More vacation

Part of what made the vacation work was allowing the kids to be on their schedule while we were on ours.  Maybe they slept, maybe they watched tv, but we got up early and out for a little bike ride on a city-to-sea trail.  Or at least city-to-the-right-direction-but-not-quite-to-the-sea-yet trail.

We finally got going and decided to stop in Cayucos since so many people have raved about it.  We were happy to see the ocean and we did find good conversation and ice cream, but that was about it.

The highlight of the day was going some place none of had been - Hearst Castle.  The views were stunning, the tour was well done, and we enjoyed wandering around more than I thought we would.  I did not like seeing the empty outdoor swimming pool (closed partially because of repairs and partially due to the drought).  You'll be glad that I am not posting all my photos, but my favorite part was the variety of tiles.  They sold some there, but I didn't want one, I wanted all!

If you look carefully you can see A. and R.

We did not stay to eat the cattle roaming the ranch, but had a beautiful drive along the coast and Thai food in town.

Old Libraries

Almost three years ago I wrote about some local little libraries.  The first one mentioned was at a house that was recently sold and now only cinder blocks remain.  I wondered if the original owners took it with them or if the new owners took it down.  Then it showed up in a new place!

Not only is the little library in a new place, the new place is an former library.  It is probably a former home, too, but when I moved to town it was the George C. Stone Center for Children's Books, more commonly know as Stone Library.  My friend did a great job of saying goodbye here.

Election Day

I haven't seen any yard signs yet, but November elections are on my mind because yesterday was the deadline to file to run if an incumbent had not filed.

From lavote.net

Registration ProcessThe candidate filing period for the November 3, 2015 Local & Municipal Consolidated Elections commences on Monday, July 13, 2015 through Friday, August 7, 2015. If a declaration of candidacy for an incumbent is not filed by August 7, the filing period will be extended from Saturday, August 8 through 12. The extension period does not apply when there is no incumbent up for re-election and the office is listed as "Vacant".

Locally this means that there will be no school board election.  One incumbent declared candidacy but the other did not.  A former board member also declared candidacy and these two people will be on the board without being elected.

I have mixed feelings about this since I think highly of both candidates and I know it frees their time and money for other activities.  It is the second consecutive election in our town (the first being for city council) and I mourn the loss of a candidates' forum, which is a chance to hear issues discussed and meet with other people who care about the process.

On the other hand, I do not want to run for election so I cannot be critical of those who feel the same way.

Two minutes

When the kids were little we had a timer to help them brush their teeth long enough.  We found a toothbrush that flashed for two minutes, at least many time before wearing out.  Eventually I started looking for little things to put in a little space by the outlet cover.

I loved these for the variety, the old favorites and the unfamiliar.

We have a lot of traveling to do.

Some puzzles were significantly easier than others, but were good for all of us to try.

This was our most recent set of cards.  I took to adding a post-it note so people could write their answers, if so desired.  Not all were family-friendly and I was afraid some would give nightmares, but others generated good discussions.  A question from a different set was, "Would you rather have zero children or twelve children?"

I'd love to hear your ideas for other forms of two-minute entertainment.

Summer vacation, Part I

After our stop at Carpinteria State Beach, where we got tar on our feet that stayed on for days and days, we made a little visit to Solvang, a landsby or village founded by Danes.

The Great Hall was not very big, but Denmark isn't either.
We had to have a Danish pastry, just for a taste of the old country.

The next morning in San Luis Obispo I went for a run suggested by a person at the front desk.
Turns out this is the route the high school cross-country runners take.  I walked this part!

We had lunch at a very earthy-crunchy-vegan place that at least I enjoyed.
Across the street was an antique store that gave away modern Bazooka gum.
I had no idea they changed their wrapper and the comics.

Based on a suggestion from the tourist bureau we drove through a golf course
and found a hike that led to the top of Morro Rock's sister rock.

Great hike!  Not too long, great view, and we saw a family of quails.

A. found a sea slug at our next stop.

From our hotel we could walk to Petra (Mediterranean food and pizza)
before attending a production of Pirates of Penzance.  It ended early enough
for the kids to have their screen time to recuperate from being together all day!

Water

Without a doubt the highlight of the vacation was water.

First stop after getting A. from camp - Carpinteria State Park.
I took this picture and then went over the rise only
to be surprised to see so many people.
I wonder what it would be like to camp near here.

The second day we had lunch in Morro Bay, hiked Black Hill,
and found this spot as we were driving away.  Ahhh.

I tried not to worry about A. getting washed into the ocean by Cayucos.

This is the only water in this post that I did not even touch.
A. said he would have traded the rest of the vacation just to swim here!

Our last night of vacation was spent with this view of the marina in Ventura Harbor.

Not so much water in this picture, but I was amazed how low the tide was at Harbor Cove.

Details to follow!

Why no posts?

First we were on vacation.

Then I came home and took care of Zoey for the day and we fed the fish, tried the sample at the grocery store, and discussed the merits of wearing a bicycle helmet.  And of course hung up laundry.

Someone wasn't thrilled about exploring a lab at Harvey Mudd College.

After she went home I went to examine the contents of our safe-deposit box because the next day we were going to apply for Hungarian citizenship for the kids.  What a list of items.

Hmm - not quite sure if photos are allowed so this is a surreptitiously taken one.

Without traffic the drive to the consulate is one hour (of course, because everything is one hour).  With traffic the drive took about 45 minutes longer.  How miserable.  But we had all the paperwork and exact change so now we just wait.

Today was spent shopping for school supplies, party supplies, and trying to find the title to the house so we can set up a trust.

On top of that I share the computer with A. and try not to use it much during the day.  When is there time to post?

So this is just a filler post to let you know that I am still here and that another post will appear shortly.  Maybe even later today.