We found on our journey, as well as in the place where we stopped, that they treated us with as much confidence and good-will as if they had known us all their lives.
Junipero Serra
Hi Friends & Family,
During our anniversary trip to Carmel we checked out the Carmel Mission. It was really beautiful, relaxing and educational. Just a short drive from our base camp at Carmel Country Inn, we found a nice quiet place to park so the dogs could sleep while we took the tour. Actually it is a self guided tour that allows you to enjoy/explore at your own pace. After entering through the little gift shop you pay and get your map of the grounds. The first part of the tour drops you into the garden area. From there we got a great feeling of the history and spirit that has made this Mission so special. Beautiful roses and statues surround the entrance to the Basilica. What a wonderful building. It looks like a post card from the courtyard. It makes it easy to imagine the same spot in the late 1770's with Blessed Junipero Serra making his way to the Basilica.
The Basilica Church is as beautiful inside as it is outside. The catenary ceiling, thirty foot reredos and 5 foot thick walls reminded me of times past, when buildings had charm and character. There were details in the details if that makes sense. In all there were 5 museums on the grounds, each one a story to tell about God, the Church and what it mean't to the people of 1771. It also showed me that history still matters to people today because so much care is taken to preserve the Mission.
For about 2 hours we wondered around the self guided tour checking out the Basilica and the museum areas of the carmel Mission. It was really cool seeing all the tools that were used to build (and rebuild) the mission. We were surprised to see that there is a active school on the grounds. It sort of made it living history with the sounds of children playing.
As we were leaving, just as we were getting in Christine (our truck) to leave, the bells chimed. It was a perfect end to our time at The Carmel Mission. We captured our tour and the bells in a video we share with you here.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Carmel Country Inn Review
Hi Friends and Family,
Still getting together all the videos and photo's from our Anniversary trip to Carmel. Wow, we took a bunch of photo's and just as much video.
In this post we thought we would share with you a wonderful place to stay in Carmel, just in case you are thinking about spending a few days there.
The Carmel Country Inn was a great oasis for us during our anniversary adventure in May. Brenda had made the reservations for us well in advance with our primary concern being someplace that would take our puppies and us together. It was a bonus for us when we found this beautiful Bed and Breakfast that charmed us with it's beauty and loves animals as much as we do. It is right in the middle of everything too. Just a short walk and you are in the heart of Carmel and all the neat little shops and restaurants. The ocean is just a few blocks away. You will be there in just a few minutes walking or a couple minutes if you need to drive.
We were in room #2 on the ground floor right next to the office. The steps leading to the room were lined with flowers and garden art that give this place it personality. It seemed like everything was in bloom. as we approached the room we thought for sure we had made a mistake, as the front door appeared to be opened. After checking with the office we learned they had opened the top half of the Mr Ed door to let the fresh air into the room in expectation of our arrival. Now that was charming, we loved the Mr Ed door!
The room we had was roomy with a gas fired fireplace and love seat as you enter. A King size bed promises a good nights sleep with beautiful linens to make it even more comfy. We love the fact that they ask for quiet time from about 9:00 pm till morning.
My favorite was the huge (really huge) bath tub with jets in all the right places. I did say huge didn't I? This was so big, when I got into it I could not reach the end with my feet. It was deep too. The bathroom was decorated in stone that set a very relaxing mood, and it had plenty of nice, fluffy towels and a vanity. The only thing missing was a nice candle or two to make it complete.
We love our dogs and travel everywhere with them. It was so nice to find that our new friends at the Carmel Country Inn loved dogs too. Actually they love all animals as evidenced by the resident cats that live at the inn. We were allowed to roam all over the inn's grounds and not even once got the evil eye that we sometimes get when we travel.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Carmel Country Inn and thank the entire staff for making us feel so comfortable. If you are planning a trip to Carmel,CA please give them a call and see if room number 2 is available. Bring your dogs along, after all they are part of your family. They will enjoy the Carmel Country Inn too.
