Quito's Churches

In 1534 El Monasterio de San Francisco was built in honor of Quito's patron saint and it's still in use today by millions of worshippers. Flemish missionary, Fray Jodocko Ricke, directed construction of this ornate church and monastery on the site of an ancient Inca palace, making this the continent's oldest and largest church. The main altar is spectacularly carved in Spanish baroque and the side aisles are hung with fine oil paintings. The church ceiling is decorated with glowing images of the sun, the Inca divinity. Most Catholic Churches here in Ecuador are sumptuously ornate and grandiose with gold leaf everywhere you gaze. It's easy to see how the local indigenous peoples could be easily mesmerized and fall sway to the glitter of Catholicism. Currently, 95% of Ecuadorians are Catholic and Quito lays claim to over eighty churches.

The Best of Ecuador

Peguche Waterfall

We are having lots of fun in Ecuador touring the local sites. Yesterday we did a 10hr Gray Line tour excellently led by "Willam". We saw waterfalls, quaint towns, beautiful emerald green pasture land and the many volcanos that surround Quito. We had a wonderful day shopping at the Otavalo Marketplace where indigenous people sell their exquisite handmade crafts. I literally shopped till I dropped! The fast and furious tour van driver "Javier" was excellent passing 2-3 cars at a time; Vin Diesel would have been proud, seems cars have the right of way here not people. Next we sped off to view the Peguche Biological Preserve & Waterfall. Finally we ended our day with a delicious lunch in the lovely town of Cotacachi known for its leather work. Last but not least we went to the Equator line where our English speaking guide gave us a muscle test demonstrating that straddling the equator lowers ones strength.... It really does!

Gray Line Tours

Contact Professional Ecuadorian Guide: Willam Torres

Ecuador's Capital City

A circle of snowcapped volcanoes surrounds Quito, the capital city of Ecuador and being only 15 miles from the equator this beautiful city boosts a spring-like climate all year round. Quito is special in that it has a combination of superb well preserved colonial Catholic cathedrals next to sleek shining glass modern office buildings. Like many churches built during the 16th and 17th centuries most cathedral architecture shows Moorish influences. 1.5 million people call this city home and it's easy to see why with its quaint cobbled streets, red tiled roofs, factories and thriving agricultural industry. We found the traditional Ecuadorian food excellent and the local peoples warm and welcoming. Buenos Dias

Ecuador Tours

Kokopelli Greenhouse

We are building a 10'x24' greenhouse for $200 in which to start veggie seeds, orchids, and ornamental flowers. So today, I danced round and round like Kokopelli giving it my blessing. With one end securely tethered to the frame we realize its integrity is sturdy enough to withstand the often 30mph winds. A milky clear plastic sheeting will be the barrier against the outside winter elements. This is a work in progress. A scientific gala in hot house fertility and the wonders of horticulture. New varietals and species being coaxed to sprout then take root. Plants housed in womb like similarity will thrive and climb lively towards the light in this plastic bubble. A secret life of plants miracle documented in true life greenhouse theater, here in our own backyard. WOW!

Who is Kokopelli?

Heirloom Seed Suppliers

The Secret Life of Plants

Giant Rooster

If there are fish caught on the line today you can bet there will be a "FRESH FISH" sign hanging in front of this farm. You see Windmill Farms is owned by a fisherman. This charming two story barn in Arroyo Grande offers the country city gals gourmet jams, kitchen kitsch and packaged foods. Beautifully displayed is an extensive line of vintage replica depression glass bedazzling in a rainbow of colors. A sunny succulent plant nursery and petting zoo will keep the gardener and rambunctious child busy. This time of year Christmas trees are adorned with handmade ornaments and the aroma of cinnamon cider fills the air. Almost forgot to mention they have the "BEST FRESH EGGS" and the "BIGGEST ROOSTER" who rules this roost!

Windmill Farms

Huntington Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

I'm in heaven when I can walk for miles and not see a blade of grass out of place. Aphids on roses not a chance here. Nary a dry crumpled leaf or slimy snail trail on site. Seriously this is almost heaven on earth with a reputation for being the prefect first date destination. Stone fountains, marble statuary, koi ponds and bridges beckon so bring your camera and plan on spending most of the day. I like to start my wanderings in the desert cactus garden and meander towards the main art buildings as the day slips into night. No need to rush because you'll be back another day soon and this time swinging a big picnic basket.

