Summertime

It's been a whirlwind of activity around here. People coming and going, dinners in and out, visiting and entertaining. I feel like I've just run a marathon, except for the fact that I haven't actually excersized at all, and I've put on 5 more dreaded pounds. But it's all over, for now. And although it's nice to get back to my normal life remembering what my family and friends look like, and catching up on the scrubbing detail that I've been ignoring, I really do miss all of the energy that has been swirling around me for the last 3 weeks or so. I kind of like ditching my responsibilities for play time, yea, that's the kind of person I am.

So, catching up a little...

My new camera that I was going on (and on) about - well, it broke after only having it a few days. I contacted my photographer guru, Ed Krebs, after scouring the internet trying to figure out what was wrong with it, and luckily he was able to fix it. Whew. It had felt like a new love that had soured after only a few wonderful, blissful days together. But, thanks to Ed, the love affair is still going strong.

Since the end of June, we've had a friend of mine's son staying with us from Houston. He was interning after his first year of college, and what better place to intern than Laguna Beach? He wasn't much trouble, and actually really liked pretty much everything that I cooked, unlike my own offspring. After he was here for a few weeks, his mom, one of my best friends, came to stay, too. I love this woman, she is so full of life and energy, and I get to see all of my friends who live in town (she used to live here in Laguna), but I never see because we are all too busy to get together. Strange that it takes someone visiting to see friends who live right down the street.

Then my sister-in-law from Maui came to visit. We don't get to see her very much, because, well, she lives in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so it's always a real treat to have her here. The Houston gang and the Maui sister-in-law overlapped for a couple of days, which was just a little crazy, but a lot of fun.

All was back to normal(?) yesterday. The guests are gone, the house is quiet, and my chores are calling  me to get my butt in gear. I've got to get back to my routines, however boring they seem to be. Besides, I don't think that I could physically handle another wine induced day. Well ok, maybe that's going a bit too far.

I like my random picture of lifeguards. It may take me awhile to get any sense of focus back.

Magic

I've had an ok camera for a while now. And although it's a pretty decent point and shoot, with a few extras, it just never quite cut it for me.

So, when I spotted the camera of my dreams on Ebay, I placed my bid, upped my bid, chewed my nails, and low and behold I actually won the little buggar.

When the UPS guy dropped it off on my front porch a few days later, I frantically tore open the box, and there it was. The camera was really mine. It was better than Christmas.

But as I picked it up, I realized the unthinkable. The camera was way smarter than me, I had no clue how to use my new prize. Yea, I was shocked. I thought I was pretty darn smart, even though I'm still waiting for my MENZA membership to show up in my mailbox.

A couple of days ago I met up with local photographer/musician Ed Krebs for a Nikon for Dummies lesson. Lucky for me, Ed is amazing with a camera, and he just so happens to have one similar to mine. While I fumbled around, Ed patiently explained most of the gadgets and dials.

Well, he must be an incredible teacher, because his class worked. Check out some trial pics with my new camera. (**gush** I LOVE my new camera)

All photos by Carey Strombotne (yea!!)

I could have never gotten these shots with my other camera! I know I've got a lot of work ahead of me, these are not touched up or cropped at all, but heck, it's not a bad day at the office.

July 4th, 2011

A beautiful morning for a dog walk on the beach. Lots of people out enjoying the summer morning.

The water temp must be warming up. At 7:30 there were already folks out paddle boarding, surfing and swimming. Just let me know when it gets to 70.

All the rocks are visible at low tide. Check out this tide pool.

Bird rock to south of Main Beach.

 Such a sweet Dad and son pic. I don't know who these two are, but just thought the moment was completely adorable!

Happy 4th, everyone!!

A walk in Crystal Cove

My friend had a great idea to hike the Crystal Cove State Park bike trail today with our dogs. Although we usually go for a more strenuous route, we decided that it was such a lovely day, and it would be great to be close to the ocean, so off we went.

We were greeted by the most gorgeous views of Pacific meets golden So Cal coastal chaparral. Just amazingly beautiful...

We couldn't have asked for a more picturesque day. Birds, lizards and squirrels were everywhere, darting about looking for shade, or a little morsel of food. We even saw a couple of endangered birds, but heck if I can remember what they were.

Here's the part of the park where the old cottages have been restored. It's a really cool place to stay if you are lucky enough to get a reservation through the California State Parks.

We walked past the old Date Shake Shack, which is now owned and run by Ruby's Diner.
Ruby's has restored the shack, and painted it in the old familiar yellow paint.
Here's a pic donned in white, from a few years ago.

