A Day in the Life of a Gypsy

Three Degrees of Separation

2011-07-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2011

What a week this has been! Wonderful things have always happened because of Facebook. Renewals with old friends, hooking up with relatives I didn't even know I had, and because I live in Mexico, I'm able to keep in constant contact with family and friends. So what I'm going to write about is what happened this week...and it may be confusing.

Let's see...where do I begin? Guess I'll start with John. John is a long time good friend of mine from Santa Cruz and he has supported my life style in the past 5 years without reserve; perhaps even a bit envious. Here we are at my farewell party in 2006..

In between my travels across Canada, USA, and Mexico, we have kept in touch via email and Facebook and anytime I was back in Santa Cruz, he'd visit me in Felton at my RV Park or we'd have lunch or take a walk. He was always going to come and visit me in the Baja. For quite a few months now I hadn't heard from him, so I had to scold him and he came through with some very good excuses.

I have another friend on Facebook who travels to Mexico all the time. Betsy does fabulous tours to Mainland Mexico; among one of her many talents. A writer, a chef, a radio show host, etc... and all around beautiful lady. It seems John took one of her tours and I hadn't heard from him since .... until yesterday. They must have met through FB; perhaps even through my page...don't know that yet. But it's a logical conclusion.

The lovely and talented Betsy

A few weeks ago I commented on Betsy's post about her coming to the Baja and she said she was definitely going to do it...in more time, as we say in Mexico. A friend of Betsy's named Carol commented on the same post saying she was going to be in the same town I'm in in a few weeks. Carol and Betsy have known each other for 30+ years. They are both from the East Coast. Carol and John (another John) her partner or whatever you call a couple these days when they're older than 30, were coming to visit John's sister, Jo, who has been living here for a couple months. They are here now and we are having such a good time. The kind of people you feel like you've always known.

Jo, Carol, John, Pat this morning at Baja Beans

This is where the story gets confusing and goes from 6 degrees of separation to 3 (I think). John and Betsy haven't announced their private lives on FB so not even Carol knew she and John had traveled together on a tour and what was to follow. John had filled me in with a letter of apology about why he hadn't written and told me about Betsy...yesterday. So we had lots to talk about this morning at Baja Beans. The 2 Johns, Carol and Betsy are getting together when they are all in California at the same time. Jo, meanwhile, is seriously considering staying here in the Baja...She's liking it. I hope she does.

None of them know this yet....but a friend of Betsy's John, he hasn't seen since high school and I are friends on Facebook, of course. She came to Cabo for a wedding and was going to rent a car and come to see me but life happened and she didn't. She made a comment this morning on Carol's John's post about a song he'd posted of a friend of his on FB. I'll tell her this whole story and then we may have 2 degrees of separation....the world is small and life is good and friends are wonderful!

Sweet Memories of a Teenage Girl

2011-05-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2011

This is a new kind of writing for me and quite a bit more personal. Let's see if I can get through it. I had just turned 16. It was the summer of 1957. Had me a little summer job as a soda jerk in my small Rockwellian town of Adrian, Michigan. Had all the boyfriends a girl could ever want and a Mama going crazy, praying I would settle down. She was getting mixed up with names and my Dad was projecting his crazy days and past onto everyone of the boys who called on me. Yes, in those days; the boys did call on you at your home.

It was that summer that I began dating older guys; some had just graduated high school and were getting ready for college or the military...or in the case of Mack Vickery (the person I'm focusing on in this blog) heading for Nashville .. or was it Memphis? Anyway, he was a singer. He was a poet. He was beautiful. He was charming. A football player. A true southern gentleman from Alabama.

There are few people I've met who have made me feel like I was the ONLY ONE. He was that boy.

This is Mack

To me, he sounded better than Elvis Presley. And he sang to me. That's how boys like that steal your heart. He didn't leave out those spiritual songs my mother loved when he was at our home. My dad even liked him. My brother hid on the stair steps listening...probably because I had threatened him with his life...fearing he would say something a typical little brother of 10 would say to his big sister's boyfriend...or at least that's what he would call it. He really wasn't my boyfriend. He was a boy I saw a few times a week for a month or two. My sister was 2 years younger than I and she was always in awe and fell in love with all my boys. Mack was no exception, He sang to her and teased her.

Wherever we went, girls were always there coming up to him.. especially if we were at an event where Mack was performing. I'm remembering a couple of nearby music pavilions and I may as well have not been there. We swam, we talked lots, he taught me to drive (his dad's) stick shift. I stripped the gears. He was so gentle about that. His mother had died when he was 3 or 4 and his dad had raised Mack and as I recall many other siblings. He had moved quite a bit. So had I and we were both southern-born and kids of 'no means'. I think that means we were pretty poor and unless we did it ourselves; we would remain there.

How did I fail to tell you when I was on the subject of the activities we participated in that summer that the drive-in theatre aka passion pit was what we did the most. It was the 50's...everyone did that! At least that's what I told Mother and Daddy.

One of the reasons I am writing about this very personal account of my life is....yesterday I googled Mack. I wanted to see what he looked like as a grown man. I wondered if any of his songs would be on you tube. They were. My aunt had sent me his obituary when he died at age 66. That was in 2004. I knew some things about his life...after he left for Nashville. He'd had more success as a songwriter than as a singer. Google him to find out just how many artists recorded his songs...from Willy Nelson to Tanya Tucker to Waylon Jennings .... When I read his lyrics about drive-in movies, I laughed and began my process of that time in my life.

By all accounts, he had led a hard life, had a few marriages, had a few kids, lots of drinking and drugs. In 1976, I lived in South Lake Tahoe and had a little store there. A store that many of the performing artists would stop by on their way to the Nevada side of the clubs. Yes, we had some paraphernalia in that little store...and Yes, it was that kind ... it was the 70's!

A couple from Nashville came in one afternoon and I mentioned that a long time ago I knew this small-town boy who had gone to Nashville to knock em dead. They knew him and told me what a talent he was and how his demons were keeping him from his art. I gave them a note to give to Mack. It simply said...from Pat Raines...probably the only one of your girls that 'got away'. I may have put my phone number in the note. I don't remember. I never heard from him and hadn't thought at the time I would.

