The Road is my Home

Along Big Sur Coast

This tour is for any lighthouse lover or person who enjoys a great view.

First, understand that the tour is open only on weekends (Wednesdays, seasonally) and at two times during the day, once during the late morning and then in the early afternoon. My tour started around 2 p.m. Second, this is a guided, three hour walking tour. A 360 foot rise in elevation that involves one to two flights of stairs. Third, arrive at least 30 minutes early outside the locked gate om Hwy 1 outside an old naval facility. Fourth, take money and/or a credit card with you as you are expected to pay once you reach the end of the tour. I’ve never had an experience like this one and truly enjoyed it. You are greeted by a park ranger that directs you to travel a unpaved road that leads to the bottom of this large rock where another ranger will instruct you where to park. The weather can change in this area so dress in layers and pack lightly; water and a few snacks. I used a walking stick. Also, wear a good pair shoes. If the group is large, the rangers will break you up into smaller groups which is helpful for the presentation. The incline walk is manageble as the rangers lead you upward and pause to tell you the history along the way while you gather your breath and shoot photos. The scenery is breathtaking as you learn about the life of the light keepers, the lighthouse as well as the land around you. With clear skies, a warm sun and sea lions below barking away, I could not have asked for a better unplanned trip. The lighthouse was under repair during my visit but we were still allowed to go up to the top and even walk outside aganist the strongest winds I’ve ever felt. A set of stairs took us to buildings like the blacksmith shop, keepers home, water tower and several other buildings. There was even the jawbone of a young whale on display. Go inside the keepers house and look at the kitchen, sleeping area and other rooms that will bring back memories of appliances, or food packages that use to fill most American homes. The staff was wonderful, knowledgeable and very kind. This tour was well worth the time and money. For those with disabilities and in need of assistance, call the park in advance for more information.

Inside the lighthouse

Under repair

Tools for upkeep

Laundry day

Book Review for The Fat Girls Club

“You cannot open a book without learning something.”-Confucius

Lila,

Demiere Lee has sent you a message on Goodreads!

Demiere Lee said,

Hi Lila, Here’s my review to The Fat Girls Club: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show…. Please leave all commentary for the review in the comments below it.Thanks for the book and for allowing me to give my opinion of it, Demiere Lee :)

Drought conditions

It isn’t until you’re faced with a situation that you finally realize that it’s true. Time spent in California has put a face on the water shortage in the state.

While spending time at Lake Oroville Dam, the visual landscape is daunting. To actually see the damage a four-year drought has caused has made me more conscientious about water usage. Before taking a shower, I make it a point to turn on the water right before stepping in. Just like in the days of boot camp, I get in, get it done and get out. If there’s unused water left in my water bottle, I dump it out on plants and not in the street.

Local news stations in parts of Northern California, have television segments called Water Wednesdays, to bring water conservation tips and information to viewers. Homeowners must use mandatory water schedules regarding lawn care or face being fined. Big business are not removed from these restrictions although I have witnessed water meant for grass and gardens being wasted on the sidewalks turning streets into little rivers.

Hopefully water rations are not a part of California’s future. It’s a frightful thought. Imagine, families allowed only so many gallons of liquid blue for drinking, bathing, cooking and washing clothes. What would happen if farmers were given limited water usage for crops? Can you image not eating apples, oranges, grapes, melons or vegetables?

It’s time to take the water shortage seriously. It’s not one group, one race or one families responsiblity. It’s everyone’s responsibility.

In the distance

Lower levels

From a distance

Purple Beauty

I want to apologize for the lack of Spotlight stories for the last two Fridays in a row. The explorer in me has roamed around the country in search of the fun and unusual. So here is the first in several interesting happenings along the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest.

On May 9th, in Oroville, California, a vintage car show lit up the downtown area. The Oro Dam Cruisers, a Oroville vintage car club, sponsored the Gold Rush Car Show. A step back in time to poodle skirts, rock and roll music brought on the party to show off these and many more vintage cars. A heartfelt thanks to the owners of these beauties that allowed me to snap these photos. (Photos are those of the writer and may not be reproduced.)

Treasure!

Sometimes we have to take a second out of our busy lives to focus on someone other than ourselves. For a moment we need to show or tell that special someone who we appreciate, what they do for us.

It’s a simple act that only takes two words and less than one minute to say. It’s a show of gratitude and appreciation toward that person for making our lives better in so many ways because of their talent, research or ability to take whatever we need to the next level.

So I’m taking this time to thank the staff at Acclaim Graphics, 908 N. Garvin Street, Evansville, IN 47711 for their great service. From the first day I met them, almost four years ago, they have demonstrated nothing but the utmost respect and concern for my needs. It all started with a business card idea that I presented to them. For an hour and half, they allowed me to camp out in their conference room as I poured over many graphic art books until I found what would be the logo for my new business venture, Writer On the Roadway. I also learned that to make a good impression you need the right tools and so we worked on lettering, card stock and layout of this one small item.

Fast forward to the present. We have built a sense of trust and dare I say, friendship? Joe Birkhead, President, Kelly Birkhead, Vice President and Jeff Wheeler, graphic designer, have partnered and created the next level of my business as an author. The Fat Girls Club logo has become a reality with bookmarks, T-shirts, ink pens, collapsible water bottles, screen wipes and my favorite, the hand gels. It’s fun to see the response from people when I give away these items. It makes my being a writer more credible as they hold something related to the books in their hands.

So today’s Spotlight story is my way to tell the world about the incredible group at Acclaim Graphics and what a joy it is to have them in my life.

A new package of goodies!

An unexpected treat.

The best group around

Pay dirt

Spotlight-I Thought Spring Had Arrived

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.”- Proverb

Tree blossoms

I just completed another trek across America, west bound to California. Along the way I welcomed the signs of spring as I traveled I-70 until it turned into I-80, one of the longest highways in America. Imagine my surprise when I came across snow-capped mountains and long patches of snow throughout the landscape.

Oh…

On this Good Friday, I’m taking time to not only reflect but to give thanks for so many things. Of course as you all know, my book, The Fat Girls Cub was released last Wednesday and for that I’m pleased. I’m also thankful for the ability to trek across America to find the usual and unusual. I give thanks for my friends, family members and all those whose paths I’ve crossed along my journeys.

Today’s Spotlight feature goes to Oregon and all its wonderful waterfalls that filled my mind, body and spirit. These photos are one of the reasons I love Oregon so much.

Wahkeena-Small and pretty

A beautiful site-Multnomah

Bridal Veil’s wide base

It’s so sad to say goodbye but we must. This is the last day of Photography 101 from Blogging University. It has been a great experience and opened the door to some very talented people in my virtual classroom. To the staff, “Thank You.” To those who follow my work or took a peek at my blog, Best To You in your Endeavors. Here’s my last homework page, a wrap-up of my favorites and that of those who commented on my site.

A tree in Maui

Multnomah Falls, OR

Oregon Mansion

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Oregon lighthouse lens

Oregon in the Winter

I’m to sexy for my shell

Take me back to the beach

Sand dollars-Oregon

Going my way?

A battle on the keys.

Enough already

Palace model

Indy race cars

Tacoma Glass Museum

Outdoor art-Paris

In Palm Springs, CA

M. Monroe statue

Creating shadows

Among waterfalls

Signs leading to…

Covered bridge-Oregon

Maui beauty

Painted Hills and reflections

Look at me now!