Thursday, May 12th, 2011

I love most of the adventures I take in search of proof There's No Place Like Home.   But occasionally I get blown away by what Photographer Kelly Teel and I find.  Such is the case with the Pinnacles National Monument.   It's an 85 mile drive out of Paso Robles, and I can't believe after all the times I've cruised up highway 101 to Capitola during college days, I never took a detour to check it out before.  

When you leave 101 out of King City, it's not long before the buzz of the interstate is replaces by a meandering country highway surrounded by a beautiful valley buffeted by a picturesque mountain range.   And where the prairie grasses give way to those mountains, you'll find the Pinnacles.


The Pinnacles was proclaimed a national monument in 1908.   The park today is some 26-thousand acres and more than half of that is designated wilderness.     What blew both photographer Kelly Teel and I away was how on a two mile hike we could see such a variety of terrain.   It was quite a geological adventure.  One minute you are down in caves created by massive boulders that have fallen into crevices and lodged above.   You hear water, feel the cool dark air, and then emerge out to the sunshine again and more amazing views.

You can thank Ancient volcanoes and the nearby San Andreas fault for the arrangement of the rocks, boulders, canyons and caves.   It really is spectacular.   And the Bear Gulch Cave Trail we took was only a little more than 2 miles round trip.  When you do reach the top, you are rewarded with yet another view of of a beautiful reservoir.  And as you make your way down the eye candy continues.


Do take a flashlight because it does get dark here and there in the caves.  Do wear good shoes.  And take water along, especially as it heats up.  It will get hot as spring gives way to summertime at the Pinnacles.  Really hot.  

We explored just a tiny portion of the park.  Fore more information and to plan out your own journey, click here.

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Good Not-So-Clean FunThe summer fun begins Well, summer must be getting close. The weather is warm, the skies are clear and there's lots of fun to be had this weekend. The first annual Buellton Brew Fest, Saturday, is kicking off Santa Ynez Valley's Craft Beer Week. You'll get the chance to taste from more than twenty breweries, listen to live music and sample from local restaurants. It's just the first of many tasting events and craft beer classes offered throughout the week.  Read More Wine Experiencia for Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 Happy May Day everyone!   I have such fond memories of this day.   I remember gathering flowers and leaving may day baskets around the neighborhood when I was little.   I loved the ritual of leaving anonymous surprises at people's doors.  Maybe it was the way of playing doorbell ditch without getting in trouble, but I like to think I just enjoyed brightening people's days with the pretty bouquets once a year.   I wonder if kids still do that? Read More Shedding light in dark places Tuesday, April 10th, 2012. We all have them.  Things we don't like to talk about.  Places we shy away from.   People we would rather avoid.   Almost always they have to do with old wounds.   Maybe new ones.   When they're fresh, our avoidance makes a little more sense.  There's a need for healing when wounds are fresh and that usually involves laying low and steering clear of the sources of the pain.    But after time, it's usually best to take another look at sore spots and re-evaluate whether it's time to let go and move on. Read More Horse Whisperers Thursday, April 3rd, 2012 I wish I weren't working this week.  Yes, I feel that way a lot of weeks, but this time it's because I wish I could be hanging up at the fairgrounds in Paso Robles.   It's where 20 of the best horse trainers in the world are gathered for 6 days to work 40 unbroken horses to saddle-ready and open to direction from their riders.   Read More Beach Bodies Thursday, March 27th, 2012 Got your attention with that, huh?  Beach Bodies?   I'm talking about the beauties that hang out along the beach near Hearst Castle in San Simeon.   They're big, blubbery beach bums that hang around Piedras Blancas at different times during the year.   And they're a hoot to watch.     Read More Zin-fully fun weekend head Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 I'm starting to catch my breath after a fun, crazy and rewarding weekend being involved with Phyllis' Musical Review up at the Alex Madonna Expo.   The crowds were great, the shows went off without any obvious hitches (I'm hoping no-one at the Friday Brunch showing noticed I forgot to do the final pass with the rest of the ladies on "Moves Like Jaggar"!) and I think the Women's Shelter of San Luis Obispo is going to get a large check from the event.   Final numbers should be tallied any day but word is they got darned close or surpassed their goal of $200-thousand dollars in money raised.    Read More Let's get this party started Thursday, March 1st, 2012 I know there are other things going on this weekend, but I am one of a couple hundred people who have a bit of tunnel vision right now.  All we can see is a runway, lights, the moves we're supposed to remember, and the high heels we're supposed to be able to strut our stuff in.   (And if you think I'm just talking about us ladies...you would be wrong!  You should see the outfits some of the men are wearing for some of the numbers!  Hilarious!) I'm talking about the big fashion show, Phyllis' Musical Revue, happening this weekend at the Madonna Inn.  Specifically the Alex Madonna Expo Center.   And if you are like a lot of my close friends, you may be ready to hear me start talking about something else.   But you have to understand that the people who are involved in this have been working at it for weeks.  A few much much longer.   There are rehearsals, fittings, choreography sessions, raffle donation solicitations, table assignments, ticket sales...you get the idea.   It's been a full time job for weeks now for the planners and even for models, many of their evenings and a few weekends have been dominated by it.   And the first of four shows isn't until Friday morning.    Read More Putting the fun in fundraiser Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 Every year.  Every year I say I'll take a pass next year.   And every year I find myself all fired up just before show time, glad I'm a part of Phyllis' Musical Review.   It's a fundraiser for the Women's Shelter of San Luis Obispo County, and Phyllis Madonna has been organizing the big fashion SHOW for 25 years now.   Actually, she has kind of handed over the reins, but she's got her fingers in it enough that a lot of folks participate because they can't say no to the woman. Read More Wild Crowd at Central Coast wineries Monday, February 20th, 2012 I'm not exaggerating. There were some real animals haning around central coast wineries this weekend. Especially the ones along Highway 46. It had nothing to do with being overserved, either.  Read More Soaking up serenity and toasting the animals Thursday, February 16th, 2011 Most of us pay a price to live in paradise. There are higher paying jobs in bigger cities. More career upward advancement. But when I do things like thave coffee at the beach, or visit an area winery and taste some new releases on the way to a great dinner at one of our local restaurants, I know the trade-off is worth it. But after paying a visit to our last stop on No Place Like Home, I kind of wish a had a big stash of cash to make regular escapes to this place.  Read More Valentine's Day Fun February 14th, 2012 I know it's one of those holidays.  You're either riding high because you have matched up with the love of your life (at least for the time-being) or you are feeling a bit low because your last match was a false start, dead end, or perfect but now gone.   It can make this day of love, flowers, pink and reds, make you feel a bit blue.   Read More Santa Margarita Adventure Indeed Thursday, February 9th, 2012. I'm kind of an adrenaline junkie.  I admit it.   Over the years, I've gone sky-diving, bungee-jumping, raced a car and rode a bull.   I like to think I've mellowed in my middle age to a certain degree, but I still love a good thrill.  