Ft. Bragg - Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

 On our vacation in Ft. Bragg we went to the Botanical Gardens. 

This was one thing I really wanted to do, and the weather held out for us to do so. 

The Botanical Gardens are 47 acres of absolute paradise! 

There are trails and paths everywhere, and I am sure we missed tons of stuff on our day trip. 

The 47 acres of garden lead you to the ocean.

Once you reach the coast there is this 

"Cliff House" with a spectacular view.

It is completely enclosed

I wished I had brought my picnic basket 

so we could have eaten lunch in here.

(next time)

Looking out the windows, just to the right, up on the hill, was a 

 beautiful weathered fence.

From there we ventured over to the Parrish Pioneer Cemetery.

and yes, I thought it was beautiful too...

Then.... the VEGETABLE garden. 

It was my favorite spot!

In light of that statement, now I'll just post about a gazillion pictures to share...

(yes, I do realize that my shadow is in the picture, and I tried to crop it out, 

but then it cropped off some of  the words)

Just outside the Garden...

 Entering the Garden...

My head was practically spinning... I have an iron headboard similar to this right in my garage at home!

This year I feel in love with Leeks

The out building leaving the Garden...

Oh my goodness... I could live there.

If ever you get a chance to vacation over on the Mendocino coast, 

this is a must 'go to' place.

The Girasole Lady

Ft. Bragg Vacation

Pudding Creek Estuary

The view from our balcony. 

For the past 4 days and 3 nights I have been in 

Ft. Bragg on holiday with my hubby, Caveman. 

It was beautiful, relaxing, and so much fun. 

Tonight I am back home.

I am signing off to sit by the fire,

and let the memories from the past few days,

that are swirling around in my head,

 find their place in my heart. 

The Girasole Lady

'National Tie One On Day'

This year I am participating in 'National Tie One On Day'.

November 21, 2012

Here is a brief description...
(copied from the Apron Memories website)

National TIE ONE ON DAY™ is the opportunity to put the “give” in Thanksgiving by sharing our good fortune with someone in need of a thoughtful gesture. Annually recognized by Chase’s Calendar of Events and celebrated the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Nov 21st this year.

“Women clad in aprons have traditionally prepared the Thanksgiving meal, and it is within our historical linkage to share our bounty.” EllynAnne Geisel

Participation in National Tie One on Day™ is simple. Wrap a loaf of bread or other homemade treat in an apron and tuck in a sweet note. Then tie one on…an apron, of course! and deliver the wrapped bundle to someone…a neighbor, friend or charity…without your bounty and in need of physical or spiritual sustenance, a bit of recognition or just a kind word.

National Tie One On Day™ is a win-win, for the participant and the receiver. And by embracing NTOOD, you will make someone else’s day brighter.

You can read more about it HERE

The Girasole Lady

Finished Pumpkin Book Project

The Pumpkin Book is finished...

(or do you call it a book pumpkin?)

and because I'm terrible at tutorials

you'll have to visit  HERE to get the tutorial from my daughter's perspective. 

and since I'm finally getting in the FALL 

feeling, I went to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday and 

gathered up a few pumpkins

and since I gathered up these very fine pumpkins yesterday,

this morning I set the goods out on the kitchen table

see that metal can, to the far right, with the lavender in it?

 It's the old milking can that my Grammy used for goat's milk 

when she was a young girl

Lovely, isn't it?

The Girasole Lady

Finally Fall

Could it be true that Fall has finally arrived?

I do believe so...

I walked out to the barn this morning and noticed several leaves on the grass under the Maple tree. 

I noticed one or two in the past week or so, but with the heat so intense here in N. California, I couldn't even begin to think about Fall. Our temps are cooling down today to the 80's, and we may see some 70's over the weekend. 

Oh- I am so ready. 

Another sure sign of Fall- Caveman, as of last weekend, does not have to work on Saturdays & Sundays, and he is back to his 'normal' work schedule. 

We are planning several projects to keep us busy. 

First on the agenda is tearing down and remodeling an old fence.

(in process)

Graveling around the shop and out to the barn.

Re- painting our bedroom, and both bathrooms. 

Virginia Creeper is beautiful in the Fall. 

Bright orange and red, full of purplish berries.

(non-edible) 

I'm finishing up the pumpkin project today!

Listen! The wind is rising,

and the air is wild with leaves.

We have had our Summer evenings,

now for October eves!

-Humbert Wolfe

1885-1940

The Girasole Lady