Huntington Library & Gardens

Halloween Crush

Saw this cute display in the grocery store and couldn't resist doing a flipp!

Avila Valley Barn

It's a fruit stand. No, it's a farm. No, it's a petting zoo. Really,... it's a gold mine! The Avila Valley Barn is all these things and more. What began in 1985 as a simple home grown veggie stand has blossomed into the funnest kid pleasing place around. Barns filled with yummy eats: BBQ corn, homemade fudge, sandwiches, pies, ice cream and lots and lots of pickled, fresh and canned veggie concoctions. Things your grandma used to love to make! Grab a bag of animal food and feed the baby goats, calfs, donkeys, or llamas. Ok, raise your hands, I mean hooves, if you're up for some spumoni ice cream!

Avila Valley Barn

A View of Sky on Earth

A Year of Sky on Earth

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."     –Martha Graham

Exploratorium

Ragged Point

Snaky curves line up for us to maneuver like reptiles in the sun. Don't blink on this drive or you'll be pushing up daisy's. Posted twenty mile per hour signs keep us riding the brakes, eyes super glued to the road. We breath a sigh of relief as we rounded the last set of switch backs. It wasn't until we got down to the Ragged Point Inn rest stop and eatery that we really saw the view. Amazingly shear cliffs meet pacific ocean waves in an unforgiving manner. Sculpted cypress trees and sage chaparral are the only things keeping the red soil in place. Breathtakingly beautiful this section of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) is considered by many to be the finest scenic drive in the world, boasting the name Big Sur.

Big Sur California

Elfin Forest

We loved hugging these 500 year old pygmy oaks for some Mother Earth comfort. All around us Spanish moss hung like furry chandeliers. Lime green luminescent lichens lit the forest floor and Chumash voices whispered from times past. Looking north from the 90 acre forest refuge we could see the estuary and Morro Bay State Park. A breezy boardwalk loop along the salt marsh made for pleasurable trekking and clam shell middens gave us archaeological dreams. We could almost smell the campfires from native settlements long ago; a paradise they must also have appreciated. With promises to visit again soon we called it a great 28th Birthday!

Visit the El Moro Elfin Forest

Poly Canyon Architecture Graveyard

Horses roamed and students came in herds to spend the day among the ruins in jovial song!  Steel girders, glass, wood, cable, cement, cloth and plastic were skillfully crafted in their heyday giving hope to the future of new habitat design. Memorial Day weekend proved to be a great time to view the experimental architecture structures of Poly Canyon Design Village in San Luis Obispo. Started in 1962, among the rolling hills of the California Polytechnic State University, the first of 20 structures would break ground.  A definite sign of the times, these buildings were constructed in the style and so named "Geodesic Dome," "Shell House," "Bridge House" and "Cantilever Ship Structure." Currently 5 structures have been removed due to safety issues, leaving 15 still in a sad state of disrepair. Alas, the day was successful and this afternoon hike to the students' creative area was not uneventful with the spotting of a snake along the entrance road and a chance meeting of a former student builder. We looked, we entered, we climbed and we enjoyed a part of history built by talented CalPoly architecture and engineering students who came before. The "A" ladies ROCK!

Poly Canyon Architecture Hike Directions

Let's Fly

Wind in hair untied
Cyan sky touching
High rolling valley
“Run, run, run!!!"
Pulling the wide parachute
Gossamer fabric wings hover
Rising off the ridge
Ideal training hill

All strings converge in hands
Breathe in green spectrum
Jump rainbow bridge
Peaceful soaring free to birds
My presence in the sky we know
Will touch the ground soon
Now still free to fly
Cloud surfing

- Andra Rubcic


Let's go Paragliding!

Each Step a New Beginning

Really and truly there is no one "right way" to hike, there are pitfalls along this seemingly easy path too. Also, there is built in mindfulness here, so beware of the poison oak which lines this walkway. There is much to be seen along this path; light, color and shadow are virtually changing in stillness. Covering ground on foot always unfolds out of the uniqueness of the present. And if I hike a trail ten times, I'll solve the problem of each footstep differently each time. Each moment can be fresh, each breath a new beginning, a letting go. And when you take your long time dog friend with you it's heavenly. "Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to Oprah's house we go!"