And I got one recently when I paid a visit to Margarita Adventures.   It's right next to Ancient Peaks Winery in Santa Margarita.  Now you can pair your wine-tasting experience with a thrill ride, or four.   For about $100 you can spend a couple hours touring the ranch via a series of Zip Lines.  Read More Classic California Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 I had no idea.   I knew the Santa Maria Inn was a nice place.   All kinds of nice events are held there...weddings, receptions, rotary club meetings.   And I knew it was historic.  But I had no idea how many of Hollywoods hottest starts stayed there over the years.  Especially in the heyday of the Tinseltown.  Nor did I realize there is a virtual mini-city within the walls of the place.  But it is all true.  Read More Broken Hearts Tuesday, January 31st, 2012. I've been thinking about my heart a lot lately.  Kind of appropriate given we're heading into National Heart Month. I've been thinking about my heart a lot lately because it's been aching.   Now, I am no stranger to a broken heart.  But this is more than that. Look, for the most part, I love my life, and feel darned lucky.  But of course nothing is ever perfect.   And last week, it seemed that all that wasn't right come crashing down on me and I had a bit of scare.  Okay, I'll be honest.  I was really scared.  But also knew the chances were slim what I thought MIGHT be happening to me really was.   Still it was that slim chance that overwhelmed me. Read More Pinnacle of a hike Thursday, Janurary 26th, 2012 I love most of the adventures I take in search of proof There's No Place Like Home.   But occasionally I get blown away by what Photographer Kelly Teel and I find.  Such is the case with the Pinnacles National Monument.   It's an 85 mile drive out of Paso Robles, and I can't believe after all the times I've cruised up highway 101 to Capitola during college days, I never took a detour to check it out before.    Read More Welcoming the storm Thursday, January 19, 2011 I am going to catch some grief for saying this, and am embarrassed every time I do, but I there have been at least two occasions in the last couple of weeks when I've opened the window shade in the morning and cursed to myself to see yet ANOTHER sunny day.   I know.  I know.  I'm so sorry to put that in black and white to my Minnesota and Iowa friends, but I am ready for a cold blustery winter day!    Read More Downhome Holiday traditions Thursday, December 15th, 2011 First of all, Happy day-after anniversary to my Mom and Dad who celebrated 54 years together yesterday.   They cursed me early with their story of love at first sight, because I've always wanted it to happen like it did for them.   But I think theirs is a rarity.   But it sure seems to have endured.   54 years later, they bicker constantly, but still love each others company.  And it warms my heart to see my dad still sneak a pat of my mom's behind as she passes or ask her for a kiss and hear him tell her how lucky he was to have found her all those years ago. So Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.  Read More Red Envelopes     Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 I don't know what it is about this year, but I am not sure holiday cards arriving in my mailbox have ever meant as much.   You'd think all those years I was away from home, away from family and longtime friends would have been the ones that had me checking the mailbox daily.  And of course I did.   But this year, it means even more to me. Read More It's all relative Monday, December 5th, 2011 Our lead story tonight on the late news was record cold temperatures forecast for the Central Coast of California tonight.   We're talking 20 in northern San Luis Obispo County.   Well below freezing everywhere.   Our wonderful meteorologist Dave Hovde was out braving the cold weather on the empty streets of Paso Robles.    Seems even the magnificent lights of Vine Street weren't enough to draw people out in cold like this.   In his weather forecast, he talked about it being 1-degree in Denver.   Brrrr.  I actually thought how funny that sounded.  And I knew I've made the transition back to being a Californian. Read More Holiday fun December 1st, 2011 Well the wind may be taking care of a lot of them today, but I can't believe it's December 1st and we are still enjoying such beautiful fall colors around the central coast.   If you haven't taken time to cruise out to the vineyards of Edna Valley or just stop and notice the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows around neighborhoods, take a moment to do so.   Our warm November and cool nights have made for a great fall display.   We took a little tour just before the wind came up, and you can see what I'm talking about on No Place Like Home tonight on KSBY at 6.  (You can click here to see it after 8pm pacific tonight) If the wind does knock all the autumn off the trees by this weekend, no worries.   It should be looking a lot more like Christmas by now, and come this weekend, the holiday activities begin in full force.    There are all kinds of tree lightings and downtown light displays happening, as well as holiday parades, craft shows and open houses.   Here are just a few on tap over the upcoming weekend.  Read More Let the merriment begin Thursday, November 23rd, 2011 Happy Thanksgiving everyone!    I hope none of you are having a hard time finding a grateful heart today.   It can happen.   We have trouble seeing the blessings before us when losses overwhelm.   And a lot of people are dealing with losses these days.   Jobs, homes, retirements.   And then there are those dealing with heartaches from losses of love whether it be through death or break-ups.   They all hurt and can make finding reasons to be thankful challenging.   I know.  Read More One of these days Monday, November 21st, 2011 We say those words all the time.  At least I do.  All the time.  And I'm sick of it today. I say it to friends when I hang up the phone.   I say it to people I love dearly but talk to far too infrequently on their birthday cards.   I said it last Thursday to Tricia.    Read More An Enchanted Evening Thursday, November 17th, 2011. When I moved away to the mid-west and people would ask me where I was from, "San Luis Obispo" usually wasn't enough to give them a sense of WHERE in California I came from.   And after I said "It's kind of right in the middle of the state near the coast", they'd nod blankly as if that helped.  But when I said "It's about 40 miles from Hearst Castle" then I'd see the recognition on their faces.  (Often mentioning The Madonna Inn would do the trick too.)  Read More The right kind of drama Thursday, November 10th, 2011 I don't know about you but I have enough drama in my life.   Sometimes I wish for less.   But I welcome the kind of drama that happens five nights a week down in Oceano.  Read More Getting away from it all Thursday, November 3rd, 2011 Come on, we all need it now and then.   Yes, even when you live in a paradise.  Sometimes you gotta just hit the road and get away for a bit.  That's what Photographer Kelly Teel and I did a couple of weeks ago, and boy did we find a great escape less than 70 miles away from San Luis Obispo. Read More The Best Steak Ever? Thursday, October 27th, 2011 Really?  The best ever?  Even the best around these parts?  Those are hard claims to make along the Central Coast of California, because we do have some amazing steak-houses here in cowboy country.  And whether it's the best in the west or not, Jocko's in Nipomo serve up some awesome grub, and a lot of people would argue their steaks are the "best" based on the nightly waits to get a table. Read More Roots of the Vine Tuesday, October 25th, 2011. Sometimes you find the comforts of home in the strangest places.  I had a ball taking part in some of the Harvest Festival activities at wineries in Paso Robles this weekend.  If you've not joined in on the fun, you may want to mark it on your calendar for next year.   There are all kinds of wine festivals around these parts, but harvest weekend is a little different.  There isn't one big focus of activity like a grand tasting or anything like that, but parties everywhere.   More than 150 of the Northern San Luis Obispo County wineries celebrate the harvest season by having barbecues, food and wine parings, seminars and grape stomps.   