Cambria, San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay

28 Aug 2011 2 Comments

by Sheila Clapkin in Sightseeing In California

Cambria is a town, really a village, which consists of East and West Village. We explored from top to bottom and then realized we were famished. We ate at Linn’s because of a tradition we have when we come to Cambria among other traditions. After filling our bellies we wanted more of Linn’s goodies, so we drove out to the farm, which is five miles out into the lovely countryside to purchase jams, jellies, avocados, lemons, and my main purchases were, pourable fruit that I will use as a glaze for chicken and fish, plus seedless Olallieberry jam.

On the way out to Linn’s Ranch and Store, we stopped at the Santa Rosa Chapel and cemetery. We noticed many graves with the name Fiscalini on them. It seems there is a big Fiscalini Ranch, plus an East Fiscalini Ranch and I assume a West Ranch as well. God Bless the Fiscalini’s.  Others, as you can see from the photo, are not so blessed to have a big family and ranches that span the Cambria area. These wooden markers have been here a long time and from the looks of some of them; their inhabitants have long ago been forgotten. I noticed on a few of the wooden markers a brass plate has been put on to remember the deceased who lies there. This cemetery is not on a grand scale like some others, but it is grand in the sense that you become absorbed in the ambiance, the experience lingers on in your mind forever, and you know you will return time after time.

We moved on to a favorite spot of mine, Moonstone Beach. We began our little walk along the beach and I was struck by the realization that there is something missing.  The beach used to be covered in little polished stones and a moonstone or two here and there.  The mass of stones has dwindled and they look scarce and picked over.  Oh my, there should be a sign discouraging folks from taking the rocks.  I am guilty and am very sorry. If I could bring the stones I took back to this spot, I would, but how?  I will never, ever take any more and hope you do not as well. I have seen first hand in my little world of worlds the significant threat human activity can make on a habitat that should be in existence eternally.

San Luis Obispo: Midway between Los Angeles and San Jose on the Central Coast of California

We spent an evening in the lovely little town of San Luis Obispo boasting as the happiest city in America, and enjoyed their Thursday Evening Farmer’s Market. The street was very crowded and full of things to eat.  /there was as line for McCintock’s Oak-pit barbeque that stretched for blocks and blocks. We asked the people in line if it was all that good and they said, “Yes, yes, it is ALL that good!” We did not stand in line, but we should have, definitely. The produce was beautiful as well as plentiful.

Morro Bay:

Morro Bay is one of my favorite waterfront cities. I love it for our history of visiting and for the huge rock that adorns it. We had lunch here in Morro Bay this visit on a patio, in seats that jutted out into the bay in full view of the otters at play, the sea lions basking, the fishermen coming and going, the pelicans gulping, seeing and feeling the birds dropping wet stuff on the umbrellas and occasionally on your person, hopefully not in your food, as well as enjoying all that the bay has to offer the visitor and the locals.

Cayucos, California

28 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

by Sheila Clapkin in Sightseeing In California

I found perfect weather in Cayucos, California and you all are welcome to come and sample it to see if it is for you.  There are overcast mornings, cool and fresh breezes blowing all day long and you do not have to put on sunscreen until about 3 or 4 in the afternoons, or even at all. The weather here in Cayucos is the most perfect way to bath your body in luxury. What am I not telling you about Cayucos?  I am not telling you of the life at the water’s edge. It is lovely at first glance, until you see mold and ravages of the sea on the structures and the inhabitants.  There is a constant maintenance going on here. It is just mother nature at work. Nothing more.

Now let us delve into the soul of Cayucos. I do not know how it is for each person because it is an individual thing. One thing noteworthy in the soul arena is that I was able to buy some things in this town worthy of having and remembering.  Three sugar shakers and a bracelet with ten squares and engraved on each square is one of the Ten Commandments. I enjoy being reminded as I read and re-read each one. Do I need to be reminded? Yes, we all need to be reminded believe it or not at all ages and stages. It is a connection with something of the ages. It is another root among roots that keep us upright and keep us from toppling over.

Another warm and wonderful time in Cayucos and the surrounding area is the time we spent with dear old friends. I do mean old in all ways. I hate to admit the truth and the truth is we are now considered senior citizens in line for miniscule discounts and handicapped parking stickers. Being a senior offers some prizes, but if you think of anything you would rather have that being a senior offers in exchange for youth, let me know now.

Now that I am home and away from the seaside, I realize that while visiting this area, it seems that everything is civilized on the outside for a guest to see, but what is seething on the inside I will never be privy. How do I know there is seething deep within, because, there is seething everywhere and you don’t see it; you just have to know and respect that it is there. People want to talk with you, people want to share information, too much at times, and the children look wholesome and fresh.  Why am I even bringing this up?  I wonder unto myself.  Now that a little time has passed, I can tell you one thing. I was double charged on my Visa for our stay. I was charged for our rooms and the rooms of another guest. Now, certainly this is an innocent error, or is it that economic times are so bad this B&B needs the extra income? I know that it has taken me three days to get a hold of anyone with any authority at this establishment. I explained my dilemma and now, they have not called me back. I am being tortured.  I can’t slander their name, but you can see the pier if they give you an ocean front room. I mention the pier because upon arising, just before coffee you can walk along the pier to the very end have a conversation or two with the fishermen and then return to the double charging Inn, and have a lovely little breakfast.

Our window/patio view showed us places to explore as well: Here is a view of the Sullivan Butter Cookie Company taken from the patio.