 San Ysidro Creek Trail

Jump Time

Change, evolutionary theorists tell us, doesn't happen gradually. Rather, things go along as they have been going for a long while in a state of equilibrium until a species, living at the edge of its tolerance, experiences enough ferment and stress to punctuate the equilibrium with a sudden jump to a whole new order of being. How true... and that's the way its been for me lately.  Bye Summerland!

I can feel it

Slipping away fast

Like water under the door

Wood, metal, glass, changing

Form dollar bills now

Twenty two years

Slide like fancy goldfish

Between my fingers

Protective abode

Anchors away

Relieve me my watch

Settle karma's deal

Sturdier younger fresh faced

Riders on the storm

She's all yours

Land summer house

In life's safe harbor

Island view finished

Liquid shimmering mirage

Summerland's tale

- Andra Rubcic

Lookout Park

In salt air and bright light, I watch the heaving sea beyond the eucalyptus trees, tide absconding with the sand, waves cooling the shore. Lookout Park is a great rest stop off the 101 freeway complete with picnic tables, barbecues, playground equipment and even a deluxe dog wash. A sloping asphalt walkway leads down to the ocean and a mile wide beachfront of sand offers plenty of space to set up beach gear yet still feel like you have the entire area to yourself. Yet my favorite way to get down to Summerland Beach from Lookout Park is by the way less traveled. From the East parking lot area you will find a small trail head which offers a lush overgrown creek path, a refreshingly cool secluded aperture. Come at low tide and you can easily walk to Loon Point, Miramar or even the Biltmore. Don't be surprised if you see a horse loping along the surf or a pack of dogs chasing birds, this island view beach is approved for horse back riding just be sure to BYOH.

Private Beach Horseback Rides

Lizard's Mouth

Grey and white thunderheads floated overhead and rung bombastically their schedule for the day, while pea sized balls of hail rained down as if to remind us it was still winter. Umbrellas in hand we braved the chaparral towards our favorite rock. This area, Lizard's Mouth is known for its natural rock art sculptures that bring strange shapes to life in sandstone. Free form hollows create cozy places to nestle while exploring; other rocks hold rain water or frame a majestic view of this West Camino Cielo landscape. Offering a mountaintop view of the ocean and the town of Santa Barbara this hike reminds one to take time to rest and recharge in mother natures wonders.

Bouldering at Lizard's Mouth

Goodbye 2012

Hairflipping my way into 2013 

I pray this year will mark a new beginning for all sentient beings.

May all be happy
May all be free from disease
May all realize what is good
May no one be subject to misery
May the wicked become virtuous
May those who are virtuous attain tranquility of mind
May those who are tranquil of mind be free from bondage
May those who are free make others free
I salute the all blissful Lord of all auspiciousness
Who's compassion makes even the mute eloquent and the cripple cross mountains.
May good be tied to all people
May the rulers rule the earth following the righteous path
May all beings ever attain what is good
May the worlds be prosperous and happy.
May the clouds pour rain in time
May the earth be blessed with crops
May this our country be free from calamity
May holy men live without fear
May God the destroyer of evil, presiding deity of all sacred activities be satisfied
For God being pleased the whole universe becomes pleased
For God being satisfied the whole universe becomes satisfied.
OM peace, peace, peace be unto us all.

Montecito Hot Springs

A blanket of pure white fog spreads out moistly shrouding the ocean coastline making it the perfect day for hikers who crave sunshine to climb into the canyons seeking warmth and healing energies. Always a topic of conversation are the many wildfires that have scorched this vista. Still Mother Nature is confident in her skills to transform even the most deeply scarred landscape or human spirit. Feeling the delicate balance of life as I climb up out of the fog and into a lush oak lined canyon, croaking frogs and the occasional pungent wafts of sulphur let me know I'm nearing the healing mineral springs. Banana trees shelter vibrant turquoise colored water inviting me to sit and reflect how very lucky I am to know about this hidden medicinal gem. Ališhawi ‘O’ - is the traditional Chumash name for this thermal spot when once this was the commonwealth. Mother nature is doing her best to make me forget all about holiday shopping and the work a day world. As I sit in silence I can feel the vast emptiness of meditation tugging at my heart telling me things will be set right in the world and everything is still under Mother's divine control.