Read More Fall Fun Thursday, October 20th, 2011 Dang I love fall.   I know we don't get as many of the vivid fall colors as some regions of the country, but we have our signs, and when they're every bit as wonderful to me.   I'm talking about the way the sun sits lower in the sky, and creates these magic sparkles on the water almost all day long.   How evenings come with a chill that have nothing to do with fog.   And how mixed among the cooler days, there are last blasts of summer days and the longing to take in one more day at the beach while the sun is still warm enough to prompt you into taking a dip.   Read More Diggin' for Treasure Thursday, October 13th, 2011 So we've enjoyed an amazing blast of late summer weather in early October here on the Central Coast.   It's been awesome at the beach, and even though temperatures are supposed to dip a bit for the weekend, it's supposed to be perfect weather for the 65th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival. We're talking three days of fun in the sun.   You can enjoy events like the wine walk, where local winemaker have paired up with downtown businesses to set up tastings as you cruise through town.    There's a surf contest, clam chowder cook-off, bands, and a clam dig.   Kind of ironic there's a big festival dedicated to a mollusk that isn't all that easy to find these days anymore on Pismo.   But there's good reason to honor the little critter.  We track the history of the Pismo Clam in this week's No Place Like Home.  If you'd like more information on the Clam Festival, click here. Read More Strong Indeed Monday, September 26th, 2011 They say that which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.   I saw a great example of that this past weekend.  Read More Cruisin' Thursday, September 1st, 2011 I didn't think I was into old cars.   That was until I went to my first classic car show in Pismo Beach years ago.   To see old vehicles restored to their original grandeur can get you hooked.   I spotted a vehicle I remember my brother driving after graduating college.   Of course it wasn't shined up and sparkling like the one I saw in Pismo Beach.   But I remembered my brother at that age.   And if I had the money I would have bought the version I saw in Pismo that day.    Read More Monte Mills and the Lucky Horsshoe Band Thursday, August 25th, 2011 I remember them fondly.  I'm talking about Thursday nights at McLintock's Saloon in downtown San Luis Obispo when I was going to Cal Poly and as a young "professional" working at a local radio station and KSBY-TV.   They were big nights on the town.  And a big reason was Monte Mills and The Lucky Horseshoe Band.  Read More Good Grub Good Wine Good Time Thursday, August 4th, 2011 Yeah, I know, it's been a while.  More on what's been up with me later.   But if you are a fan of barbecue, Central-Coast Style, and you like some of the great wines produced here, you had better get out to Paso Robles this weekend for the Winemakers Cook-off.   Read More Movie Night Central Coast StyleThursday, July 21st, 2011 It's one of my favorite summertime activities. Catching a movie under the stars. Outdoors somewhere. Tonight on No Place Like Home, we paid a visit to the outdoor theater offered up at Edna Valley Vineyards a few times each summer. They set up a big screen, make popcorn, have wine for sale, and you can bring blankets, picnics, and beach chairs and get cozy with a classic old movie. Father's Day close to home Sunday, June 19th, 2011 I remember the moment.   It was one of those you don't forget.  Let me backtrack first.   I can't say growing up I felt connected to a community the way other kids did.   Not the way my friends did who had parents who owned restaurants, were judges, longtime doctors or teachers in town.   In school, on the first day of classes when teachers went through the list of students, they'd always pause at those kid's names and say "Is your father so-and-so?  Or is Alice your mom?"   As the kid would offer up the affirmative nod, there was some part of me that knew they had some sort of upper hand in some way, though I don't think it was a conscious knowledge.  (As I grow older I realize that those connections aren't always good, and perhaps that poor student started the year with a horrible deficit of good will from Teacher.  Regardless, they were known commodities in the community.)  Read More Full at Last Thursday, June 16th, 2011 I have so many great memories of Lake Nacimiento.   For years, every Friday involved a ritual for friends and I.  Whoever could escape work earliest would head up and stake our claim to the best campground we could.  Sometime weekends, we'd end up with three or four and a good group of people and boats.   Some weekends 3 or 4 of us and a blow up raft.  But we always managed to have a good time. Read More Dive Bar? I'll be the judge of that Thursday, June 9th, 2011 When you go to Wikipedia.org and type in the term "Dive Bar", this is what pops up.   I think it's kind of cool The Merrimaker in Los Osos is kind of the poster child for the term.   But what do the locals and regulars there think of the designation? Read More So much to be proud of Wednesday, June 1st, 2011 Boy do we got it goin' on this time of year on the central coast.  Last weekend it was sunshine and summertime vibes being shared with The English Beat at the Cliff's Hotel and Resort in Shell Beach.    Read More Zorro's Cafe and Cantina A little Corner of Paradise Thursday, May 26th, 2011 Sometimes it's just the simple things.  And that's exactly the things that I think draw people to Zorro's Cafe and Cantina in Shell Beach.   Nestled in a little corner of Shell Beach, just of highway 101, it isn't fancy, but it's cozy, quaint and serves up some of the best Mexican food you'll find anywhere.     There's a reason there's almost always a crowd on the patio, especially for breakfast on weekends.   They have it down.  They have the awesome Mexican breakfast specialties, but they also have some of the best pancakes I've ever tasted.   I'm also partial to the Chiliquile: eggs, tomato, cheese all scrambled up with fried corn tortilla chips.  It's served with rice and beans topped with rancheros sauces.  And don't forget homemade corn tortillas on the side.    Read More Thinking of Kristin Wednesday, May 25th, 2011. I had every intention of writing about Oprah today.   It was her final show.   For 25 years, she's been my idol, role model, guidance counselor, moral supporter and powerhouse lead-in to the 5 O'clock news.   I've been melancholy about the arrival of this day for months.  She's played a role in my career and life.  There were many nights when I got home from anchoring the late news far from home in Iowa where I'd come home to an empty house and play recordings of Oprah to learn how to live a better life, be a better person, or simply watch what a good interview looks like.  So I teared up when I heard the show wind down tonight.  I feel like I'm watching a good friend move away. But the sadness of that goodbye does not compare to the profound sadness I know another family is feeling today.  And when I spent 20 minutes or so beyond some barrier tape along a bluff in Shell Beach today, I knew where my focus would be for the rest of the day.  Read More Sea Chest of Treasures Thursday, May 19th, 2011 They call it the Sea Chest but it's full of treasures.   In fact is is one of the treasures of the central coast.   If you haven't paid a visit to the seaside restaurant along Moonstone Beach in Cambria, you need to.   I mean, it's just one of those "must dos" for locals and tourists alike.   And it's the subject of tonight's No Place Like Home. Read More It's not your fault May 18th, 2011 I've been thinking about the toll of stress again.   Anxiety.   Fear.    I wrote about it in a recent blog, and it seemed to touch a nerve with folks because I heard from a lot of you.   It seems we're many of us are walking around in an prolonged state of too much of the above lately.   Read More Too much Too Long Friday, May 13th, 2011 I remember when I felt safe.  When as long as I didn't do something stupid, or quit trying, I felt secure with my job, paycheck, future.   Even reading the early warnings of a recession on the news a few years ago, it didn't really hit home for me.  