10 Simple Self-Care Routines to Make it Through The Year

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A Long Road to……Something?

I’ve started marking the passage of time with my little Sunday through Saturday pill box. It holds a few meds and supplements and is basically the only way I know if I remembered to take them. But lately, each week when I open the Thursday slot, all I can think is “Shit. Another week almost over, and it was just like last week.” Nothing happened. Nothing much to look forward to.

Like many, the pandemic has put my life on pause. It’s paused goals, plans, travel, and most things I usually look forward to. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s this creeping, yet stark, feeling that seems to call my entire existence into question. I can’t tell if something happened last week or 3 months ago. It’s like Ground Hog Day on steroids. So no, I have no idea where the year has gone.

As the World Turns

When the pandemic began, it was still winter in Colorado. During our state’s lockdown, I watched the snow melt, and brown slowly turn to green. As it moved into summer, we were hammered with record setting highs. Now, with fall in full swing, the leaves are tipping to reds and golds. Holiday decorations are going up. And yet, every week still feels the same.

Soon it will be brown again and snow will begin to fall, at least for me. Outdoor visits will become difficult to impossible. The earth will continue to turn on its axis, as one day quickly leads to the next.

10 Simple Self-Care Routines to Make it Through 2020

I don’t have a crystal ball into when the pandemic might end, or how to make the passage of time be more meaningful, but I’m looking into it. In the meantime, I keep looking for simple self-care routines to improve my week, or someone else’s. I at least hope they help me remember what day it is.

1.     Talk to friends and family, don’t just text. Voice calls, zoom calls, Facetime. Whatever you have.

2.     Leave the house. You don’t have to be with people. Just driving around can remind us there’s still a whole world out there.

3.     Send physical letters or cards. Yes, it’s a throwback, but wouldn’t it brighten someone’s day to receive a personal note?

4.     Put up holiday decorations. Even if you’re a household of one, embodying a little holiday spirit might lift your own.

5.     Redecorate. It might just be a new bedspread, or a picture. New coffee mugs count.

6.     Read a good book. Or even a bad one.

7.     Don’t focus on your waistline! Now is not the time to put extra stress on yourself.

8.     Have that glass of wine or yummy cocktail. Who’s counting? No one, that’s who.   

9.     Make your own spa day: a face or foot mask, a bath bomb, incense, yoga. Maybe followed by Netfilx under a cozy throw.

10.  Light a candle to keep out the darkness. Then make a wish.

What are some of your favorite ways to release the insanity?

In Search of Meaning

Tennis Anyone?

Does the word “Hobby” just piss you off? It does me. It may be a throwback to my budding feminist youth, when hobbies were activities for genteel women. Activities that were seen as unimportant because they didn’t generate income. Sewing. Canning. Quilting. Tennis. If a man had a hobby, it was usually collecting something. Building something, Restoring something. Golf.

I cringe when I read articles that suggest women, particularly aging women, “get a hobby.” For whatever strange animosity I hold toward the phrase, I feel we all, regardless of age, want to feel seen. We long to add meaning to our lives, and perhaps leave our mark behind. Am I wrong?

Pursuing Our Passions

I like to think that as we age, we move from our soul sucking day jobs, the never-ending household chores, the always taking care of others ­– to nobler pursuits. You may be starting a business for the first time. Or creating additional income streams to supplement your retirement fund. If you even have a retirement fund.

Maybe you finally have the time to pursue your creative endeavors? Your art. Your writing. Your craft or handiwork. Maybe you always wanted to knit a sweater but never had the time. Maybe you want to can peaches. Regardless of whether your passion is money making, or satisfies an itch down deep in your soul, I don’t think the word “hobby” begins to do it justice.

Answering Your Call

We all have a calling, however big or small. It’s a deep desire – whether world altering or profoundly self-satisfying. Our dreams and desires are ours, to do with as we please. Valid and meaningful, regardless of scope.

 Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think of my deepest passions, or even my most frivolous past times, as hobbies. Every minute of every day is another chance to embody our truest selves. To pursue our dreams until the cows come home. No judgement. No wrong choices. You get to do You.

 What are your noble pursuits?

Being in the Moment: A September Walk

Is Fall Near?

September greeted me this morning with cool air. I was shocked when my weather app told me it was 48 degrees. After checking to make sure it wasn’t accidentally set to Celsius, I stumbled out of bed. looking forward to coffee and a morning walk. This was a stark contrast to recent weeks when it was impossible to get up early enough to miss the heat or the air filled with smoke from summer fires.

In Colorado, the weather tends to extremes. If we’re lucky, we have a few weeks of Fall and Spring. Then it’s either freezing or in the 90’s. I exaggerate, sure. But this is what it feels like. Ask anyone.

The Grass is Always Greener

It doesn’t help that I hate the heat. For the past 15 years I’ve wanted nothing more than to live in Scotland. Or Canada. Or someplace that isn’t here. Somewhere the summer highs never surpass 70. Someplace devoid of US politics and the growing meanness spawned by privilege and lack of knowledge. But I digress.

 But it turns out the downside of always wanting something else is you don’t tend to appreciate what you have.

A Zen Moment

So, this morning I walked my neighborhood. The sidewalks usually host a few dog walkers or quarantine crazed stroller pushers but, today, only silence. Except for the distant road traffic, I was only aware of the cool breeze in my face and the taste of black coffee in my mouth. It was a perfect moment.

Five Easy(ish) Ways to Be in the Moment

I admit, I haven’t taken mindfulness courses or listened to YouTubers talk about it. I do meditate on occasion, and I always intend to get back to a Yoga practice, though I usually find excuses to procrastinate. But after years of struggling to be in the moment, here’s what I do know.  

1.     Get rid of the should’s. When our minds are on everything we should be doing instead of being in the moment, the moments pass us by. As resident Queen of the shoulds, I should know.

2.     Slow down. Smell the roses? Or the coffee? Whatever cliché floats your boat. Just. Slow. Down. Take a deep breath. Anything can wait for at least. A. Moment.

3.     Look around. Where are you? What are you feeling? What does your body feel like? In this age of constant distractions, how much attention do you actually give yourself?

4.     Listen to your heart. When was the last time you felt your heart energy? Our heads tend to take over and tell us what we should do. How we should feel. What we should want. But it’s a fraud, ‘cause it doesn’t really know what we want. Only our heart knows.

5.     Breathe. I sometimes forget to breathe, do you? Being conscious of our breath helps to center us, so we can hear what our heart wants. Breath deep. Breathe often.

It sounds simple, but in our quick paced reality, filled with more sensory input than a human can handle, being with ourselves, in the moment, and allowing ourselves to “feel,” requires conscious thought and effort for most of us. I know it doesn’t come naturally for me.

New Smyrna Beach: My Home Away From Home

new smyrna beach sunset - Photo by Tommy Fawcett, unsplash

The Vibe

When I get off the plane in Orlando, it takes a minute to orient to the warm, heavy air and lush greenery. Traffic getting out of the airport is hectic, but once I make my way East to the coast, the slower pace and laid-back vibe takes over. 

 New Smyrna Beach is my home away from home, since a large chunk of my family lives there. It’s grown a lot in the past 2 decades, but still embodies a nice blend of flip-flop beach bum and sleepy Old Florida – where relaxing and rejuvenating are always on the menu.

 New Smyrna is divided into a Mainland and a Beach Side, with the Intracoastal Waterway, the Indian River, dividing the two. While it can make getting from point A to point B troublesome, the experiences offered by such a variety of eco-systems is amazing. From walking white sand beaches to kayaking the river in search of dolphins, mother nature blessed this place with a crazy load of beauty.