Save the Hot Springs

Knapp's Castle

Though Knapp’s Castle isn’t exactly a castle anymore, you'll appreciate this secluded location as a great place to meditate, picnic, take in a sunset, or just observe wildlife. Just a mile hike from the parking area it's easy to see why this breathtaking landscape has become a local favorite. Sandstone archways and chimneys are all that remain of this once magnificent mountain abode. What a view! You'll feel like you're on top of the world!

History of Knapp's Castle

Granada Theatre

This is definitely my favorite place in which to see a special event! I call it the Disneyland theatre because the inside is decorated with a gingerbread-ish ornamentation reminiscent of "It's a Small World After All" park attraction. Really it's like a Paris Opera House inside. The Granada, built in 1924 and beautifully restored in 2008, is a landmark theatre and hosts a year-round performing arts venue featuring some of the finest entertainment in the area. Home to Santa Barbara's Symphony, Opera, Ballet and Choral Society it offers national and international performances in genres from classical to rock. You have to see this!!! Thank you for taking my photo Zanna that was fun!

Granada Theatre

Santa Barbara Bowl

Concert Ticket Information

Thank you Mar & Dave for a fun jazzy night out! 

Shush! Baby Seals

Now is the perfect time to take a walk on the beach and explore this very special spot, come January the first seal pups will be arriving. As many as 120 lounging pinnipeds will be on show for tourists loving guarded by a dedicated staff of volunteers who educate and protect this fragile habitat from intrusion. It's just one of four harbor seal rookery's along our scenic California South Coast and visitors travel worldwide to quietly watch the birthing display from the cliffs located just east of Casitas Pier, between the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria State Beach. This beach sanctuary is closed from December through June but a pair of binoculars will give you a closeup view of the action.

www.sealwatchcarpinteria.com

Semana Nautica

Are you the type of person who likes a leisurely walk in the sun, people watching, and fresh local seafood? Well, this is the place! You'll never be at a loss for things to see and do at the Santa Barbara Harbor Marina. But if you're more the active sort, then don't miss this week's 75th Semana Nautica. A multi sea and sand sports festival with over 20 events; ocean swimming, water polo, volleyball, baseball, tennis, 15k road race, cycling, sailing, sandcastle building and the very soggy Kardboard Kayak Race. Fun happens: June 30 - July 9.

www.semananautica.com

iMadonnari Chalk Painting Festival

Chalk, chalk, chalk! An ocean of chalk stretching as far as the eye can see. This year's 26th Anniversary of the iMadonnari Italian Street Painting Festival was a colorful treat for the senses. Art lovers arrived in Santa Barbara from all walks of life to watch the temporary masterpieces take form during this four day event. Featured artist and beloved teacher at Laguna Blanca School, Delphine Louie, did not disappoint with her religious themed painting stunningly crafted on the steps of historic Santa Barbara Mission. Art festival masterpieces will be on display until rains wash away all trace of this chalk exhibit. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit "Children's Creative Project" which has provided quality art experiences for school children since 1974.

http://www.imadonnarifestival.com

http://www.lagunablanca.org

Earth Day

Earth Day started in Santa Barbara, CA after the 1970 catastrophic beach oil spill and has quickly spread to a global celebration honoring Mother Earth. This weekend's 42nd annual Earth Day festival featured many vendors offering creative ideas to save our natural resources and live more simply with less carbon footprint. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse was the mantra for the two day event. Education and awareness were cleverly promoted to children and adults alike as at this Fish Wish Booth by stayseamermaid.com. Smiling children lined-up to take a photo with this beautiful mermaid while they colored and learned about endangered sea life.

http://sbearthday.org

Gumby at Shark's Cove

Tide was low today so I jumped at the chance to view retro aerosol art at Shark’s Cove, a small bay nestled between Montecito and Summerland coastlines. I've walked here a few times before and now the creeping changes of erosion have become even more evident. Colors once vibrant are now chipping to reveal the gray concrete seawall, soon these graffiti relics will be ancient history forever. Rapidly disappearing images include a 1968 California black and gold license plate and a once dapper Pink Panther. Who painted these? Where's Pokey? And why did they choose to immortalize these particular images? We may never know the real story.

http://www.gumbyworld.com/gumby-characters/pokey/

Taj Mahal Carpinteria

You just can't miss the white "Taj Mahal" house behind the old Santa Claus Lane Candy Kitchen. Santa is long gone but this compound of middle eastern style homes keeps expanding. A nice low tide gave me ample time to walk around the coastline and better view this intriguing architecture up close. Easily seen as a landmark from the 101 fwy, boat, plane, or distant beach shore, this mansion always leaves me wondering... who lives there?