Even with the many "passion pit" visits, I did indeed get away. My life could have been very different. I found out later he was seeing several different girls; one of whom was carrying his first child. Her name was also Pat. There were lots of us in those days. Now that is my memory. If that is not so I apologize to anyone who may have a different account.

He did teach me a lot. Especially kissing...there were a few other minor "petting" activities. Unfortunately kids today may not even know about that word. I think that's an important part of growing up and it is sad that some go right in for the home run and don't go from base to base. In 7th or 8th grade I began holding hands with the opposite sex at church camp. On hayrides I quick-kissed a few of the opposite sex...it was all a sweet process. In 9th grade I had my first boyfriend and we danced a lot, held hands a lot, went everywhere and I learned to long-kiss....then came Mack and there was that next base. It was all so honest and so sweet. Mack never disrespected me in any way. He simply knew I would never go beyond certain boundaries. I've wondered to this day, if, it was because I dated Mack and other older boys found out, that many of them asked me out because they may have assumed I was someone I was not. (Please don't try to diagram that sentence). Does that make sense? It also could have been because I was nice and funny and smart and pretty good looking. Guess I'll never know but I wouldn't change a thing.

This is Pat age 17

P.S. Because Facebook is so widely used, if some of Mack's family see this...I hope it isn't upsetting. Even though he led a troubled life, it sounds like he never gave up his roots, his sense of how important friends are and many of his values...and I would love to hear from you.

Thanksgiving in Florida and The Bee's

2010-11-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

November 26, 2010

This is my 3rd trip to Florida in 4 years. My brother and his family are here and I have many friends here. After my trip to the Keys with Sharon, I headed back to my favorite spot other than my brother's driveway and stayed for Thanksgiving. Ten minutes from my bro's is Bee's RV Resort and each time I've come to Florida I have stayed here. This is their logo. It's a beautiful and a full-service RV Park.

Probably the best part of this park is "The Honey Pot" Restaurant. On Tuesday's, they serve the best chicken dinner Iv'e ever had with the 'works'....southern style. On Friday's they serve fish. Wish I had taken a picture of the size of the plates and all you get...all you can eat. It is so good that people from the area come there to eat...not just for the RV folks.

That's not my butt....really!

The swimming pool is great and when I was there with my sister she enjoyed it a lot.

This was my view from my RV on the morning I left..... for

My brother, Danny, with his cat and my doggie..... and below,,,,

his wife, Charlotte ....

Charlotte made the best Thanksgiving meal and right after dinner, the ritual is to walk to the lake, just yards from their home.

We said our goodbyes and I was off again...this time heading for Baja California Sur to settle down. I didn't know that then.

2 ole Ladies, 2 fun dogs and Key West

2010-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2010

After I had made my drastic change not to go to the Baja this winter, I had decided I would spend the winter in Florida. I left the Rally in Washington, D.C. with a lot a hype and good will. A pretty uneventful trip heading to Florida as I had decided not to stop at relatives and some friends. I had just seen them the year before and didn't want to wear out my welcome and I was eager to see my brother and his family and some friends. Spent about a week with my brother then headed on down to West Palm Beach to my friend from high school's home. I had also visited her the year before .... but... we did not go to the Keys. Neither of us had ever been so we got brave and decided to go with her big dog, MJ, TaZzi, Sharon, and me....all in Phoebe McGee. We were limited as to where we could stay because of our dogs, but we couldn't have gotten more lucky.

The restaurant, the Smokehouse Tiki Bar, was the best and we found out that the Geiger Key is where the locals hang out even though it's a bit off the beaten path. What a time we had! The most dog friendly place I've seen in all my travels.

MJ loving being very close to the water

TaZzi getting lots of attention

Some of the locals

The food at the Tiki Bar was beyond any adjectives. The bar and deck are perfectly located for watching the sunset. The food was prepared on the outside grill and served by the most caring and friendly staff that make you feel like one of the family.

We spent every night at the Tiki Bar since I don't night drive......and during the day.....

we were wasted away in Margaritaville,
Searchin' for our long lost shaker of salt.

..and hanging out with..
You Know Who!

Not in any particular order are some of our 'hot spots'!

Hemingway's favorite place

A family waiting for the cheese cake factory to open...they're on island time.

Like the smart tourists we are, we got tickets for the hop-on hop-off trolley. We left the driving to the trolley man and it was a great way to do it...random pictures below:

90 miles to Cuba...amazing some still can't go!

Now, back to our home...Geiger Key and our last night

Sharon, hiding behind the tree

The black in back of MJ is .... water.

Post Thoughts about The Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear

2010-10-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

October 31, 2010

Usually when I begin to write; words come more quickly than I can type....which is why I leave words out sometimes. Words escape me now and I don't know why. I will explore it, as I write. First I'll post a picture to stall for time. Do you see me in the crowd?

I arrived at 9 am .... early for my meeting with our documentarians. The Rally began at Noon and silly me, I thought I was early. It was already crowded.. When I left from College Park, Maryland at 7:15, the RV'ers staying at Cherry Hill RV Resort filled up the first bus running that day. The metro train (subway) was also pretty busy. At least I thought it was busy until I returned back from the rally.

We the people (pun) working on the 'Let's Document the Rally' committee-and-put-it-on-you-tube-later and see what happens......were meeting at 9:30 at the front entrance of the American Indian Museum right across from the National Mall. We had been having meetings online through "webinar" and "gotomeeting.com" but we had not met until the night before for cocktails; which lasted so long that I missed my bus and had to take a $40.00 cab back to my RV Park and my sweet and devoted, TaZzi.

Perhaps I had no more than 3 hours of sleep. I set the alarm on my phone (had never done that before) but didn't rely on it. The daylight wakes me up but it stays dark until about 8 or 9 in this weather. I had it set for 5:30 as I still had to pack my backpack and put all my set up forms, camera, clip board, pens, phone in its little (so organized pockets) that I can never find anything. Oh, the phone did go off ... but I was already awake.

Had plenty of time to dress, feed and walk TaZzi and lie to her when I said I'll be right back..... and pack even beating the bus by about 10 minutes. Enough time to meet the people heading to the rally. We talked about where we were from and took some pictures. The first people I met had signs and they were from California .... Carmel (about 40 minutes from Santa Cruz where I sometimes live.)

