Horse and Home: Sonoma Valley Break, Part One

Some of you may know, or remember, that the Paradis family has one or two attachments

 in San Francisco Bay area, which prompt us from time, to time to make a break

for the North.  Last weekend we were lucky to share our time with this little guy, named Eeyore (of course) at his home in Sonoma Valley.  A hop, skip and dawdle from lovely Petaluma.

What a difference four months of rain make, the hills were green(er) again.

And from the little house in which we stayed, known as "the Saddle House", 

at Cerro Pampa Cottages and Polo Field, there were views of them.

And views.

It is a rugged and rustic place.  So wear sturdy shoes.  Your car will get dusty.  Though inside,

very, very nicely appointed, with a perfectly blissful bed, utter silence at night, and stars.....

and in the morning, those views....views...views.

 (the above is not the Saddle House but another rental - link here)

There is a clay tennis court on the property, play-able - but at the time of our visit, suffering from a soupcon of benign neglect.  Cerro Pampa is not quite a 5-star resort, if that is your expectation....

But an other sort of haven.  For hares, ground squirrels, wild turkeys and other fascinating fauna.

A place to ride horses at the Polo field across the way (see Part Two to come).  Or to visit the coast and the wine country all around.

(To work on your marriage, in utter privacy and seclusion - judging by the book supply in the house.  There were also many cookbooks AND a Henry James reader at the time of our visit.  Sorry - had to introduce just a hint of dramatic tension to my happy history - wink wink.)

Or just a place to pass a sweet and pleasant moment if you are in the vicinity. 

Highly recommended.  IT WILL DO YOU GOOD.

The View From Up Here: The SkyGarden at 20 Fenchurch Street

Yes.  20 Fenchurch Street is that hulking form that you'll see rising above you

like someone's bad sci-fi dream as you gaze across the Thames from the Tate Modern

or Hay's Galleria at London Bridge.  It makes "the Shard" (across the river) look positively inspired, artistically speaking.

20 Fenchurch Street is otherwise known in London as the "Walkie-Talkie" or, the "Cheesegrater".

You can use your imagination (or click here).  Thankfully, there is the SkyGarden.  Free admittance.

Glorious views of changing London.  The Natwest Tower - at left - in the 80's and the "Gherkin" - at right - in the 90's once dominated the skyline.  But the City is astoundingly different now, with no signs of construction - and thus change - stopping, if one is judging by the building crane count.

Some liken the SkyGarden to an airport lounge.  But that IS a tiny bit excessive and unkind.

It's quite a pleasant place.  If you love light, greenery, clean air, open views and.....cakes.  (Plus two bars and two restaurants.)

Sadly.  Despite the compelling visuals, the 3-color cake at center left did not pass the discriminating 

Paradis palate test.  It was artificial tasting and too sweet and otherwise flavorless and expensive.  So you're forewarned.

There is a viewing platform outside.  Very cute seating inside also includes Stark bubble sofas and blankets for chilly days.

You must book your visit in advance.  Do NOT though, think that it will be an inexpensive outing with the kids and bring your own food (like my parents would have done).  THEY WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU.  

If you don't buy them some of those cakes!!!!!!!!!! Hello???!!!!!

Where the West Was Won.....Ricardo Breceda - Sculptor, Designer, Very Cool Dude

On our way to Anza Borrego Desert State Park the other day...

it was hard to miss these guys.  Perched on outcroppings and eventually....

MASSED - like a movie director's slightly deranged dream

on the long and winding road into the State Park.

The Paradis family and friends were not the ONLY people

to find this crowd AMAZING, STUNNING, BEGUILING

and MAJORLY ARTISTIC.

All springing exuberantly from the minds and hands of a single man.

It was a reminder to us that you have to get off road.  Regularly.

Because it's not always on the major routes and roadways......that the race in life is won.

Sometimes you have to follow your own lead - as Mr. Breceda demonstrates, to arrive in Paradise.

Ricardo Breceda 

Check out his web page and that amazing, happy smile.  The guy has it totally figured out!

The Wonderful Riches of Oz - And I Do Mean, Australia!

Some highlights for you all......

I'm still recovering.  Soaking it all in.  Remembering.  Regretting.

How little time I had to wander Melbourne's pretty little neighborhoods.

The meals I missed in cozy, authentique, gemutlich bars.

I'm still marvelling over the exuberant creativity.

And wishing I could experience more of the artistic energy.

 I'm still gobsmacked by the creatures and the features.......

The plethora of neighborhoods with history and charm.

The best of the new world and the delights of some older ones......

The food of uniformly high standard, and freshness.

The mix of the exotic and the mundane.

A cheeky insouciance.

And did I mention the food!!!?????  O.M.G.!

Did you know that OZ would look like this?  I did not.  Oh the wonder, the wonder......!

(Peoples got it allllll going on!!!!)

Two Travelling Birds - I Want to Be Them When I Grow Up

How do you make romance last a little bit longer

and love a lot larger?

Find something that you and your special one can both be passionate about

 AND GO DO IT!

together.

Like these two do.

Discovering TOGETHER.

Indulging in some kind of play - 

like this large-scale kind that is called travel.....

Is, according to science, a wonderful way

to prolong your own life and that of your loved ones.

Engaging in new explorations - (and what's old, as if it's the first time you've ever seen it)

is a healthy, happy way to be in the world.  If only we ALL could ALWAYS be

TWO TRAVELLING BIRDS

minus the carbon footprint, of course!

How was your Thanksgiving?