Monday, May 28, 2012

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, PLUS





"A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!"

Henry Holcomb Bennett - "The Flag Goes By"




Main Street, U.S.A.
(West Main Street, Grass Valley, California 95945)


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


We made another trip to Santa Cruz this weekend to see Jake and Jacinda off to his Senior Prom:



They looked so handsome and pretty.  They are just the sweetest and most delightful couple. So respectful of each other.



And so grown up!


We also took Tami out to a fresh fish birthday dinner on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
She wanted to thank you all who wished her happy birthday greetings.

After dinner we took a stroll on the wharf and saw some local characters:



This is Mama and Baby Sea Otter.  It was such a sweet sight.  At first, we thought the baby was dead but a local fisherman was there to set us straight.



The baby was sleeping.  He lays on his back while Mama pushes him where she wants him to go.  She would leave him for a little while and dive under the water to get a mouthful of barnacles that were attached to the bottom of the wharf.  She would then surface, turn over in the water a few times, and then come and move the baby with her head, all the while crunching on the barnacles.  We could hear it loud and clear from up on the wharf.  When she was through eating she would wrap her arms around the baby and move away a bit.  Then she would start the process all over again.




Finally, she wrapped the baby in her arms and headed out under the wharf.  I guess it was time for bed.




Further down there was a small colony of sea lions, lazing on the pier but protesting loudly to something or other.  They are so funny and really have the sweetest little faces.




I think Mom and Dad  were calling Baby for straying too far from their watchful eyes.






This is a portion of the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk as seen from the Santa Cruz Wharf.
We could hear all the happy screams from the people riding the Giant Dipper and other numerous rides and attractions and, of course, the lucky ones playing in the surf and laying on the beach.


It was a very relaxing and fun filled weekend.  




From our Cottage to yours, hope you had a fun and safe weekend too....Judy





Honor the men and women who have served their country...and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty...


I am linking up with the following this week:

Your Cozy Home Party

Wow Us Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Home and Garden Thursday

Home Sweet Home

Feathered Nest Friday

Saturday Show Off

Seasonal Sundays
























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41 comments:

  1. NanaDianaMay 28, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    Judy-What a great post. I love the prom pictures and the wharf pictures. Happy Memorial Day to you, too- xo Diana

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  2. AnonymousMay 28, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    What a lovely weekend, I love seeing the views of where you live, the sea otter baby was so sweet, enjoying a floating snooze! and being steered around by his mum, the sun is still shining here but cooling a bit, fingers crossed it stays for the Jubilee weekend!!
    Thea x

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  3. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 28, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Hi Thea: Thank you so much for the sweet words. We had a great weekend and I will double cross for you to have one also. Congratulations to the Queen! Happy weekend..Judy

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  4. dee deeMay 28, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    Judy,
    I always feel like I've been on vacation when I read your posts! Your main street USA looks so different than ours here in the midwest! I always think of the old west when I see the small towns near you! I just love it! We also don't get sea otters and sea lions over here, so it is so much fun to see God's beautiful creation on your side of the USA! Happy Memorial day!
    dee dee

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  5. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMay 28, 2012 at 4:02 PM

    Looks like you had a great time!

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  6. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageMay 28, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    It seems like you had a nice relaxing time! I almost feel like I was there with you. I like your pictures. The baby otter story was so sweet. That would be delightful to see. I had no idea mamas and babies did that either! I miss visiting California!

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  7. Clara May 28, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Hi Judy! I loved the tour of the wharf and the sweet Otters. Also the Prom pictures. Hope you have a great week.
    ~Clara

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 28, 2012 at 11:29 PM

      Thanks, Clara. I love your sweet comments. Those little things were so cute and so, I think, is my beautiful grandson..Hope you are having a good week so far..Judy

      Delete
  8. DeseraeMay 28, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Sounds like a delightful weekend....the little Otters are soooo cute too! Your garden is so pretty....love your patriotic banners :o)
    ~Des

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  9. AlediaMay 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    What a fabulous weekend! I love the pictures of the otters and the seals, so precious!!

    Have a wonderful evening!
    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

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  10. BetsyMay 28, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    What a fine young couple - great prom picture.
    I love the otter picture and thank you for the information about them. So sweet how the mama takes care of her baby. Your front yard looks so nice decked out for Memorial Day.
    My husband served in Army. My Dad and brother was Army - I especially thought of them today. Now my son in law is Army and step son is Navy Aviation. Enjoyed reading your post today.
    Blessings
    Betsy

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  11. TamiMay 28, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    Thanks for a very special weekend mom!!! Can't believe my little boy is now a young man (already!!) How lucky he is to have you and the "captain" for his grandparents!! How lucky am I to have you and the "captain" for my parents!!! LOVE YA TO THE MOON!!! Tami p.s- your grandfoster dog is running laps around the living room as I type. I think she misses you!!!:)

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 28, 2012 at 11:31 PM

      Thank you sweetie girl. Hope you are having a great birthday. We had such a fun weekend with you kids and tell Roo, I miss her too..Love, Mom

      Delete
  12. Art and SandMay 28, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    We saw seals on our beach today also. I hope one day to see an otter.

