Dec 26th, 2009 by jenna

Rain, rain and more rain! However, it did break for about an hour and we got a really great walk in. The waves were HUGE!!!!!! Definitely feel very far from my calm Gulf of Mexico right now….or even the Atlantic!

Tree fort! I sort of wanted to live in it. I was totally “that little kid” that would always run away when I was little and my parents would find me up in a tree or building forts in the woods behind our house…..some things never change? Let’s be honest…..forts are still pretty darn awesome in my book. Since I still don’t have any furniture (except for a desk) in my living room, perhaps I should just make a giant fort? My mom says I am a special girl.

By the time we got back to the house, I was in desperate need of a thawing out by the fire. My cheeks were bright red and my sneakers were soaked! I had a cup of hot peppermint tea and a yogurt with some Kashi:

And then curled up next to the window and fell asleep! I never take naps and it felt aaaamazing.

Dinner was more chicken, roasted brussels and kabocha squash! My parents had never had the wonderous squash that is kabocha and I happily introduced it to them. Yum! I wasn’t feelin’ the wine tonight and had a big glass of cold water instead. Sometimes you just gotta hydrate, people!

After dinner I had a wee bit of dark chocolate toblerone and more tea

I think it must be the weather…..(or the yoga and hiking)…..but I am BEAT! All I want to do is curl back up under the comforter in my spot next to the window and read. Currently reading Julie Powell’s new book……it’s good but definitely not for the faint of heart, or vegetarians.

It’s a page turner but a little too soap opera-ish for me. However, I just finished Girl Mary also today, and that was a lot deeper and more thought provoking. I feel a little guilty reading all these books when I need to be working on my own but….I need inspiration!

Off to soak in my last peaceful night at Sea Ranch…back to Healdsburg tomorrow!

Posted in Dinner, dessert

43 Responses to “Not Quite The Gulf”

on 26 Dec 2009 at 7:34 pm1Paige (Running Around Normal)

Haha that tree fort is awesome. I was so that girl when I was little, too. Heck, forts are awesome at any age Glad you had such a wonderful time at the ranch!
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:09 pm2Chelsea

I just finished Cleaving. I will give Powell a lot of credit for being so open and honest. That takes GUTS. I don’t think I could confess that sort of think (not that I’ve done that sort of thing) to my personal journal. Hahaha.

I can’t wait to read your book.

All these pictures are making me miss Carmel! My family used to go there every winter and summer, but we haven’t done it all together in a couple of years. I’ll just have to stick with my Malibu beaches (oh, poor me. ).
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:12 pm3Jenna

Have fun tomorrow!
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:18 pm4Brandy

Ahhh… I feel like I’ve just been on a mini vacation reading your posts. That is my kind of trip. Enjoy every second and live in the moment!
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:23 pm5Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)

Great writers are also good readers, remember that, and don’t feel guilty for taking extra time to savor a book!

Love those beautiful shore photos! As a nanny, I have sharpened my fort-building skills over the years. I love forts as much as the kids do.
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:35 pm6Erin

I love all the seasonal vegetables on your blog. Totally in love with the root vegetables this year.
on 26 Dec 2009 at 8:50 pm7Jessica @ How Sweet It Is

I love these scenes! Those waves really are huge. I wish I lived closer to water!
on 26 Dec 2009 at 9:07 pm8Michelle

I love the Pacific Ocean in winter. Nothing beats it.
on 26 Dec 2009 at 9:23 pm9Ameena

It is very hard to get motivated when its raining and cold…today I just wanted to read all day long as well.
on 26 Dec 2009 at 9:58 pm10Danielle

I want a fort too! The location of mine is a secret oh, and yes, I am a child at heart as well.
on 26 Dec 2009 at 11:19 pm11Ashley

Love the red jacket photo! So cute!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 1:00 am12The Voracious Vegan

Yes! Being out in the fresh air like that can really take it out of you! I love a good tree fort too, I always feel best when I’m totally surrounded by nature and was always the little kid that ran off to hide in the park or the desert. No woods to run away to here in Saudi, but I did my best!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 3:51 am13Madelin @ What is for Breakfast?

Amazing photos Jenna!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 3:56 am14christie @ honoring health

very cool tree fort! I also love the photos of the waves, looks beautiful. I hope I get to see that side of the US sometime!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 4:02 am15Aimee

Happy Holidays Jenna! Beautiful vacation photos. Looks so wonderfully relaxing.