I may have thought about the value of my 401K, or interest rates so I could refinance my home one day.   But for the most part, fluctuations in the economy didn't scare me. Boy have things changed.  They did for most of us.  I am one of millions of Americans who felt the shock when the big boss announced a round of sudden layoffs.  Shock that my company could do something like that.  A weird sense of shame that I was still there, and they, well they were just gone.  For the next year, the reports of the sagging economy got scarier to hear about and report on.  And the impacts clearer.  Eventually , the underlying nagging fear of what would happen to my life if I got laid off hit me right in the face.  Overnight I was one of those millions of unemployed Americans we had been talking about. The crisis served as a turning point that led me home to California, but it didn't come without a painful, depressing time of re-ajustment. And making adjustments in an economy that is, well....simply ugly.   I hate reading the numbers nightly now.  I know the pain, to a certain degree, people are facing.  I was lucky enough to get another job.  I know people who haven't.   I know people who have lost homes, businesses, marriages and self-esteem in this mess we're in.  And I know people struggling to keep their heads above water frustrated they can't seem to get help when there appear to be plenty of people working the loopholes in our broken bailout system. It all can be downright depressing.   And that's more than just a saying.  Believe me.  I fought it.   It sneaks up on you.  And because you have all this mess you're trying to clean up and clear up and work through, you don't feel you have the time to stop and deal with the anxiety and stress that is slowly robbing you of hope it will ever get better.  Tonight on KSBY I am doing a story on the Psychology of the Economy.  I understand the dynamics all the more after talking to San Luis Obispo Marriage and Family Counselor Brad Rudd.   Like other health care professionals I've interviewed or asked about this, he's seen a big increase in people dealing with depression because of economic struggles. The problem is largely, that we've been struggling so long.  As a country, and individually.    "It happens by degrees." says Rudd.  "So yeah. There are people walking around in a tough spot and it's just slid on them degree by degree by degree and they're not aware how far they've slipped into a sense of hopelessness."   Before you know it, your in trouble. There are all kinds of warning signs.  Trouble sleeping.  Trouble concentrating.  Eating too much or too little.  And a big red flag?  Pulling away from family and friends.  Yet, it's the very thing most of us will do.  "The place to get sicker, is to pull in, close off, shut yourself down, not talk." says Rudd. "That's where the hole starts to get deeper. It's a paradox, because the very thing that's healing when you're in that state of mind is the last thing you want to do. It's counter-intuative.  When you are depressed like that, the message is pull back, don't talk to anyone." You can see the story I did with Rudd on ksby.com. But if any of this resonates with you, know you are not alone.  The majority of Americans are living with a constant psychic weight on their shoulders these days.   You may or may not need some professional guidance to help you navigate your way to a better sense of balance.  And in this economy that can be tough.  But there are resources.  Start with your .... Also, maybe try one little trick for a couple of weeks.  Start each day by being deliberate about focusing for your first few minutes, before you get out of bed, about things you hve to be thankful for.  It can take effort if you are in crisis but Rudd says it's important to hold yourself accountable for it.  Your kids smile?  Your dog?  Your legs that can walk?   The paycheck you do get.  The views we have all over the central coast.  "Get intentional about looking for what works, looking for what brings joy. Things that gave a sense of hope, a smile, even a small one." says Rudd.   Then try to tackle one thing at a time.  Because taking it all on, can be crushing.  It's a long haul we're in and it ain't going to get fixed over night.  But your mental health doesn't have to be a casualty of the recession we're all living through. For more articles on this subject: http://mentalhealthnews.org/recession-depression-increases-use-of-antidepressant-meds/841421/    Read More Pinnacles National Monument Thursday, May 12th, 2011 I love most of the adventures I take in search of proof There's No Place Like Home.   But occasionally I get blown away by what Photographer Kelly Teel and I find.  Such is the case with the Pinnacles National Monument.   It's an 85 mile drive out of Paso Robles, and I can't believe after all the times I've cruised up highway 101 to Capitola during college days, I never took a detour to check it out before.    Read More Amazing Hike Thursday, May 5th, 2011 It's one of the sure fire ways to get me to exercise...to get out and hike one of our lovely mountains on the central coast.   one of my favorites is the ridge that runs along the Pacific from Shell Beach to Pirates Cove.   It's steep enough, and long enough to get your heart pumping and it's so amazingly beautiful, you'll forget how hard you are working. Read More Danger Ahead Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 I'd like to say I'm above it.   That I have the willpower.  But the ugly proof that's not true sits in every corner of my car right now.   I'm dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.   And it's all my doctor's fault.   Read More Can you say SUMMERTIME? Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 I have it.  I seriously have it.   I'm talking Spring Fever baby!  This past weekend put me over the edge.  Easter weekend was a bit questionable, but there was no doubt spring has taken control over the central coast these past few days.   In fact, I would argue, summer is moving in a bit early.  Read More The Mona Lisa of Morro Bay Thursday, April 28th, 2011 I can't even remember the first time I saw Morro Rock, but I do remember my dad telling visitors from the mid-west that it was just a boulder when I was little.   And for awhile, they bought it...that it had grown over the years to the magnificent size it is today.   The truth is, it's quite the opposite.  Read More Fish and Farmer's Market Thursday, April 21st, 2011 There are people who say we don't have seasons in California.   Well we do.  The signs may be just a tad more subtle and different, but they are there.  Everywhere. One of them is the Avila Beach Fish and Farmer's Market.  Read More Heading West Friday, April 15th, 2011 The traditional tax day will never be the same for reporter Caroline Lowe.    This will from here out be the day she made the commitment to leave 35 years of history at WCCO-TV in Minnesota and head west!      Caroline is following a nudge she's had in her gut for a few years and taking off on a whole new adventure at KSBY-TV.   Read More Forces of Nature Thursday, April 14th, 2011 The forces of nature create the terrain that surrounds us.  But how often do we take the time to wonder about how things came to be?   We might say to ourselves "I wonder how that big rock wall came to be." or "How many years has that mountain been there?"  But how often do we take the time to seek out the answers. Read More Road Trip Thursday, April 7th, 2011 I love little getaways.   And we're taking an easy one for anyone who lives on the Central or South Coast tonight on No Place Like Home. Read More Sunshine and 72 Monday, April 4th, 2011 Hey, few of us like Mondays.  Especially after great weekends.    But they come and we face them.    It's a perfect day on the central coast and I sure would have loved to hang at the beach than head to the office.   But as I walked outside to head to work this afternoon, I felt perfection.   To me, 72 and sunshine is just that...perfection for a work day.  It's not warm enough to prompt any discomfort, and not cool enough to need a jacket.    I put the top down on the convertible and hit the road. Read More Yippee Ki Yay Thursday, March 31st, 2011 I have to fess up right of the bat.   I'm riding so high today.  