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  13. Mr PaulMay 29, 2012 at 1:18 AM

    Your pictures are lovely Judy. Jake and Jacinda look very sweet.
    I had big plans to pass through Santa cruz on my last trip to CA I dont know what happened, we must have taken a detour because........OK, I just checked google map and I remember we made a beeline for Monterey so we didnt leave ourselves enough time. Next time I'd love to visit and stay a while.
    There is the most gorgeous motel further south on route 1 on Moonstone bay that allows doggies to stay. It faces the ocean and in the morning you wake to a basket of coffee, juice and homemade pastries and treats hooked to the door of your room.

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  14. Pat@Back Porch MusingsMay 29, 2012 at 5:12 AM

    What a wonderful weekend you had! I loved reading this post and seeing the great photos.

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 29, 2012 at 2:14 PM

      Thanks so much, Pat. It was a really fun weekend, and so good to spend it with family..Hope you are having a good week..Judy

      Delete
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMay 29, 2012 at 5:22 AM

    Looks like a fun weekend. I remember seeing otters in the water when we did an Alaskan cruise years ago. They were all on their backs with a baby on top. So cute.

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  16. bjMay 29, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    What a pretty blog....:) Thanks for coming by and following. I will follow you, too.
    Love your pretty home..and I love blue. Am looking forward to seeing more of your posts.

    Re: my PAD
    I had a really hard time with it for a few years and came waaay too close to losing one leg. Six surgeries....surgeon kept saying I need much more aggressive meds. Then, GOD and my sweet nurse daughter stepped in. A new doctor !! He is wonderful and I worship the ground he walks on. I am on heavy duty blood thinners and have a stent behind left knee. It's been 2 years since then and I walk a mile every day...and doing good. Oh, I can't walk for long periods anymore...the circulation is never going to be the same. But it's so much better that I thank God (and daughter:) every day.

    Gotta go sign up to follow my newest bloggy friend...:)

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  17. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comMay 29, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    I have never seen an otter. I love to watch the Nat Geo programmes on wild life .. I have seen them there.
    Sea lions I have seen.
    Are they not just the lovliest of gods creatures. all of them. Amazing how the mummies look after the babies.
    Your grandson Jame looks just too handsome with his young girlfriend. They look very much in love ..
    I am glad that you had a nice memorial weekend. We do not celebrate that day here .. but the soldiers that died, died for our freedom.
    It touches my heart.
    I love your American flag.
    kind regards Judy.
    nice post and photos.
    val x x x

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 29, 2012 at 2:26 PM

      Hi Val: Those little things are so cute and we could have watched them for hours. Yes, I think they are in love, hopefully they will be smart about it.. Hope you are having a good week so far and thank you, Val, for you sweet words..Judy

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  18. CEO Lisa Anne - L.AMay 29, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Hi Judy,
    Thanks for your visit and the sweet comment. Your prom photo's are beautiful. My daughter has her prom this weekend. Santa Cruz looks like a gorgeous place to visit. I love the sea otter and her baby...awesome photo's. Have a wonderful week. I'm your newest follower.
    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  19. Jean TuthillMay 29, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    What a great weekend you had! Your pictures are great. Loved the story of the otters..., momma and baby!

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  20. Shannon@Cozy Home ScenesMay 29, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Judy, thanks for coming to your Cozy Home Party. I enjoyed seeing your lovely photos especially the cute prom couple. The sea otters and sea lions are precious.---------- Shannon

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    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 29, 2012 at 2:30 PM

      Thank you Shannon for your kind comments and thank you also for hosting. I will be returning next week ..Hope your day is going well..Judy

      Delete
  21. sunnyskiesandsweetteaMay 29, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Hi Judy,

    It sounds like your weekend was wonderful! Your grandson looks so cute with his GF. They grow up so fast... I hope you have a blessed week.