First to arrive (as usual) at our meeting spot, I found a place to set up...a bit away from the crowd since we had equipment. Shawn came with his tri-pod, camera and more set up stuff, then another couple arrived. with their tri-pod and camera. We shared our forms, then split up in order to have access to more people and because we didn't have lots of space. We had preplanned questions to ask attendees and Shawn and I began the process with our name tags, our press passes, and our media release forms..... we were quite official looking.

My name tag is my only proof I was really there...no pictures of me. Many were taken and I was recorded by a few cameras and videos while I was interviewing...but who knows where they are......perhaps they'll show up somewhere.

We will share our footage, our interviews, our photos, videos and Shawn will produce a data base with all the information and we can put together what we choose. I think that's what he said. Does that sound right? I know nothing about that data base process stuff.

Some posters were creative

My favorite poster

Pretty cool costume

These kids have the right idea

I was better at drawing in the people for the interviews and Shawn was better at the interviewing. I was a bit nervous which is unusual for me. I would have preferred asking my own questions and wasn't entirely comfortable with the programmed ones. Got through it after getting pushed around-ever-so-gently by the massive crowds and relocating several times. I tried to get a diversity of people for the interviews and did pretty well .... college kids, 20-30-40-50-60-70 something (s).

Shawn (video man, documentarian, partner)

I'm having a hard time thinking of anything else other than the rally. Could be because I stood and walked for 8-9 straight hours and am pretty sore.

Just can't get IT out of my system!
Just what was IT!

Jon and Stephen said it wasn't a political rally.
Some have compared it to Woodstock.
I just heard Charles Krauthammer say it was culturally irrelevant.

For me it was beyond comedy or politics or an excuse for a party.
The rally was the essence of human beauty..... gathered in one space to share kindness, love, joy, gratitude....to two wonderful men who are creative enough to do their comedy in a caring, funny, satirical way, with a whole lot of truthiness.....and they knew how to make it happen. After their announcement for a rally....it just unfolded in a miraculous way.

I am so thankful that they used their talents in this most unusual, amazing and powerful way to serve their country. It kind of took me back to the days of Will Rodgers. Wait, I'm not that old. I knew by going, it would have to be the right thing by the way I processed my change of plans. I was preparing for the Baja when I heard about the rally and couldn't shake my passion to go. It unfolded beautifully and it was one of those times in your life when you feel like.....YES! I'm riding that horse in the right direction ... .and I am one with that horse. So happy am I that I had the freedom to change my mind, have almost enough money to do the trip, and supportive family and friends to discuss it with me.

No matter what the critics say and no matter how much it is analyzed about the whats and the whys, I am and will stay inspired by what was quite possibly the largest chill-out, sit-in, abstract-yet-concrete-irreverent peace-in, I will ever attend.

Thanks again, Jon and Stephen

I'm thinking that Charles Krauthammer may be wrong...first time! (smiles) The Rally is and I predict will be socially relevant.

The Rally To Restore Sanity: Stewart's Closing Speech

The final speech. I thought it was a great message.

“I can’t control what people think this was. I can only tell you my intentions. This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism or to look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear. They are and we do. But we live now in hard times, not end times. And we can have animus and not be enemies.

But unfortunately one of our main tools in delineating the two broke. The country’s 24 hour political pundit perpetual panic conflictinator did not cause our problems but it’s existence makes solving them that much harder. The press can hold it’s magnifying up to our problems bringing them into focus, illuminating issues heretofore unseen or they can use that magnifying glass to light ants on fire and then perhaps host a week of shows on the sudden, unexpected dangerous flaming ant epidemic.

If we amplify everything we hear nothing. There are terrorists and racists and Stalinist and theocrats but those are titles that must be earned. You must have the resume. Not being able to distinguish between real racists and Tea Partiers or real bigots and Juan Williams and Rick Sanchez is an insult, not only to those people but to the racists themselves who have put in the exhausting effort it takes to hate. Just as the inability to distinguish terrorists from Muslims makes us less safe not more. The press is our immune system. If we overreact to everything we actually get sicker and perhaps eczema.

And yet with that being said I feel good—strangely, calmly good. Because the image of Americans that is reflected back to us by our political and media process is false. It is us through a fun house mirror and not the good kind that makes you look slim in the waist and maybe taller, but the kind where you have a giant forehead and an ass shaped like a month old pumpkin and one eyeball.

So, why would we work together? Why would you reach across the aisle to a pumpkin assed forehead eyball monster? If the picture of us were true of course our inability to solve problems would actually be quite sane and reasonable. Why would you work with Marxists actively subverting our Constitution or racists and homophobes who see no one’s humanity but their own? We hear every damn day about how fragile our country is—on the brink of catastrophe—torn by polarizing hate and how it’s a shame that we can’t work together to get things done, but the truth is we do. We work together to get things done every damn day!

The only place we don’t is here or on cable TV. But Americans don’t live here or oncable TV. Where we live our values and principles form the foundation that sustains us while we get things done not the barriers that prevent us from getting things done. Most Americans don’t live their lives solely as Democrats, Republicans, Liberals or Conservatives. Americans live their lives more as people that are just a little bit late for something they have to do—often something that they do not want to do—butthey do it. Impossible things every day that are only made possible by the little reasonable compromises that we all make.

Look on the screen this is where we are this is who we are. (points to the Jumbotron screen which show traffic merging into a tunnel). These cars—that’s a schoolteacher who probably thinks his taxes are too high. He’s going to work. There’s another car-a woman with two small kids who can’t really think about anything else right now. There’s another car swinging I don’t even know if you can see it—the lady’s in the NRA. She loves Oprah. There’s another car—an investment banker, gay, also likes Oprah. Another car’s a Latino carpenter. Another car a fundamentalist vacuum salesman. Atheist obstetrician. Mormon Jay-Z fan. But this is us. Every one of the cars that you see is filled with individuals of strong belief and principles they hold dear—often principles and beliefs in direct opposition to their fellow travelers.

