Wednesday, January 14, 2009

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.

13 comments:

Laura ~Peach~ said...

what a wonderful time and I am glad it went well and I am positive it was much too short for you :) I can't wait to visit more vicariously through you :)

farmlady said...

Why did you ever leave that beautiful house in Felton? It's just wonderful.
Glad you're having such a good time. You've gotton amazing weather here.
Ah Calamari! My husband's favorite.

Karen Deborah said...

FL it was a God directed move, when we came to the south we weren't sure about anything except that God was telling us to go. I was very sick in Felton. One of the blessing her was my health was restored. But on a more down to earth down home reply; yeah it was great and I loved that place!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear the rest. Debbie told me you the stew....YUM!

Unknown said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time! That house is very cool, I can only imagine all the nooks and crannys.

Flea said...

Sounds like a splendid time was had by all! Good to know our jealousy was well founded. :)

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

This place looks wonderful. Just the thought of being in a cabin with not many amenities and someone else doing the cooking? That's my definition of heaven.

The picture of the beach--especially the sky--is fantastic.

Michelle said...

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time and can't wait to here more.

Unknown said...

OH my goodness! Welcome home! Your trip looks delightful! I LOVE that house you lived in. It is so charming. If I had a LOT of money I would want to live in an old house like that. I love the character that comes with them.

What a lovely trip with wonderful people!

Anonymous said...

Got something for ya on my blog in the morning!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Thank you so much for the details (aka salt in the wound) of such a fantastic visit. ;-) LOVE that cabin. Were you thinking of hosting a bloggy girl's getaway? I'm available in August....

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Cheat? Me?

[Eyes cast downward coyly, a sly smile breaking the corner of her rosebud lips]

Never, never ... you tattler. ; )

* * *

For the less uninformed: There is no cheating during a round of "In A Pickle." You merely toss out your card and lobby for it's acceptance. Can I help it if my dramatic definitions and fanciful interpretations charmed them all into voting "Aye" rather than "Nay"? : D

* * *

Your visit was FABULOUS!!! The stuff of memories told for years to come. Happy New Year INDEED! And here's to many more visits and years and all the rest.

Love you!! (Miss you dreadfully!)

Karen Deborah said...

Yeah you silly woman you get and aye for the craziest ideas! And it was FUN too! Miss you back.