Sunday, December 18, 2016

Opt Outside

Are you busy this time of year? I know that I am. There is so much to do that I haven't had any time for visits in Blogland, and forget about writing a blogpost. My shop has been pretty busy over the past six weeks which makes me very happy. I participated in two holiday fairs and did well. On top of that I started a new part-time job in a high school library at the end of October - when I get a few pictures I will tell you more about that. Ten days ago Kaefer came home for the holidays and I enjoy every single minute with her. It is wonderful to hear her singing all the time, she's practicing the piano a lot and we binge watch old seasons of "Call the Midwife".

She was home a couple days over Thanksgiving as well. We celebrated Thanksgiving with friends of us and their extended family - a wonderful loud and crazy family, just the way I like it. On Black Friday we decided not to join the other famous craziness but opt outside instead. I think this started last year when REI announced that their stores are closed for Black Friday to give their employees - and customers - the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. It was such a successful idea that it was repeated this year, and this time the California State Parks participated by giving away free passes. We were lucky to get a pass to our Sugarloaf Ridge State Park which is just 10 miles away from where we live.


It was a rather gray day, perfect for hiking. We did a four mile hike up the mountain and then across some meadows back down to the parking lot.

Every now and then we stopped for the views. Even here in the wilderness we could see vineyards - they seem to be everywhere in our county.


We walked through forests and open land, up and down, sometimes very steep. I'm not very good at steep climbing anymore...




But we were rewarded with great views from the top over the land to the bay - I think that you can see San Francisco from here on clear days.



There was still some fog lingering over the valleys.

On our way we saw so much beauty. Nature always fascinates me and I feel refreshed after spending time in the outdoors.





But the very best of this day was that I could spend it with my two favorite people.




12 comments:

Michelle said...

Beautiful views and some nice close ups. Always a good day when you can spend it with the ones you love.

Elephant's Child said...

Opting out sounds perfect. Thank you for sharing the magic - and I hope that you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and New Year to come.

krishna said...

very beautiful pictures.. This December I yet to go hiking..

Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

Sue (this n that) said...

Hello Carola, it's been a while since I visited your blog and I've enjoyed reading your post. You've been have a great time with your loved ones and, of course, all your beautiful photography never fails to delight. Enjoy your Christmas and have a very Happy New Year. Cheers for now, :D)

Darla said...

We are spoiled by the natural beauty in our area. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy it with your daughter and husband. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season.

Linda Kay said...

Wonderful photos. Hope you and yours have a blessed Christmas weekend.

Magic Love Crow said...

I'm happy everything is going well at your shop and at the fairs! You've been busy! Love your photos! Have a very Merry Christmas! Big Hugs!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Wonderful pictures, my favorite is the last one with your husband and daughter -so cute!

Nice that you shop is doing so well, that's great!

Merry Christmas.

Jeanie said...

The photos of your trip are wonderful. Great eye, camera and subject matter!

Three cheers on your successful fairs and sales. So glad you are having a good season!

Cheri said...

Your photos make me want to get out! Maybe our first warm winter day... Right now temps in the 40's so - no - not a fan of being cold!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful to spend the day, and so much better than battling crowded stores in the mania to grab deals on stuff nobody really needs. I spent "black Friday" relaxing at home, but I love the idea of making it an outdoor day. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Beautiful fotos! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!