And yet these millions of cars must somehow find a way to squeeze one by one into a mile long 30 foot wide tunnel carved underneath a might river. Carved, by the way, by people who I’m sure had their differences. And they do it. Concession by conscession. You go. Then I’ll go. You go then I’ll go. You go then I’ll goOh my God, is that an NRA sticker on your car? Is that an Obama sticker on your car? Well, that’s okay—you go and then I’ll go.

And sure, at some point there will be a selfish jerk who zips up the shoulder and cuts in at the last minute, but that individual is rare and he is scorned and not hired as an analyst.

Because we know instinctively as a people that if we are to get through the darkness and back into the light we have to work together and the truth is, there will always be darkness. And sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t the promised land.

Sometimes it’s just New Jersey. But we do it anyway, together.

If you want to know why I’m here and want I want from you I can only assure you this: you have already given it to me. You’re presence was what I wanted.

Sanity will always be and has always been in the eye of the beholder. To see you here today and the kind of people that you are has restored mine. Thank you."

A Special Birthday~A Special Wedding~A Sad Farewell

2010-10-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2010

One of the many reasons I decided to head to the East Coast in October was my Aunt Veedee Sue (Veneda) was turning 90 and I knew it would be a family reunion of sorts. Pretty in Pink in this picture is my auntie. All but the guy is blue (Dan) her nephew and the girl in red (mauh) her niece on her husband's side) are her children. And not all were there. Missing are Roger, Terry, Robin (hope I got all of them). It was a great day and I saw many I hadn't seen in years and met the new. Food was wonderful and I think she enjoyed herself immensely. It was too busy to get a huge group family picture.

While in my hometown, I was also able to see some high school friends...we met for lunch at (where else) Appleby's and we had a great time.

Michigan is never complete unless I go to Ann Arbor to spend time with my ex-husband and his wife and family. I did and it was nice as always. While in Ann Arbor I also was able to meet up with some cousins on my mother's side, some of whom I had never met but had a FB relationship with. Her (Aimee's) mom I had met as a young girl at a funeral and probably a few other times...but so long ago. And it was wonderful meeting them briefly for dinner. Then......

the sad part of the reason for coming east....My good friend, Cindi, for 45 years was in her 2nd year with ALS...that awful and hateful disease. She was in her last days and I went to Bloomfield Hills to say goodbye.. it has one of the hardest things I've ever done. Here's how I did it. Several of our friends were there along with her husband. I was just there for a few hours. When I left, I kissed her and said goodbye and left crying like a baby. Had to stop driving a few times as I couldn't see for the tears. Ran back to Ann Arbor and wrote:

I wrote this Cindi,..knowing I wouldn't see you again in this world. I know you knew how loved you were/are....by all who know you. Me...for 45 years with our ups/downs and most special memories. ~~~I know your time is near~~Oh that I could take your body to mend~~ I know that soon God will be your closest friend~~ I said goodbye as you slept~~I kissed your forehead gently~~My dear friend Cindi you will be missed~~ I thought as I drove away, if only you could be healed I would vote Republican so I could make you happy." ~~~

Pat & TaZzi and Cindi & Jack Black after church..the year before she died. I miss her so.

A week in Upper Michigan at their home to tell Cindi how much we love her..she's the beautiful one in yellowish in the middle. circa 2009

After Michigan on to Louisville, Kentucky "happy". My cousin, Jennifer's wedding and more family reunion.

Jennifer, the lovely bride. Love this picture and I took it!

Pat & Carlene (aunt of the bride) my cousin & forever friend

My aunt Veedee Sue and Pat

Robin (Jen's Mom)

Pat and Jen

Now....on to D.C. for the Ralley.

Meanwhile....back at the Ranch...Gizdich

2010-10-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

October 2, 2010

Girl time is always fun! This is the time of the year when pumpkins, apple pie, cider, orchards, and jams just seem to call my name. Yesterday the name calling included Gizdich Ranch. In my past it is usually a trip that includes grandchildren and their friends. They are now grown and in different places....so I go with the adults....and we act like kids.

Corrie, Deanna, Deanie and I spent the picture-perfect-weather-morning yumming out on Apple pie, ice cream, and coffee at the ranch.

Lots of kids and moms, dads, teachers, and dogs were there. I left TaZzi at home...for a change.

With the continued beautiful weather-day, we drove the richl California Central Coast (Steinbeck Country) to Castroville in search of fried artichokes.

We found the most famous one.

We ordered a mish mosh of items...including fried artichokes, quesadillas, salad, and we were deliciously satisfied.

Us being a little too satisfied

These cute lil gals let us take their pictures w/daddy's permission

So satisfied, we decided to go antiquing. We found a really nice store and spent a bit of time there. Long enough for Deanie to find something she couldn't live without.

A day well-spent, we giggled our way back home.

Annual Oktoberfest~Tyrolean Inn

2010-09-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2010

My autumn isn't complete without Octoberfest. When I'm in Santa Cruz, the best one around is at the Tyrolean Inn.

This year, I went with my friend, Susan and we had a festive time listening to the great polka bands, eating the authentic Bavarian foods, with a huge selection of beers.

Whitney, the always very busy, owner and long-time friend.

One of our delicious selections of food for the occasion.

Just some of the people at our table. We all had a great time in this beautiful redwood setting.

See ya next year, Whitney and Chuck.

Okanagan Valley Country in the Fall

2010-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2010

Some place right near Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley, Helen and I found this great place. I think it was called Cider Works. The hot cider was delicious and we had more than one still warm doughnut, then we took a tour around the orchards. As you can see, TaZzi got to go.

Helen enjoying her cider and doughnut a little

Raven Ridge Cidery is a market leader in Iced Ciders. Raven Ridge Cidery is dedicated to sustainable production, using only locally grown fruit. Our Iced Ciders represent the best of the Okanagan. I could only afford one bottle and I will take it to Baja with me and share with Althea....I bought a white and that's what she likes.alley

Hardy Falls Regional Park is a hiking and sightseeing destination located on the south end of Peachland, BC, Canada in the Okanagan Valley. The waterfall park includes a salmon spawning river named Deep Creek and a well maintained hiking trail leading to the falls.
The walkway is approximately 1 kilometre long. The pathway is made of gravel and boardwalk and crosses over the creek many times on the way to the falls. The walking path to the falls is wheelchair accessible.
There are a few wooden boardwalk foot bridges crossing Deep Creek on the trail. It should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete the hike from the parking lot to the falls.

