Leisure

Fun Afternoon at Huntington Beach

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read570 views

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ― Jacques Cousteau

After weeks of planning and postponing, my wife finally made arrangements with our friend Evelyne, to meetup at her place in Buena Park, CA and then spend the rest of the day at the Beach. After much anticipation and a good weather, we decided to drive down since we figured there would be less people after the holiday. On our way there we spotted so much traffic left and right that I was afraid the days activity would not happen.

After spending about an hour at our friend’s apartment catching up on events and waiting for the arrival of a friend of hers, we then made our way to Huntington State Beach. It took us about twenty minutes to get there. After what seemed like an hour waiting in line to get in, we finally made it. It was packed, yet roomy since people where keeping to their activities and not running around as much. We found a location and set up. To our amazement, the weather was surprisingly warm and we didn’t have to cover up until much later.

Huntington State Beach Sign.
Huntington State Beach Sign.
Father and Children on the Beach.
Exploring with my Kids.

We had brought shorts and shirts to get in but when we got out of the car we felt the fresh cool air and decided to go as we where (less chances of getting sick). I had an awesome time with my kids. We fought and ran away from waves, found some shells and even got to catch some Sand Crabs on a foam cup. After having some fun watching them bury themselves on the little dirt inside the cut, we released them so they would not die. The Seagulls where very interested on our activity since they figured an easy dinner was to come.

Seagulls on the Beach.
Seagulls on the Beach.
Lone Sailboat.
Lone Sailboat.

It was a nice cloudy day and the breeze was inviting up to the point where it started to get cold. I had almost forgotten the feeling with all the heat we are having at home. We said our goodbyes to friends who came with us and left our sand castles behind for the birds to take over. The journey back home was as scenic as the drive away from it was. Being here for the day reminded us of the many times we have made the same drive and how it’s never the same each and every time. I am looking forward to the next time we find ourselves there again.

Gentle Breeze of Comfort

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read580 views

It’s a gorgeous day here today. I had a good night rest and I feel rejuvenated. The weather is awesome. Sitting next to my window sill, I am watching the leaves dance in the air. The sound of the light wind is music to my ear and I am enjoying the gently breeze of comfort. It’s the last week of school at my Son’s school and he is too excited. He received an award for Perfect Attendance this morning as well as a few gifts for being smart. Tomorrow is Field Day and he is looking forward to watch the 6th Grade vs the Staff play Softball game (if the weather permits). Thursday will be the last day of school.

On Saturday I got to talk to a very dear friend, whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while. It felt really good. I gardened a little and bought a set of inspirational Gnome Statues for my kids raised garden beds.
On Sunday morning, we surprised our kids by taking them to the movies to watch Epic, which they have been looking forward to seeing ever since they saw the movie trailer. The look on their faces was priceless as they realized we were ditching the park for the movie Theater. We had an awesome time together.

Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.
Cinema West, Civic Plaza 12.

Our Memorial Day weekend was great and as I wish for a steady weather, I am looking forward to spending some time outdoors gardening and planning our next backyard project.

Wishing you all a lovely week.

Vintage 3 Faces Toothpick Holder

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read918 views

Excited and anxious for a relaxed and fun afternoon; we took a trip up into the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. We had planned a trip to Crestline, CA and today was that day, rain or shine. Regardless of the winding roads and the motion sickness, Crestline is a city we fell in love with four years ago. Crestline is a small town. It’s charming, welcoming and it feels like a World of its own. The sights are breath-taking, the locals are friendly, helpful and the shops are full of little treasures. When it comes to buying Vintage/Antique pieces, this is one of the places we trust and go to. We’ve been in luck so far.

Our first stop was at the Garden Shed & Co. Shop. The kids instantly fell in love with a Cowboy Screw Sculpture which we ended up buying. Myself on the other hand, who is into rare Vintage Wrenches, added a new tool to my collection: a Vintage Garden Pruner. From there we proceeded to My Favorite Things, where we met shop owner Yolanda and stayed a while admiring her huge selection of treasures. Read about her shop here.

Cowboy Screw Sculpture.

At the Crest Forest Senior Citizens Thrift Shop, I bought a Nautical Wooden Decorative Anchor as well as a Three Faces  Toothpick Holder for our collection (this piece is also known as Three Graces, Three Sisters and Three Fates). It is from the 1960’s and it is a reproduction by L.G. Wright. The original was produced by Duncan Miller in the Late 1880’s. What fascinates Joan the most is the history behind the art work.

1960’s Three Faces Toothpick Holder by L.G. Wright.

After remembering taking some courses in Philosophy and learning about “Three Graces and Fates” in High School; my wife did some research to refresh her memory (knowledge does not update itself). She finally stumbled upon an article while searching for additional information on this Toothpick Holder. The article was written by Zsuzsanna E. Budapest on The Fates and Destiny. While recounting a life changing incident that happened to her and to which she now sees as fate; she proceeded by giving us a bigger picture of the Mythological Goddesses. They are Females portrayed as Fates and Sisters. It is said that when they are in good spirits, they become the Three Graces and when angered, they are called the Furies.

Silverwood Lake SRA & the beautiful Mountains of San Bernardino National Forest.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area.

What a beautiful way to start the weekend.

Still Pictures: Pumpkin Patch

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read742 views

“I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. I was entirely happy. Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge.” ― Willa Sibert Cather

2012 Pumpkin Patch (Victorville, CA).