The Beach Side – Flagler Avenue

You can drive on the beach! This Florida tradition aided by the hard packed sand has its pros and cons, but dates back to the original Daytona 500 race on the beach. Despite motor cars and condos, the New Smyrna coastline still possesses a tranquil beauty with its grassy dunes, pelicans, and sea turtles. You can rent a bike or take a walk to enjoy the sand and surf. Driving on the beach is $20, and helpful if you don’t like schlepping your beach gear or kids. Plus, parking is not any cheaper.

Flagler Avenue is the Beach Side’s main drag, with lots of restaurants, and shops featuring everything from the outlandish souvenirs you’d expect, to galleries with local arts and crafts. You can find quality dining, or a simple rooftop bar to drink away the afternoon, which is totally acceptable in a beach town.

The 3rd Wave Café and Wine Bar is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in town, with a peaceful outdoor patio and excellent food. It’s not to be missed for their daily brunch, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t go back for dinner. The patio takes on a magical feel after dark, serving everything from inspired appetizers, to seafood, to wood-fired pizza, hopefully accompanied with a bottle of wine under the stars.

Don’t be surprised by the wild poultry along Flagler. Local hotels petitioned to have them removed so the roosters didn’t wake up the guests. So far the chickens are winning.  

The More Sedate – South Atlantic

Driving south on Atlantic Avenue will eventually bring you to the no-driving beaches. Perfect if you prefer the quiet, natural beach vibe with the added bonus of not worrying about getting run over. At the Southern end of this road, is Canaveral National Seashore, a state park with a beautiful, quiet beach. 

On the way to or from the no-drive beaches, check out Chase’s On the Beach, with its huge outdoor deck and bar which are, actually, right on the beach. You can enjoy day drinking with the locals, or popping bar snacks and pub food, but it’s really all about the view.

One of my favorite restaurants is SoNapa. It’s tucked away in a tiny strip center, so easy to miss. What started as a wine bar is now a full service restaurant with chef inspired dishes along with great wine and cocktails. After dinner, it’s fun to browse The Kembali Teak Gallery next store for a great variety of Indonesian imports and unique gifts.

The River

The North or South causeway is the access to the Beach Side, but don’t overlook the River under the bridges. To get an up close view, you can book one of many boat tours that cruise you up the river in search of dolphins and manatees. For the more adventurous, the Marine Discover Center offers kayaking nature tours.

 It’s just as therapeutic to sit and listen to the River, watch the fishermen, and look for dolphins. You can do this from Riverside Park at the end of Canal Street, or a little park off the North Causeway.

The Mainland – Canal Street

Canal Street is the original “Main Street America” like you find in so many towns. It’s undergone a restoration in recent decades and is home to a pretty good variety of restaurants and shopping. For a special treat visit The Local Pearl Oyster Shoppe. I don’t even like oysters, and I loved this place. The lobster and corn hushpuppies are to die for. Run by a two-time James Beard semi-finalist, its quaint setting offers great food and service.

 You can pop into Little’s Drugs for a slice of nostalgia. Their vintage soda fountain is the original from the 1950s and still offers the best malts in town, which pair nicely with those drug store burgers from yesteryear.

 Off Canal and up US1 (known as Dixie Hwy) do not miss the Taco Shack. You stand in line to order at a small window, but the food is good, authentic, and cheap. You can eat on the covered patio while sipping Sangria, or just get takeout.  

A Tiny Spa Reprieve

Abundant Health Day Spa is an unassuming little spa in the Winn Dixie shopping center on Highway 44. I visit it whenever I’m in town, because nothing says relaxation like starting your trip with a massage. Book Sadako, you will not be disappointed. Their facials are also great, and they’ve added fllotation therapy, which I’ve yet to try.

Old Florida

The Sugar Mill Ruins is a largely forgotten landmark that was once a main attraction. Sugar production was a major industry in the 19th Century, and it’s meditative to walk the grounds of this historic site. The Spanish moss hanging from trees canopies the crumbling coquina walls and rusting kettles that once boiled cane juice.