As always, we took a short video of our stay at the Carmel Country Inn. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Still getting together all the videos and photo's from our Anniversary trip to Carmel. Wow, we took a bunch of photo's and just as much video.
In this post we thought we would share with you a wonderful place to stay in Carmel, just in case you are thinking about spending a few days there.
The Carmel Country Inn was a great oasis for us during our anniversary adventure in May. Brenda had made the reservations for us well in advance with our primary concern being someplace that would take our puppies and us together. It was a bonus for us when we found this beautiful Bed and Breakfast that charmed us with it's beauty and loves animals as much as we do. It is right in the middle of everything too. Just a short walk and you are in the heart of Carmel and all the neat little shops and restaurants. The ocean is just a few blocks away. You will be there in just a few minutes walking or a couple minutes if you need to drive.
We were in room #2 on the ground floor right next to the office. The steps leading to the room were lined with flowers and garden art that give this place it personality. It seemed like everything was in bloom. as we approached the room we thought for sure we had made a mistake, as the front door appeared to be opened. After checking with the office we learned they had opened the top half of the Mr Ed door to let the fresh air into the room in expectation of our arrival. Now that was charming, we loved the Mr Ed door!
The room we had was roomy with a gas fired fireplace and love seat as you enter. A King size bed promises a good nights sleep with beautiful linens to make it even more comfy. We love the fact that they ask for quiet time from about 9:00 pm till morning.
My favorite was the huge (really huge) bath tub with jets in all the right places. I did say huge didn't I? This was so big, when I got into it I could not reach the end with my feet. It was deep too. The bathroom was decorated in stone that set a very relaxing mood, and it had plenty of nice, fluffy towels and a vanity. The only thing missing was a nice candle or two to make it complete.
We love our dogs and travel everywhere with them. It was so nice to find that our new friends at the Carmel Country Inn loved dogs too. Actually they love all animals as evidenced by the resident cats that live at the inn. We were allowed to roam all over the inn's grounds and not even once got the evil eye that we sometimes get when we travel.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Carmel Country Inn and thank the entire staff for making us feel so comfortable. If you are planning a trip to Carmel,CA please give them a call and see if room number 2 is available. Bring your dogs along, after all they are part of your family. They will enjoy the Carmel Country Inn too.
As always, we took a short video of our stay at the Carmel Country Inn. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Anniversary Celebration and Adventures
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Hi Friends and Family,
What a wonderful few weeks we have had. On the weekend of the 15th of May we celebrated our 29th Anniversary. To use a tired old phrase, "boy does time fly." It really is hard to believe that 29 years has already passed in our marriage.
We marked the occasion this year with a trip to Carmel, CA. It was our first experience with this wonderful little town and we totally loved it. Can't believe we have missed this oasis for so many years. Well actually I can because we have a habit of visiting a place over and over if we find one we like. Lately we have been thinking this through a bit more and have decided we would like to try new places to expand our adventures and experiences.
So it was off to Carmel and the adventure of someplace new. We drove from Reno to Sacramento and then down I5 a few miles then across CA152 into Carmel. The drive was great, no real problems with the navigation and it sure was beautiful. Miles and miles of farm land, green as far as you could see and good conversation. We did get a little lost in Carmel but that was corrected in short order and we soon found the Carmel Country Inn, our resting place for the weekend. The Carmel Country Inn was such a wonderful experience that I will have a whole article just about them so I can do them justice.
Carmel has small town charm and something we had not experienced in any other town ... total acceptance of people and their pets. Really they were welcome everywhere we went. The grocery store, the shops downtown, even the restaurants. It is so refreshing to visit a place that Loves animals as much as we Love ours.
We wandered on down to Carmel Beach and sat in the white sand soaking up the good vibes and sea air. The beach was another place we found animals of every kind wandering, running and playing with their owners. It was really a blast!
