Rio Carmelo in Carmel by the Sea

Known as Carmel Mission, it stands today as a monument to a missionary Jumipero Serra who was born at Petra, Isla del Mallorca (Spain) in 1713. Bringing Christianity to the west, he founded this mission plus other missions in Mexico. He with the help of Indians built this mission in 1771. Besides the mission in San Diego, I would say this is the oldest mission in the west. It wasn't until 1834 that the United States took control of this area of Mexico when it became California.

Visitors were everywhere and every parking spot taken; we were lucky to find on car just leaving.

The flowers were outstanding even at this time of year.  Can you imagine what they are in the summertime? Originally constructed of wood, the mission is now adobe and cement.

 Baby Jesus in the chapel.

Stunning display of flowers.

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Carmel During Daylight

Gigantic waves were breaking as they hit shore on Friday afternoon - the fog did not slither in until evening. No surfers here - it's dangerous on this side with rip tides.

As I was surfing the net looking for a photo of Samuel Eames, I found a reply to an old web question regarding Samuel Eames - from an Eames who was surfing that day.  I had not read it or maybe I did because it was about eight years ago and just who can remember if you read a reply that did not connect but I don't remember him saying that he was surfing.

The big houses in the background are where the rich and famous live - next to Clint Eastwood and Betty White.  I didn't recognize the other very wealthy people on the list.

 Dogs were everywhere on leashes on the beach, down paths while one guy was using his dog's behind as a pillow as they both lay on the ground watching the waves break.

I wore my winter coat this day and needed it but the weather changes very quickly.  By 2 PM it was warm and no jackets were needed let alone my winter coat.

There seemed to be realtors on every block.

Deer pulling a mini - I love mini coopers. In fact I almost bought one this last year but everyone I talked to talked me out of it. They are really are one of the funnest cars to drive next to a Corvette.
Did I mention how I love Corvettes?

Blessed are the Peace Makers

It would be such a different world if we could all be peace makers in our homes, at work and at play.


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 

Samuel Eames From Bristol, England

He was my 3g grandfather. One cousin said he looked a bit like Uncle Remus - an American character from the south but actually, he was very tanned from working outside all his life as a stone mason. He was born in Bristol, England in 1790 to William and Mary Eames.  When he was 3 years old the mystery begins.  He was shipped off to live with his Uncle Samuel Watkins, who lived at Orcop, Hereford, England and there he was raised - never to see his parents again as far as we have been able to find out. He had a sister Eliza and a brother Alexander both of whom seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth.  

There always seems to be a dead end line that continues to be a mystery.  I was amazed that I could find his photo on the web because I am still in California and not on my computer with all my wonderful black and white photos that were passed on to me. He had five children and all of them came to America so that now there are thousands of descendants who live here and one branch still in England from a grandson who returned to England and stayed there. There is of course a chance that his sister and brother lived and they have descendants near Bristol.

Carmel By the Sea

Last night we drove to Carmel to look at Christmas lights before everyone takes them down but to our surprise, there were not a lot of lights just spotted sections with a few lights here and there. Even in the dark the tiny little streets reminded me of Ireland and the narrow lanes. Many streets were tunneled by trees overhanging these bitty lanes which turned every which way because of the hills that they were built on.

The shopping area in Carmel calls to me even though the small shops will probably be extremely overpriced.  We gotta go back, I am dreaming of a walk through, window shopping just to take a peek.  Maybe, if I get lucky, something will be on sale.

How I love to watch the ocean breaking into the shore! Since I've always lived inland, it never ceases to grab my attention.

Who would think to make a fence out of different sized pieces of weathered wood without putting cross pieces with it?

It's not that these houses are the most expensive - most are small garden type but they are on a piece of land that has become out priced and stayed that way.  After all, how many can say they have movie stars for neighbors.

Lovers Point

Remember that movie with Doris Day about a glass bottom boat. Well, apparently, there was a family who for over 40 years ran a glass bottom boat business in Monterey but as many things do, they run their course and disappear leaving only warm fuzzy memories.

Anyone for surfing - in a wet suit? My teeth just chatter thinking of going into that freezing cold water.

Only four surfers were brave enough today but after all, they had to dodge rocks and turn at just the right moment before crashing into the rocks.  Definitely not beginner surfing!

 Strange looking trees - they seem to grow everywhere here.

Still trying to figure out what to wear - too warm for my winter coat but just a bit chilly for just a jacket.  Perhaps, I need a scarf wrapped around my neck to keep me warm.

Monterey Aquarium

I packed very light - after all that is what all the travel shows recommend. The only problem was that I grabbed my pencil thin navy blue skirt and not my pencil thin black skirt so I really had no top to go with my skirt for church on Christmas.  Ugh!  So off to the stores shopping and one last item on Christmas Eve where parking lots were filled to the brim!

It took an entire day to see the Monterey Aquarium.  What a sight!

The aquarium was built around part of the old cannery which was famous for sardines until they were all fished out.  So now the whole Monterey bay area is a sanctuary for fish and birds - man trying to makeup for mistakes.

They rescue birds and give them a home until they are mended or given a permanent home in some cases.

The aquarium is so big that we had to take a lunch break. Down cannery row we trod to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant. Food was okay but a bit pricey. They served french fries and a cup a jello in a stiff paper tug boat for each kid with their kids meal.  The kids were ecstatic and it kept them busy until we finished our meals. Of coarse my granddaughter had mac and cheese and my grandson had pizza.

We were right on the bay overlooking the ocean - fantastic view to go with out lunch. Our waiter came round and asked Forest Gump questions - ugh ugh ugh - I hated that movie.  It was the only Tom Hanks movie that I didn't like.

Back to the aquarium for the best view in the entire building - a giant open ocean view that was 50 feet high and 200 feet long with 300 pound turtles swimming with 100 pound tuna, which have an odd looking mouth - almost pug nosed.

 Sea lions basking in the sun.