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is another 19th Century landmark to visit, though you have to drive north to Port Orange to access it.

 For a cute reminder of simpler times, check out the self-serve honey shack at 2429 Pioneer Trail. This family of bee-keepers offers mango and other honeys on the honor system. Just walk in the tiny shed, select your honey, and drop cash in the box. It makes a great gift to bring home to friends.

New Smyrna provides a great slice of Florida, without battling the Orlando and Daytona Beach crowds. It has everything necessary for the beach bunny, foodie, and nature buff in all of us, where you can custom design a trip to suit whatever is calling to you in the moment.

Echo Terra Chronicles: A Peace of Space

Rose

Rose sat in the cockpit of her N-class galactic flyer, gazing out at the asteroid field surrounding the ship. The silence of space, if she could hear it, would be deafening. Like after a flash blast does its number on your eardrums and the world around you goes silent. With the ship’s systems shut down, only the slightest whoosh of air from the life support system hummed in her ear. She was safe, for now. But held no illusion that Romy’s sensors could not detect her, even in silent mode. And new intelligence indicated the Amari may even have developed cloak-busting technology.

It had been a long day and all she wanted to do was sleep. “Edison, are sensors picking up anything?”

“No Rose, the only movement detected is that of the asteroid field.”

“If you say so Edison,” Rose responded.

“I can only speak the truth, as you are well aware.”

Rose sighed. She was more than weary, after three long months of reconnaissance, with only the ship’s AI for company. Tracking the Amari in an effort to determine their next target in the Canis Major galaxy had been harder than Echo Terra Command had predicted. Days passed without signs of life, let alone enemy ships.

“This galaxy blows,” she muttered under her breath. Checking the dim lights of the control panel.

 “Edison, tell me a joke.”

“No Rose, you know that’s not in my programming. Is my name Siri? Or Alexa? I don’t think so,” retorted Edison, with serious attitude.

“Fuck you, Edison.” Rose sighed and rolled her eyes.  

“You wound me Rose.”

“Edison, damage report.”

“We took moderate damage, but main thrusters and warp drive are operational. Shields are at 72 per cent and the communications array appears to have sustained damage. I can run further diagnostics, but that activity could be picked up by long-range scanners.”

“Shit. Let’s hold for now. We don’t want to trigger any alarms.”

The War

Being at war was getting old. It had been seven years since the Echo Terra colonies were first hit by the Amari. A warring race of the conquer and plunder variety, who must have grown weary of their old conquests and set out to find virgin territory.  

The first Echo Terra colony, Earth II, had been ravaged in the first attack. A relic of the past, it was home to the first Earth exiles. Settlers who’d braved a 20-year journey in hyper sleep within the ark of humanity, carrying hundreds of plant species, and animal DNA for cloning. Earth II turned out to be a fruitful world, mostly friendly to Earth species, with abundant natural resources. Their population easily grew to two million over the course of the next 100 years.

The Amari put an end to that. Luckily, additional colonies had been populated over the past 200 years. Or it would have been lucky if the Amari didn’t insist on tracking and destroying as many as they could find. The bastards never gave up.

Rose’s planet, Ryse, was home to less than a million, but central to Echo Terra’s military and tech development. Most advances in the past 50 years had been developed there – cloaking technology, impervious military apparel, and of course, weapons. Lots and lots of weapons.

Wake Up Call

A sudden jarring jolt woke Rose from her unintended slumber. She’d dozed off, unable to keep her eyes open after being awake and on the run for the past 40 hours. She’d been dreaming of her bare feet in warm sand, with ocean waves pounding in the distance and the sound of seagulls overhead. Except Ryse didn’t have seagulls, and Rose had never seen them before.

Alarms began to shriek.

“Edison, report!”

“An asteroid bumped the ship Rose. No evident damage. You must have fallen asleep at the wheel.”