Along with the embracing pets, Carmel also does not have any parking meters, no loud music, no huge neon signs or billboards and no street numbers on the buildings. They don't blow up buildings when they get old and build ugly new ones and everyone seems really genuinely nice.
We came back totally relaxed and refreshed and excited about returning again someday to see more of the sights and experience more of the vibe of Carmel.
Here is to you finding a place to relax and refresh.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Hi Friends and Family,
What a wonderful few weeks we have had. On the weekend of the 15th of May we celebrated our 29th Anniversary. To use a tired old phrase, "boy does time fly." It really is hard to believe that 29 years has already passed in our marriage.
We marked the occasion this year with a trip to Carmel, CA. It was our first experience with this wonderful little town and we totally loved it. Can't believe we have missed this oasis for so many years. Well actually I can because we have a habit of visiting a place over and over if we find one we like. Lately we have been thinking this through a bit more and have decided we would like to try new places to expand our adventures and experiences.
So it was off to Carmel and the adventure of someplace new. We drove from Reno to Sacramento and then down I5 a few miles then across CA152 into Carmel. The drive was great, no real problems with the navigation and it sure was beautiful. Miles and miles of farm land, green as far as you could see and good conversation. We did get a little lost in Carmel but that was corrected in short order and we soon found the Carmel Country Inn, our resting place for the weekend. The Carmel Country Inn was such a wonderful experience that I will have a whole article just about them so I can do them justice.
Carmel has small town charm and something we had not experienced in any other town ... total acceptance of people and their pets. Really they were welcome everywhere we went. The grocery store, the shops downtown, even the restaurants. It is so refreshing to visit a place that Loves animals as much as we Love ours.
We wandered on down to Carmel Beach and sat in the white sand soaking up the good vibes and sea air. The beach was another place we found animals of every kind wandering, running and playing with their owners. It was really a blast!
Along with the embracing pets, Carmel also does not have any parking meters, no loud music, no huge neon signs or billboards and no street numbers on the buildings. They don't blow up buildings when they get old and build ugly new ones and everyone seems really genuinely nice.
We came back totally relaxed and refreshed and excited about returning again someday to see more of the sights and experience more of the vibe of Carmel.
Here is to you finding a place to relax and refresh.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Remnants of the Old V&T Railroad in Washoe Valley
We would like to live as we once lived, but history will not permit it.
John F. Kennedy
Hi Friends,
I took a short hike after work today to capture some video of the remains of the old V&T railroad as it ran between Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley. The V&T last ran from Carson City to Reno through the valley in 1950 and the rails and such have been collected and probably sold for scrap. What remains are a couple of trestles on the North end of Washoe Valley that someday will rot into nothing.
Just a short walk/hike off the freeway you will find the first trestle now covered by some fallen trees and such. It has wonderful rock work around it that looks like sandstone and maybe slate. Each piece cut and fitted by craftsmen from the past. The construction of the trestle shows bolts and timbers with marks made by hammers many years ago.
I sat in the sun and imagined the big engines and rail cars of the V&T rumbling through the narrow canyon, thinking about what that sound would have been as the canyon narrowed and the train puffed its way into Pleasant Valley. It must have been pretty loud.
The second of the trestles is just a few steps toward the North East. Easy to spot if you just follow the canyon. Watch for snakes, as this looks like prime ground for such varmits. There was also some sign that deer visited this area. Once I saw a bear in the valley below this one, so they probably roam around here as well.
I spent a few minutes wandering around and got the refreshing that I was looking for. Checked out a small piece of Nevada history and got some exercise. I also shot some video to share with you.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
John F. Kennedy
Hi Friends,
I took a short hike after work today to capture some video of the remains of the old V&T railroad as it ran between Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley. The V&T last ran from Carson City to Reno through the valley in 1950 and the rails and such have been collected and probably sold for scrap. What remains are a couple of trestles on the North end of Washoe Valley that someday will rot into nothing.