No worries, it's all natural.   I am just having one of those days where Read More Go With Your Gut Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 I say it all the time.  I believe in it.   I don't do it enough.   I'm talking about going with your gut.   Read More Spring Surprises Thursday, March 24th, 2011 You might get slapped.   And what could prompt it are the out-loud groans and gripes I've heard from people around the central coast last week.   "I'm so TIRED of the rain."   Don't get me wrong.   I'm with you.   I'm kind of tired of it to.    And I'm not the one who would be handing out the smack-downs.   But I know some folks in Minnesota who think it laughable we're complaining about two weeks of rain.    They've been snowbound since long before December, and this is as close as they're coming to spring this week. Read More Why Not? Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 I love cool people.   And I had the opportunity to share part of my day today with one of the coolest.   Lena Lerza turned 100 years old today.   I was invited to her birthday party, and what a joy.     Read More Step Away from the Treadmill Monday, March 21st, 2011 If only I had such trouble stepping off the kind of treadmill that clutters basements and bedrooms across America.  The ones that sit unused too often, or are used as laundry racks.  But alas, I am not talking about that kind of treadmill.   The kind I have trouble getting off of is the treadmill that is my life. Read More Say what? Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 It was the first time I had heard the "F-word" from a relative.  I was mortified.  In fact, I think I cried.   It was my brother who uttered the word I had been trained was a horrible no-no to say.  In fact, I think he said it over and over.   I was in third grade I think.  Maybe a year older.   My brother was in high school.   I have thought about that day a lot lately after reporting on the fish kill Redondo Beach this week.    You've likely seen the pictures. Read More That's what I'm talking about Thursday, March 10th, 2011 Bring it on.   I'm talking Springtime!   It's right around the corner.  I'm talking longer days, warmer sunshine and big fresh red strawberries.   If you need proof it's right around the corner, head out to Avila Valley.  The Avila Valley Barn opens for business tomorrow.   Yes, tomorrow!    Read More Worth the Effort Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 I have a hard time saying now.  I hate that about myself.   And I pay the price for it.   But some things are just worth the effort.   And the time.   Such is the case with Phyllis' Musical Review at the the Alex Madonna Expo Center. Read More Puttin' on the Ritz Thursday, March 3rd, 2011. It's always nice to know people read.   Received a nice e-mail from Lonnie Oiseth asking if all was okay with me since I hadn't blogged this week. Thanks Lonnie.  My computer at home has been on the fritz which is where I do a lot of my blogging from, and it's just been a busy week this week with preparations for the big fashion show.    Read More ANSEL ADAMS UNCOVERED Thursday, February 17th, 2011 I swear there's gold in them thar' hills surrounding Parkfield, California.    I'm not talking the stuff that's going for about 14-hundred bucks an ounce, but stories.  Everytime I sit down for a cup of coffee in that tiny "Earthquake Capitol of the World", I discover the kind of gold reporters hunt for.  Read More Lunchtime History Lesson Wednesday, Febraury 9th, 2011 I wish I did it more often.   I'm talking about taking the time to visit with those that came before.   The men and women who called the Central Coast home long before I was even born.   I always find it fascinating to to hear their stories, see their pictures and learn about the way things used to be.  Read More Shut up and get in the car February 7th 2011 That's going to be my mantra when I get stressed out.   Shut up and get in the car.   Don't worry, I'm not being that bitchy to anyone else.   I'd be issuing the orders to myself.   Let me explain. Read More Lessons Friday, February 4th, 2011 Why can't lessons be learned without the pain that often comes along with them?   Don't touch a hot stove.  You usually have to burn your hand first.   Don't run on the cement around the swimming pool.  You usually have to fall on your you-know what first.  Don't give your heart away to someone who hasn't exhibited they know how to take care of it.  You get the idea.  You know what I mean.   We learn the lessons whether we want to or not.   But the longer we put off the process, it seems the more painful it gets.    Read More Resolutions Monday, February 1st, 2011 Here we go again!  Another new beginning with a new month.   I am kind of proud of myself that I've stuck to my new years resolution of coming up with one thing a day to be grateful for.  It's really been good for my state of mind, and pretty easy.   It's amazing how even on bad days there is plenty out there to be thankful for.   And the drill of having to stop and come up with my "daily dose" of gratitude can change my perspective if I find myself living in a bit of a bummer bubble at any given moment.   Pops that thing wide open most of the time.  Read More SAD of a different sort Monday, January 31st, 2011 Okay, first...a warning to my friends in the mid-west.   You may want to pass on reading this blog.   If you continue on, you can't say I didn't warn you.  And if you choose to continue on, let me say up front, I'm sorry.  Read More Winter Escapes on the Central Coast Thursday, January 27th, 2011. I'm taking viewers to one of my favorite spots in the world tonight on No Place Like Home.  For as long as I can remember, when I wanted to catch a sunset and have a bite to eat or cocktails outside, I'd head to Marísol at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach.   It offers an amazing view of the sun falling over the pacific.    For years after I moved to Des Moines, and then Minneapolis, when I came home to the Central Coast the first stop I'd make was the Patio at Marísol.   It was such a lovely welcome home, especially when I had just left winter in the Mid-West. Read More Happiest Place on Earth January 26th, 2011 Okay, listen up folks.   Oprah is my bud.  She may not know it, but we are.  We've grown up together over the last 20 years.  I won't bore you with all the reasons I've felt my connection over the years.  Millions of people feel a connection to Oprah for different reasons.   Suffice to say, she's been a role model of mine for so many reasons for a long long time.   I adore the woman.   And now she's kind of a neighbor since she lives just down the road in Santa Barbara.   So I was fired up to watch her segment on San Luis Obispo today...the Happiest City in America. Read More Jack LaLanne Lessons Monday, January 24th, 2011 I feel kind of a like a slob today.   Or I did when I woke up.  Okay, I still kind of do.   But I feel a little better after a 2-hour hike that had my my lungs, calves, and quads burning and my heart pounding so fast I thought it just might fail me.   I knew it wouldn't, though, because I was simply doing what's best for it.    I think I was in junior high when I first discovered how great a good workout could make you feel.  But decades later, I still find myself going through phases where I don't make exercise enough of a priority in my life.  I've been living in one of those phases the last year or so.  Read More Option Paralysis Thursday, January 20th, 2011 90 Degrees.   That's likely the temperature difference my pals from Minnesota will feel from the time they leave their cars to head to the airport tomorrow morning to the time they step off the plane in San Luis Obispo tomorrow.   Dave Hovde predicts -20 actual temperature in Minneapolis at 6am when they'll be walking into the airport.   When their plane lands in SLO tomorrow at noon, it should be around 73.    Read More Room to Breathe Thursday, January 13th, 2011. I was losing it.  Not really, but it sure felt like it.   It was Tuesday, and I had more on my plate than I had time or patience to accomplish.   My new year's resolutions to work out and relax more where falling through the cracks of my reality.   I won't bore you with details, but trying to sell a house long-distance, get the one I recently moved into settled and catch up at work after some holiday time off had gotten the best of me.   