Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Backyard Beauty

Pictures from my backyard; my place of sanctuary and peace. Sometimes I sit right there in the wooden swing and drink my coffee and think. Sunrise is my favorite time of day, and I took the sunrise pictures this morning, in the freezing cold, and the sunset pictures several weeks ago. The others are all within the last few months, while I sit at home healing from some recent health issues.  I love plants, rocks, wood, fire, water and funky garden art. So here you have it; a piece of my heart and the things I love, in pictures.






 












 



 Good night to all! Susan Little

Monday, October 28, 2013

Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, Vista California


Last weekend I stopped by the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, for a huge tractor show. It was so much fun walking around, eyeing all the funky old tractors that people have restored. A handsome man on a tractor, hauled a wagon back and forth all day long to the Mexican festival, Dia de los Muertos held right next to the Museum in an old adobe building. At midday they have this old fashioned tractor race, where the slowest tractor wins, and another one that is more like a parade.
In a restored old building they call the farm house, ladies bake old fashioned food and let us all sample it. They didn't seem to mind me going back for seconds, or even thirds on the delicious peanut butter cookies!
 The  building is decorated with authentic, vintage products and furniture, reminding me of the old movies they show on TV at my doctors office!
This bright purple Jumbo tractor is totally cool, with a shiny gold elephant mounted to the front.
This is Jack, a happy-go-lucky guy who cannot seem to wipe that grin off his face.
Tractor row; some of the hundreds of tractors, steam engines, washing machines and what not displayed at the museum.
A beautiful dark haired young girl, all ready for Dia de los Muertos, who volunteered to have her picture taken! How I wished  I knew who she was so she could have a copy of this.  
As you can see I am fascinated by wheels, of every shape, size, color and age.
There is something about the continuing motion of  a wheel, that speaks to me of our need to keep moving and avoid getting stuck in the bitter potholes of life that tend to drag us down.

 This little train takes people all around the museum grounds. It is quite fun sitting in the back and seeing the sights.
Pumpkins, gourds and vines, all represent this wonderful fall season. Cold autumn nights, warm, windy days, falling leaves, toasted pumpkin seeds, red, orange and yellow leaves, misty mornings and lots of strong, hot coffee, homemade chicken veggie soup and carrot raisin muffins are all part of my world at this time of year!
To you and yours, a very Happy Fall Day! Susan Little

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Carlsbad Beach, California

Room with a view! This last week, I have been staying at my timeshare in Carlsbad. Our room has the most incredible view. Sometimes I am so tired, that I just sit on the balcony overlooking the ocean and watch the world go by.
Me on one of my more energetic days, out combing the beaches with Tom and Judy.
A spectacular sunset; so nice after the crowds have gone home and we can enjoy the quiet.
 
My sister, Judy, and her husband Tom, came down from Pollock Pines to spend the week with me. So much fun! We ate in Mexican restaurants, drank tons of coffee, sat in the hot tub, walked the beaches and mellowed out on the balcony.
Here I am, sitting in my favorite Carlsbad coffee shop, that also has a wine bar and a chocolate bar. Life is good, in spite of all the hardships!
Seagulls reflected in the sand.
One afternoon we walked down the beach. The tide was out so very far and created pools of water in the sand that reflected the houses along the shore.

Me and Judy, my dear sister and closest friend. Love you girlfriend!
My dear brother Tom, always ready to laugh and carry on, treating us to dinner, and showering us with his quick wit and wonderful caring. Love you Tom!
 Sunset from the balcony of our room. Doesn't get much better than that!
 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Portland, Maine....Isaac and Ashley's wedding!