Just a short walk/hike off the freeway you will find the first trestle now covered by some fallen trees and such. It has wonderful rock work around it that looks like sandstone and maybe slate. Each piece cut and fitted by craftsmen from the past. The construction of the trestle shows bolts and timbers with marks made by hammers many years ago.
I sat in the sun and imagined the big engines and rail cars of the V&T rumbling through the narrow canyon, thinking about what that sound would have been as the canyon narrowed and the train puffed its way into Pleasant Valley. It must have been pretty loud.
The second of the trestles is just a few steps toward the North East. Easy to spot if you just follow the canyon. Watch for snakes, as this looks like prime ground for such varmits. There was also some sign that deer visited this area. Once I saw a bear in the valley below this one, so they probably roam around here as well.
I spent a few minutes wandering around and got the refreshing that I was looking for. Checked out a small piece of Nevada history and got some exercise. I also shot some video to share with you.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thoughts About My First Colonoscopy
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. ~Chili Davis
Hi Friends,
Yay, I am 50 this year and am getting all the new things that age brings with it. First to come were all the comments from Brenda about being an old man.
Next to arrive was the appointment to get my first colonoscopy. I know, that word seems to bring fear into all who hear it.
The truth is that a colonoscopy is not too bad at all. Outside of the liquid diet that seems to last forever it is a breeze. The prep you have to do the day/afternoon before the actual procedure is trying but do-able. The day before the procedure you are to go on a liquid only diet to clear you out. It drove me crazy at times, but I did loose a few pounds. The night before the colonoscopy you start taking this crazy drink that tastes like way over sweetened bad lemon aid. Mine was called Movi Prep and it's primary purpose is to blow out everything hiding in your bum. It does it really well ...
The first couple hours you make frequent trips to the restroom, but after that it is just a pit stop to releve that feeling. Really it was not as bad as expected and I still got a full nights sleep.
The day of the procedure it was one more dose of the Movi Prep and then nothing more to drink until my appointment. Because there was nothing left on the inside, there was nothing more that really needed to come out.
At the Endoscopy center you just check in and they prep you for the event. An i.v. in the wrist and the usual monitors and then off to sleep you go. When you wake up, it is all done. And once you get your balance you can leave. Now I have to add that waking up and getting back the ability to stand up was the toughest for me. It probably took 30 to 45 minutes to regain my senses. I have to add here that I was out of it. Brenda I am sure will have some great stories about me waking up and trying to get on my feet. I am not sure but I think as I was going under I could hear her asking to see if they could find my head up there.
Anyway, I got to my feet with Brenda's help and took a long nap at home. Glad I did it as they found nothing at all (not even my head). So I am happy to know that there is nothing to worry about in there and won't have to visit for many years to come. I also found laughing about the colonoscopy helps. I spent some time at You Tube and found some great videos to make the evening before more fun. One I have shared with you below.
It also helps to have a great wife (Brenda) to make your journey easier.
Go get your Colonoscopy. It is a breeze and will do wonders for you mind, knowing you don't have to worry about colon cancer.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Hi Friends,
Yay, I am 50 this year and am getting all the new things that age brings with it. First to come were all the comments from Brenda about being an old man.
Next to arrive was the appointment to get my first colonoscopy. I know, that word seems to bring fear into all who hear it.
The truth is that a colonoscopy is not too bad at all. Outside of the liquid diet that seems to last forever it is a breeze. The prep you have to do the day/afternoon before the actual procedure is trying but do-able. The day before the procedure you are to go on a liquid only diet to clear you out. It drove me crazy at times, but I did loose a few pounds. The night before the colonoscopy you start taking this crazy drink that tastes like way over sweetened bad lemon aid. Mine was called Movi Prep and it's primary purpose is to blow out everything hiding in your bum. It does it really well ...
The first couple hours you make frequent trips to the restroom, but after that it is just a pit stop to releve that feeling. Really it was not as bad as expected and I still got a full nights sleep.
