Sea Ranch with the Youngs

This past weekend Carol and Greg got the family together for an early Thanksgiving celebration at Sea Ranch. Sam, Lisa, and their little one, Lilia, came as well as Luke's grandma and aunt from Carson City. Carol and Greg found a wonderful house to accommodate all nine of us with spectacular ocean front views to boot.


View from the house

The weekend was quite relaxing and the weather could not have been better. We spent Saturday reading books on the deck in the sun, walking along the bluff and looking at the ocean and sea life, playing cards, and eating and drinking lots of great food and wine. Luke brought his diving stuff and was disappointed on Saturday when the ocean was too rough to dive. However, he was rewarded on Sunday with the flattest ocean he has seen in a long time and nearly 20 feet visibility. He was able to hop in the water right outside of the house we stayed at and get three decent size abalone in less than thirty minutes.

Morning walk along the bluff

Luke and his poke pole

Poke poling

Seals sunning themselves

Wildlife spotted

Lisa and Carol reading on the deck

The ladies - Carol, Gladys, Katrina and Lisa

Miss Lilia really enjoyed stacking the blocks

And knocking them down!

 

Homemade apple pie

 

We spotted a bobcat right outside the front door



On our way to the beach to dig in the sand



Sam, Lilia, Luke, and Lisa walking to the beach



Sam and his co-pilot



Lisa and Lilia enjoying some beach time

It was especially good that Carol and Greg planned this early Thanksgiving because they were just deployed with the Red Cross to New York to help those affected by hurricane Sandy and will no longer be with us on Thanksgiving day as originally planned. Their selflessness and last minute trip to NY over the holiday has caused me to stop and reflect on all the blessings in my life. I know millions are still without power on the east coast and I hope they are at least able to have a warm meal and place to sleep for the holiday and I know Carol, Greg and crew will help make that happen for many. I will certainly be thinking of the people affected by Sandy and wish Carol and Greg a safe and productive trip.

It was a very nice weekend and good to all be together. I'm in the fall spirit now and ready for my favorite holiday of the year - THANKSGIVING!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!