caLILfornia, part 3: bundled at the beach

the west coast

 The day after Thanksgiving was the lowest tide of the year. We headed down to this beach just passed Davenport, Scotts Creek. Funny it's called Scotts Creek. I think it could be compared to the cliffs of Dover, but that's not Scottish. Scotts Creek probably got its name from the founder of Bonny Doon, a Scotsman by the name of John Burns. You can just imagine him coming down the hill after a long day of logging to sit on the beach, smoke a joint, and bathe in the frigid water. We just went down to check out some tide pools, breathe in the ocean breeze (wind), and drink in the scenery.

my beautiful niece mixes animal motifs

hand knit and snug as a bug

Lil and I did not ford the creek to the tide pools. The water was a little fast, and Mama was wearing her new boots from Snipe, which the salesman said were waterproof (twice... but they're not). Regardless, I wasn't willing to risk it. They're made with naturally dyed leather, and who knows what would happen to that juicy ruby red. Instead we just twirled around on the beach, ran up to the water, then away from the surf, watched Grandpa Gary fly his kite, and waved at strangers.

twirling girls

From time to time, I looked out at the horizon, and admired the sea cliffs in a haze of ocean spray, or just watched my family enjoy the chilly beach afternoon. I couldn't help but think that GranMary must've visited this same beach with Josie as a baby, maybe Lil's age, maybe a bit older. And I felt grateful knowing the same piece of paradise, the same slice of heaven, there with Lil.

And to be sure, GranMary knew we were there, too.

little lilly upchuck

We were all set to go down to Caribou today to see some friends at the big babies play group. Lil had on a great outfit, a little pink, a little sparkle, and just enough sass. Mama had her bunting from last year all set to keep Lil nice and bundled on the long walk. Lil seemed to be ready for a little snooze anyway, and the fresh air would do her some good. Then in mid-wail, Lil let loose a mouthful of carrots, salmon, and puffs all over her outfit, somehow missing Mama completely.

Here's what Lil was going to wear:

oh. i forgot the pink shoes

And this is how she ended up:

Pretty similar, I admit. The fuzzy sweater is a staple in Lil's cold weather gear. When she's all zipped into her bunting bag, nothing could be cozier. Whatever cold or tummy ache or teething problems she's dealing with finally melted away, and she rested that troubled little head for a good, long time (while Mama enjoyed a well-deserved snack and a beverage at Tuffet. Yay).

getting sleepy...