Once Again

And finally the days are getting longer, the sun is warmer and life seems to be finding a rhythm once again. I was not born to live in snow and ice, this I am confident of. Since visiting this space the last time there have been revelations, remodeling, celebrations and something we can always rely on, change. It's good to be back in Northern California amongst family and friends. People that give without you asking and want nothing more than for you to share a bit of their happiness. Now that we can go without multiple layers of clothing the kiddos and I are beginning to feel ourselves again. Wiggling our toes out of our open toed sandals and feeling the suns burn on our bare arms. Our life outdoors can commence...
This past week we have taken family big rides in Bidwell Park. The little ones even dared to get in the creek to look for fish or some strange thing that might move or glimmer under water. We enjoyed the company of a egret bird perched in a pine tree in the yard just before a spring rain shower. We walked the Farmers Market with friends and wiped strawberry juice from our chin and hands. The three of us squat down, our faces near the ground to inspect our gardens seedlings rising from the dirt. Our ears burn as a cool wind blows through on North Rim trail. We slap at mesquitos in the evening and warm our faces with a bonfire at night. This is what life is to me. My life outdoors.

Linking to The Extraordinary Ordinary for Just Write

Leaves And Things

At the park the leaves where slowly falling and floating off the trees. From the top of the slide Stellita called to me, " Mami, what happy(happened)?" I replied, " the leaves are falling mija (las hojas están cayendo)." She promptly slide down and announced, "I catch'em!" And trotted off to catch the leaves. Which she attempted for all of two minutes before running off to the Cheese(pictured). Because let's face it playing in a huge slice of Swiss cheese made of concrete is pretty awesome.
Linking to Small Style
Stella is wearing OshKosh overalls(hand me down) and top, shoes Saltwater.
Joaquin is wearing Maui shirt from My Grandma, jeans OshKosh, shoes Keen.

Whim

I loaded the little ones in the car before the sun came up. Bikes strapped on and enough diapers to last a week, I kissed my sweet Mr. goodbye. I needed home and my sweet babes needed there GiGi, PopBee, cousins and lots and lots of open space. Our days were filled with celebrations and discoveries with snuggles and loved ones. Impromptu gatherings, swimming, deer in velvet, incredible heat and picking grapes from the vine. We watched birds in the trees, ate ice cream and shooed away flies. JQ would wake early, dressing and walking up to the main house to get some 1 on 1 with his GiGi, (who I'm sure was there waiting for him). Stella fell in love with swimming in the pool and would stay in long after her teeth would start to chatter.
Today we have made the trek back south. Settling in to another set of familiar routines. There is much to be said about being surrounded by loved ones. People that know you and love you anyways. People that celebrate that love and connection on a whim again and again. This exists for us and for that I am grateful. There is also great comfort for me in earths wide open spaces, natures untampered beauty and glorious imperfections.
For now this sweet little family of mine will continue on the journey. Burying our feet in the sand we will warm our skin in the endless sun.

Over Too Soon

I woke yesterday morning in my own home after spending almost two weeks with my parents in Northern California. Always incredibly gracious they decked out the guest house for us to stay in and have our own private space. Going so far as to stock it with our favorite wines, toiletries and late night munchies, (Chamomile tea for Mr. and hot coco and HOMEMADE marsh mellows for the kiddos!) mom even made a little bed for my pug dogs, which by the way... THEY LOVED!

Joaquin and Stella ate sweets daily, stayed up past bedtime, played and visited with family. Stella discovered the doggy door and used it as often as she could get away with it. Like brother like sister I guess! Joaquin sang Jingle Bells over and over and over... And fell asleep at dinner TWICE.

We had meals with family and friends. Talking long after dinner had been eaten and the wine bottles empty. The time went by much quicker than I had expected. In fact time in general seems to be passing so quickly.

It was a lovely holiday and beginning of a new year for us and hopefully for all of you as well. Linking to What I Love Wednesdays

Insta-Christmas

We are officially on holiday with family & friends.

There will be lots of food, wine, conversation & celebration in the next two weeks. I am looking forward to every.single.bit of it.

Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!

Linking to Life Rearranged for InstaFriday!

In My Backyard

Home late last night from down south this morning we woke to a yard sprinkled with fallen leaves.

Nature provided the perfect distraction for these little ones...and myself as well.

Linking up with Unknown Mami ,

For The Love Of Blogs
and It's The Simple Things.

