We're In Paradise...Paradise, CA!

 Finnegan, Z, and I all have our birthdays in the month of September! It is always quite the birthday month! I'm lucky enough to actually be born on the same day as Z, so we try to plan a trip for our birthday every year as a gift to ourselves. This year, we decided to check out a small town about 30 minutes east of Chico called Paradise. We had heard about this hike along the Feather River over old log flumes (water troughs used to transport lumber along the mountain) and was intriguing. The trail is metal/wood catwalks constructed over metal flumes scaling considerable heights; as you walk downstream some of these heights can be 100’ above the river. The flume often is partially filled with water diverted from the Feather River that flows downstream to the Kunkle reservoir. The trail meanders through a variety of habitats including drier chaparral and scrub, and outcroppings of serpentine and associated plants, and wetter mixed hardwood-coniferous forest consisting of Douglas fir, Incense cedar and Big-leafed maple trees. At the end of the 2 mile hike in, we would reach a swimming hole and grounds to have a picnic! Excited for some warm weather, we packed up the car and headed to this quirky small town and stayed in a dog friendly motel. Finnegan didn't seem to mind the room's decor too much. His bow tie matched its Americana theme perfectly!

 

 

 

I forgot to take any photos of Finnegan swimming because it was just too hilarious to watch. So instead, I leave you a photo of him looking completely terrified trying on his life jacket.

 

After spending one day out and about in the wilderness, we visited various antique stores and boutiques the next day. I was able to find two Griswold cast iron pots in excellent condition. I like Griswold not only because it is durable, but the metal is also lighter than other cast irons. I am looking forward to some great meals once these pans are re-seasoned. I was also able to find a cute skirt and top from a local vintage shop as well that I'll photograph later. Overall, Paradise was a beautiful small town and we would definitely come back again. We had a great time using the town's name in various puns/sayings and it is definitely always nice to get away from the busy hustle and bustle of San Francisco for the weekend.

Summer Fun!

 

I know that summer is already over, but here are some highlights of the past couple of months. I went down to SoCal to visit my dear old friend from high school that is currently pregnant and awaiting the arrival of her first baby. It was lovely to see old friends and reminisce about high school/college years.  Z and I stopped by San Diego and revisited some of our old regular spots and of course--enjoyed one too many burritos. The Mexican food in San Diego is definitely superior to that found in San Francisco. I have searched for taquerias that are similar to the flavors of salsas and meats in San Diego, but my search has been fruitless. If any of you know of delicious places here in the Bay Area, let me know! 

At the beginning of August, my Grandpa celebrated his 88th birthday! All of my aunts and uncles (there are so many of them--total of 8 kids!), came to California and I was lucky to spend time with everyone. We went to Santa Barbara and Solvang (a cute tourist Danish village located on the central coast that my family used to live near and visit quite frequently when I was growing up).

August also was a month of change for me. I chopped off a couple of inches of my hair and joined the long bob club and got fitted for glasses so that I can drive at night. Overall, it was a busy summer and I'm ready for fall to begin even though right  now it decided to become summer in the Bay Area with our warm temperatures. I am sitting here writing this post wearing a dress (with no tights), a light cardigan, and sandals. What the heck! That almost never happens. Gotta get back to letting my pasty legs see some form of sun while it lasts. Toodles!

Four & Sons Dog Culture

Australian-based site Four&Sons is publishing a semi-annual mag devoted to dogs and culture — two subjects it's been commenting on since 2011. The first issue's out, and it's 143 pages of stoic tales (and wagging tails). The list of contributors runs from photographer Mark Ruwedel, who supplied a beautiful photo series of decaying dog houses in the wild west, to Dave Eggers, who penned a short story about an imaginary mutt. A collection of pup portraits taken during bath time is also stand-out, mainly because it's exactly as cute as it sounds. 

Pug Life

My favorite thing to do after a long day of work/classes is to walk my little pig dog, Finnegan. He is already so accustomed to me photographing him that he knows to sit still and look at me when I have my phone out. Every first Sunday of the month, Alta Plaza park in San Francisco has a "Pug Sunday". All the little pig pugs in the city make the journey over to Pacific Heights to romp around pugnaciously. While there, a woman took out her camera and Finnegan stopped what he was doing to pose for her. She laughed since Mr. Pig was such a good sport and model for her.  I know it's probably weird to other people, but I really look forward to Pug Sundays and having these snorting pigs running around. Being a crazy pug lady, it is my dream one day to have a pug farm. I'm sorry if this seems a bit borderline hoarder-ish, but I am sure Z will stop me before I ever reach that point... (Hopefully)

Here's to many more pictures of my spoiled pig pug, Finnegan.

Hollywood Hiking

I'm so excited to visit my family in Southern California next week. Summer in the Bay area usually consists of windy days and foggy nights, which I look forward taking a break from. I remember last year for the 4th of July, Z and I were bundled up to watch the fireworks atop the beautiful albeit windy Bernal Hill. I finally developed these pictures from a previous hike that my sister, cousin, and I completed. It's getting harder and harder to find places that will develop my film for a good price. The place I went to also did not do such a great job scanning my photos, so everything is a bit off. I really need to get into developing my own film or finally invest in a nice digital camera. Sigh!

Even though most of my family lives in Southern California, we had never done the Hollywood hike up the winding trail to see the sign itself. To be honest, the thought never appealed to me since it is what all the tourists do when they come to this little city covered in smog. Looking back on the photos, it reminds me that my pasty white legs could use some sunshine and doing touristy things are fun every once in a while.