The Plan C Trip to the Central Coast

As we know, the best laid plans can easily go astray.  So I try (not always successfully) to not hold on too tightly to my plans.  The annual August trip with the DGDs went all the way to Plan C due to a) a fire in San Luis Obispo County that threatened Hearst Castle and b) two changes to a doctor appointment that Makayla had to go to before school starts.

This trip was built around a visit to Hearst Castle.  Makayla is beginning middle school at Julia Morgan School for Girls next week and she was very excited to see this incredible project that Julia Morgan had taken on.  We added in a side trip on the way home to visit Sculpterra Winery where our dear friend Rob Bentley is the resident artist for all their iron work.

Well.......the Chimney Fire changed plans whether we liked it or not.  The fire which started near Lake Nacimiento spread fast and furiously and was threatening Hearst Castle.  This resulted in Hearst Castle cancelling all tours during the week of our reservations.  We decided we would go anyway and enjoy the delights of Cambria.  The doctor appointments pushed our trip to leaving on Thursday for our three-night adventure to the Central California coast.

The visitor center at Hearst Castle was open, so we were able to go there to see the excellent film about the building of the castle.  Of course, it just made Makayla want to actually see it even more.  We'll plan a trip for another time.  Jim bought Makayla a book about Julia Morgan.

Fire up on them thar hills.

Zebras relocated from Hearst Ranch for safety

 Despite smokey skies and overcast weather, we enjoyed our time in Cambria.  We walked along the boardwalk and perused the little shops in town.  And of course we enjoyed some Ollaliberry pie.

A sweet little hide-away under a tree for viewing the ocean

On Saturday, we headed to Paso Robles to meet Mary Bentley for lunch at the historic Paso Robles Inn.  Then we headed out to see Sculpterra Winery where Rob works and does his art.  The girls were enthralled with all the lovely sculptures and they totally fell in love with Robert.  He showed them all around his shop and gave them lots of bits and bobs of iron to take home to make a mobile of their own.  They want to adopt him as their third grandfather.  Robert has that affect on people.  He is a dear friend and a blessing to our lives.  He and Mary are, as Makayla said,  "Good People".

The Bentley Gates............incredible

Grapes ripening everywhere. Of course we tasted a few.

All kinds of sculptures but of course, this one with a dog immediately caught their attention.

The Classic Sign from when we first knew him in Valencia, CA

You can't be an iron artist without getting dirty.

Rob Bentley.........Good People!

Summer Here and Almost Gone

It's August......that month that makes us begin to think of heading back to school and all things fall.  But coming up still will be a fun summer trip with the DGDs to Hearst Castle and San Luis Obispo.  Then they are back at school.  M to middle school at Julia Morgan School for Girls and V back at EBI.

I always seem to be distracted by playing with scraps so here is another top which is sitting in the UFO pile waiting to be quilted.

I loved that in May, our cymbidiums were still blooming for my birthday.  The two oldest plants produce lots of blooms.  The newest one didn't bloom this year but I am hoping it will feel comfortable to bloom next year.

Before heading for Quilt Retreat, I went to a workshop put on by our new Alameda Quilt Guild.  There were only 5 of us but we all produced darling Fall Scarecrows.  Mine will be gifted to my sister, Cindy.

I just can't seem to quit making these zippered wristlets.  I love having them on hand to give as gifts and it is worth it to make about 4 at a time.

June found me at the bi-annual quilt retreat put on by Amador Valley Quilters.  It was held once again at Cal State Stanislas where it was hot but the room was air-conditioned.  I did what I usually do and opted to work on my own projects.  I sat with new people and made new friends. Finished a Christmas quilt to give to my Bible Study leader, Lillie.

  The Darling Grand-daughters spent two days having Sew Camp at my house.  We picked out patterns, shopped for fabric, enjoyed lunch and snacks and managed to produce pajamas for both girls.  I set up three sewing machines and we all sewed until we dropped.  Sew much fun!

Just recently, I enjoyed a mini-retreat with my Bible Study friends in Arnold up in the Sierras.  We stayed at Marcy's house where 7 of us chatted and enjoyed fun and fellowship together.  It was hot but her deck was perfect. I am so blessed to have these friends.

And the last of the news for August is the newest member of our family.  We bought a beautiful blue BMW X3.  This is the most luxurious car we have ever had.....lots of bells and whistles.  It's a driving computer.  Elsie, the Maxima is gone and BeeBee (blue beamer) has taken her place.  This car had better last a long, long, long time.