Tip to reduce jet lag- set your watch for your destination when you board the plane. Yesterday, when we left Philadelphia, I first set my watch to Colorado time. We had a 2 hour layover and I would need to know the “real” time while waiting for the next flight (painful to be in Denver, by the way, and not see our son and his family- they live a few hours from the airport in the mountains- I waived from the airplane window as we flew over the Rockies!)
Anyway, just before the 2nd flight, I was setting my watch again for California time. A bit of hesitation here…am I going 1 hour ahead or back? What time is it now in New Jersey?Â
 Arrived to our destination last night in time to see the full moon over Monterey Bay- very beautiful. Staying in a charming home in Capitola, and we are anxious to explore the area.Â
It’s Wednesday morning and still dark- up very early because, although it’s 5am here…it’s REALLY 8am…I think :)Â
 Leaving tomorrow to visit another beach town- Santa Cruz, California. We will spend a week exploring their coast (Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur) and then our last 2 days in San Francisco. 
 Well, my life is very ordinary- in an extraordinary environment!
 The wild goldenrod blooms with yellow flowers in October - adding color to the sand dunes. And the back bay marsh grass fades from bright green to a more muted color- eventually turning brown in the winter.
 The pumpkins and mums in front of the year round homes look great, too!
 With the tourists gone, the sea gulls have turned “organic”. Instead of potato chips, the birds are feasting on crabs and small fish. Interesting to watch their hunting skills in action- dive bombing in the shallow water and actively searching the water’s edge. 
 Walked just before dark last night. I was admiring the beautiful bright red sky after sunset and the large crescent moon…until a critter crossed the street in my path. Thankfully, it ran behind a house without an official greeting!
 The seashore weather once again ignored the forecast- a beautiful sunny day for October 1st! Good day to wash windows and decks (the recent storms left behind a salty film). Then, walked along the water’s edge and enjoyed the beach. Not happy about the cooler temperatures arriving later tonight 🙁
Golf Widow Survival
Vacations MUST include golf for my husband. I don’t play, so the challenge is to find something to do for 4+ hours.
My childhood experience of sneaking in to the Concord Motel pool has evolved to crashing the pool area of golf resorts. I spent yesterday sitting by the “Private- Members Only” pool of an elegant Santa Cruz club- reading a book. The selection of a golf course is determined by the convenience of a nearby downtown shopping area or a nice pool.