San Diego to Santa Barbara

Two years ago we drove up the PCH exploring northern California along the coast. Now it was time to see the southern half-San Diego to Santa Barbara. I was anxious to see all of those beach towns like Malibu, Venice Beach and La Jolla. We began the trip in San Diego with a visit to Balboa Park. 

Who could resist the "Best Burgers in the World" at Hodad's in Ocean Beach? Not me. I don't know about the best in the world, but definitely at the top of the list.

The view from our hotel at Laguna Beach. Beautiful sunsets and endless surfers. Being a beach bum as its appeal.

    
 Mission bells at San Juan Capistrano


I had always heard about the swallows returning every year. They arrive in the summer and make their mud nests in the walls of the old stone church and stay until October. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see them. Supposedly the warmer temperatures kept them away this year.

Bird of Paradise that seems to grow wild in La Jolla

Santa Barbara has to be one of the most beautiful towns ever! This is the SB County Clerks-Recorder Office. Typical of the Spanish style architecture that you see throughout southern CA.

A view to the hills overlooking SB. The clouds look threatening, but no rain.

The view of the SB harbor from Brophy Brothers where we had our last dinner. Delicious seafood and a great way to end our trip.

Notes From The Studio

The dog days of summer are here, and rather than working in the yard, I've been spending time in the studio. Thankfully,it is air conditioned! Here is a preview of what I've been doing lately.

Metallic leaves on hand made paper, floating above a sheet of
silver paper

Two pieces from a suite of four. Painted on French hand made

paper. All of these are floating on a 

linen panel and framed in

acrylic.

Classic ornamentation in metallic paint on gray fabric. Floating

on a linen panel. I don't think the metallic paint shows well, at

least not on my screen. Kudos to Brent for his great framing

work and encouragement!!

QUOTES

I love quotations. Whether humorous or inspirational, they convey so much in so few words. 

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to the 18th century English clergyman, John Wesley. It is referred to as The Kindness Prayer.

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." So simple, so powerful.

"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself." - Rita Mae Brown

If you have a favorite quote, I'd love to hear it. 

This past Memorial Day weekend had me thinking of barbecue and the smell of a smoking grill. Nature had other plans though, and along with the thunder and lightning came a deluge of rain, and more rain. It has been one for the record books.

With my patio under water and no sun in sight, my yen for barbecue had to be satisfied. I found this recipe for slow cooked pork sandwiches that should take care of any carnivore cravings, and it looks super easy.

Simple-easy-yummy

Here is the recipe:

Two pound pork loin roast
12 ounces of root beer
18 ounces of your fav barbecue sauce
coleslaw

Place pork in slow cooker
Pour root beer over pork
Cover and cook for 6 hours on low, or until pork shreds easily with a fork
Remove pork and drain off liquid
Shred pork and return to cooker with barbecue sauce
Continue heating for about 1/2 hour
Put pork on buns and top with coleslaw

These would make great sliders.