As I wandered about Henry’s Beach this morning, I came across several pairs of random shoes just strewn about. I couldn’t help but wonder how the people could remember where they had left them, and trusting that they’d be there when they returned.😂😂😂
Some super cool driftwood!
And Santa Barbara had some of the most beautiful, old growth trees!
See that ocean out there? 😃
Stopped to hike a bit after the beach gallivanting 😊
Henry’s Beach has always been one of my favorite beaches to frequent during my time in Santa Barbara, most likely because it is smaller, a bit out of the way, and much less popular among beach goers. Or it used to be, anyway😂😂. I made that my last stop today before heading to the airport, as I had a two hour window. It brought to mind so many wonderful memories, one of which was especially poignant. My friend Jan and I worked at a skilled nursing facility for children with cerebral palsy. One Thanksgiving, since the both of us had decided to stay in Santa Barbara for the holiday rather than going home to North Dakota, offered to work double shifts. At some point during the evening, a dear friend of mine brought us each a plate of Thanksgiving vittles to enjoy, along with two slices of home made sweet potato pie. I stashed them in the refrigerator until we were off duty, and then we went to Henry’s Beach to celebrate Thanksgiving with just the two of us. As we ate our turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie by the light of the moon, I couldn’t think of anyplace I’d have rather been at that moment. We lingered long after we had finished eating, just enjoying the moment, and visiting with one another about our wonderful and magical day.💕
Henry’s Beach hasn’t changed much at all that I can tell, and it’s hard to believe that well over 40 years have passed since then. But the memories remain firmly etched in my heart and in my mind.🤗
My favorite way to spend a Sunday in Santa Barbara! I would seriously come here just for this arts and crafts walk on Cabrillo Boulevard!
Several years ago, I discovered my absolute favorite necklaces at this very place! Favorite because they are usually made with a pearl and a splash of color, and on a woven cord rather than a chain. But it looks just like a gold chain. I bought several in Santa Barbara over the years, especially since they are only $20 each, and they last forever. Sadly, I left my favorite one in Bath, England, just last year. Unintentionally, of course. It simply fell between the cracks somewhere in my bedroom at the Airbnb. So needless to say, I was happy to find favorite-necklace-vendor here for yet another year! I picked out three so I could give one away as a gift to a friend, and the woman said… ‘Just pay me on your way back. I have to finish setting up.’ 😂😂😂.
She’ll be my last stop after my break on Stearns Wharf.
I found this aerial view of Stearns Wharf just this morning 😊
State Street is the major thoroughfare through Santa Barbara, and a fun street to wander around on!
And some lovely shots from this morning…
When I say ‘a walk along the beach’, it is literally a walk along the beach 😊💕. I can stay on the sidewalk, as walking on sand is messy and slower😂😂. Did that yesterday!
And now, breakfast at one of my favorite places, the Harbor Restaurant. If I’ve never told you the worm story, remind me to! A great memory😂😂🤭💕!
Next up, the infamous ‘Arts and Crafts show all along Cabrillo Boulevard…aka ‘the beach’ 💕.
Decided to go north for a time today. On State Street, that is😂😂. I have an early date with a shrimp cocktail on the Santa Barbara breakwater 😂😂. Santa Barbara is undoubtedly a more liberal town I believe (it IS California 😬), but I did see some amazing people yesterday on a bridge while I was going to rehash my memories of Mitcheltorina and San Pasqual Street, proudly holding ‘Make America Great Again’ signs, and ‘Don’t believe the lies.’ I honked and waved enthusiastically, and would have gladly join them had I not been driving on a bridge😂😂😂. So imagine my surprise when I saw this on my venture up State Street…
That quickly brought a smile to my face. And as I rounded the corner, I saw this…
😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏👏! My main man! Next to President Trump, that is!😂😂😂
More pretty on my walk…
These reminded me of an elderly person’s toes, but they actually belong to the tree below😂!
When Nancy and I lived in Santa Barbara, there was a stoplight at the 101 Freeway and State Street. They have since removed all of the stoplights on the 101, and have built an underpass so people can safely go under the freeway instead of across. It seems everything they build in Santa Barbara is just so lovely! Even a mundane underpass going under an even more mundane freeway!😂😂😂
When I’ve come back to Santa Barbara for a visit, I’ve always likened it to the Garden of Eden in a small way, with the sweet, floral fragrances all around, the foliage, and the lush greenery everywhere you look. It never ceases to amaze me! Citrus trees dot the landscape…limes, lemons, loquats, kumquats, and so many others that I do not know the names of, but all are equally tasty! And fresh strawberries and grapes are always present as garnishment when you order food at a patisserie or a fine restaurant, the flavor being incomparable to those we have available during the winter months in the northern, colder states. It is a treat to be here for sure, and I cannot help but take pictures of all the pretty. I know my photos do not do them justice, but I will share them anyway 💕.
During my walk yesterday evening along Stearns wharf, I couldn’t help but notice once again the beautiful reflections of the setting sun…
And someone fun to watch. He takes his work very seriously 😊…
But I think it’s her lower half that needs the most attention😂😂😂.
And these, just for fun 💕…
I was able to drive past the apartment Nancy and I lived in while we were in Santa Barbara. Our second apartment, after we had gained another roommate, Suzanne, who was a classmate of Nancy’s. It looked much the same, which was comforting. Even the grocery store we used to frequent was still there! When I visited Nancy in Bismarck, we spoke of her retirement this year. She mentioned a fall trip to Santa Barbara together, which I think would be so much fun! I miss her dearly when I am here, as she was part of so many memories and adventures 🤗. But I was able to have lunch with two very dear friends still living here! A highlight of my day.🤗
And now, it’s off to Santa Barbara Harbor for a walk along the breakwater😊.
As I wandered about Henry’s Beach this morning, I came across several pairs of random shoes just strewn about. I couldn’t help but wonder ...