    Amy Jo

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 30, 2012 at 4:12 PM

      Hi Amy Jo: Thank you for your sweet words. Yes, they do grow up so fast and sometimes I'm just amazed that I'm talking about my grandson, and still not MY kids. Hope you are having a great week..Judy

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  22. Judith @ Lavender CottageMay 29, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Hi Judy
    Your grandson and girlfriend look pretty spiffy all dolled up for the prom - I like her dress.
    Lucky you to see the seals and sea lions on a walk, glad you explained about the baby.
    Glad you had a nice memorial weekend. I am always amazed how Americans proudly display their flag - rarely do you see ours in front of a house - draped or otherwise.
    Judith

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  23. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeMay 29, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Hi Judy! I haven't heard from you for a while, I was hoping everything was okay with you. Thanks for sharing such a great post. Love the Main Street USA and the Santa Cruz beach/boardwalk pics! Sweet prom pics! And sweet otters and seals. You're right seals do have the sweetest faces. Have a great week and I hope you'll come and visit me on my blog again soon.

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  24. KerinMay 30, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    Judy..
    Looks like a perfect way to spend the weekend!
    Gorgeous weather, family, furry critters and fun.

    Thanks for sharing all your pictures with us... they are delightful!!

    Smiles :)
    Kerin

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  25. ConnieMay 30, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Hi, I just stumbled onto your lovely blog. Your home is uncommonly delightful. I love the charming front porch, the blue and white paint, and the many, many, many beautiful flowers. Your morning glories made me think of an old song from my childhood. Do you know it? It goes like this, "I want to wake up in the morning, where the morning glories grow, where the sun comes peeking into where I'm sleeping and the songbirds say hello". Oh well, before you think I'm a nut (might be to late) I'll sigh off. I am your newest follower. Please accept my warm and humble invitation to visit my blog and hopefully to follow me, too. Connie :)

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    Replies
    1. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 30, 2012 at 4:05 PM

      Hi Connie: I'm so happy to meet you and so glad you are following me. I will go over to your's a do the same. I love that old song, wish I had known of it before I made the post. Hope you don't mind if I file it away for future referencee. No, I don't think you are a nut, if so, then so am I!! Hope you are having a wonderful week..Judy

      Delete
    2. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 30, 2012 at 4:21 PM

      It's me again, Connie. I tried to get on your blog but something in my computer program won't let me. I will try again tomorrow..Judy

      Delete
  26. Blooming Rose MusingsMay 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Judy, it looks like you had a wonderful holiday weekend. I love the photos of all the sea critters. What fun to watch them. Please wish your daughter Happy Birthday from me. Your grandson is very handsome and they make a very cute couple. Oh, by the way, my friends did stop at your sale the previous week and said you were very busy. That was wonderful news. I hope you are having a great week.

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  27. Linda LeybleMay 31, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Hey Judy - your grandson and girlfriend - very, very adorable couple!!! Some good raising was going on there.

    I love your pics of the sea life too - isn't it amazing how you thought the baby was dead...but was sleeping. I love to go to SF and see the sea lions cavort. It's like going to an amusement park for free. Endless fun to watch them.

    Thanks again for always commenting on my blog. So appreciative. I was gone so much this spring...I didn't blog as much (felt really bad about that!). And then I was struck with writers' block. Oh my - I don't want to fall prey to that - so I thought the summer mantle might be an easement into blogging again.

    TY!!

    Linda

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  28. Judy BiggerstaffMay 31, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Proms are so exciting and they look so sweet, and such a cute picture of them. Love the rest of your images too, great pictures and beautiful scenery.

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  29. Judy at GoldCountryCottageMay 31, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    Thank you Judy. We had a great time and was so much fun seeing all the young uns!.Thank you for your sweet words and happy Friday..Judy

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  30. AnonymousJune 1, 2012 at 1:31 AM

    Good Morning JUdy, thankyou for your lovely comment over at mine. Your pictures are beautiful.I love the picture of your grandson and his girlfriend,they sound such a sweet couple.I love the story of the sea life,mama and baby,what a wonderful sight to see,isnt nature amazing? Happy Memorial day to you and your cottage is BEAUTIFUL! Wishing you a safe relaxing weekend and happy Friday.lots of love juliexxxx

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  31. Betty@SouthernGraceJune 1, 2012 at 6:20 AM

    What beautiful pictures, Judy. I couldn't even decide on a favorite. I love them all! Looks like a beautiful place to live.
    ~betty

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  32. UnknownJune 1, 2012 at 6:56 AM

    Hi Judy,
    I'm so far behind at looking at all the lovely Memorial Day weekend blogs! It was a wonderful holiday and your pictures show that you had a great weekend too. I love watching sea animals and how cute that the baby Otter was sleeping like that. So interesting.
    What a lovely young couple Jake and Jacinda make. Love seeing the young folks enjoying all that their school years hold for them. The time passes so quickly. I'm sure they had a great time. Hope the weather brings another glorious weekend..Enjoy!

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  33. KathyJune 1, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    hello Judy, it looks like your weekend was idlyllic. Love the scenes of the animals in the water -- so sweet - the beach scenes are lovely - a very beautiful place - the young couple do look wonderful too! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy

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