We decided to walk over there to see what was happening because of the crowd around the front doors. Look what we saw. You are right, people hand making these wonderful cookies. You are also treated to a wonderful taste test of cookies for purchase. Oh yum.

Now keep looking at our patio sights and you will see Duckie’s Chowder House. I have it on good authority that the Manhattan Chowder is delicious and from the looks of everyone eating and licking their chops everything is good in Dickie’s.

Look also at the view of Cayucos Candy Counter with old-fashioned ice cream and candy. You do not know how hard and long I have searched for old-fashioned ice cream and to have it right outside my patio window, as well as hand made butter cookies and Dickie’s lip smacking good food is a travel discovery extraordinaire.

ON THE WAY TO CAMBRIA, Stop in Harmony: Population18

We got off the next morning to visit the sights and sounds of Cambria. But, wait along the way you have to stop in the town of Harmony with a staggering population of 18, including kids, cats, dogs, raccoons and local ranchers. First, you see the ranches, then, little homes and finally, you visit pottery making and the glass blowing building.

You have been immersed in a world ago and subsequently you are transported to discover another point in time. What a delight.

Dear Granddaughter,

26 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

by Sheila Clapkin in Letters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Granddaughter,

I want to tell you something.

I want you to know that my life has been successful and I am proud that I came out of many situations ok.  I want to tell you how I got here.  It was not easy and shh don’t tell anyone, but I used to have a couple of bookshelves full of self-help books which helped to answer many questions I had and helped to pave the way for me to progress with understanding and a calmer nature. Living life helped somewhat, listening to others helped a lot, learning through experiences of mine and of others are good lessons, and especially learning to pay attention helped to make me quite observant.  Sometimes I stare at the person talking or giving a lecture and they seem to talk just to me.  It was that way when I learned to look and stare and it is that way now as I keep staring, listening and learning.

Now in life, I have worked hard, saved my money and spent it too for important things that made me happy and helped our family.  So maybe I sound like I was born a thousand years ago, with all of the stories and all the things I have done to stay afloat mentally and physically, but it has only been 71 years. Not long in the scheme of things, but long enough to have learned a trick or two. I remember I had a boyfriend when I was 16. He was desperate for some $$ to take a bus home to see his mother or something like seeing a mother and a bus ride. Sounded important, right?  Now I realize it was a crock, but he said he would bring the money back on the weekend.  He did not and I never saw him again.  He absconded with my $200.00 and I was horrified that someone would do such a dastardly thing to me. My mother was so mad at me and told me I had learned a lesson.  She said it was a cheap lesson because the next con artists would ask for more and I would know not to trust them. She was so right, because the next person that asked me for money did not get any. I said, “ I don’t have any money.” I lied, but I did not lose any more money to the “money crooks. “I learned to spend just a little money in public. I never let anyone realize that I might have more.  I learned to be very cagey in the public eye and I learned never to do way more than those around me. I am still very careful not to stand out in any way that would put me in jeopardy or draw unkind attention to me.

My parents taught me when I was very young that you do not show off. You do not show off with your clothes, with your money and your buying power; you never order more than others or more lavishly; you basically play the low-key card. This is a good lesson to learn and even more so in this ever changing, ever more dangerous world. You see that I am driving a very low-key car. I inherited it from the person who taught me to paint the low public profile picture.

A neighbor moved from our neighborhood to a very fancy upscale area. She sparkled her diamonds and tooted the horn of her fancy, shiny car. There was light all around her.  Some guys followed her home and when she went into her garage they followed her in. They tied her up and took all of her sparkling jewels and drove off in her fancy car.  She lived to tell about it, thank God, but no one told her about playing the low-key card or painting a low-key picture. Perhaps if she had been listening or learned to be low-key, she would not have sparkled so much. I’ll beet she doesn’t sparkle much anymore and is living a quiet good life. The best revenge, you know is living well.

Another Letter to My Granddaughter

26 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

by Sheila Clapkin in Letters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know I wrote earlier in the week, and I know you have not had time to respond, but an idea floated by and I caught it.  It is that you can do any thing; it is just a matter of what you want to do.

So, you are scratching your head and saying, yeah, so what.  Well, so everything.  You just have to number your desires and set about achieving them.  I envision it something like a grocery list or “a what to do list.”  I make them all of the time and get most everything done. It is a little extra work, but I can’t remember everything; who can?  Well, those who have a photographic memory can remember EVERYTHING, and that is something I would dearly love to have and do not.  You can make up your mind about what you think, but in the mean time, make a “what to do list,” and do things on it.  Is there any reason why you shouldn’t?

Remember how we use to cook together and make really great meals.  We would make them here and you were to take them home and bake them or finish them off at home for a meal. I was told that while the things we made were delicious, you never followed through with the cooking; just left the goods on the sink leaving it to chance as to who would cook it.  So for me, the key to my success if you want to call living well, success, is something I learned in the third grade.  It is following through. I learned that I had to finish what I started. I have had many lessons in this area and I do everything in my power to finish what I start. I am obsessive about it.  Not that I condone being obsessive, but a little obsession is a good thing in my book of books.  When you are doing a job cleaning or fixing at home, and you finish a job and do it well it is respecting your home.  When you follow through with a friend it is respecting that friend.  If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you are going some place, be there and be on time. If you are having a conversation with someone, do equal amounts of listening and sharing.  If the person needs more attention, give it to them. You are respecting their needs. When an assignment is given, either at work or in your classroom, do it to the best of your being, which is showing respect for yourself and who you are. Respect for your self is the key to living well.

Sincerely and with a great love,

Your Grandma