For too many days in a row, my mornings began with calls from a time zone two hours ahead of me.    They needed this paperwork, or that notarized, or information I simply didn't have.   I was behind again before even having coffee. Read More Let me count the ways Monday, January 10th, 2010 Damn I'm tired of goodbyes.  I feel like I've had to say too many in the last year or so.   They come in all forms.   Some come from leaving jobs, leaving cities, leaving relationships.   Some are your choice, and some are not.   It's the ones that aren't that we seem to struggle with.  And the ones that you know are forever are toughest yet.  Read More New Year Attitude Thursday, January 6th, 2011. Happy New Year friends!   I have a really strong feeling it's going to be a good one.   I mean it.  I can FEEL it in my bones.  Or my gut.   And my gut is usually right on.   So get ready. So far, so good.   Things seem to be looking up in my world and I hope the same is true for you.   This time of year is extra special to me this time around, and likely will be from here on out.   It's because it coincides with my move back home, and my start at KSBY (this time around.)   My one-year anniversary at KSBY was January 4th.    I don't know about you, but 2010 was kind of a tough transition year for me.   I wasn't sorry to see it go.  I am however, fired up to have a fresh start, a year under my belt, and a feeling of being settled back here at home.  Read More No Place Like Home for the Holidays December 23rd, 2010 Boy did it sneak up on me this year.  And yet, I'm not too freaked out about the arrival of Christmas this year. That's because I don't have to travel to get home for the holidays for the first time since high-school.   I just have to get my house clean to host a little Christmas Eve gathering and the make the half hour drive to Mom and Dad's in Paso Robles for Christmas day.  Read More Stranded in Paradise Monday, December 13th, 2010 I felt my worlds converge this past weekend again.  And felt mighty blessed again.  Read More Holiday Visitors Thursday, December 9th, 2010 It's getting to be that time of year when many of us are getting ready for some holiday visitors.   It's often what makes the holidays special.  It can also be what makes the holidays stressful.    Read More Days to Remember Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 There's a Billy Joel song that talks about these being the days to remember.  There are all kinds of songs with the same kind of message.  Well, it's true.  I know because I had one yesterday.   I wasn't expecting it to be, but it was.   And I suppose there's a chance that if I wasn't paying attention, I wouldn't have noticed.   Thankfully I got the message loud and clear.  Read More My Generation Baby Thursday, November 18th, 2010 My head is swimming.   I have spent much of this week locked in an edit bay going over 2 hours of tape with photographer Kelly Teel.  KSBY staged a sort of town hall meeting a couple of weeks ago with people from three generations (Millennials, Gen-X'ers and Baby Boomers) and talked about everything from the economy, technology, social issues and the future.   I've been listening to the debate and discussion all week, but it's been interesting.  And I have new hope for all of our futures.   If you'd like to see the finished results of  my "My Generation" series, click here.  Read More My Generation Thursday, November 18th, 2010 My head is swimming.   I have spent much of this week locked in an edit bay going over 2 hours of tape with photographer Kelly Teel.  KSBY staged a sort of town hall meeting a couple of weeks ago with people from three generations (Millennials, Gen-X'ers and Baby Boomers) and talked about everything from the economy, technology, social issues and the future.   I've been listening to the debate and discussion all week, but it's been interesting.  And I have new hope for all of our futures.   If you'd like to see the finished results of  my "My Generation" series, click here.  Read More Treasures from the Sea Thursday, November 11th, 2010 I remember the thrill.   I'm talking about years ago when my dad would go diving off the central coast and bring back as haul of abalone.  I wasn't really interested in the meat my mom eagerly awaited to go pound and fry up, but the pretty shells I'd get to take to show and tell at school.    Read More Shed and be free Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 So I've made the move.   I got a couch, a little kitchen table and a bed.  The rest I'll take my time on.   If you haven't been keeping up with my moving antics, I rented a little house and have hauled my stuff from Minneapolis to make my move home to California official.   It's been kind of a painful process.  Not just emotionally, but physically.   The logistics alone have led to some sleepless nights.   Well I'm in.  The worst is over.  Read More Say Say Say Thursday, November 4th, 2010 You likely know the song.   Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney made it famous in the 80's.   You may or may not remember the video.  Well it was shot in Los Alamos.  If you check it out, you'll see a central coast landmark plays a major role.   Sir McCartney and The King of Pop acted out their roles at  the old Union Hotel.    Read More Cheating Death Monday, November 1st, 2010. Not too long after I moved back to California, and the beautiful Central Coast, some friends from Minneapolis came to pay a visit.   It was raining that weekend.  I was feeling badly that though they were escaping the snow and ice of late winter there, they weren't getting to soak up the sunshine I had been in the weeks prior.  It didn't seem to matter to them.  The hills were green, the temperatures mild, and the seafood fresh.   They enjoyed strolling down the beach to see the winter surf.  We watched the Vikings win on T.V. and still held out hope they'd be Superbowl champs.  Instead of chili, cornbread and beer, we enjoyed steamed clams, sourdough and local wines. Read More Happy Halloween Friday, October 29th. I love Halloween.  I loved it as a kid, and I love it as an adult.  I can still remember the excitement as a kid as you planned your costume, and the feeling of getting all ready as the sun started to set, and I got so eager to get out and get to the trick-or-treating.  "Hurry up Mom" I'd whine as she fastened on the black wig for my Cher costume one year.   I really looked more like a Vegas witch than Cher in hindsight, but that was beside the point really.   Kids don't care to much about the finished product of the costume as they do the ritual.  Read More Killer Adventure Thursday, October 28th, 2010 I am thrilled with most of my adventures as I report on reasons there's "No Place Like Home" on KSBY.  But I was particularly thrilled with the last adventure Photographer Kelly Teel and I took.   We boarded the Condor Express in Santa Barbara for a little whale-watching adventure.  We got a big one. Read More Another Door Opens Tuesday October 26th, 2010 We're back to that saying.   When one door closes, another one opens.   As I told you about last week, I closed one door in Minneapolis two weeks ago.   I opened another this past weekend.   I got the keys to my new rental and began the process of trying to make it feel like home. This move has been a long transition and I suppose I'm partially to blame for dragging it out.  (With help from the crappy real-estate market.)   Anyway, I'm in.  Well my stuff is in.   I have a little organizing to do, and cleaning out and clearing out.    Read More Thinking Pink Thursday, October 21st, 2010 It wasn't supposed to happen like this.  That is the name of a poem I wrote, and my friend Allen Schauffler read at my friend Susann Figge's funeral.   It wasn't supposed to be that way.   We were all up and comers in our early television careers.   We had all just made moves to bigger markets, and the first gathering of the old gang was at Susann's funeral.    It should have been a wedding or baby shower.   But it was a funeral. Read More When One Door Closes Monday, October 18th, 2010 That's how the saying goes, right?  When one door closes, another one opens?   What is missing from that little pick-you-up cliche' is how there may be a lag time between those two events.   