Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, California

Glass Beach, Ft. Bragg, California

This weekend’s Mega Millions lottery had me thinking of what I would do if I won that much money.

Travel for sure. Top of my list?

Glass Beach, Ft. Bragg, California.

I first became aware of this beach through an article in the Times of the Islands publication that I read when I was in Sanibel Island, Florida in December 2007.

Fort Bragg … is a … town only 15 minutes up the coast from Mendocino. Here you’ll discover mesmerizing Glass Beach, named for the sparkling bits of history that decorate it. Like jewels from a shipwreck, tiny pieces of emerald green, brilliant blue, and topaz glass have tumbled themselves smooth, the remains of castoffs in what was, surprisingly, a 1930’s ocean-side city dump. The craggy coastline, crashing waves, and a distant lighthouse enhance the drama…

Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I would love to be ankle deep in sea glass gems.

Wine and Waves

And as if Glass Beach is not enough, there’s more (again from Times of the Islands):

The oceanfront village of Mendocino is, without doubt, the region’s prime destination for dining or overnight stays. Foodies migrate here to feast on regional produce, fresh seafood, organic delicacies, and, of course, local wines.

Sign me up.

I’ll stay in a bed and breakfast, and visit the wine country …

Yes, this is a Great Escape that I definitely need to plan.

Even if don’t ever win the lottery …

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In honor of today’s official start to crab season, here’s a recap of some of the best crab recipes from the Coastal Cuisine section of my blog. Just click on the photos below.

Haussner's Crab Imperial

Crab Quiche

Crab Cake

And of course, steamed crabs.

Steamed Crab

Take, for example, a crab feast in honor of my mom’s birthday. It makes me smile to watch her sporting a modified 60’s beehive hairdo, wearing a corsage made by my sister-in-law (who used to work as a floral designer), while pounding crabs with a mallet (love you, Mom).

Click on the crab above for a step-by-step tutorial on how to open a steamed crab.

And guess what? I’ll be featuring another crab recipe this week!

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When I look at my last post, I can’t believe it’s been this long since I’ve posted something!

But like most of you, and I’m sure you’ll understand, life sometimes has a way of getting in the way.

In my case, many good things have happened, but also some things that are not so good.

Good news — I’ve started a new full-time “day job” that I love! After some time having succumbed to the economy and a layoff, I’m back in the environmental work that I love!

The not-so-good news? My sweet kitty, Spot (pictured above), has passed away. There is a famous poem, author unknown, about a rainbow bridge. Environmental person that I am, I like to think of Spot’s rainbow bridge as being a poetically beautiful beach in one of the places that I love, Hawaii (I’ve been there three times!) where rainbows are plentiful.

In memory of Spot, here is the Rainbow Bridge poem:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

I miss you, Spot!

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I awoke this morning to snow.

Not a big fan.

And this comes on the heels of learning from my friend, Pam, over at iLoveShelling.com, that Frommer’s has placed Sanibel Island at the top of its list of top ten favorite travel destinations.

It’s always been at the top of my list for a great escape!

Blind Pass, Sanibel Island, Florida Shells as far as the eye can see ...

Check out some of my best shelling pictures here!

And more Sanibel Island here!

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New Year … New You

I’m thinking about adding wire crochet necklaces back into my shop …

Yesterday, I designed this necklace as the finishing touch for all the new gray items that I’ve added to my wardrobe in preparation for my new job. I’m so glad that gray is in style now! So cool and classic …

The necklace is chunky, yet feminine, and tops off a white tee top and gray flare pants (both from my fave store, Chico’s), and these great shoes from Aerosoles.

Here are a few:

Hmmmm.

Should I add wire crochet necklaces back into the shop? …

I think I might …

Sea-Suns Greetings

Last year at this time, I escaped to my very favorite Sanibel Island, Florida. There’s no place like the “tropics” to celebrate Christmas. It’s so much fun!

Where else can you see flamingos pulling a sleigh?

I love, love, LOVE to visit Sanibel Island during the holidays.

Did I mention that I love it?

Eighty-some degrees, driving around with the windows down, listening to Christmas music …

And, look! There’s Santa climbing a palm tree!

Santa Climbs a Palm Tree at Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island

This was my second visit to Sanibel Island. I did so much this time!

Here’s Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille. Owned by my favorite author Randy Wayne White:

Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille

Randy Wayne White used to be a fishing guide. As a fishing guide, he delivered fish to this restaurant, which he later bought! It’s named after the fictional hero of his novels, Doc Ford. His novels take place in Sanibel Island and they are a great read.

And here’s the Mucky Duck, a popular restaurant on Captiva Island:

Mucky Duck, Captiva Island

I’ve heard tales that if you ask for a table with a window, they will actually bring you a window.

And here’s sunset at the Mucky Duck (Endless Sunner style!):

Beautiful, isn’t it?

And of course, the original Chico’s (my favorite store):

The Original Chico's

This is the ORIGINAL Chico’s. I visited Chico’s on Luminary Night. So much fun. All the shops are decorated, and there’s music, and food, and drink.

And I visited the shell museum. This is a junonia:

Junonia

You get your picture in the paper if you find one of these.

Which, of course, brings me to the main event on Sanibel Island: SHELLING!

Blind Pass, Sanibel Island, Florida Shells as far as the eye can see ...

Check out some of my best shelling pictures here!

And you can see even more Sanibel Island holiday pictures here.

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Eco-conscious and world-friendly, Endless Sunner designs give new life to reclaimed materials and support worthwhile environmental and community endeavors.

Endless Sunner’s “Confetti” wire crochet necklace (shown above) was featured in a silent auction to support the Avalon ~ Brookewood schools on Saturday, November 19. The second annual Autumn Auction, held at the elegant William F. Bolger Center Ballroom in Potomac, Maryland, featured an open bar, hearty buffet of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, silent auction with a host of items perfect for holiday giving and beyond, and more.

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Barefoot Beach - Sea Glass Toe Ring...$15	Toes in the Grass - Sea Glass Toe Ring...$14
Toes in the Surf - Sea Glass Toe Ring...$14	Toes in the Sand - Sea Glass Toe Ring...$14

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I’ve been busy adding holiday items to my Endless Sunner shop!

Choose from holiday jewelry:

Gift from the Sea - Sea Glass Pendant Necklace

Peppermint - Sea Glass Earrings

And decor:

Beach Ball Sea Glass Ornament

Candlelight on the Beach - Set of 2 Sea Glass Mosaic Candle Holders

And these adorable Christmas holiday greeting cards:

Warm Holiday Wishes - Set of 4

Let it Snow Somewhere Else - Set of 4

Sand Castle - Warm Holiday Wishes Christmas Holiday Cards

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But the most frightful thing right now is the weather!

Say it ain’t snow! It’s too soon for that!

Let It Snow Somewhere Else

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