Tag Archives: susan magnolia

trip to Monterey

We drove to Monterey. First on the list however was to visit the Clover Bakery on our way south. Also part of this pilgrimage involved going to the Mitsuwa Marketplace where Kinokuniya books also resides. It is great fun!

Many unexpected things happened on day one including having AAA come out and jump start the rental car’s battery and then getting a new rental car. Next discovering our hotel reservation was not what we reserved and then finding a new hotel in Pacific Grove. We laughed about it being April Fool’s Day but were ultimately thankful for the location of our new hotel. We had an excellent dinner of ahi tuna and found this alligator in a shop window. 🙂

After breakfast we walked by the coast and saw the deer and harbor seals that hang out in this fenced off area. We remembered them from last time and was happy to watch a young seal navigate the shallow waters.

This is the coast by our hotel in Pacific Grove. It is so beautiful and Emma could not wait to get to the shore to look for rocks and tide pools. The weather was cool but the 20 mph winds made it freezing. I was a happy popsicle.

Our days largely consisted of eating and then going back to the breathtaking ocean that was always near with some rest stops at the hotel. I think that the water is so beautiful in Monterey but the added bonus is watching the sea otters in the waves. They are so cute.

It was never not cold and we quickly dismissed the idea of kayaking in Moss Landing or even riding in the pedal boats at the park. We were happier getting warm drinks and eating yummy food and limiting our outside activities to walks to and from the coast or looking in boutique shops. Our last dinner was a great little taqueria we would love to return to. All in all we had great food and it was very pretty scenery.

July 2024


When we returned from Los Angeles Emma began swim lessons.


Spotted amazing posters at Oaklandish.


We toured a new school in the redwoods.


Emma went to the dentist and then we got yummy ice cream at Curbside Creamery.


Many days were spent at Roberts pool.


We tried on dresses at J.Crew but of course ended up buying a dress at the thrift store instead.


We met a neighbor cat and became cat sitters for another cat who lives down the street.

some pics from February

January and February are not my favorite. However February’s pink flowered covered trees help tremendously!

A rainy walk.

Candlelight makes interiors nicer. This was an afternoon electricity black out.

We decided to get rid of our TV and put up a bunch of artwork on this wall again.

A valentine’s themed park day was a highlight.

A trip to the bakery.

More rain. Lots and lots of rain.

Thankful for the magnolias.

lately in January

We visited the Oakland museum with Gene and saw the Creative Growth exhibit of local artists.

We hung out a few times with Cindy and she made us yummy food.

Emma helped Robert in the Bonsai garden.

Quince at the Bonsai Garden.

We had a mini date at the local brewery the 2 Pitchers.

Once we brought Emma and discovered Friday nights are popular with families.

First magnolias at the Gardens of Lake Merritt.

Emma being a super reader.

Tracking state quarters.

December 2023

So much happens in December. We made crafts and knitted, made spiced nuts and carefully wrapped gifts. We ice skated and ate meals with friends and family and had so much fun that I did not take any pictures at all. Still, I am so glad that I continue to share a few photos here to help me remember. And I know this is true at the end of every month but somehow at the years end I really want to hold it all and not let it go. This blog has preserved the sweetest moments for me to look back on. It is my heart on the internet. Thank you for visiting.

We brought Hugo, our Norfolk Pine inside and decorated our apartment for Christmas.

We attended a concert at the Paramount called “Let Us Break Bread” that honored Tina Turner. It was a lot of fun and totally worth it even in our top floor balcony seats.

We flew to Los Angeles to visit family.

Emma and Grandpa. We stay in Grandpa’s living room and watch old movies with him every day.

There were many old photo albums to look at and I snapped so many photos of my Mom. I still wear her blue shirt. 🙂

We had a wonderful time with family, delivering and opening presents and sipping prosecco (me) at the huge Christmas Eve party. Lots of sweets, yummy food and good conversation.


Stocking treats for me.


Here is Emma sporting a new shirt and jewelry and eating blueberries on Christmas day. Such a lucky kid.

After Christmas we are eager to return home to maiki.

We walked around the lake and visited the library in Chinatown.

Spent the last day of the year in Dimond park by Sausal creek with friends.