Aerial view

Photo by John Wiley

Tramp at Butterfly Beach

Wow! Happened upon these gymnasts doing their jumpy talents at Butterfly Beach today. These kids have coordination! Youzer's... tripple gainer!!!  They probably were on the school gymnastic team and have done this a million times before. "Watch out you don't break your neck!" I shout!  Fun in the sun for the young!

Happy Valentines Day

Sonnet 116

by William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 

Within his bending sickle's compass come; 

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me prov'd,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Writers Almanac

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

When my daughter is visiting we love to take in the Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The diversity and abundance of vegetables and fruits is mind boggling. In addition to seasonal produce you can usually buy specialty cooking oil, home made cheese and butter, a variety of nut products, honey, organic meat, fresh eggs and local crafts. Much of it is organic, but read the signs carefully because not all of it is. We always find new vegetables that need to be tried or a great rhubarb pie that just has to come home with us. And the local micro climate has ideal growing conditions for flowers just begging to find a home on our kitchen table. Talented street performers help create a festive atmosphere at the Farmers Market making it a great place to do some people watching!

SOPA PIPA Protest

Rumor has it Wikipedia is going off-line tomorrow in protest of SOPA. Who else will protest? What will happen? Is this just all a publicity stunt? Is there life after the Internet Blackout? All I know is my cat's not going to be happy about it!

http://techland.time.com/2012/01/05/sopa-what-if-google-facebook-and-twitter-went-offline-in-protest/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-57360223-261/google-will-protest-sopa-using-popular-home-page/

Ellwood's Monarch Butterflies

The Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Grove, located in an area of eucalyptus trees, is a magical place to be between the months of November and February. People travel far and wide to view the largest U.S. population of over-wintering Monarch butterflies (40,000 estimated) in Ellwood Mesa near Goleta, California. Remarkably these butterflies are able to journey each fall to the safety of this blue gum eucalyptus grove ahead of cold weather making the long 3,000 mile mass migration. If you don't see the butterflies at first, look up in the tops of the trees. There are so many of them that they look like clumps of brown leaves! Sometimes they will be quietly hanging like leaves, but other times, late in the morning, they will be fluttering about. Pssst!... look at all the people!!!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqA3WC1bsGg

Secret Meditation Spot

On the canyon side of the St. Anthony's Seminary Chapel (opened 1899 - closed 1987) you will find this exquisite Madonna and Child Mosaic created by D. Salas. I suggest you take the short hike to view this colorful work of art and enjoy Santa Barbara's picturesque Mission Canyon. A hand tooled stone wall and built-in bench offers a secluded place for a quiet meditation in nature. Located just behind the Santa Barbara Mission, Pueblo and Garden Streets, you will need to enter the trail head from the back of the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Use the museum bridge to cross over Mission Creek then turn right and continue up the hill to the cement stairs in the back of St. Anthony's Seminary. Once you make it to the cement veranda continue to the right and very soon you will stumble upon this beautiful tiled mosaic hidden in a very odd out of the way spot. Merry Christmas!
http://www.alumnisas.com/?q=node/5

Listen to the SAS 1962 Franciscan Choristers (Boys Choir) Christmas Album, their darling recording will get you in the Holiday Spirit!
http://www.epilgrim.org/SASChoir/

Summerland Beach

Sunset on Summerland Beach with pirate mystery man calling the shots on the new iPhone 4S. Sometimes it takes us 15x's before we get just the right hairflipp but we have lot's of fun in the process. Today is our 31st Wedding Anniversary  :D

http://montecitoweddings.com/summerland-beach/

Down on You're Luck?

