What One Does Here (if not opening a cafe)

This is why people love this wind.   I can't say I'm one of them.  Maybe because I'm cranky, maybe because I'm old, maybe because it doesn't look like fun.

 watching out for trouble:  on the water and on the sand  (why would anyone think driving on the beach is a good idea?)

Opening Day approaches for Caffe Encinalito.......

Well, the first deadline for opening has passed, but that's OK.  There is a new one!  That would be in one weeks time and there's plenty of scrambling to make that happen.  This is the week of Christmas and we've been told that no one works this week.  Oh.  However, when I went to the lot today there was plenty going on.  It will happen when it happens (right?)

 Cleaning up

doing the tile

Painting midnight blue in the bathroom (I added a starry night sky)

 Windows!

 These stools were scavenged for $10 each  (we'll spray paint them)

 The first of Sasha's liquor bottle light fixtures.....this is Controy, then next to that will be a blue mezcal bottle, and then another green Controy

Jacqueline and Murray call it a day.

BLOWING LIKE CRAZY! And the PALAPA!

I'm finding that there's a good reason that Los Barriles is a wind sport destination.  The last 4 days have been howling non-stop!

 The art of the palapero (he who makes the palapas or thatched shelters).  The fronds are harvested at the full moon.  They are dried and then soaked before being woven.  These are waiting to make  Alex and Elena's replacement palapas over the windows.

 These have been secured with local natural twine, with rawhide and just using the palm in strips

 To keep them in place netting is secured over the top.

The perfect shelter, at the back of the house away from the wind.

Adios Old Digs, Hola New Digs

I moved from the wonderful arroyo view home of Scott and Kathleen to the magic garden home of Alex and Elena down at the beach.  How lucky I am!

  My last sunrise and breakfast at the old digs.

 I am taking care of Lucy at my new place by the water

 My charge: Luz (Lucy)

the spectacular fruit of the bismarck palm

Todos Santos

I thought it would be nice to give Jacqueline a late birthday present (an indulgence for me too!) by heading to Todos Santos for a night.  Only an hour and a half drive over the mountains to the Pacific side of the peninsula lies the pretty town of Todos Santos with it's artist's community, some wonderful food, and historic past.  We had no reservations, but found beautiful lodging at Hacienda de Todos los Santos nestled just at the edge of town overlooking the palm oasis.

 BEER AND ART,  a complex of thatched pavilions, gardens, sculptures and some nice seafood and drinks, was hard hit by hurricane Odile and is still recovering.

Progress at Caffe Encinalito

With the opening of Jacqueline and Sasha's cafe scheduled for just 2 weeks from now,  we are scrambling to get things in order.   My first day in Los Barriles was spent helping out with painting.  Here's how it's going.........

Down in Topanga and Ojai

Facing a holiday season without family for the first time, I decided to head out early for my winter retreat to join them. First stop was Los Angeles for Thanksgiving.  Ten days in Topanga with Jeanne and Robert and then a visit to Ojai to visit cousins Chris and his wife Angie.

Jeanne and Robert's nest

In Ojai on Matilija Creek Chris and Angie have built their home

Makings of a holiday wreath

An old piano will become wall art