Top Hiking Spots

Photo: Daniella Swetland - Copyright

According to:

Marin at home

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN MARIN COUNTY

 1.   Best View - Mount Livermore via Northbridge - Sunset Trails Loop - Angel Island State Park

• Picnic site at 788 Foot Peak
• 360 Degree view of Bay Area
• Hike: 4 miles
• Rating: 6

2.   Best Waterfall - Cataract Trail to Laurel Dell Picnic Area - Marin Municipal Water District

• Lush canyon
• Water flow in winter
• Wildflowers in spring
• Trail can be slippery
• Wear good sturdy shoes
• Hike: 2.6 miles
• Rating: 8

3.   Most Challenging - Matt Davis - Dipsea - Steep Ravine Loop - Mt. Tamalpais State Park

• Great workout
• Views of Pacific Ocean and Hills
• Parking Fee: $4.00
• Hike: 7.0 miles
• Rating: 8
• 3 Hours ascent and descent

4.   Best for Dogs - Kehoe Beach - Point Reyes National Seashore

• Easy hike for dogs (even older ones)
• Beach
• Popular for dogs
• Dogs on leash
• South part of Kehoe Beach closed to dogs during Snowy Plover nesting season (March 15 - September 15)
• Hike: 1.2 miles
• Rating: 2

5.   Best Family Hike - Lake Lagunitas - Marin Municipal Water District

• Easy hour walk around the lake
• Great beginning for kids
• Watch feeding trout
• See turtles
• Fishing license needed for those over 16
• Lunch at Redwood Grove Picnic area
• Hike: 1.3 miles
• Rating: 1

6.   Least Crowded - Mount Burdell - Marin County Open Space District

• Be alone in the mountains
• Climb to the 1,558 foot summit
• 12 Miles of trails
• Ranchlike hills
• See from Mount Diablo to Sonoma County to the Bay
• Hike: 5.6 miles
• Rating: 5

The Best Places in Marin to take Your Kids

Photo: Daniella Swetland - Copyright

According to:

Marin at home

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN MARIN COUNTY

Five of the Best Places to take Your Kids:

1.   Angel Island State Park

• Bike Rentals
• Camping
• Picnicking
• Tram Tours
• Hiking Trails: More than 13 miles

http://www.angelisland.org/

(415) 435-1915

2.   Bay Model Visitors Center, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito

http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc

(415) 332-3870

3.   Bear Valley Visitors Center, Point Reyes National Seashore

• Exhibits
• Earthquake Trail
• Miwok Village Replica

http://www.nps.gov/pore

(415) 464-5100

4.   Slide Ranch, 2025 Highway 1, Muir Beach

• Demonstration Farm
• Hands on experience
• Family Oriented
• Family Farm Days
• Reservations Needed

http://www.slideranch.org/

(415) 381-6155

5.   Samuel P. Taylor State Park

• Camping
• Hiking
• Picnicking

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469

(415) 448-9897

  

Meet Winston .... He is quite a Character!!!!!

It's about time you meet Winston ... He's four.

Winston has a way with himself. Even though he looks sad in this photo, I have never known a dog happier and more confident than himself. He walks around as if he is mayor of the town and always manages to get many tummy rubs from those he meets. He has so much spunk and love that neighbors have told me seeing him makes their day. And even those who claim not to like small dogs have been won over by him. He's a big dog in a small body - he just doesn't know that.

I found my little guy on-line and never met him until I picked him up at the airport. I clicked with Winston from the first moment. I remembered the contract I signed when buying him, said that if he should become really ill in the first year (say with cancer) they would exchange him. I thought to myself how crazy, this is my baby - I would never send him back if he was sick. Anyhow, he was perfectly healthy, and still is.

Over the years he has been the most amazing little companion; he's the little cotton ball you get to come home to and snuggle with. A connection has always been there, even from that first day.

I know picking out an animal is a tricky task because you need to make sure you guys fit. I saw his little mug on line (all the boys looked the same) and said I needed to have the most playful and largest boy.

He is demanding, picky, likes to nap in a basket of warm laundry, snacks on brie & crackers with me, loves pasta, hates baths, but likes to play in the bathtub and so much more. But most of all he just wants to be close to you and nap with his head on your lap.

I got him from great breeders in Clearwater, FL
http://www.cambeas.com/

Looking for a Beautiful and Special Pet ID Tag

Looking for a great a great pet ID tag that's not average - Well look no further!

For my Maltese, Winston, I got the tag in the center and love it. You can choose the metal: Silver or Bronze and then pick stone colors of your choice: Diamond (Clear), Canary Diamond (Yellow), Emerald (Green), Ruby (Red), Pink Sapphire (Pink), Blue Sapphire (Blue), Aquamarine (Turquoise), Peridot (Pale Green), Amethyst (Purple) and Jet (Black). Of course these are not real stones but crystallized Swarovski Elements.

The one I chose for Winston was all Blue Sapphire, but when it arrived two green crystals found their way in there. To be honest - I loved it. The fact that only two were green, looked as if I had carefully planned it that way. Anyhow, in my mind it could not have looked more perfect.

With all the clanking on their bowls and such, the newness of these tags does not last forever. Winston is almost five, and he could use a new one.  But with that said, none of the stones have fallen out but the tag had dulled with time.

I know $58.95 is a steep price, but once you see it I think you will agree it was money well spent.

http://www.here-kittykitty.com/newfronenbon

Strategy Flow Philosophy: Finding Balance and Perspective for Our Lives

"Strategy Flow was founded in 2006 to offer frameworks, strategies and platforms on which individuals and organizations can grow, perform better and thrive in work and life. The strategyflow group is comprised of professional facilitators who have many years of experience in business, nonprofit, organizational and personal development." (Taken from their website.)

http://www.strategyflow.com/Framework

For those of you who like the Book Discussion with Howard Schechter, but want more in depth growth and learning check out all that Strategy Flow has to offer. Their philosophy is key. If that resonates with you, and you want more, then consider the "Restorative Weekend Couples Retreat at Stinson Beach".