“Oh, now you decide to be funny.”

Rose checked the controls. Recognizing the asteroid, sure. But there was something else.

 As she peered into the view screen, a ship slowly rose from behind the asteroid. It was a cruiser, 10 times the size of her two-person fighter flyer.

“Romy,” Rose growled.

 “Edison, transfer as much power to the shields as you can. Ready weapons. And see if the communications array is operable.”

 “Communications appears to be functional.”

 Rose engaged the navigation console and quickly dropped the ship behind the asteroid, offering a little temporary cover at best.

“Open a channel.”

Romy

A face appeared on the screen. Humanoid. Dark short hair, blue eyes, and a few days growth of facial hair. He might have been attractive if he wasn’t a merciless, killing bastard.

“Rose. Disengage weapons. I’m here to talk. I promise.”

“Your promises are hollow, swine,” Rose pitched her voice low, trying to sound as ominous as possible, knowing her physical image lacked the power of intimidation. “Is this a white flag? Because the way to a girl’s heart is certainly not by blasting her ship into the next solar system.”

“I tried to communicate at our last encounter. But you fired on me before I could establish a channel,” Romy replied.

She didn’t trust him. This was all too familiar. A trap. This wasn’t her first dance with this ship and her captain.

“Rose, the Amari ship’s weapons are not engaged,” Edison said flatly.

 “And that’s supposed to make me feel better how?”

 “I’m merely implying we have the upper hand for the moment, as our weapons are locked and loaded. Recommend attack and run. That is Echo Terra protocol when facing down a larger enemy.”

 Rose was usually quick to react. This was one of the features that catapulted her to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the span of five short years. That, and her piloting skills were unapproachable. But her weary mind was getting the best of her. And she’d run out of stims two days ago.

 “You’ve got 15 seconds, so make it good.”

 “My people have encountered a new race. Vicious. They make the Amari look like pacifists. They’ve infiltrated the outer systems of Canis Major, and it’s reported they’ve destroyed three worlds already. No resource scavenging. Just total destruction.”

 Rose tried to make sense of his words. “And?” was all she could think to say.

 “Amari command believes joining forces with Echo Terra is the only way to defend this galaxy. I mean, we were here first,” Romy tried to smile. It might look good on him once he got the hang of it.

 “Why should I believe you?” Rose raised an eyebrow, looking straight into the screen, with her most serious scowl.

 “I’m sending you coordinates, and a transmission captured as they destroyed one of the planets.”

 Rose pulled up the transmission. A huge, unrecognizable carrier spewed thousands of small craft that engaged and destroyed the planet’s air defense. Then a large beam weapon aimed a clear white swath of energy that appeared to be miles wide. In seconds, the planet was gone.

 After a long minute, she looked up from the devastation, eyes glistening slightly.  “You know these decisions are above my pay grade.”

 “I know,” Romy replied. “But you’re here. And the only one who has agreed to communicate with us. So far.”

 Rose took a deep breath. She rolled her neck, trying to stretch out tension from the past few months. No, years. “Edison, stand down weapons.”

 She looked up at the screen, trying to peer more closely into Romy’s eyes, through the void of space that hung between them, thinking about the seven years of war, and the thousands of lives lost.

 “Romy,” Rose shrugged. “Welcome to Echo Terra.”

Seattle: On and Off the Beaten Trail

Whenever I visit Seattle and first glimpse the water, my body automatically heaves a breath deep into my inner core. It’s like my soul has been aching for moisture, but didn’t know. Much has been written about this unique city surrounded by water, but every experience is personal. It would take a lifetime to really unpack Seattle, so I’ll just share a few of my favorite things.  

If you’ve checked out travel blogs, you’ll find similarities in everyone’s Seattle “must see” list. “We Are Travel Girls” and Chelsea Dinen’s post include good examples of things to see and do. Yes, places like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are tourist destinations, but for good reason.

