The Dynamic Duo

California continued!
One of my priorities when I am in California is to spend as much time as possible close to the ocean, so I was excited that our first day of activities included a trip to Avilla Beach. Unfortunately, however, it was not the calm, sunny day I had ordered up. It was pretty windy, but the ever-prepared Dave extracted three kites from his hidden reservoirs of fun, along with a plastic backpack filled with sand toys. Jim tried his hand at the boxy Sprite-kite; this one was so good it seemed impossible NOT to fly it. Dave flew a more traditional kite (can’t remember what that one was) and I got to fly the Barbie kite with the long, pink plastic tails. It was a lot of fun since it was something I don’t often do nowadays, and because I was flying it perfectly (something I don’t often do any day) ! I put this down to a combination of wind and skill, but I think it was mostly the wind.
The dauntless Michael rented a wet suit and surf board and hit the waves. By this time Jim was coming down with Michael’s cold, so he wisely opted out of this activity. It was pretty cold, but Michael played in the surf for quite a while, even though he “biffed’ it a few times. Debi kept a watchful eye (and camera) on Michael, Jane explored and Francie & Neil watched all activities from a comfortable bench.
Later Jim and I got into a “kite war” and he broke Barbie’s string! After carrying the sand toys around all afternoon, I decided to try some out, only to discover that they were sealed shut with inpenetrable plastic ties. They probably remain in that state to this day, as do many of the items I purchase. Anyone got a quick trick for opening CD and DVD cases?
When it came time to find a place to eat, Jane was the hero of the day. She insisted we try the restaurant at the end of the pier, and it proved to be a winner. On our way down the pier, we saw a platform filled to the brim with harbor seals. More were trying to get on, but it was pretty much filled to capacity. There was a little one on one end who seemed to be in danger of being bumped off, but he was still there when we traversed back down the pier after an excellent meal of fresh clam chowder & fish & chips.
The next day was Hearst Castle day, a must-see attraction for anyone visiting in the San Luis vicinity.
(Okay, Bob I tried to insert a link here to the Hearst Castle website, but it doesn’t show up in the ‘preview;)
I was excited for Jim to experience this, and I think he thoroughly enjoyed it. Willima Randolph Hearst constructed this edifice about 50 years ago in the hills of San Simeon. It was one of many homes he owned, but he loved entertaining guests, who included many of the era’s celebrities, there with the help of his mistress, actress Marion Davies. Many priceless art treasures and construction wonders are featured in the several offered tours. The tour starts with a panoramic movie (what do your call theaters where it seems you are right there?) of Hearst’s life and times. His architect was the amazing Julia Morgan, the first female architect in California. After the movie, we were bussed to the actual mansion complex. We had an excellent tour guide who kept us entertained with little known tidbits of information and was very personable. Mr. Hearst, it seems was the ruling monarch of this little kingdom, and imposed several rules on his guests. Though he stayed there with his mistress, no unmarried guests were allowed to cohabit. He didn’t allow sleeping in; he wanted his guests up and doing stuff. He did not allow food in the rooms, and the evening meal was a mandatory affair. Apparently, when you first arrived, you were seated near Mr. Hearst at the long dinner table. The longer you stayed, however, the further away became your placecard. A subtle hint, perhaps?
Our tour guide encouraged questions, ( I think he enjoyed showing off his knowledge), and I took full advantage of this. Halfway through the tour, while we were standing in the formal dining room, my brother, Dave whispered to me a question. I guess (according to him, at least) he asked, “Did he say anything about the chairs?” (meaning the old & uncomfortable appearing dining room chairs) But this is what I heard, “mmmmnnn chairs?” “What?” I returned. He repeated the question, with the same results. “What?” I asked again, “You want to know if I said something about the chairs?”
Again, he repeated, and this time I said, probably a bit too loudly “I can’t hear you!”
“You can’t hear me?” asked the tour guide. “I thought I was speaking loudly.”
“Yes, I can hear you,” I flustered, “But my brother….........uh,........the chairs….and I couldn’t hear him, and ….....uh…..Can you tell us about the chairs?” The chairs, it appears, were not antiques, and were, reportedly, comfortable.
On our drive back to San Luis, we stopped at the elephant seal beach. There are usually lots of elephant seals and harbor seals basking on the beaches there, and this day, fortunately for us, was not an exception. I’m not sure what the place is actually called. You are separated from the seals by a fence & railing, but are close enough. It was really cool.
I believe that evening we had dinner at Francie and Neil’s. Their kitchen was very well-stocked in anticipation of our visit, and Neil skillet-grilled hot dogs. There was also sliced ham, cheese, avocado dip and lots of chips and soda. Perfect.
The game-playing afterwards was a nightly ritual. Diminishing Whist, Hello Kitty Uno, Scooby Doo Monopoly. For the non-game players, there was a large selection of videos to choose from, and a playful Andre to entertain. Also a nightly ritual, it appeared, would be the presenting of the birthday gifts. Dave & Jane had gone all out and had some Harry & David gift box assortments, actually one for each night! I had been accumulating some small gifts for my adorable, totally-deserving-of-gifts sister, so I was able to hold my own in the “gift war”, all in fun, of course. Panther had a beautiful, original painting for Francie, but was afraid it wouldn’t travel well in luggage, and decided to mail it later. The gift de resistance was from all of us. It seems that many years ago (in a galaxy far, far away), Francie had asked her brother if he had Aunt Essel’s quilt. If so, and if he wasn’t going to use it, could she have it? Aunt Essel was our grandmother’s sister. The only memory of her I have is going to her hospital room in Texas shortly before she died. I think I was about 10 or so. I fainted in her hosptial room, apparently jealous of the attention she was receiving. Actually, I think it was the smell of some of the medications. As a child, I had a quilt on my bed that either she or my grandmother made, and I used it to oblivion. They were that sunburst, or starbust kind of pattern, like rays shooting out from the center to distant points along the borders of the quilt. Anyway, Dave remembered this long-ago conversation, and miraculously was actually able to find the quilt. We wrapped it up and presented it to Francie in Dave & Jane’s motel room near the end of the week. At first Francie didn’t recognize it, but as she became aware, she was overcome with emotion. I am so glad she has it now.
This vacation isn’t over yet, not by a long shot ! Stay tuned for more exciting San Luis adventures!

UltraMom

Michael’s Goin’ Surfin’, Surfin’ USA

Hearst Castle, the Infamous Neptune Pool. Word is that all the castle employees get to have a swim party there at the end of each season.

Near the pier at Avilla Beach. Isn’t the little one on the end cute?

Elephant Seals are big!

The Quilt