After we finished the scenic hike (it was easy and we saw no bears) we discovered this Parrot Island Sanctuary.

Parrot Island is a unique sanctuary for exotic birds run by Ray Parkes and his wife Valerie. They have devoted their lives to the preservation of these beautiful animals for the benefit of all.

Ray and Valerie also run a program whereby birds are matched up with individuals in the Okanagan Valley that could benefit from the love and companionship of one of these amazing birds. Both end up benefitting from the mutual love and affection they both share.

Because my computer crashed on this leg of our trip, some of my photos are out of order and when I went back to recreate...the ole memory just wasn't there. I can just say the entire area is so beautiful and we had an incredible time. Pretty soon heading back to Santa Cruz by way of Bend, Oregon to visit old friends.

In my head.....

2010-09-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

September 6, 2010

I'm having to keep my wonderful time in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon in my head. My computer stopped, am getting a new one, will transfer my pictures to my new one and then I will unplug my mind .... and write. .

I'm back in Santa Cruz and on my sis' computer and finally ... in the fall .... there is a bit of summer. It is quite beautiful this Labor Day. Happy Labor Day everyone.

This winter I thought of not going to the Baja for the winter and have changed my mind. For a few months, I was contemplating a trip to Turkey with some friends but have changed my mind.

The pictures below are from the CD of the Fraser River Rafting Expedition I did just before I left BC. It was so much fun and I'm looking for my next rapids,.

I'm 2nd from the left...you got my back.

See you all soon.....gypsymama

To Hell and Back

2010-08-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2010

My friend, Helen, my dog, TaZzi, and I had visited with friends at Boston Bar the day before we went to Hell. We journeyed along the Mighty Fraser River and crossed the gorge in the gondola you see in the pictures below. Hell's Gate is rumored to be nature at it's most magnificent. It is not just rumor. I found out this day and the next. You will find out why in my next blog.

It was TaZzi's 5th birthday and I was happy she was allowed to go. She was a bit skeptical of the gondola. It was very crowded. So was the other side. She didn't lighten up until she got her birthday present. A cone of vanilla ice cream. All the kids and some of the adults wanted to hold it for her to lick. I guess because it was so cute. She was so mannerly

After a refreshingly fabulous day of beauty, great food, and incredible memories, we headed for Hope River RV Park.

Parked by our RV was also this BC Railway Car...a nice touch.

Our yard....and no one was there so we had it all to ourselves; but for another couple. We shared wine and appetizer's with them.

TaZzi loved the swing...it really was her special day!

The Fraser Valley~Bridal Veil Falls

2010-08-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

August 21, 2010

You never know what you'll run into on the way to a destination. We ran into Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. It was a very scenic area in the Fraser Valley where visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and viewing the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, the sixth-highest waterfall in Canada.

Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located at the site of the ancient village of Popkum, which has settlement records dating back to the 1700s. Popkum is a First Nations word meaning puff ball, a plant which grows abundantly in the area. We didn't picnic but we certainly had a spectacular hike and view.

I didn't hike to Bridal Veil Falls; Helen did but I don't have her pictures. She said it was beautiful.

Helen, posing with a very friendly family we kept running in to.

Boston Bar & Baja Friends

2010-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

August 21. 2010

From the Baja, I had known that friends, John and Georgie, lived in Boston Bar but I didn't know we were close to BB on our way to raft...So I gave them a call and they said "Come on Up". We did. We just stayed for a tour, to meet their daughter, have a cup of tea, for a look at their "museum-type" home, to hear some of his jokes (Helen hadn't heard them) and the best part....for the Salmon he had caught and said ... gee I'd give you this Salmon but the refrigerator in your RV probably isn't big enough. It was a big frozen salmon and of course my refrigerator couldn't have kept it frozen, but I said oh yes it is. A frozen salmon has to thaw, right. So we wrapped it in newspapers and towels and stuffed it in the bottom of the refrigerator. It took several days to thaw...wish I had pictures of all we did with that salmon. Best I'd ever had and I'm a connoisseur of salmon.

Every year John and Georgie have a Baja Reunion for their friends from Canada who also go to the Baja in the winter. We missed it but the signs were still up. People just come up in their RV's and camp on their huge property.

They said we were welcome to stay and camp at their place but we already had reservations for an RV Park a bit closer to the Frazer River. We stopped at The Charles Hotel. It is a popular rest stop for travelers headed to the Fraser Canyon...we stopped, we ate, we used their free wi-fi ... on our way to the Mighty Fraser to raft the next morning.

I took this picture because John was listed here as an employee of the Aerial Ferry. He had done that job for a very long time before retirement. I had never thought about what he'd done his entire life. No wonder he has so many stories in so many different dialects and such a sense of humor.

From Powell River to Vancouver

2010-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

August 18, 2010

After visiting good friends. Althea and Brian in Powell River, B.C., I said 'so long' and headed to Vancouver airport to pick up my good friend, Helen, from Santa Cruz. Since I had to go through Gibsons, to catch the ferry to Vancouver, I decided to find Monty (Althea's son) and his wife, Stacy. Had a good 2-3 days with them and .... he loves to cook as much as his Mama....so he did. Had some fabulous meals and he gave me a first rate tour of the area.

Gibsons...the town where the TV series "Beachcombers" was made.

Stanley Park is absolutely divine!

Next stop..Capilano Suspension Bridge

TaZzi got to go on the bridge; it wasn't her favorite thing.

"Take a Hike"

2010-08-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

August 8, 2010

After a couple days of gloom and rain and wind, today, Sunday, was time to get out....and take a hike. Brian was able today, having almost fully recovered from his lawnmower fall (yes, I said lawnmower-another story) that almost killed him, to take me and TaZzi to the Willingdon Beach Trail. We took it easy. What normally takes 1 hour, took us almost 2....but that wasn't because we were that slow. Brian was born in Powell River and he knows way too many people and runs into them wherever we go, we also had to see the first nations artifacts, and TaZzi had to pee at least 50 times and greet the other dogs..