At least a few things in this life are still FREE. Actually I was surprised to find this vintage phone booth in the Santa Barbara Courthouse lobby. I got quite a chuckle when I saw this permanent yellow sign posted above the phone. Being the curious sort I decided to lift the receiver and make a free call. Can you guess which # I chose?

http://www.sbcourts.org/index.asp

An Eye for Design

Since its commercial emergence in the early 1990's, the relationship between the Internet and graphic artists has been an uneasy one despite the Internets early promise as a new frontier for graphic design. There were cyber-design-visionaries who announced a brave new world of graphic communication incorporating motion, sound and interactivity which it claimed would replace the printing press. Yet the fact remains that the Internet is the place where graphic design has encountered its greatest challenge since the arrival of computerized design. Technical and aesthetic problems associated with Web design are perhaps the biggest issues facing the contemporary graphic designer – especially those with antiquated printer’s ink stains still on their fingers like myself. Here are some tried and true design industry journals to help keep you're eye on the prize.

http://www.designboom.com/design.html

http://www.howdesign.com/

http://www.eyemagazine.com/home.php

http://www.printmag.com/

Funk Zone

The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s hip bohemian waterfront side of town between State & Garden Streets. Where sightseer's frolic and revolving graffiti and grit abound close to the Amtrak station, Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Blvd. Today this area is filled with an eclectic mix of artists, surfboards, paddle shops, galleries and wine tasting rooms. Thanks to Laura Inks the local taggers now have a corner canvas on which to express their endless creativity. It's no surprise the Funk Zone's eclectic streets are still considered uncharted territory even for some locals.  If you grow tired of seeing the whitewashed pristine side of Santa Barbara... I dare you to venture down to the Zone.

Tag You're it!

Funk Zone flourishes with Laura Inks help

See it before it's torn down to build a luxury hotel

11-11-11 at 11:11am

Are you ready?

http://www.nvisible.com/1111/11-11-11.html

Go to this cool website it gives you mudras and a cool video for what to do at that time (11:11 on 11/11/2011) Greenwich Means Time. There is even a time converter on the site. Looks like 6:00am is the time to be up and meditating positive thoughts for 11-11-11 in NY.  I need to wake up at 3:00am in SB it seems, Darn!!!  Okay... go check out what we're supposed to be doing for the paradigm shift.

And now for all the Geeks!
Today is what’s called a “binary day,” because if you write today’s date without the century it’s 11/11/11. As there’s no digit greater than 1 therefore, it qualifies as binary, ta dah!!  And the odds are pretty good it’s also the last binary day you’ll ever see, because the next one won’t be along until January 1st, 2100!!! — that's 88 years from now. Wow!

Andree Clark Bird Refuge

The Andree Clark Bird Refuge is one of the most beautiful and serene places to visit in Santa Barbara. Located across from East Beach it is a surprisingly peaceful lagoon with many species of water fowl and natural lake vegetation. This refuge was named in 1930 and designed to harbor wild birds that migrate through or reside permanently in our area. Visitors can take advantage of the well maintained bike trails and walking pathways which provide an enjoyable setting in which to experience our natural world. Just pack a lunch and watch the birds or cruse the path on rollerblades. Nature tours are available and the refuge and nearby beach makes a great outing for the kiddies. If you're lucky you may even get a sneak peak of the giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo next door.

http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=54062

http://sbmag.com/2010/08/the-house-on-the-hill/

Happy Halloween

Every October 31st carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles. Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in many countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns” comes from an Irish folktale and traditions include costume parties, trick-or-treating, pranks and games. Hey all you ghosts and goblins .... I hope you didn't wait until the last minute to get your costume!

Romero Canyon

The allure of Romero Canyon is the fact that it is an awesome mountain bike trail in a secluded canyon above Summerland, just south-west of Santa Barbara. This was my first encounter with the "Bike Bells" and I can see why their use is a necessity. Because this is one of the only trails in SB County where you can still ride the trails to your hearts content. But the hiker on foot should be vigil and listen for the mini cow bells that jingle as they bounce on the handlebars of conscientious mountain bikers. And be sure to step aside when you hear the bells! Rider's passing will usually shout out the number of biker's following the entourage. For the first half mile the trail stays on the right side of the creek, following a small ridge steadily uphill through a series of oak forests. Then Romero Canyon trail crosses to the left side, continues along the creek another quarter mile to a crossing where there is a small fern-lined waterfall and plenty of nice spots to stop and enjoy nature. The sun plays warmly in the canyon and proves to be a bonus to a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Trails