And some discomfort.    Read More Grateful Heart Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 I am a lucky woman.  My heart received an infusion of love this past weekend.   It started with a family gathering for my adorable mother's birthday on Friday.   It was a wonderful experience to, for the first time since I was 18 years old, be able to drive just up the road and share a family holiday after work. Read More Pioneering Weekend Fun Thursday, October 7th, 2010 Fall is arriving on the Central Coast and I couldn't be happier.   I love this time of year.  I was afraid after leaving the midwest, I would fall into a bit of fall-envy since the seasons transition of seasons tend to make a less dramatic mark here in California.   But it's all coming back to me.  The feel of fall here at home.   The sun sits a little lower on the water and the sparkles on the Pacific mezmorize me.    Some of the trees are actually changing color, and there are workers out in fields up and down the coast harvesting the fruits of their summer labors.   I love the crisp chill of Autumn in the mid-west, but it sure ain't bad here either.   And we don't have to live with the dread of wind-chills and blizzard possibilities right around the corner. Read More So Many Options Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010. Seriously.  How's a girl to decide?   It's Harvest time on the Central Coast and it seems everyone is having a harvest party over the next few weeks.   It's a challenge to find a way to fit them all into your social schedule.  And just as challenging to be able to take a pass on any of them.   Read More Paddle To It Thursday, September 16th, 2010 It's no secret I've been going through a growth spurt lately.   I have to be, because I'm feeling growing pains.  Right?   Let's just say it's been a less than smooth few months in the life of JT.  But that's the way life is.   And I'm enjoying the journey as much as I can along the way.  In the process of sharing some of my struggles with a trusted friend,  they reminded me of something we both learned a few weeks ago, that now has so much more meaning..   Read More TGIF Friday, September 3rd, 2010 Seriously.  I mean seriously TGIF.   Some weeks that just means more than others, and this is one of them.   Not only was it "one of those weeks" but it ends in a three day holiday weekend.  Whoo-hoo!  Read More Movies Under the Stars Thursday, August 26th, 2010. It's my dad's birthday, so first let me send him my love and gratitude to hime today.   He's taught me a lot over the years, and his common sense about life has helped me through a lot of bumps along my journey.  (If you want to check out some of his words of wisdom, check out the blog I wrote about it last year by clicking here.  Read More Runaway Trucks on Central Coast Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 We reported on a tragic story in Santa Barbara today.   A Runaway truck killed three people  in Santa Barbara today.   The truck was coming down Highway 154 and lost it's breaks.   It flew threw town and finally stopped as it crashed into a home where the three victims lived.   It's something you don't hear about happening very much anymore.   But I remember hearing stories from my Dad growing up about runaway trucks that used to have me scared every time we traveled a mountain pass on our cross-country vacation trips. Read More Birth-day Monday, August 23, 2010 Boy do I feel like a rich woman.   That's kind of a funny statement given some of the financial issues I've faced in the last couple of weeks, but truly....   If the wealth of a man (or woman) can be measured by the love and support of friends, I ought to be on some sort of Forbes list.  Read More Day by Day Thursday, August 19th, 2010 My apologies for the late posting tonight.   It's been one of those days.   I will be adding a couple of things this weekend but if you are looking for some options, check out my Events Calendar now by clicking here.    Also, if you haven't ever explored the coastline of Shell/Pismo Beach on a kayak, you should check out this week's No Place Like Home by clicking here.   The folks at Central Coast Kayaks do a great job of gearing you up and getting you ready to explore the caves of Dinosaur park, and surrounding bluffs.   No matter how much you've kayaked, they'll hook you up for a great adventure. Read More New Weekend Fun Thursday, August 12, 2010 I paid a visit to Montana de Oro in this week's No Place Like Home, and if you haven't recently, you should.  The variety of outdoor activities available there always amazes me.   Seriously, people travel from all over to spend a few days in that state park, and it's right in our own backyard.  And unlike many other parks, it's free to get in.   It's why it's one of my picks of fun things to do on the central coast this weekend. Read More Holy Moly Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 My heart goes out to my pals in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota tonight.  I've seen pictures they've posted on Facebook, and they're getting slammed with rain and floods.   It's always different seeing news coverage of disasters somewhere when you know the landmarks.   To see Hilton Coliseum flooded in Ames on the KCCI Website, and the rest of the town underwater makes me realize how bad it is.  In Colfax, some 200 homes are under water. Read More Thanks for Having Me Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 It's funny how things play out.   I first must, again, thank those of you who take the time to read my blog, for taking the time to send me nice notes of support and encouragement.  It has made a difference in my days of late.  I see that I have picked up many friends along my journey down the Yellow Brick Road.   Read More You asked for it Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 Okay,m so really?  Do you want really want to hear what I've been up to?  It's a weird thing in some ways, putting yourself out there in a blog, and it's been cathartic for me in other ways.  But at some point, I guess it just starts feeling weird.   Especially the way my life has been to a certain degree of late. Read More Toast the Coast Thursday, August 5th, 2010 Hello Friends. First off all, let me say a sincere thanks to all of you who have e-mailed, commented here on the blog and sent facebook messages of encouragement.  I so appreciate your support and kindness.   I guess I won't quit writing, just because I'm not in the best mood anymore.    Read More Falling Down Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 I got the message.   Some of you have kind of skirted around the issue, others have just gotten right to the point: "You used to share much more about JT, and now you blog is nothing but station promotion."   It's true.  I put this blog together when I was out of work, and it was a way for me to stay connected with people, and enjoy doing what I love to do: write.   Read More Weekend fun Thursday, July 29th, 2010 It's been a busy week for ol'  JT in the KSBY Newsroom.  Richard has been off, so I've been on my own for the week.  (With Dave and Andrew's help, though.)   So I'm ready for the weekend and as usual, I'm already marking up the calendar with some good possibilities for entertainment. I re-discovered another gem this week on the Central Coast.  Read More Happy Friday Friday, July 23rd, 2010 Happy Friday Everyone.   As promised I wanted to post the stories I did on the Mid State Fair Cattle Drive.  Just click on the little video icon on the top of the page to watch the video.    And you can do the same to watch the story on Teale and Tara Twisselman.    Read More Fair Time Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 Some things just make your heart smile.  My day yesterday did.   I started it off riding in the Mid State Fair Cattle Drive. It was grand fun to see some old friends and ride through town celebrating the heritage of this area.  We really do have a lot of the Wild Wild West left on the Central Coast.   You can check out the story at ksby.com. Read More Hot fun in the Summertime Thursday, July 15th, 2010 If you are a fan of classical music at all, you need to check out Festival Mozaic.  Even if you aren't, some of the venues for these performances are worth the price of admission.   