This trail begins here at the registration cabin for the Willington Beach Campsite and takes us to the 4,000 ft. waterfront trail.

If I didn't have such a great place to park my RV (in Brian and Althea's personal RV space at their home), this campsite would be a very peaceful place to stay.

We were greeted by none other than Popeye and Olive Oil.....

In addition to gazing across the sweeping waters of Malaspina Strait, we admired the trees along the shore, reflecting the activity of the original First Nations inhabitants. We heard and watched gulls, cormorants, and harbour seals.

Brian and TaZzi

Following are random pictures along this beautiful trail.

This tree has been broken many times. When it breaks, it just grows back and this one was quite crooked.

Courtesy of the Powell River Forestry Museum, various pieces of logging equipment have been stationed along the trail, including a steam donkey, a bulldozer, and an antique fire pump.

Pat and TaZzi

Brian and TaZzi

Wherever Brian is....TaZzi is ......

This stream was so clear and 'drinkable'

The trail has many access points that go to the beach where there is excellent swimming and places to picnic along the shore. And Brian has many boyhood stories of the trail, some of which I could share.

Old friends, yes, they went to school together....Brian went to school with almost everyone he meets.

Another friendly dog and friendly group of hikers

This trail was once a rail bed used to haul logs to the Powell River Company Mill. It is quite wide and easy to hike or bike. We saw many hikers and bikers and dogs..

TaZzi says "get me off this monster!"

Our hike ends, I'm writing about it, TaZzi is sleeping, Brian and Althea went to the grocery store in preparation for another of her gourmet meals. I know blackberries are involved either tonight or tomorrow night. She won's say; she likes surprising us. And I love surprises.

Unfortunately, I will be gone before that annual blackberry festival is held in a few weeks.

Next week I take a few ferries to Vancouver to pick up Helen, my long-time friend from Santa Cruz She has a one-way ticket and we will explore Vancouver for a few days, then head back to Santa Cruz ...... taking the roads less traveled......

Goats on the Roof and other fun stuff

2010-08-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

August 2, 2010

Old Country Market~Coombs, Vancouver Island

The questions....In 1973, "What if we started a fruit stand beside the highway?" One year later, "What if we sold hamburgers to travelers en route to the west coast?" Two years after that, "What if we built a market?" A market was indeed built and that's how this story began. And later the question was "What if we put goats on the roof?"

Of course, we had fudge~yum~

...and there you have it....Goats on the Roof

Vancouver Island~Chemainus Gallery of Murals

2010-08-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2010

A description of Chemainus (just one of the sights Althea and I visited on our Vancouver Island get-a-way)~~~~~~ Protected by the ocean and mountains Made world famous by our outdoor gallery of murals Made world famous by sinking a Boeing 737 for scuba divers Yet so quaint and quiet you will not want to leave. Enlightened by our culturally rich history. Enchanted by our beauty and warmth. Enthralled by our superb live theatre. Delighted by our diverse dining options. Invigorated by our variety of recreational options There is something for everyone. I borrowed from the Internet, of course. The writer did not lie.

Althea, of course, had been to Chemainus before. She told me I would love it and I did. A most imaginative town, I learned that it had a strong will to survive. After the announcement in 1982 that the major employer in this one industry town, the mill was going to close the coastal community of Chemainus got busy.

Without waiting to hear if the mill would reopen, residents rallied to hold on to the roots they had established here. They beautified the central core. But more was to come. With the remarkable energy and creative vision of resident and businessman Karl Schutz a group of volunteers, and the committed support of the then mayor Graham Bruce and the municipal council, the Festival of Murals Society was born. The downtown was revitalized and introduced to outdoor art gallery of murals. The first town to do this and indeed Chemainus became an example to the world as to how grow tourism via the art of murals. From just five wall murals and lots of spirit in the summer of 1981, Chemainus has struggled, grown and succeeded in literally putting itself on the map.

I can think of some other towns that could use this kind of creativity. Now onto see some Goats on a Roof. Althea is a good tour guide.

Vancouver Island in Pictures~Day 1 & 2

2010-08-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

July 30, 2010

Althea and I stole away from Powell River and Brian and TaZzi for three days. We drove the side kick, and of course took many ferries to Vancouver Island I had been to Victoria years ago for just a short time. The Island is so much more than Victoria. Our first stop was to see friends we know in Baja and as you can see from their faces...it was a surprise to them that we were there. Jim is a builder and they were putting on the final touches for their new home Love that yellow!. We only wanted to stop with our greetings since we were right in their area. It's a lovely property.

Jim and Leah

Our next stop was in Victoria to see Althea's 97 year mother. We had a nice long chat with her and I bought some of her note cards that she still creatively makes and sells. What a together woman and she still is so sharp.

After we left her, we met up with Althea's brother and sister-in-law (no pictures) at a local pub. We then took a short drive to their beautiful home. It was so nice to meet so much of Althea's family.

yep, they look alike!

Well rested, after spending the night at a hotel in Victoria, we had breakfast in the lobby of the hotel. A bit more than a Continental breakfast; I'd say, and it was quite satisfying. Another ferry later, we arrived at our good friends home, Barb and Jim on Salt Springs Island. We also met them in Mexico. They are the best hosts and their home is not only lovely and large, but very happily lived in.

Enter Barb and Jim's property

The grands were visiting and they greeted us.

Althea and Jim

My perfect cup of latte .... brewed by Barb and better than Starbucks!

Barb at her latte magic maker....

Barb flipping those bison burgers and dogs.

Pat & Barb

Like every fun party, we ended with song and piano playing.
Chop Stix!

Everyone Loves a Parade

2010-07-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2010

The Powell River Sea Fair Parade, for almost 50 years, brings out the entire community for fun in the last weeks of July. I had a blast riding in the parade with Brian in his vintage 1937 McLaughlin Buick, honking that ooga horn and waving to everyone. Althea didn't want to go this year so I got to. Hundreds of people lined the streets for floats, music, dancing, horses, the car show,

The event took place the entire weekend with a superb pot luck dinner for the car clubs. I met people from all over BC.

They look pretty dramatic in black and white....that's probably how they looked bay in the day down by the ocean in Powell River.

The End or the Beginning?

