Our 1 year anniversary was great! We spent 6 days in Northern California away from the daily grind; no TVs, no computers, no work, not even cell reception.
We decided to go camping for our anniversary about a month ago. We really don't have much money right now and realized that camping would be a very affordable, plus a nice relaxing get away. We really didn't set a plan. We just got out a map and started searching for places to go. We knew we wanted to be surrounded by pines and visit somewhere new!
We had traveled up the 1 hwy into Northern California about 5 years ago for my brother's wedding and remembered how beautiful it was. We knew we wanted to be in that neck of the woods...literally! We had a few campgrounds in mind, but because it was Memorial Weekend, we knew we wouldn't have an easy time finding a place.
After about a 6.5 hour drive, we found our campground. Trent had taken us on a pretty gnarly course. We were looking for a campground called Hendy Woods. The map he was using led us on almost a 2 hour detour to the coast and then back to where we started. We eventually found Hendy, but were turned around because they were full. On our way back to the coast we managed to find a small campground with about 25 sites surrounded by pines. It was called Paul Dimmick Campground. It was located on the Navarro River between the 101 and the 1 hwys. I was surprised we didn't see it on our map because it appeared to be a state park.
The weather was good most of the week. It was definitely cooler at night. The dogs did really well. They managed to sleep soundly every night; they would crawl between us under the covers and sprawl out as far as they could barely making a peep! Through out the days, they would wander the campground and bark at passerby's. Lulu really loved chewing on twigs, bark and pine needles. We figured we'd let her explore "camping" out on her own; it was her first time.
During the day, we visited a few beaches and spent a few days in the town of Mendocino. We really enjoyed "Mendo," (as the locals call it.) We went to their farmer's market and picked up some fruit to grill. We also went there for our anniversary and ate at a cute bistro called, Moosse Cafe.
Trent and I love to visit new places as well as try new things. We had a really great time! I posted some pictures of our campground as well as a few others! Enjoy!
It's hard to believe that I waited almost 3 years to get into my college's nursing program. I received my acceptance letter in April and start the program in August. As excited as I should be, I am also quite nervous. Since the economy has taken a hit, Trent has had a decline in work. His pay and hours have been cut back and he has had to pick up side jobs. The nursing program is quite rigorous and will require me to focus more time on school than working. As much as we would love to save money right now, we find it almost impossible. I know once I finish school I will have a great job waiting for me, but in the meantime all I do is worry how we will make it. Trent is so supportive and is such a hard worker...he constantly tells me he will take care of me and not to worry! I love him. I know things will work out, but until I realize it, I am going to worry. I can not wait to be a nurse. I know I will do well and that I'll make my family proud. Wish me luck!
I can hardly believe that Trent and I have been married for almost a year. We have had a great one too. Although it's been tough dealing with the economy and career changes within our first year of marriage, we are managing! We have so much love for each other and no matter what kind of day we have, we know that we get to come home to each other!
So, in celebration of our first year of marriage together, we decided not to go on a lavish trip, but to pack the truck and dogs and head up to northern California for a week and camp! We are leaving tomorrow morning, bright and early!! I'll post an update, when we get home.
So, we did it! We bought a Smart Car.
Last year, while on our honeymoon, Trent and I put down our $100 reservation fee on the Smartie. This was required for all interested buyers but refunded if we changed our mind. It guaranteed us a car, since they are made to order. So, after almost a year of waiting...we received a call from Tim at the Smart center in Santa Barbara. We decided to take the train so that we could drive it back home together! It was a beautiful ride along the coast! As soon as I saw it, I was happy that we had made the decision to purchase it! As we headed home, the first intersection we came to after leaving the dealership, a lady in the crosswalk gave us a thumbs up. Needless to say that was the first of many!
Now that we have had it for about 2 months and 1000 miles...I have finally gotten use to driving it. It is a 5 speed automated transmission that can either run as an automatic or a manual; there are paddle shifters! I love crusin' around Paso and out to the winery using the paddle shifters...feels like I'm in a little sports car! Well, ta-ta for now!
So my husband is on this kick to get outside while our weather is still mild and the hills are still green and do outdoorsy activities. I'm all for it!!! And am so glad he is eager! Last weekend we visited Chalk Mountain Golf course in Atascadero with his sister Tori and Dad, and hit golf balls at the driving range! Boy, it's been a real long time since I've done that...maybe 9 years!! I had a great time! I sure wasn't up to it at first...especially because it was a foggy morning and Trent and his family wanted to get out there at the crack of dawn! I eventually succumbed and actually had a really great time...so much in fact that I wouldn't mind doing it every week.
We also managed to find the time last week to hike Bishop's Peak Trail. It was 4 miles round trip and quite exhausting by the end. I was sweating almost as much as I do in my step aerobics class (I was doubtful at the beginning that I'd actually get a work out!!). Anyway, I had never hiked Bishop's Peak before, but have wanted to for a long time!! The trail was mostly flat but zig-zagged all the way up. There were some steep parts...don't get me wrong. We were pretty close to giving up, until Joe Schmo came running up behind us. I remember looking down the hill about half way up and seeing a man jogging at the very bottom, then in almost an instant he was on our tail. He was an older man, maybe in his 60s and was literally running up the trail. When he managed to pass us...we decided we had to finish!! He was in great shape...very tan and toned, and was wearing tight ripped jeans and a long sleve sweater and to top it all off he wore bright yellow oakley's. It was quite a scene. We both just stopped and let him pass; I was impressed...although I was so eager to start running ahead of him...I was really ashamed he passed us! (no offense...but that's my competitive side!) What the most amazing part about our hike was the view!! I was blown away. By the time we got to the top, we could actually see the ocean as well as all of SLO! The rolling hills were covered in green and the sky was the bluest I had see it in days. We had just had a few rainy days and this day was the first clear one...and boy was it crystal clear! My camera didn't do much justice...but as you can see in the photos I posted...it was a very beautiful site to see! And what could be better than sharing it with the person I love!!!! We had a great day and will definately hike it agian.
And now that day light savings time is here...we have actually been able to get out in the evening and go for walks. I so look forward to getting outside with the dogs after I get home...but hated doing it in the dark!! I am so happy that spring is upon us!!!
I have been so busy with work lately, that I have had a hard time finding time to blog!! So today I've decided to take a break and write!! I am so blessed to have the job I have with the way the economy has been. My poor husband has practically been begging his boss not to fire him and had to pick up another job just so we can keep our heads above water!! He has also been applying every odd job that comes up, hoping something worthwhile will come along. He is also considering becoming a Highway Patrol Officer. While he is desperately looking for work, I've received a raise! Can you believe it! I suppose this quote really does ring true~ "Wine gives strength to weary men!" Homer. I suppose people really do tend to drink more when they are depressed or suffering from the effects of the economy ;). Or...they find getting away to wine country for a weekend is a lot cheaper than going elsewhere...especially for us Californians. But our wine is not cheap...it averages $30 a bottle. Other wineries have seen declines in sales while we are actually seeing increases!! I'll have to admit our wine is pretty damn good and so is our marketing!! But I still am in awe as to how well we are doing. I love what I do and will be very sad when it comes time for me to leave...which will be happening in the near future! I am actually starting the nursing program in August and will not be able to pursue both school and working full time at once! Cheers!