The day of the procedure it was one more dose of the Movi Prep and then nothing more to drink until my appointment. Because there was nothing left on the inside, there was nothing more that really needed to come out.
At the Endoscopy center you just check in and they prep you for the event. An i.v. in the wrist and the usual monitors and then off to sleep you go. When you wake up, it is all done. And once you get your balance you can leave. Now I have to add that waking up and getting back the ability to stand up was the toughest for me. It probably took 30 to 45 minutes to regain my senses. I have to add here that I was out of it. Brenda I am sure will have some great stories about me waking up and trying to get on my feet. I am not sure but I think as I was going under I could hear her asking to see if they could find my head up there.
Anyway, I got to my feet with Brenda's help and took a long nap at home. Glad I did it as they found nothing at all (not even my head). So I am happy to know that there is nothing to worry about in there and won't have to visit for many years to come. I also found laughing about the colonoscopy helps. I spent some time at You Tube and found some great videos to make the evening before more fun. One I have shared with you below.
It also helps to have a great wife (Brenda) to make your journey easier.
Go get your Colonoscopy. It is a breeze and will do wonders for you mind, knowing you don't have to worry about colon cancer.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Rest, Just What the Doctor Ordered
The man who doesn't relax and hoot a few hoots voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on. ~Elbert Hubbard
Hi Friends,
Okay the Doctor did not order me to rest. I was just driving down the road and had been driving for a quite a few hours when I saw this beautiful spot along the Truckee River. It called me to stop and take a few deep breaths and relax a bit .. so I did.
It was a perfect day and the river was still lined with snow so it was wonderful to look at and imagine just how cold the water might be. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful .... ahhh, bliss.
Have a wonderful day.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Hi Friends,
Okay the Doctor did not order me to rest. I was just driving down the road and had been driving for a quite a few hours when I saw this beautiful spot along the Truckee River. It called me to stop and take a few deep breaths and relax a bit .. so I did.
It was a perfect day and the river was still lined with snow so it was wonderful to look at and imagine just how cold the water might be. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful .... ahhh, bliss.
Have a wonderful day.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Monday, April 18, 2011
Relaxing Back at Home
Man's heart away from nature becomes hard. ~Standing Bear
Hi Friends,
I had to attend a meeting in the bay area this last weekend. It does not take long when you travel to a place with such a fast pace and hurry up attitude that there is no place like home in Washoe Valley. I found some relaxing sights and sounds along Deadman's Creek Trail and it took all the buzz and static out of my head.
Deadman's Creek Trail is a nice short hike on the East side of Washoe Lake State Park. It is only about a mile in length and has a pretty good climb to it. The sounds of birds and running water will really bring peace to your soul.
There is no fee to park or use the trail. If you are lucky, like I was today, when you get to the top you might find areas where the water is just bubbling up out of the ground. What a beautiful sight.
I hope you have a place to go that releases all the stress in your body and mind.
Took the Flip camera along and captured some of the sights and sounds, maybe it will relax you a bit.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don
View Larger Map
Hi Friends,
I had to attend a meeting in the bay area this last weekend. It does not take long when you travel to a place with such a fast pace and hurry up attitude that there is no place like home in Washoe Valley. I found some relaxing sights and sounds along Deadman's Creek Trail and it took all the buzz and static out of my head.
Deadman's Creek Trail is a nice short hike on the East side of Washoe Lake State Park. It is only about a mile in length and has a pretty good climb to it. The sounds of birds and running water will really bring peace to your soul.
There is no fee to park or use the trail. If you are lucky, like I was today, when you get to the top you might find areas where the water is just bubbling up out of the ground. What a beautiful sight.
I hope you have a place to go that releases all the stress in your body and mind.
Took the Flip camera along and captured some of the sights and sounds, maybe it will relax you a bit.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don
View Larger Map
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