Just curious, what brand of yogurt is that and where did you buy it. It looks really good.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 4:31 am16simpledaisy

Even with rain the Pacific still looks beautiful!! I know what you mean about needing a good solid nap sometimes:) Good for you for taking the time to listen to your body~
on 27 Dec 2009 at 5:52 am17Lauren @ Eater not a runner

Wow love the waves! I love being near the water no matter the weather
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:10 am18Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen

What a sweet tree fort! I think you should totally just make your own…who needs furniture anyway?
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:14 am19Kristine

Healdsburg aint such a bad place to go back to Enjoy your last night!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:42 am20Jenny

I love BIG waves! And forts are definitely still cool, I was that kid who dreamed of finding a place like in the Secret Garden
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:49 am21Lauren @ louisianagrown

Yayyayay for sharing what books you’re reading! They say to be a good writer, read good writers. Spending this time reading good books is probably just as beneficial as if you were actively working on yours.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:51 am22Katy @ These Beautiful Feet

I have so many good books to read, including “Cooking for Mr.Latte” which I am SO excited about! Please review Powell’s newest book, I wasn’t going to read it but I would be interested in your review!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:56 am23skinnyrunner

sounds like such a peaceful, relaxing mini vacation! i love unexpected naps.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 7:06 am24Meredith

I just graduated college a couple weeks ago and the night before I moved out of my dorm, I made a huge blanket fort with my friends instead of packing. I feel you on the “little kid” vibes. I get them every day.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 7:27 am25eatmovelove

I seen Julie Powell’s new book out “Cleaving” – I’ve read that it isn’t what you might think it might be – apparently she holds nothing back about her relationship with her husband (and both commit infidelity!! – ack – not the ’story-book’ romance ). But that’s real life I guess…
Just seen the movie too, but didn’t like it really, was dissapointed. I love Meryl Streep though – she was just darling
Stay dry. ICY as Heck here (…well, I guess Hell really isn’t that icy now is it?…)
on 27 Dec 2009 at 7:33 am26JR

hi just found this blog while searching for yoga toes. now i am hooked. and also male….do you have many male readers? anyway keep it up as it is fascinating.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 7:43 am27Sarah (Finding My Balance)

I love your pictures of the waves! And that tree fort is too cool. Glad you are enjoying yourself and some time with your family!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 8:02 am28Lisa

Oh, those waves are awesome! They seem so far from me in MN! Can’t wait to visit CA again, your photos are making me really long to be there! Glad you and your parents are having a nice time!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 9:01 am29amanda

You got the rain we have been having on the east coast for awhile. Ugghh suck
on 27 Dec 2009 at 10:35 am30Maria (realfitmama)

My husband and I lived in Portland, Oregon for about a year and a half when our oldest daughter was little and we took so many trips out to the coast. Those photos brought me right back and make me miss it so very much. Enjoy your time there. It is a beautiful place to be…
on 27 Dec 2009 at 10:58 am31Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg

That fort picture is so cool! Looks like your trip has been full of cool experiences

Safe travels back “home!”
on 27 Dec 2009 at 11:37 am32Bridget

I looovvveee peppermint tea during the winter. Especially the stash kind (which I noticed you were drinking!)
on 27 Dec 2009 at 1:03 pm33B

So glad your enjoying the Pacific. It is beautiful and the coast I grew up with although I live in Maine now. Sea animals are great!

I had a question about the protein ice cream you make. Do you know if guar gum adds anything that Xantham doesn’t. I notice you use just the Xanthan gum and that is all I can find. Can I just put in extra Xanthan. They both just seam like thickening agents but a lot of products do contain both so maybe there is a difference. Any thoughts?

Keep enjoying your family and the holidays!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 1:21 pm34Suzanne de Cornelia

Chelsea’s response above cracked me up re missing Carmel but loving Malibu beaches. I’m in Carmel but could go for some Gladstone’s for Fish in Malibu. But Sea Ranch, Wine Country and reading by the fire [aka 'prime the pump'] when think ’should’ be writing. Hmmm, that sounds great, too. We humans are funny. Enjoying what we do. But wait. Look over there! The world just has way too many cool things! Thankfully, every once in awhile have that ‘wouldn’t want to be anywhere or anything other than where and what I am right now’ feeling. That’s life. Love the photos and vanilla bean yogurt.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 3:14 pm35katelyn

love the pictures, and it looks like you had a really nice time with your parents. and you’ve gotta love those days where all you do is snuggle and read. they’re my favorite
on 27 Dec 2009 at 3:39 pm36Jil

Very cool fort! I always loved forts~ okay I still do… And yumm dark chocolate Toblerone.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 4:08 pm37daintyvegan

Those waves are ridiculous! And hey, tree forts will always be fun and cool, no matter what one’s age!

Never feel guilty for reading because you can NEVER read to much. Never.
on 27 Dec 2009 at 4:40 pm38Mae

Mmmm tea is so good after a day outside. That tree fort is so cool!! Awesome day!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 5:06 pm39Stephanie

The photos of the waves are spectacular!
BODA weight loss
on 27 Dec 2009 at 5:14 pm40Cynthia (It All Changes)

That tree fort looks awesome! And hot tea sounds like a nice idea. I’m off to make some now!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 5:27 pm41J

Have you tried Traditional Medicinal brand’s Peppermint Tea?
Love it more than Stash’s!!!
on 27 Dec 2009 at 5:41 pm42Bev

Those photos are gorgeous !!! Tree forts are so cool
on 27 Dec 2009 at 6:20 pm43Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)

I rarely comment on your blog but just thought I would say hello. I hope you had a nice holiday. I am trying to comment on blogger’s blogs that I dont comment on usually. Yoga? That caught my attention. I’m a yoga teacher. Healdsburg? That caught my attn as I recently moved from San Diego to AZ. But really, if I could live in Napa or Sonoma (but I dont like cold weather), I would. Happy Holidays, Jenna!