Philosophy:

Strategy Flow puts it best when they say their philosophy is about "balance and perspective." Isn't that the backbone of living fully and having positive relationships? Without balance and perspective in our lives, where would we be?

Taken directly from their philosophy: "As life proceeds moment to moment, everything changes. Some change is imperceptible; some is overwhelming."

And if you can not accept change, life can get very difficult. This is about learning to accept the change around you; learning how to "Ride the Wave" and without judgment see other perspectives (that differ from yours).

If this has peeked your interest check out their website:

http://www.strategyflow.com/Philosophy

Book Discussion with Howard Schechter, PhD - "Intimate Partners, from Romantic Love to Enduring Relationships"

Come and Listen

Saturday November 7, 2009
2:30 - 5:00 PM


Where:
Creekside Deck
11 Calle del Pinos
Just north of Stinson Beach Park


Cost:
$20.00


For more Information:
Sponsor: Strategy Flow Group
Telephone: (415) 359-7654
Contact Name: Charles Higgins
http://www.strategyflow.com/


*********

Howard Schechter is a West Marin author and psychologist.

Come and listen to Howard speak about his new book, "Intimate Partners, from Romantic Love to Enduring Relationships", and get a better appreciation for your partner and yourself. In these challenging times simple stresses and those not so simple can really bog us down.  According to Marin Magazine, Howard speaks of how "to thrive amidst relationship dynamics and personal changes".  Come and learn something about yourself and the one you love.

Even the best relationships can use a little pick me up.

For more on Howard Schechter, PhD check out this website: http://www.strategyflow.com/HowardBio.html

Soupe au Pistou - Great Comfort Food on a Cold Day

Soupe au Pistou, arguably one of the best comfort foods for those colder months; this soup is sure to please. My Mother makes a lot at a time, freezing in separate containers - which is nice way to make an hour of cooking last for weeks. I know it's mild and warm in Marin now, but we all know colder weather is on the horizon. When the weather hits, you will have a great meal to keep you warm.

Soupe au Pistou

3 Quarts Water
2 Cups diced Carrots
2 Cups boiling Potatoes
2 Cups diced white part of Leeks or Onions

Boil the water, vegetables, and salt slowly in a 6 quart kettle for 40 minutes.
Correct seasoning.

2 Cups diced Green Beans or 1 package frozen cut Beans
2 Cups cooked or canned Navy Beans (I use canned Cannelinni Beans)
1/3 Cup broken Spaghetti
1 Slice stale White Bread, crumbled. (If not stale, toast it then crumble)
1/8 Tsp. Pepper

Twenty minutes before serving, so the green vegetables retain their freshness, add the beans, spaghetti, bread and seasonings. If you want to include other vegetables such as zucchini add them now. Boil slowly for about 15 minutes, or until the beans and spaghetti are cooked. Correct seasoning again.

4 Cloves mashed Garlic
6 Tab. Tomato Paste or fresh Tomato Puree
1/4 Cup fresh Basil or 1 1/2 Tab. dried Basil
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 Cup Olive Oil

Prepare the following Pistou while the soup is cooking: Place the garlic, tomato paste, basil and cheese in a soup tureen or another pot and blend to a paste with a wooden spoon. Then, drop by drop, beat in the olive oil. Pour in the rest of the soup and stir together.

******************

Now all you need is, a toasted baguette, some nice white wine, and you are good to go.

Note, photo is not from my Pistou Soup.
Photo from: http://minvri.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/soupe-pistou.jpg

Having it ALL by Giving Something Back

I know we all have hectic schedules, between working, taking care of children, the home, finding quality time with our spouses, and to those of us who are just trying to stay afloat it's that much harder to have more of you to go around. BUT even in busy times we can find ways to give back. Having it all is a great balancing act, but let's face it, that is not always a reality. My husband and I volunteer once a week at the Marin Food Bank and though we might go in there preoccupied with our own worries and stresses, we leave there with a better mindset, focus and direction in our own lives.

It does not matter how small. What can you do on your end? Contributing and volunteering your time is a great way to feel empowered and invigorated about life.

Are you game?

http://www.marinfoodbank.org/

Get Excited to Garden with William Morris Gardening Tools

What a great way to get excited about gardening. Check out these whimsical garden tools from William Morris.

Take your time and look at what "Retro to Go" has to offer.

Source: http://www.retrotogo.com/2007/06/william_morris_.html

The Easy Bloom Plant Sensor - Taking the Guess Work Out of Planting

Are you having a hard time trying to plan your garden? – Are you unsure what plants or flowers will grow in your environment? Well now you don’t need to be a garden pro to master The Art of What to Plant. The Easy Bloom Plant Sensor takes all the guess work out and uses just the facts (sunlight, soil moisture, humidity and temperature) to determine what will thrive for your space. Just put the Easy Bloom Sensor in the soil for 24 hours (you see it looks like a flower), let it collect data and then connect to your computer. The sensor can also work inside to determine what indoor plants are best suited for that picture window or for that shady corner. This handy gadget can even try help out an ailing plant by telling you how to care for it. Even with garden knowledge this tool would be a great companion to any gardener.

To learn more about the Easy Bloom Garden Sensor, check out their web-site.

Sources:
http://www.easybloom.com/learn/overview.html

Photo from:

http://keetsa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/easy-bloom-tool.jpg