January 31 - End of the Road

Today ends my touching the ocean adventure.  It began just as a fun thing to try, not much of a stretch, but enough of a challenge to make it interesting.  I had some hard times getting down to the ocean, sometimes because I was tired, sometimes because Dara was not so agreeable.  I was hoping that I would be able to walk or run everyday and while it didn't turn out to work that way, most days I did get to walk. 

This morning I decided since it was my last day and I rarely go to the end of the pier, I should make the journey out that far at least.  It was a cloudy morning - but looking back over the hills was stunning.  Also on my way to the beach I have to cross over some railroad track (and a foot bridge over the freeway)  Today of course I made it just before the train.  Another cool view there . . .

The sand was dry and not so cold this morning which was nice.  I am so grateful for the adventure.

train, train tracks and freeway . . .

looking toward downtown Ventura

Ventura Pier

feet in the water

 P.S.  my mom asked what I would be doing for this next month.  February will be a journey inward - I will focus on writing, meditation and Healing Touch.  Stay tuned here or at embody wisdom

January 30 - Play Date at the Park

Convinced Dara and Micah to join me on a trip to Marina Park.  (after we went to another park of their choosing of course)  Very fun day, Very nice morning.

Dara and Micah on the slide

Dara and the view

in the water - Dara in the sand

January 29 - Does it Get Any Better?

We have had an amazing weekend of beautiful weather here.  This morning I got to get up extra early and get a 10.5 (roughly) mile run in before church, then off church and back for lunch, naps and relaxation.  This evening I spent time with an amazing group of people at The Abundant Table (the Episcopal Campus Ministry for Cal State Channel Islands).  Before I headed out I was able to run down to the beach.  Tim and Dara walked down . . . on a side note they also walked back and saw a hawk catch a rat (or something of the sort).

What a great way to spend a Sunday.

kites

Add caption

 P.s.- there are no pics of Dara today because she was extremely un-photogenic.  and I did not have the time to keep trying.

January 28 - Beach Day with Dad

Weekends are great when Tim can come to the beach with us.  Dara and Tim get crazy with the stuff that they do.  We were going to take Dara out in the water on the boogie board today since the weather was so warm, but the wind kicked in and the water was chilly - so we decided not to try it today. Little kids and being cold is not fun, but little kids + sand + sunshine + dad = awesome!!!

January 27 - Playing in the Sand

Dara had her check up at the doctor's office today.  She checks out just fine.  In fact - better than I thought!  Even with her "spartan" 3-year-old diet she is growing on track (90% height 25% weight). She is a feather. 

This kid loves the sand and the waves - I rarely see her as happy as she is on the beach.

in the water

digging with mom

walking on the rocks

January 26 - After Class

Dara and I went down to the beach today after she was done with pre-school.  We actually drove down to a parking lot near the freeway and then crossed over on the foot bridge.  We really must be coming down with something.  Neither of us had much energy (but at least more than yesterday).  So we walked along by the water and then Dara got to play on the playground.

high tide

footprints

Dara's Hat

January 25 - Ok, I Took a Break

One would think I could push through being tired, or dealing with the rain, and really there is not much of an excuse, but today I needed a break from the ocean (and Dara chose going to the Library rather than the beach - I know that is hard to believe) So for one reason or another I decided to take a break today - But never fear I will be back at it tomorrow.  However, for your enjoyment I took a pic of the ocean.  we got about 2 blocks closer, but the view was not as good . . .