In September, my son Isaac and his fiancé Ashley, got married in Portland, Maine. Nearly all the family and so many of their friends flew out to Maine to join in the celebration. After camping for a week in Acadia National Park, I joined everyone in Portland, and roamed around the city for several days taking pictures.
So many of the old buildings are made of brick and old wood; so different than my hometown clear on the other side of the country.
Some of the streets were cobblestone, and so many of the storefronts had a profusion of flowers adding color and texture to the street scene.
I stayed in a fancy hotel overlooking the waterfront. The wedding rehearsal was moved to the bar in our hotel after the rain washed us out. The strangest rehearsal I have ever been to! My two grandsons, Ethan and Wyatt, were the ring bearers and my little granddaughter Eva was the flower girl! After she practiced throwing the flowers out of  her little basket, she promptly sat down and picked them all up, singing a little song, "Clean up, clean up."
The Portland Head Light is an historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  Henry W. Longfellow frequented the lighthouse and wrote his famous poem, "The Lighthouse," during this time.
"The rocky ledge runs far into the sea, and on its outer point, some miles away, the lighthouse lifts its massive masonry, a pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day. Even at this distance I can see the tides, upheaving, break unheard along its base, a speechless wrath, that rises and subsides
in the white tip and tremor of the face. And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, through the deep purple of the twilight air, beams forth the sudden radiance of its light, with strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!"
Lobster is the specialty here in Maine; so delicious with melted butter!
One morning I was roaming the streets and came across this unusual street band; a combination of bluegrass, reggae, rock and roll, and hip hop. Such a sound!
Reflections in the windows; one of my favorite things.
The Old Orchard Beach Pier; a great place to roam about.
The waterfront was directly across from my hotel. This sculpture was made from authentic pieces of the Berlin Wall; a blunt, in your face reminder of our freedom here in the United States
Boats in the harbor; I felt like a lucky lady to be here, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Maine waterfront.
Each morning we walked down to this incredible bakery that had freshly baked artisan breads, and ate them in the hotel with hot coffee and butter. My favorite was a pecan, raisin crusty loaf that was so delicious!
I ate some awesome chowder in Maine, all kinds; clam, fish, and lobster.
The day before the wedding, several of our group took the ferry over to Peaks Island to help Ashley set up the wedding.  Dave, Lindsay and little Eva look so happy to be together.
 As we approached Peaks Island, fog enshrouded the wharf, and it was beginning to rain; a bit discouraging, as the wedding was the next day.
 On the day of the wedding, we were totally blessed with perfect weather. My gorgeous daughter-in-law Cara, my two grandsons, Ethan and Wyatt, and me, are standing here, all dressed up waiting for the ferry to go over to the wedding on Peaks Island.
Isaac and the groomsmen, heading over to the wedding on a speedboat.  

That would be me, "the Camping Queen" in high heels; a rare moment in time!
A quiet moment for Ethan and Wyatt, with their fancy duds and lobster socks!
Isaac and David, my two boys! Only wish Jon could have joined us.
Isaac and JP with the preacher, waiting for the wedding to begin.
Isaac, my handsome son.
Little Eva, my granddaughter, the flower girl. Wyatt held her hand so tight all the way down the aisle that she couldn't even throw her flowers. When she got to the front, she was finally able to dump all her flowers at once and everyone clapped!
Mark, Ashley's Dad, and Ashley, walking up the aisle to meet Isaac. Ashley was a  jubilant, radiant, beautiful bride!
Never thought it would happen but he finally tied the knot.....Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Little!
I don't think I have ever seen Isaac so happy.

David and Lindsay and Eva, so sweet, so dear to me. Love you guys!
Wyatt and Eva, both full of spunk and energy. Just look at those pink shoes!
View from the reception, as the sun disappeared into the clouds.
 Isaac and his boys; guys who have been a part of our lives since Isaac was in fourth grade. Such an incredible group. I love them all.
 Me and Isaac dancing; such a moment. I will never forget.
Inside the reception hall; a fantastic display of color, light, flowers and wood.
 
After the wedding I camped for a few days in Wild Duck Campground, just south of Portland.
Quite different from my fancy surroundings in Portland, but to be honest, this is where I feel at home; listening to the birds, under the trees, clouds, rain and sky.
The marshes were completely amazing; so green in contrast to the cloud filled blue sky.
A small pond in the campground reflects the sky, with sincere intensity. I sat there for many hours, unwinding from my busy two weeks, watching the ducks and feeling the peace.
The night before I left Maine, I sat in front of a beautiful fire, sipping my tea and rejoicing in my good fortune. Such a wonderful trip; so many beautiful memories.
A good night to one and all.....love you. Susan Little

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