Monterey

Driving up from Merced yesterday we experienced a 30 degree drop in temperature in 3 hours. Actually, the drop in temp took place in about the last 45 minutes of our drive. It was approaching 100+ in Merced when we left. As we climbed out of the valley and over the mountains just east of the coast, it became cloudy, then foggy and the temp plummeted. We had been forewarned, but it was fascinating to watch.

We spent the afternoon in Carmel by the sea. We bought a beautiful handmade steel wall hanging from a little shop called It’s Cactus and Beyond Borders specializing in imported crafts and folk art, mostly from Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a “Tree of Life” made from hand hammered steel cut from discarded oil drums, and it is beautiful. It will probably end up hanging over our stairway. It’s a beautiful piece. The picture to the left is similar, but our hanging is a one-of-a-kind, and is about 36 inches square. We feel that this will be a fitting tribute to Renee’s brother, and will bring joy and beauty into our home.

One of the things I most appreciate about my lovely bride is her love of beautiful things. She is always reminding me of the importance of beauty. I have a tendency to be utilitarian, and I know for a fact that my life in greatly enriched by the art that she brings to our home. I love this piece and look forward to mounting it on the wall. It will always remind me of the goodness of the world – the paradise it was first made to be, and the new kingdom to come when justice shall roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream!

In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. (Micah 4:1-5)

We also spent some time on the beach. I’m not sure how it compares to any other day, but the surf was amazing. We could feel the spray from 2 hundred yards out. The weather was cloudy and very cool, the water a pale translucent green, generously spattered with foam from the rolling waves. Surfers were out doing their thing. Lots of dogs out looking happy and sniffing the piles of seaweed and checking out holes in the sand. Lots of folks just walking around, playing, running. I’ll post some pictures later, as I don’t have the camera with me at the moment.

We found a cheap hotel and ate dinner at the Mexican restaurant called Peppers in nearby Pacific Grove. Seafood tacos, excellent frijoles and a pitcher of Margaritas with a salted glass. That’s good livin!

We go back up to Berkeley today to try to wrap up a loose end, and then catch an early fight home in the morning.