Photo by: JaimeD.

Originally, it was painted yellow, then somewhere along the way some brain surgeon painted it white. Here it is today.

We walked right past, noticing that the place was opened for business, but not ready to slow down for a better look.

Here's a view from the highway, looking down on The Beachcomber Restaurant and the beach goers enjoying the park and beach.

Onward we trekked. We took the stairs beside the Date Shake Shack down behind the Beachcomber, then back up to the trail, just for a little leg-work.

Here's the view from the cottage that is now where guests register for their stay at the park.

Too many of the original cottages are crumbling away, waiting for renovation.

Intrepid hikers that we are, we kept up our pace, and kept moving forward. We saw a momma quail with   her brood. See the momma on the left? Yea, I know, I'm an amazing photographer!

And, check this out! A young Roadrunner, couldn't quite figure out where to dash off to, so stayed around for a lame photographer to snap a couple of pics.You're not going to like this, but that's a lizard in it's mouth. Lizard for lunch! Hey, roadrunners have to eat too, y'know.

At the end of the trail, we turned around and went back the same way we came, appreciating views from a different perspective.

That's when I felt my stomach begin to grumble and gurgle, a little reminder of just how damn hungry I was. We were still pretty far away from the car, so I was hoping I wouldn't faint dead away before we got back. That would have been just a little bit awkward for my friend.

As we walked past the Date Shake Shack, some nice person told us that it was free to eat today. That they were kicking off opening day by giving away free food and drinks. Really? We looked at each other, no joke? The fact that I was literally starving, and dreaming of something greasy to eat, I couldn't believe my luck! Yay, free food!

Here's the deck. They've just expanded it to fit 60 people.

The Park Rangers were in on the deal, too. Smile, guys!

Here's my friend's turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, it looked delish. I'd show you my BLT with avo, but damn I was hungry, and I ate the whole thing with nothing to show for it except greasy napkins. 

The good news? I love free stuff, and food is about the best free stuff there is. The bad news? I'm so stuffed, I need to go home and take a really long nap. Ugh.

Fly away

I put the heir to the throne on a plane bound for Mexico yesterday. It felt strange, like someone was cutting off my left arm. I think it will grow back someday.

He'll be gone for about a month, and I'm sure he'll have the time of his life working at a surf camp. Now I'm regretting that we've kept him so sheltered. But I guess its time for him to break free of our cocoon and fly away. Fingers crossed that he won't go too far away.

I miss him already. But after I clean out his disgusting room, and even more disgusting car, I'll get back to you on where I am emotionally.

Fond memories

Throughout our lives there are the moments that are burnt into our memories. Last night was one of those moments that will forever be emblazoned in my mind. Good thing, because if I had to rely on the photos that I took, I would be in very hot water. Have I mentioned to you guys that I am a really, and I mean really, really a bad photographer?

 I just thought I'd share the pics of my son's high school graduation that will hopefully, someday jog my aging memory and remind me just how special this night was.

He walked right past us. There he is...

Hmmm, actually, these pics are kind of artsy.

Here he is getting his diploma.

That's his baby picture on the big screen. Pretty cute, right?

So, that's it! These are my pics of this amazing milestone. I'm a pretty amazing photographer, don't you think?

Summer solstice

Ah, summer at last. Even though our mornings here are still laden with thick fog, it's good to know that today kicks off the real summer season. I love summer. The sunshine, the beach, the long days... it doesn't get any better than that.

The art festivals are getting ready to open, too. These festivals are the true meaning of summer here in Laguna. Tonight is the pre-opening, locals night party at the Sawdust Festival. Hands down, it's one of the best parties of the year. Great art and music, along with seeing old friends, it's what Laguna is all about!

Then, on Thursday, my oldest, the heir to the throne, graduates from high school. Although it's impossible to imagine that time has played a nasty trick, and passed way too quickly, I don't feel overly emotional yet. It leaves me to wonder, will the flood-gates open up at a completely inappropriate time? 'Cuz, that would be really bad, but very likely from you-know-who. All's I know is that it did go by way too fast. All that worry, discipline, gobs of love, oh, and just a teensy amount of shouting over the years, and then, *poof*, it's over. Good thing I still have the second in line to keep me busy! But, I'm warning you right now, the blubbering will be out. of. control. when he graduates in 2 years. I guess we dust ourselves off, and just keep stumbling through this crazy life. And if we're lucky, we gave our kids just the right amount of worry, discipline, gobs of love, and just the teensiest amount of shouting to help them navigate all the craziness for themselves.