2010-07-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

July 12, 2010

Where are we going today? To the end of the road. If you're from, or have traveled the west coast ...US, Canada, Mexico....you have, no doubt, been on Highway 101. It is one of the world's longest highways. The Pacific Coastal Highway aka Highway 101 stretches 15,020 Kms (9,312 miles) all the way from Castro on Chile's south coast to end in the tiny hamlet of Lund on BC's Sunshine Coast. Lund is a beautiful and slow half hour drive along the coast from where I'm nesting in Powell River. And that is where we spent a few hours today. Lund lies on a secluded harbour backed by the magnificent peaks of the Coast Mountains. So was it the beginning or the end? Must be the beginning because look at that sign below that says..Mile Zero.

And this sign says "The Start of...no.....the end of Highway 101. Looks like they are confused, too.

We ate at the historic refurbished Lund Hotel built in 1889 by Frederick and Charles Thulin, who named the fishing village after the university city of Lund in Sweden.

..then.....

now......

I only took pictures of the appetizers when they were half gone. As you can see, the shrimp, the oysters, and the salad were quite appetizing.

Chelsea (age 19) was our server. She is from Alaska. In October she is ...leaving alone.... and is 'hitching' from the beginning to the end......yes, she is hitching to Chile. With a backpack. Now, I wouldn't even do that. Especially at age 19. She's very personable and I hope she has a safe trip and a great adventure. I wish her the best. I told her if I see her, I will pick her up.

Chelsea and the other Gypsy!

Today Lund is a major stopover for tourists and vacationers. In the summer the 800 year-round residents increases substantially. .It was once a port for isolated coastal logging operations, and the last stop in civilization for those heading north

Helicopter Pad.....yes, and an over sized chess set.

We strolled the boardwalk around the harbour and watched the constant hustle and bustle of the busy little harbour, and visited the arts and crafts shops.......and took lots of pictures.

This coastline has year-round salmon fishing and there are many charter boats in Lund and Powell River, guided by experienced captains experienced in finding the ideal fishing hole. There is the Dinner Rock Campground, located directly on the ocean on a bit of a rough road. The recreation site offers basic facilities and campsites, including walk-in and vehicle sites. This is where you want to be when a full moon lights up Malaspina Strait and shooting stars rain in the night sky. I hope I'm here for a full moon.

thanks, friends......

Canada "speak"

2010-07-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

BUB Interprets that FAMOUS Canadian phrase *EH*!

Subject: Understanding Canadians

It has come to my attention that some people are having a tough time understanding Canadians like myself. So I am going to run through a very brief translation of the Canadian dialect and hopefully ease some minds out there.

EH= pronounced AY (similar but not the same as huh)

Eh is a useful word that is very important and is the basis of all Canadian communications.It is used in conjunction with other words, or simply by itself. The tone or the slight difference in exclamations also changes the meaning.

Eh= what did you say?
Eh?= what do you think
EH?= something to say just to end a sentence
Eh!!= WOW!!
EH!?= what do you mean?
Eh??= your joking!!!??
EH!!= Hello..you off in the distance!!!
Eh?= want a donut?
Eh!= sure!!
Eh!Eh!= coffee double cream too please!
Eh?= what you say when you realize you have no money to pay for it
Eh..cmon eh?= asking them to let you pay for it next time.
hey..eh!= want to go to the drive in movie??
Eh...uhuh= yes sure!
Eh..y'know= Ill pick you up at 8
Eh..cmon!!= well thats early..but ok
Eh..wanna?eh?= lets fool around
EHHHHHHH= sounds coming from the car
hey..um..er eh...= Im pregnant
EH?????????= how did that happen?
EHHehhEHHehhEHHH= sounds from the delivery room
EHHH ehh EHHH ehh= babys first cry
Ehh..whadya think eh?= marry me

other usefel terms:
hoser= a good friend..
take off!= you are kidding,no way,fly an airplane
skates= what all canadians wear as first shoes(thats why we walk funny)
lumberjack= something in our genes..
screech= a nice drink
swish= a drink made from leftover screech barrels
The Rock= Newfoundland
Newfoundland= pronounced noofunlan
Dory= Newfoundland cruise liner
Toronto= pronounced Trawna
Lake Ontario= where all sewers drain into
Yukon= a drink
Two Four= case of beer
sixty pounder= large bottle of screech
Over by= still havent deciphered that term yet

The Canadian citizenship test:

spell canada= C eh N eh D eh

who was the first Prime Minister=Sir John EH Macdonald

So if you hear me talking like this.
Hey..eh..cmon eh hoser!
y'know take off!!
EH??umm err well hey ok eh!

it's friendly!
8-)
bub

What...This isn't an Island?

2010-07-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

July 5, 2010

I'm feeling right at home here in Powell River. From the mundane....washing dishes, running errands (I drive the Suzuki because Althea and Brian are recovering), recycling, picking and eating cherries, sitting on the deck watching the ocean and all that passes through, and did I mention....eating? Althea has cooked all the meals so far. She can't drive but she can certainly cook.

This city feels like an island to me. Guess one of the reasons is it takes 2 ferries to get here. Powell River is so easy to get around in. I don't even need my GPS It is long and it seems as if most of the houses, businesses, schools, and restaurants are right by the ocean. It's small, only about 22,000 people. Brian and Althea know all of them....most all of them. Some of the people here never leave the island.....I mean the "bush"...I mean the town. It takes some effort as the ferries are sometimes busy and don't always run.

The ocean just yards from us is not loud and not a surfer's beach. Powell River is on the "inside passage" and is a naturally protected waterway from Seattle to Skagway in southeastern Alaska. It winds through Canadian waters and is protected from the open Pacific by 300-mile-long Vancouver Island and by hundreds of smaller islands to the north. My sister and I cruised the inside passage from Alaska about 4 years ago and it took us past some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Desolate shoreline and towering glacial peaks.

At one time, Powell River is said to have been close to 20,000 First Nations people for many thousands of years. Prior to European settlement the region was the year round home of the Silammon First Nation. In the early 1900's, logging arrived to the area. A few years later it was the center of the newsprint world.