Farm Tour

Llano Seco

Every Columbus Day weekend many of the local farms and wineries participate in The Sierra Oro Farm Tour Passport Weekend. It is a wonderful opportunity for the locals to tour, taste and learn about the local farmers and farmed goods in our area. With last year being the exception Mr. and I have enjoyed this every year! This time around a group of us went and started the day at Llano Seco Ranch. One of the last Mexican Land Grants not divided up. Again that inseparable Spanish/Mexican influence! This Ranch practices much organic farming and raise organic pork. They provided and great tour in which we road on the back of a flatbed truck on bails of hay. We were educated on organic farming, different types of walnuts grown in the area, the natural landscape and its preservation on the ranch and the raising of organic pigs. Sierra Nevada Brewery is not surprisingly a large buyer of Llano Seco organic pork.

JQ at Bertagna

On the way to CSUC Farm we made a quick stop at Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards for a bit of vino! We had been here before and always enjoy the setting. This year they had pumpkins for sale. Seriously the best looking pumpkins I have seen! Joaquin loved them and the wine was awfully good too. My favorite is the Petite Syrah!

Stella trying Lamb & my Mr.

At Chico States Agriculture Farm there was so much to see which is probably why I only got one photo there. This working farm is the classroom for animal science and agriculture students at the university. They have organic meats and an organic diary which produces milk for Organic Valley. Again Sierra Nevada Brewery Restaurant is a large purchaser of CSUC meats.

After a picnic lunch on the farm we headed out for, yup, more wine. One of my favorite local wines is from Long Creek Vineyards. A small family owned winery on a hillside they have some really great Syrah! This year they had already sold out of their "futures" which we typically purchase. Bad for us but great for Long Creek! I am so glad the vineyard is doing well. Just a few minutes away is Grey Fox Vineyards which is always lively! Live music, food and plenty of people and wine. It was getting late in the day and the kiddos had been real champs, napping in the car and enjoying all the new sites. We knew we would have to call it quits soon so we stopped at one of our favorites on the way home, Chaffin Family Orchards. I really cannot say enough about this farm. We learn so much every time we visit and the kiddos have a blast with all that there is to see. Free range, grass fed beef, free range chickens and permaculture fruits, well known in the area if ever you have the opportunity to visit please do! Chaffin being our last stop we all headed back to our house for pizza and a movie. It was a super long and fun day and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Stella and my Dad

Linking up to Weekend Wander, Life Made Lovely and Unknown Mami

Sunday In My City

In another month the "Tree Farm" will be alive with colors of gold, fire, pumpkin and everything in-between. We will no doubt be back for walks then too. For now there are just a few dry leaves on the ground. It is the perfect place for an afternoon adventure.

 Linking with FTLOB and The Unknown Mami.

Love Where You Live. Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park is just one of many things that make Chico great.

 A place to explore nature, this park is part of who I am. No joke. I have memories of this park in every stage of my life thus far. Growing, learning, exploring, appreciating. Loosing control and finding piece. Some of it has changed and some has remained the same.

Just like me.
The third largest municipal park in California and one of the 25 largest city parks in the United States we are so very lucky to enjoy this park everyday!

 Joaquin, Stella, Mr. And I frequent this particular part of the park, Hooker Oak, for baseball, for play and for long walks.
This post simply touches upon the beauty that is Bidwell Park. I promise to share more and encourage anyone interested to visit! Some other posts that include the park are here, here and here.

linking up here and here.



Mini Man Lunch Date

 

Having a lunch date with my mini man.

Taking time with just him.

No distractions. Just him and me.

Lovely.

We did a little shopping (at a toy store of course!), had lunch, went to a museum, met a turtle.

Finished off with some sweets from our local bakery and taking the long way home.

Linking up with:

Una Cosa Muy Sencilla

Late evening, Downtown Chico, Ca.

As Mr. and I toted the kiddos on our bikes through the neighborhoods near our home I noticed something I hadn't before. Seeping from kitchen windows in the late evening as we rode past the smell of dinner reached our noses. Familiar aromas like grilled chicken and curry, a spicy marinara perhaps and garlic something or other. And some unfamiliar but equally pleasing smells that almost had me knocking on doors to inquire. As we rode I imagined families, empty-nesters and a woman with say,... five cats all settling in and enjoying their tasty creations.

This evening as I type I am thinking of a meal I shared with my Mr. and his grandparents years ago. It was after I had completed some college courses in Guadalajara and Mr. and I were on a road trip. His Abuelita Matilde made us breakfast outside in her garden. An egg, tortilla and Atole. I watched her make the tortillas from masa and fry the egg on the outdoor grill with a dash of salt. She spoke to my Mr. as she prepared the food as she had probably done a million times before. Chatting with her own husband, children or grandchildren, pressing the masa flat and tossing the salt on the grill. For me, It is a memory I hold dear and think of often. It is one of my "happy thoughts" as simple as it may seem.

Last week Matilde was involved in an accident and has suffered devastating injuries. Much of Mr.'s familia is with her in Mexico hoping for the best. We too are hoping for the best so many miles away...