The end of summer is upon us (say it isn’t so!). I was faced with this unfortunate realization today when I was out shopping: pumpkin-themed kid’s shirts were on the racks, and I actually spotted a man buying fall decorations – a scarecrow. I believe summer deserves a proper send-off, so I spent some time editing pictures from our recent travels. It was a full summer, and I have a heap of memories from the East Coast to the West Coast.
We went to California – and in a way it was like going home. I have lived in CA 3 different times in my life. Our first home as newlyweds was while my husband was attending Naval Postgraduate School. It was great to go back and show the kids around – our old house, favorite restaurants (and they still make the Snickerbar pie at Rosine’s!), favorite spots. We got to introduce them to a few “old” friends, and it felt like we never left. I even got the chance to meet my longtime Beading Sister of the West, Carol, and her sweet daughter. We’ve been friends for several years now, keeping in touch by writing. She doesn’t have a blog, but her designs are featured frequently in jewelry magazines. I appreciate the opportunities like this, when the world seems like a smaller, more personal place.
I hope you enjoy the pictures – maybe they’ll bring back some memories for you too if you’ve ever been to San Francisco, Monterey, or Carmel. And if you’ve never been there, maybe you’ll be convinced that you’ll have to go one day too! I know we never wanted to leave.
Oh how I wanna go back! ….just one more trip to Japantown for that freshly made mochi!
Til next time –
– Cindy xoxo
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
These places are a just a couple of hours away from me, but your pictures make me want to go right now! Looks like a wonderful vacation!
First of all – your pictures are just fantastic (as usual)! Outside of a trip I made to Italy almost 5 years ago, my favorite vacation was to San Francisco – must have been 13 years ago, but seems like yesterday. We stayed in the heart of SF one block from China Town – I walked every street in that City and would have lots tons of weight through exercise if we had not stopped to eat all the wonderful food…often! 🙂 We had a day trip to Monterey and Carmel each, as well. I remember searching for Clint Eastwood in Carmel – ha! I still pull out the old Hitchcock movie Vertigo just to take me to the West Coast again! Thanks for bringing me back! Glad you had a great summer!
You did manage to get around San Francisco in the short time you had there Cindy! All such wonderful and diverse shots. The street shot in Carmel makes me happy and makes me want to stroll around and sit and have an iced latte there right now! Perhaps the best is the kids playing on the beach with all those dogs running around. I bet they loved that – the kids and the dogs! <3
such beautiful shots! we used to live in SF, and my girls were born there … so we try to make it back once a year as a family. We were there in Feb of this year and had such a great trip!
What great shots, Cindy! Love them – especially the groovy rainbow Volkswagen! Was that in Haight Ashbury?! Ha ha ha! Someday we’ll get back there to visit.
Thanks again for sharing!
Beautiful photos Cindy! Yes, there’s nothing like fresh made mochi. If you ever make it down to Southern California, you must stop by for a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice!
Breathtaking photos Cindy! You know how to give summer a proper sendoff!
Brings back memories of visiting these areas many years ago. Beautiful photos.
I remember buying, and still have, a gold chain when gold was “the” metal from a shop in Carmel. Even saw Doug McClure at the Hog’s Breath Inn.
Fun times.
You are a wonderful photographer, and I love the way you tell a story with photos, such a gift! I miss those lovely places as well…thank you for sharing!
I’ve been to all the places depicted in your gorgeous photographs! I love, love Monterey/Carmel!! I just don’t know if I could get used to never having hot summer days and warm ocean waters. But other than that I’m so attracted to the rugged sea and closeness to nature. Have a great Labor Day weekend!!
What great pictures! You’ve reminded me of some very fond memories, Cindy; as I am now on the right coast, chances are I won’t get back…but I LOVE San Francisco and the peninsula…beautiful!
Thanks for the gorgeous photo tour of my home state. Fortunate to have enjoyed all these places many times over the years. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a definite favorite!
What wonderful pics Cindy! Love them all, and the boys look like they had a ball. I wish we could hook up there one time. I’m almost headed back! Take care, lots of hugs, Riki
I somehow missed this post last week, but these photos are absolutely beautiful! It sounds like you all had a wonderful time – and you are correct, if you have been to one of these great places you will never want to leave! 🙂