Romero Canyon Trail

Chapel of San Ramon

The Chapel of San Ramon, located between Santa Maria and Los Olivos, California, is a historical landmark. Erected in 1875 by Frederick and Ramona Foxen Wickenden for local settlers, the redwood framed chapel sits on a quaint hillock overlooking the surrounding country side.  It offers a unique example of the use of wood to create strong, simple forms that had previously been constructed in adobe brick. It beautifully illustrates the transition between the architecture of the old missions and the frame churches of the later American settlers. And old cemetery with some very interesting headstones of the local pioneers surrounds the Chapel of San Ramon. There are many ghost stories involving the old Sisquoc church grounds and some have become local legends.

http://www.sanramonchapel.org/

www.ranchosisquoc.com/OURHISTORY.html

Avocado Festival

This weekends 25th Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, CA was a fun guacamole filled three day event! We treated our taste buds to the many food booths which make tasty pie's or ice cream treats out of the strange looking fruit. You can even sample the "World's Largest Guacamole" dip right here! Three stages entertained crowds with live music while the craft and knick-knack collectors went wild at the outdoor bazaar. Fun competitions included: the best dressed avocado, largest avocado and a guacamole competition. I think I'm seeing GREEN!!!

Avocado Festival

California Avocados

Bacara Resort & Spa

Tonight's "Evening Under the Stars" Open House provided an exciting peek into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The local public was invited to rediscover all the things Bacara Resort & Spa has to offer. A gracious staff went out of their way to valet park, please, feed and entertain the huge crowds and they did so seamlessly. This Santa Barbara oceanfront hotel boasts a state-of-the-art 200 seat screening room, lecture hall, a ballroom that can seat 700 and many first class restaurants. Play a round of golf at the Sandpiper while the kids take a lesson from the tennis pro or just take a beach walk in search of shells. It's all right here!

Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara

Sandpiper Golf Course

Sisquoc General Store

This store is surely the most exciting thing happening in the sleepy town of Sisquoc. If you do decide to make the drive along Foxen Canyon Road be sure and visit the historic Sisquoc General Store built in 1910. It's a good place to buy essential picnic groceries before you do some back country wine tasting. You will find lot's of small town charm so sit a spell and travel back in time under the old oak trees. The region has a mild micro-climate year round making it perfect growing conditions for vineyards and popular with the cyclists. Sisquoc, with a population of 183, comes complete with a fire station, a church, and a Kindergarden - 8th grade school. What more do you need to be happy in a small California town?

Lompoc Record reviews Sisquoc Store

Nojoqui Falls

What a hidden treasure! Nojoqui Falls pronounced "no-HO-wee" is an impressive 70ft moss and fern fringed waterfall. At this time of year the falls were just a trickle but during the rainy season the falls are lush and strong. The shaded tree lined path which leads to the falls is beautiful and has benches along the way. Pictures don't do it justice, either.  Take your time and enjoy the creek as it twists past you along the trail, it's an easy 10 minute hike for adults and children alike. At the end, there's a nice seating area for a relaxing picnic or just taking in the view. If you are looking for a diversion from the crowds in Solvang this spot is a hidden gem. You won't believe how high the falls are!!!

Nojoqui Falls Walk Solvang

Hula Luau

My new hula dance group has lots of amazing ALOHA SPIRIT! We all got together on September 11th to celebrate the End Of Summer with lot's of love and harmony. The beautiful event was highlighted by great food, hula dancing to live Ukulele music and perfect Leadbetter Beach surroundings. We really have a great bunch of hula refugees!!!  I'm so very lucky to be able to call these amazing spirits my hula sistah's!

Beach Surf Guide

Toro Canyon Park

Toro Canyon Park is 74 heavily wooded acres of secluded beauty located above Summerland in the foothills between Montecito and Carpinteria. Kids will be tempted by the tadpole filled creek which meanders through an oak shaded playground. Great park for a company picnic or wedding reception with several large group BBQ areas, an off-lease dog park, horse trails, hiking trails and even a sand volleyball court. Try climbing up the huge sandstone rocks and enjoy the view from the top. An easy hike takes you 1 mile up to a gazebo at the top of a hill with sweeping 360-degree vistas. Stay on the well maintained trails as mountain lions have been seen in this area. Still it's a great spot for a picnic, some photo ops or just a short break from driving between LA and Santa Barbara.

Where is Toro Canyon?