Getting Around

Don’t kid yourself, driving in Seattle is hard. It’s trafficky, hilly, and parking is sparse. I-5 is a parking lot most of the day. That said, it is the best way to cover more ground quickly. If you don’t want to rent a car at the airport, you can take the light rail into town and then Uber/Lyft to your various destinations.

Lodging

Despite being such a great destination, Seattle is sorely lacking in hotels, especially affordable ones. You can find AirBnB’s in most neighborhoods. One hotel I like is the Watertown in the University District. It’s part of the boutique chain called StayPineapple, and they run specials from time to time. The rooms are all studios with comfy beds, crisp white linens, a fridge/microwave, robes, and view of the city lights. Tiny pineapple cupcakes welcome you in the lobby, and the stuffed husky Dash might be waiting on your bed. I like to walk to Trader Joe’s for snacks and wine, and there are tons of yummy Asian restaurants in the U District.

Pike Place Market

This is more than just the best spot for selfies, it’s a true Seattle experience. Before shopping, I love to go to The Crumpet Shop for a homemade crumpet and tea. The crumpet toppings are limitless, and the tea is amazing. The British are right, tea fixes everything – so don’t order coffee. And, if Southern is more your thing, try Biscuit Bitch, just two blocks north of The Crumpet Shop on 1st Ave.

Once you’re fueled it’s just a short walk downhill to Pike Place Market. It doesn’t matter where you start, the market is full of local artisans, jewelry, textiles, flowers and food food food. Don’t miss Pappardelle’s Pasta in the main hall where you can buy fresh pasta along with a yummy selection of sauces, oils and vinegars. It’s hard to miss the fishmonger throwing fish. This is also where I discovered Moon Valley Organics, a local farm/beekeeper with amazing products. Buy the Rejuvenating Body Rub and rub it on your achy parts after the long day. You’re welcome.

On my first trip, I discovered the Sound View Café. When you’re shopped out, it’s nice to grab a sandwich or bowl of clam chowder at this out of the way, order at the counter joint with a peek-a-boo view across the water. On your way back out to the street, be sure to take note of the Starbucks across the street – it’s the original.

Capitol Hill

This LGBTQ (turning hipster) part of town deserves a visit. There’s a plethora of trendy restaurants and bars, but I like the funky hole in the wall sandwich joint called The Honey Hole. It’s been a local favorite since 1999, everything, including the roasted meats, is made from scratch. The sandwiches are to die for and you’ll probably take half home. If there’s room for dessert, walk east on East Pike for about 4 blocks to Cupcake Royale. Then a nice stroll will walk it all off (or so we tell ourselves) as you explore more of the area, and maybe find a trendy bar for a night cap.

Japanese Garden

Yes, you should go up the Space Needle and bum around Seattle Center which boasts Chihuly Garden & Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and other attractions. But did you know Seattle also has a Japanese Garden? It’s at the southern end of Washington Park Arboretum and is an absolutely gorgeous spot to get your Zen on. Check their website for times and reservations though, since they change seasonally. It’s a magical place.

Other Good Things to Eat

Dick’s Drive-In ­– A local favorite since 1954, if you’re a fan of old-fashioned fast burgers, fries, and shakes – this is your place.

Razzi’s Pizzaria – This place smells too good to be true. Known for traditional as well as vegan pizzas, plus all kinds of Italian food.

The Walrus and The Carpenter – Oysters and booze.

Pacific Inn Pub – Fish and Chips, Anthony Bourdain ate here.

Spots to Avoid After Dark

Seattle is a big city, so expect some homelessness and panhandling. While mainly safe in the daytime, I wouldn’t walk alone in Bell Town or Pioneer Square at night.

A Girlfriend Getaway to Santa Cruz

view of the ocean from santa cruz arcade.. Photo by jeff nissen from unsplash

The air in Northern California feels like a soft kiss on the cheek. Not hot and drippy like the East, or steamy like the South. Just enough humidity to hydrate, and COMPLETELY unlike the dry, dry air in my home state of Colorado, where we bathe in lotion daily.

