Bagels&Bridges&BeautifulViews

 

What better way to spend an early morning than a run to the bagel store (for bagels that closely resembled NY style!) and then time out by the one and only Golden Gate Bridge and the breathtaking views of the Bay and the Ocean?

SUN FLOWER

Pumpkin Harvest 2014

 Our garden yielded another two pumpkins this year! It seems two is our lucky pumpkin number! I love pumpkins and while two well only two, it's an abundance in my view. I love that we are able to pick our very own pumpkins each Fall.

I so appreciate all the hard work Don puts into the garden each Spring and Summer so that we can harvest so many yummy things including pumpkins. I don't know what it is but I love the round, orange essence that makes a pumpkin a pumpkin.

This was all I could muster from the family for the photo! Oh how enthusiastic they all look!

 Until Don got into a playful mood!

 Who would have thought that our own home grown pumpkins by the front door could bring so much peaceful zen?!

The photos below are of Don and the girls harvesting last years two pumpkins. The girls have changed so much since last Fall season.

San Pablo Bay

It was Coastal Cleanup day so some of our troop went out to the Bay to help out.

A Bat Ray that didn't make it.

Eagle Medicine

There aren't many eagles around Northern California but every now and again one may show him/herself. What I have noticed with any winged, four legged and water creature is that sometimes they show up specifically for a particular person. Like the Don and the fox who lives in our yard  (http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2012/07/fox-medicine.html).

When Amara was an infant I took her to the San Pablo Damn Reservoir where during our visit, I spotted a bald eagle. I had only seen an eagle once before and that was up on the Columbia River in Washington State. That day, with a tiny Amara in my arms, I was in awe of  this regal, winged beauty who seemed to take great pleasure in her flight. Well, by the time Amara reached a year another eagle made itself seen while we were out and about in nature. It was when it happened yet a third time in less than a year, that I realized that Amara may have Eagle medicine.

By the time I had these thoughts, I had already given her several nicknames, including eagle eyes because I had never in my life met any one, young or old, who had such laser sharp vision and nothing would go unnoticed by her.  Sometimes I would purposely put something on the counter or on the on the dresser, not quite out of view but sort of hidden and it wouldn't take Amara but thirty seconds to waddle over and try to see what the new object in the room was. At seven years old, nothing has changed. Amara remains sharp as a tack; she scans a room and can take in everything. Not unlike an eagle soaring in the sky searching for prey, able to hone in on the tiniest creatures.

It is my understanding that eagle represents many things including; connecting heaven and earth; conquering owns fears, independence and strength; the power of how we communicate; these are all things that I see in Amara so far. Whether or not the eagle is a totem animal or not it is for her to discover but it is my job to help support her in learning to pay attention to the signs that Creator may, or may not, bring her way.

Our latest eagle spotting was a couple of weeks ago up on the Russian River. As soon as we arrived, there s/he appeared, flew around for a bit and then disappeared. I was thankful that this last time I had my camera to capture some photos to go with Amara's story about her connection to Eagle.

Newest Daisy

Havana Ruby is our newest Girl Scout. She met the requirement to become a Daisy when she turned 5 in June but we didn't officially register her until it was Back to Troop time. Havana has been an honorary scout since she was 3 but is delighted to finally have her own uniform and to be able to be officially allowed to participate in Girl Scout events! Our first troop events have been Coastal Cleanup and the El Sobrante Stroll, where Havana wanted to be "....the first in line.

Our troop joined this one for the parade.

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First Words (Havana is Learning to Read!)

This is Havana's current reading list.

Havana has begun reading and she is so proud. Of course, mom and dad are also kvelling. Havana has long tried to read books to herself. Her bedtime routine has long included her 'reading' a couple of books to herself. Of course, this has really meant telling herself stories. That is until this past week.

Not quite into her third week of K (T) Havana is learning words. Her teacher Logan has reported each day Havana eagerly asks "What is the reading word today?"

It is a joy and a gift to witness a young child, my young little love, learn to read; to be present to to the beginning of her life long journey with the written world.

Russian River

 The Russian River is a peaceful, soul touching river in Northern California. Just seeing her, touching her, Being near her, was good rx for the soul. There is good reason water is used for for spiritual cleansing and renewal. This element is a precious gift from our Creator. Spending time on the river with our friends created some wonderful memories. The river also reminded me of memories I have along the Delaware River in Upstate New York with my best friend Bob. I have fond memories of wading in the water, lazing on rocks and gazing at the sky. To be surrounded by the green trees and warm water of this California river, well, it felt timeless.

Due to the severe drought we are having in California, the river was quite low. That meant the kids could walk across it on their own. The river was also calm which meant it was safe.  With the hot sun, tranquil waters and good friends, well, it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

Don playing river monster!

Casini Ranch

We opted for a cabin instead of a tent. I liked the idea of being in a warm cabin instead of a tent when the fog rolled in.

 Our family joined several families for our annual camping trip. This year we went to a campground up on the Russian River (Casini Ranch). Our kids don't see each other often as we are spread about the Bay Area but it didn't take much time before they were back in the rhythm of having fun with each other. So much so that we barley said more than, "It's time to eat" or "It's time for bed" for the entire time camping, which proved a nice break for the parents.

Majestic Redwood Overseeing Pot of Water Boiling

Sack race

Amara and I tried the 3-legged race. She said I pulled her too hard!!

Making funny faces at the beach on the Russian River.

One half the kid posse.

The other half.

Bon fire on the beach.

All the kids including a crying Havana who was upset she couldn't have a ring pop. The fact that the kids just completed a scavenger hunt and got candy as a prize didn't matter to Havana. Her way of getting back at me was to avoid being next to the kids in the photo.

Not too long after Havana realized I meant "No ring pop", she took her lollipop prize with a happier face.

Turtles in pond.

We had a lovely, relaxing two days nestled amongst the trees and the river. It was great to be off the grid, just hanging out with good friends. I think we need to make this a semi-annual occurrence from here on out. This weekend was just good medicine for the soul.