3/4/21

Rainy Day People

It rained pretty much the whole live-long day yesterday. I'd complain except that I know Southern California really needs the rain. I've read two articles in the past 24 hours that stated wildflower blooms would be sparse this year. In Death Valley, where we are headed next, they've received only 14% of the rain necessary for a bloom there. Another article showed some last year/this year photos of the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. You might remember we visited there a couple of years ago and saw these fabulous flowers.


So, that said, I know the rain was welcome, and it was a good rain too.

We had nothing on our agenda, and so we lazed around most of the day. I took an hours-long nap in the afternoon, which surprised me. Since I slept fine last night, I figure I must have needed the sleep. It means I don't have a lot to tell you today. I started on the Liberty Sampler though. This one has lots of different stitches, and so it's going to be fun to do.


It uses only two colors of floss, red and blue, so it's practically another redwork piece with a few blue accents. Of course, my helper cat was with me every stitch of the way.


It's our last day in Vista, and we'll start our trip returning home tomorrow. First stop will be a few days in Death Valley before the long slog to Oregon. 

We'll be getting some groceries this morning. There isn't much in Death Valley, and so we need to get some things before heading off into the wilderness. Also, we're having a final dinner with our friends this evening. While having lunch the other day, we told them we'd prepare our world famous Oysters Rockaway. (I can say it's "world famous" because I've written about it on my blog, and I happen to know some of you are out there...in the world...and so it only makes sense.) Here's a picture from a trip to Fort Stevens State Park last year.


Mike will take his portable Traeger grill to smoke the oysters. And it's really sort of an appetizer, so we always serve it with the Linguine Alle Vongole. We picked up the fresh oysters and fresh clams at a local seafood market, and so things are really fresh. 

Aside from that, there isn't much planned before we leave tomorrow. I'll be taking at least a few days off from blogging. I happen to know we won't have internet access in Death Valley. We expect to be home by next Friday at the earliest. If I can get internet access, and I have anything to tell you, I'll be back before then. If not though, you can expect to hear from me again in about a week when we arrive back at the Three Cats Ranch. Until then, stay safe and healthy. Get vaccinated if you can.

13 comments:

Barbara said...

You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. ~ Unknown

MissPat said...

Safe travels. I think I told you my husband and I both got our first shots last Fri (him) and Sat (me). He got the Moderna vaccine and I got the Pfizer which was interesting because we went to the same location, just a day apart. Anyway, that means I get my second shot a week before he does. It's amazing what a positive effect it has had on my attitude. I still probably won't go much of anywhere, but it's a relief to know it will be safer if I do. Hope you have decent weather on the trip home.
Pat

Darlene S said...

I hope you luck out and see plenty of beautiful flowers at your next stop. I'd like to think while we've had limited rain, there will still be color.
Have a good & safe trip back home. I love hearing about your adventures (as well as your quilting, stitching, cooking, gardening & more).

SJSM said...

Oh, how will I start my day without your blog!?

You have a lovely dinner planned and to share. Your adventures to Death Valley will likely yield a few items for you to talk about once you get internet service again. Happy Trails and stay safe on the road.

Christine said...

Safe journeying... your posts come through in my morning time, I read then get up and start my day. Guess I'll just have some lie ins!!!
Seriously, you take care of yourselves
Xx

Lyndsey said...

I'll miss you posts whilst you're out of internet range. Enjoy your trip to Death Valley and safe travel for the journey home.

piecefulwendy said...

Enjoy your trek heading back home, and safe travels. You know I'll be waiting to hear all about it.

Nancy in IN said...

Enjoy your time away from us. Maybe you will be able to see bloom even though 'they' think not. I imagine you will find some.
Stay safe

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Those oysters look awesome! I can eat oysters any way you want to serve them, from raw to barbequed!

Dorothy said...

Your dinner looks scrumptious. even though I would not touch an oyster with a 10 foot pole--cooked or raw :-) Have a safe trip home, and you know we will all be waiting for the unpacking story.

meri said...

safe travels

Teresa said...

I have really taken a liking again to embroidery and seems like it is becoming more popular to do. I tried to google your Liberty Sampler and it is absolutely amazing how many are out there with that name. Would love to see a picture of it, but then you may have one one an earlier post, so I will go back and look. Hope you enjoy your travels - my husband and I so want to do this, but for the last 4 1/2 year he has had 6 back surgeries, the last one 10 days ago, so we don't get out much.

Teresa said...

Found the Liberty Sampler on an earlier post, it is so cute. Will look forward to the watching the progress on yours.