This sweet kiss of lovely weather kicked off my recent excursion to the East Bay area to visit my longtime friend of (ahem) years. We like to do overnight trips to places like the Wine Country, or the Monterey/Carmel area. This time we decided to venture to Santa Cruz for a change. Famed as the location of the 1987 vampire movie “The Lost Boys,” its got that funky beach town vibe, diverse population, and great tacos.

The Spa

This trip we were more interested in dusting off the stress of 2019, and some self care. So we found good deal at the Chaminade Resort and Spa, just inland from Santa Cruz, and nestled on a hill overlooking the Monterey Bay.

When we arrived, we immediately checked into the Spa for our “Antioxidant Wrap and Massage.” We wrapped in cozy robes, and drank tea in the Zen-like lounge while waiting for our massages.

My treatment began with a pumpkin body scrub, after which I was wrapped up like a burrito in warm towels and blankets. Topped off with a heavenly massage, I could barely ooze my jello-like state back to the room.

We were so relaxed, we lost interest in checking out the trendy dining scene in Santa Cruz. We opted for the hotel restaurant, which much to our delight, was on a beautiful patio overlooking the hills and on to the Bay. And just when I didn’t think the day could get any better, we discovered it was happy hour!

We dined on appetizers, wine, appetizers and more wine for hours. Then we topped it off with an entree, because, why not? All the food was delicious and the night was still young. We watched tiny sailboats racing in the harbor, as our server regaled us with stories of crewing the sailboat races in her youth. As the sun sank into the ocean, the patio came alive with table top fire pits and twinkly lights. So of course, we had to stay for dessert.

The Wharf

No trip to Santa Cruz is complete without visiting the boardwalk and wharf. We entered through the autumn graveyard of the famous Santa Cruz arcade. In October, kids had returned to school and parents to work. The games and rides now rested quietly, but still vibrated with echoes of summers past. It’s hard to imagine that this ocean front amusement park has been in operation since 1907.

A walk along the beach to the pier brought back my teenage memories of long days at the beach, driving home tired, sandy, and wet in my sister’s convertible MG. I’d forgotten how much I love California beaches where, unlike the East coast, the Ocean is not on the wrong side.

Seals serenaded our walk down the pier, barking from their shady hiding places under the pylons. The clear day highlighted the historic neighborhood to the North with its impeccably restored Victorian homes, ready to be the next location for a cozy mystery novel or a period movie.

We chose lunch at Stagnaro Bros., a family run fish market/restaurant that’s called the pier home since 1937. Founded by Italian immigrants, this place has amazing clam chowder and fish and chips, with coffee served old school in those thick diner style mugs. There are many restaurants to choose from, and lots of shops to satisfy your touristy itch for t-shirts and local crafts.

The Wine

Heading North on US 1, the Cabrillo Highway, I was surprised to see the coast lined with crops. Such precious real estate is usually reserved for wealthy homeowners. An easy to miss left turn on Bonny Doon Road took us up into the Santa Cruz Mountains where we discovered – wineries!

The Bonny Doon region, named after a poem by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, began as a logging camp in the 1850s. The clearing of so many trees left open land, so someone had the brilliant idea to plant grapes! We visited Beauregard Vineyards tasting room, in a tiny old house on the side of the road.

Steeped in history, the building originally housed a general store for loggers, and later became the infamous 1950s pub called Lost Weekend. A beautiful garden and patio out back, sun shining through giant Redwoods, creates a beautiful setting for tastings. The wines weren’t bad either.

And so, with wine in trunk (and four boxes of Pumpkin Joe Joe’s from Trader Joe’s), we drove off into the sunset. A perfect ending to a perfect trip. Or maybe the perfect ending was drinking all the wine and eating all the cookies when we got home. They paired nicely with the Chardonnay.