Tuesday, August 25, 2009

THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA

The road to Paso Robles.

Moonstone Beach in Cambria.

A Harbor Seal on Moonstone Beach.

Abner and Me.

Abner guards the garden.

The last couple of days have been great. We haven't done a whole lot. Yesterday we drove through the hills of the Paso Robles area and tasted some wine. We drove over to Buellton and ate at the Hitching Post restaurant, which was featured in the movie Sideways. That was fun. Today we wandered around the shops in Cambria. There is a shop called the Garden Shed that I like a lot. It has plants and garden ornaments, which is nice, but the thing I really like about it is the resident cat, whose name is Abner. Abner is an enormous peachy colored, long-haired boy who presides over the store and the garden. He's very friendly and likes to be carried around on your shoulder while you shop. I wish I could take him home. I don't think Sophie would be too happy with me though.
We spent much of the day sitting on the beach. Paul read a book and I looked for moonstones. I found a nice handful. The moonstones on Moonstone Beach are actually chalcedony and not the true feldspar type. They're really pretty and I've picked up many of them over the years. I wonder if I could get a job picking up moonstones on the beach?

7 comments:

Suz said...

Hey there,
It looks like you are having a very relaxing time. I'm glad you found a furry friend to keep you from cat withdrawal, even though he isn't Sopapia.
Let me know if there are jobs out there for picking up moonstones...I'll send my resume. You know how much I love to look for rocks!!!
Miss you, Suz

Susan Dilger said...

Isn't it beautiful there? Glad you're hitting the "high points" - Hitching Post, Wine tasting, the beach. The Paso Robles / San Luis Obispo area was our preliminary choice to retire prior to finding ourselves drawn to Taos regularly for vacation! Glad you're enjoying yourself.

Gail said...

Glad your having a good time!!

Jeanne Craine said...

So great that you are having a nice time! I so enjoy your posts. Abner...how wonderful is that!

Karen Elmquist said...

Want...the...seal!!!

cindi's blahg blahg blahg said...

If you get a job picking up moonstones, I'll be on the next plane out there!

Cristina Leonard said...

Suz, Abner and I are old friends. I think I met him almost ten years ago when we went to Cambria the first time. But yes, I needed a kitty fix! Miss you too.

Susan, We did hit the high points, didn't we? I believe that Paul and I might consider that area to retire too, if I can ever get him to retire that is!

Gail, We did have a great time. Paul really need a break.

Thanks Jeanne! See you at the store soon!

Karen, I tried to bring you one, but the shipping costs were prohibitive! Sorry!

Cindi, I think you'd love it there, but maybe too chilly for you! I got quite sunburned though.