This region, known as the Sunshine Coast, is blessed with not only the Pacific ocean, but with many crystal clear lakes, inlets, rainforests, salmon rivers, idyllic islands and friendly people who take a special pride in their community. It is considered a Pearl on the Sunshine Coast.... and I am so happy to be here; not as a tourist, but as a quasi member of this community..

Brian and an old friend.

All Roads Lead to a Ferry or Two

2010-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2010

My long-time travel plans to B.C. are here...now. I am not disappointed. Of course, I just arrived but had the time of my life getting here as you can read in previous postings.

A few years ago I traveled briefly 4 provinces of Canada in my RV and I knew then I would come back to get in-between-the-lines of Canada. I will stay for a few months.

My home base while here is with my Baja neighbors, Althea and Brian and they have a 5 STAR Driveway (actually it's a ramp specifically for RV's) for me to park Phoebe McGee. Electricity, Water, TV, wi-fi, Pacific Ocean as my front yard, a Suzuki, laundry room, bath tub, food fit for any gypsy and .... they love my dog.

I took this picture on the way to Powell River on the ferry..

Brian and Althea's home...and yes, those are cherry trees and they are almost ready. I've already gotten a few good ones.

See that long (line) in the ocean? It was all logs and Althea said the logs go deep into the ocean. It was being pulled by such a small tug.

My 5 Star drive-way.

Now you know where I am. Tomorrow I will see more of this area and I can't wait!

Yes, I'm lovin this place called "The Sunshine Coast"!

Old Friends~New Friends

2010-06-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2010

By the time I arrived in Belfair, Washington (Tiger Lake) at Don and Joyce's, I wasn't feeling well. Within a few days I got better...thanks to my doc from Santa Cruz who phoned in an Rx for me and my friends' taking good care of me. We ate at 2 Margaritas with some of Don and Joyce's friends (now mine) had some good food. Margaritas were pretty good, too.

The next day we went to Park at Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton with an old friend of Joyce's (Maxine). She is definitely the "real Maxine". Such a character. In her 90's and sharp as a tack.

Maxine and Joyce

Don and TaZzi

Don doesn't stop working til it's time for Happy Hour which we held every night. Since I was sick my happiness was found in a ginger ale.

Relaxing on the patio, TaZzi is always happy on Don's lap.

Tiger Lake is quite beautiful as you can see and they have their property up for sale. They live in the Baja in the winter for about 6 months and they will stay in the Bremerton area but want to downsize. Their home in Baja is exquisite..

Now onto catch a ferry to BC.

Don and Joyce's front yard

Fire Hydrants and Cowboys???

2010-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2010

Even though I've been up this way before, each time I take a different route. I am so overcome with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.....from Santa Cruz to Oregon. Eugene is where I am now and this is new territory for me. I had a short and sweet visit with a friend.who has just moved here to a lovely 'sustainable' home What a lovely way to live. And yes, I am going to get solar for Phoebe McGee, soon.

It is Summer Solstice 2010 and I have a little extra time today. It has been the best weather day I've had since I left Santa Cruz. Happy summer everyone.

As usual, I have been making up my mind as I go. It keeps me almost worry-free and very present. My first major stop was in Klamuth Falls. Who knew the town doesn't exactly have waterfalls! It seems if you really look, there is a trail along the river, called the Link River Nature Trail and there is a small amount of water that falls. We didn't go but we did love the town.

You don't have to drive far to see the beauty of Klamuth Falls. The above pictures were all taken at a rest area.

All the mountains are snow covered and I would have been happier if someone else had been driving so I could take more pictures. .

Back in the 1800's, Klamuth Falls was called Linkville and the Trolly's in the town reflect that historical name.

Every town has a farmer's market and Klamuth Falls is no exception.

Since I didn't take a long hike, go rafting or go on a jet boat ride, we were pretty much done after a few hours. We didn't have far to drive to get to one of my favorite places. Crater Lake. The pictures say it all and not much can be said about the lake's mysterious and sacred shattered remnant of a volcano called, Mount Mazama. I took so many pictures, I couldn't figure out which ones to post. How did I do? Since adjectives don't work for this lake, I will briefly write about its history

Crater Lake is 5 miles wide and, as you can see, some of it is ringed by cliffs 2,000 feet high. The volcano erupted and collapsed into itself 7,700 years ago. Other later eruptions formed an island and other volcanic features are now hidden under the lake filled with rain and melted snow. It is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. It is 1,943 feet deep.

Mount Mazama began to grow half a million years ago Humans have lived around the mountain for more than 10,000 years and probably witnessed its cataclysmic eruption. Crater Lake has long played a significant role in the cultures of local American Indian tribes. Prospectors, in search of gold in 1853 found the lake, and word spread of its beauty, people began visiting from all over the world. It became a national park on May 22, 1902.

For more than a century, scientists have investigated the lake with sonar, submarines, and scientific instruments. The lake that formed in the volcanoes shattered remnants is one of the purest and most pristine in the world. I didn't make this up, I got most of the information from a brochure. More pictures of the lake and the area in the national park are below.

The Lodge

We were planning on staying overnight but when I found out there could be snow, I decided to high-tail it out. It was only in the low 40's during the day. So we drove. When I say we, I mean my TaZzi and me. My only partner!

Almost didn't make it to Crater Lake as we had a bit of a jolt driving up the beautiful little road '97'. Here is what stopped us! (pictures snapped through my dirty windshield)

Thanks cowboy!

We stumbled into a great place to do a sleep-over. In the very small town of Westfir (an hour south of Eugene) exists Casey's Riverside RV Park. All the RV's park within yards of the Willamette River. The river is a major tributary of the Columbia River and is 187 miles long (302 km). The water is very cold as it comes down from the mountains and the splashing valley torrents create a vibrant flow. Historically, it was known as a wild river and to me it still looks a bit wild.

Today will be a driving day. On to Washington ...right after breakfast at another spectacularly beautiful park The serve a complimentary continental breakfast. It is called Eugene Premier RV . Resort. I've been lucky to stay at Good Sam Membership Parks and I'm a member so I get a bit of a discount.

Did I ever mention that....I love my life so much, I sometimes feel embarrassed? This park delivers a newspaper to your door. Gotta go get my bagel and juice now and wake TaZzi up to take her to the doggie park.