Santa Barbara is one of the last places you'd want to run away from. That is, if you don't have allergies. This year, after rains, that were paced in such a way as to bring everything and anything that could bloom to the surface, my allergies struck with a vengeance.
My plan was to buy some time away from Santa Barbara's blossoms with a trip to the desert, before house-sitting for my dear daughter Erin, who lives on the border of Beverly Hills. But, after happily tending to my two grandcats: Charles (who you met in November,) and Ruby, his moody and elusive cohort,
when my house-sitting stint was up, I found myself not ready to return to the riot of Santa Barbara's furious foliage. So, I changed my plans and extended my trip. Now, as I enjoy the freedom and adventure of being on the road, I'll share a few images I found on Highway 10, while making my exit from L.A.
* Double click on the first image below to see downtown L.A. and find the dirigible.
Hi Anitra-
ReplyDeleteBeing on the road sometimes is fun isn't it? These pictures definitely reflect the variety that is southern California. I have a special stretch of highway up in the Sierras that's very special to me. Too bad gas is so expensive right now, otherwise I'd probably plan a little road trip of my own.
Regards,
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteYour "special" Sierra stretch sounds wonderful, and yes, the price of gas these days does make one think twice. The thing about getting away that I find so great is the change of perspective. The lack of what is familiar frees the mind.
So nice to get your take on things, ~ Aneet
Anitra-
ReplyDeleteMy special stretch of road is US 50 between Carson City, Nevada and South Lake Tahoe. It creates such a feeling of anticipation as you're ascending up into the mountains from the barren high desert, then that first glimpse of Lake Tahoe is like the first glimpse of presents under the tree on Christmas morning. =)
Thank you for your great feedback
Joseph
Joseph,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your favorite stretch of highway with us! That's great information.
It would be fun to hear from other viewers about their favorite highways and road trips.
I enjoyed your expressive metaphor about the first glimpse and remember your mentioning Lake Tahoe in the past, how it resonates with you.
Once again, thank you for your message Joseph :)
Hi Anitra,
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I have a favorite stretch of road, per se.
I spent a lot of time driving back and forth across the country back in the '90's, and have probably taken every major route there is going from California to Maine (where I'm from originally), and back again. As I've gotten older, these road trips get harder and harder for me to do. I just don't have the stamina to drive these distances any more.
So, I guess the favorite highway would probably be the one that leads me to my destination on the way, and the one that leads me home on the way back!! :-)
And again I have to say, that after admiring you for so many years, Anitra, it is so wonderful to be able to communicate with you this way. I always look forward to each new entry on your blog.
Have a wonderful day!!
Mark
Mark,
ReplyDeleteOnce again, delightful to hear from you. I enjoyed hearing about your travels. You must have seen some amazing sights and had remarkable experiences on your sojourns.
And, yes, ones perspective definitely changes with age. You capture so well (and with humor) that aspect of finding value and beauty right here and now.
Thank you for your generous words, ~ Aneet
Mark, let me rephrase that last line to say, I'm honored by your kind words :)
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Anitra!
ReplyDeleteFirst off,let me tell you what beautiful photos you shot of California. I always thought of CA as one of the most picturesque places in the country.
Being one of the biggest animal lovers on earth,I can tell you that your cats are really cute. I have 6 myself on the inside and another 6 outside. Rescued and fixed each and every one of them.(Bob Barker would be proud). Just curious, is Ruby a Calico?
Oh yes Anitra,my favorite stretch of road is my driveway. It doesn't stretch very far but at least I know that I'm not very far from a place I can relax and unwind. Isn't it interesting that you park on the driveway and drive on the parkway?
All the best! Jonathan
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you! Glad you like the photos. Yes, California is very diverse. And gee, I had no idea you were a cat lover. How interesting. You're right, Bob Barker would be very proud.
And yes, Ruby is a Calico, of the Tortoiseshell variety. She's part feral and very shy. I really am impressed by the fact that you have twelve cats, and that they are all rescues. It makes me think that I should have a reader post a photo of his/her cat, along with a quote, once a month on this blog. It's not a cat blog, but gosh, cats are one beautiful part of this big world, and it would be fun to share them now and then.
I got a kick out of your "favorite highway." I guess your cats keep you close to home. I also enjoyed your mindbender question. It's whimsical and I'm still pondering it.
Again, so good to hear from you, Jonathan. Take Care, ~ Aneet
Great blog and photos. You've aged well!
ReplyDeleteUva,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you. Thank you for your generous comments.
Sincerely, ~ Anitra