pressed his face up next to the glass. I could only assume that I impressed him.

The wood stove is the only source of heat, and an electric blanket. We were quite cozy. Loved not having a TV in here. We watched a bit of TV but not here. She is a fabulous cook. We ate, and ate, and ate, everywhere we went.

For those of you who were jealous of my visit with Debbie and family; well your jealousy was well founded. We had too great of a time. She fixed the pork stew from Cathy's at Noble Pig and it was excellent, very rich. and just delicious. That would be the dish with the whole bottle of wine and cranberry sauce. We drank potfuls of delicious tea, and gabbed every waking moment. I loved seeing the family again, and one of the most special treats of all, was Matthew's welcome. He is really a young man now, and I wasn't too sure if he would really remember me. He lit up like the Christmas tree AND allowed a hug! Now that was special! Rachel Kaye is still Aunt Nannie's girl and we snuggled every opportune moment, watching home theatre. We watched the Polar Bear Express, with Tom Hanks playing 7 different parts, it is fantastic on a large screen. That movie is a completely different experience with the right sound system and large screen. The train fairly rumbled the whole house and arrived into the front room. All aboard! Very fun.

The girls played music for me. It's hard to keep a dry eye while listening to "Oh Holy Night," on the harp. RK can just plain boogey down on her piano, she is an amazing child. If you thought the sock toys she made were cute in the photo's you should see them in real life. I was partial to a pink and white striped zebra. I took her an animal origami kit and she started making little paper dinosaurs like a pro.

We stayed up till after midnight on New Years Eve and played a very fun game called, "In A Pickle." Debbie "cheats" she charms most of her answers with a little smile and a nod, basically going unchallenged for even the largest stretches of imagination. It does pay to be charming. The evening went by too fast and our one day, also flew by. We toured the gardens in winter imagining blooms. Watched RK ride her bicycle like the wind over hill and dale. Miss Lydia also likes to ride but it seems her first love is the swing, or maybe the kitties.

I know of bee charmers and decided their should also be tea charmers. The art of soothing one with cupfuls of warm tea is magical in the right hands. The experience one of satisfied relaxation.

Debbie's husband kindly drove me to San Jose all too soon to meet up with my hubby. Then our schedule went into hyper drive; but we loved every minute of it. This was quite possibly the best trip we have ever taken together. Each day was a treat and the visits too short but full of love and laughter.
Not to tell all in one fell swoop, you'll have to come back by for more details later....to be continued.