There are ten days of concerts performed all over San Luis Obispo County.   Tickets are sold out to some of them, but there are plenty still available.  So check it out.  Read More Cold Spring Tavern Thursday, July 8th, 2010 I love the subject of this week's No Place Like Home.   We pay a visit to the Cold Spring Tavern.   It's a great little get-away off highway 154, about half way over the San Marcos Pass on your way to or from Santa Barbara. It's been around for 124 years and there's history and stories in every corner.   Sundays are a big day at the Tavern, so that's one of my picks for a great thing to do this weekend.   For more information, just click here. Read More 4th of July fun Thursday, June 30th, 2010 This week's No Place Like Home is on the Avila Beach Fish and Farmers' Market.  I've recommended checking it out before, but since a lot of folks will have out of town company this weekend, I'll bring it up again.   It's a great way to wind down from the work week, stock up on fresh supplies for your weekend and soak up all the beauty of the Avila Beach.  (And you can check out the story on the link above.) Read More JT's Weekend Picks Thursday, June 24th, 2010 I can't believe it's already Thursday.  I hate when time flies, but it's always fun when the weekend nears.  Since it's been a pretty foggy week at the beach, it's good timing to enjoy some events in Northern San Luis Obispo County this weekend. Read More No Place Like Home This weekend Thursday, June 17th, 2010 The last time I was at the Cass House in Cayucos, it was was stripped down to the framing and a young couple had taken on the task of restoring the old place to the magnificence it deserved for it's place in Cayucos history.  Fast forward 15 years, and they pulled it off.   I got a chance to see how much so when photographer Kelly Teel and I drove up the coast to do a story on the house for this week's No Place Like Home.   It's a beautiful bed and breakfast now, and Gary and Nancy Bagnall's labor of love is worth checking out.   They managed to preserve the past, and make it a comfortable and convenient place for a wonderful four-course meal, and a great weekend getaway.    For more information, click here.  Read More S-S-S-Summertime Monday, June 7th, 2010 I must be living right.   At least that's how I felt this weekend.   I know I shouldn't, but I love being in the sun.  And there was plenty of it this weekend.    I had a half dozen moments this past weekend where I thought "I am so lucky to be where I am".   That's saying somethin' because it's not like it's been the easiest year for me.   But I literally felt so much gratitude at various moments over the weekend it brought tears to my eyes.  Read More No Place Like Home This weekend Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 I had a chance to do one of those "I need to check that place out someday" detours this week on my series No Place Like Home.   We checked out the Najoqui Falls near Gaviota.   It's a really quick detour off 101 and just beautiful.   I highly recommend checking it out.    Less than 5 minutes off 101 and a 5 minute 1/4 mile walk to the falls.  Beautiful. Dave Hovde says it's going to be a great weekend to be outdoors...if you like summertime heat.   Well there's no shortage of fun events happening where you can soak up some of that sunshine, as well as some good food and wine. Read More Reason to Toast Cheers!   I must have heard it and said it a dozen or so times over the weekend.   And there was good reason to cheer. I had a weekend of reconnecting with a few of the things that make this place (the Central Coast) special...to me personally, and just in general. Read More The Enchanted Hill May 6th, 2010 William Randolph Hearst used to call Hearst Castle in San Simeon and the beautiful land on which it's built "La Cuesta Encantada", or the Enchanted Hill..   I got a reminder of just how appropriate that was this week.  If you've never been to Hearst Castle, it's worth a visit...even if you are reading this in another state.   The castle is magnificent and as they say in real estate: location, location, location.  George Hearst really nailed that when he bought a 250 acre plot of real estate along this particular stretch of California Coast.  Read More Paris to Prairie Monday, April 19th, 2010 Talk about a culture shock.   One day I'm dining in the Eiffel Tower and sleeping under it's lights in a nice hotel, two nights later I'm in a sleeping bag in the back of my Photographer's car outside of Pozo.    Read More Au Revoir Paris Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 It's our last full day in Paris.   It went so fast.   I can't believe we have to pack it up tonight.   We spent yesterday at Versailles.  It was kind of like Hearst Castle on steroids.   I now understand where William Randolf got his inspiration for some of the magnificence he brought to the Enchanted Hill.   I also can see how Parisians could have been pretty miffed by the fact they were starving while their kind and queen were hanging up on the hill behind gold fences.  The term "Let them eat cake" has new meaning to me after seeing the place.  Read More Thank God I'm a Country Girl Monday, April 12th, 2010 I didn't get off to the greatest start today.   I overslept.   I didn't realize there may not be clocks in my hotel room, so I have relied on the front desk to provide me with wake up calls.   Rookie move.  They apparently forgot this morning, and my wake-up call came from my mentor Mike, rather than the front desk.  He wasn't wanting to chat about the day ahead, but to ask me where they hell I was.   The bus was loaded and we were officially late for taking off for Giverny and Monet's Garden.   Read More Getting With the Program Sunday, April 11th, 2010 I didn't want to get up this morning.   I really didn't.  There just couldn't be anything that incredible on the agenda today that wouldn't be just as fantastic a few hours from now.   In fact, I'm betting it would be all the more impressive, because I wouldn't feel like I've just been hit by bus, which is about how I feel as I wake up.    But I kind of am "on the clock" on this trip.    I'm learning the ropes of being a tour guide and it would definitely be bad form to take a pass on my first full day of instruction. Read More American in Paris Saturday, April 10th, 2010 Well I'm here.   It's Saturday morning when we land.   My body clock tells me I should be getting ready for the 11pm news.   I'm wide awake, even though I didn't sleep a wink on the flight over.   Everyone else in my tour group seems like they are deep in REM sleep, even though they're walking.   Our tour director reminds us that it's best to force yourself to stay up today rather than go right to the hotel and to bed if we hope to have any real chance of overcoming jet lag during our week here.   So we're touring the city. Read More Trip of a Lifetime Thursday, April 8th, 2010 I guess I'm one of the lucky people of the world.   I'm taking another trip of a lifetime.   I suppose you can have more than one, but it seems redundant to have four or five trips of a lifetime.   I wasn't exposed to a lot of international travel until later in life.   So the first time I booked a trip to Australia and Tonga ten years ago, that was my trip of a lifetime.   But it wouldn't be my last.   Read More Beachcombers and Cowboys April 5th, 2010 I have enjoyed the fringe benefits of taking a job in your home town the past couple of weekends.   I have put off a lot of personal chores (like taxes) and household chores and spent the last two Saturday's catching up.   By Saturday evening I have been ready to enjoy the sunset at the beach.    It's my favorite part of the day.   I love that I can walk down and see Mother Nature's seaside playground and all the activities that go on there as the sun bids its adieu.  Read More Status Check Thursday, April 1st, 2010 Okay, today is the day I start to get my....life together.   I have moved enough to know that for the first three months, it's just chaotic.  It takes that long to begin to feel like you're settled in.  I was hoping because I was coming home, that maybe that rule wouldn't apply this time around.   Wrong. Read More Bad Days March 30th, 2010 Sometimes you just have to give in to them.   Bad days, that is.  I'm having one.  Or was having one.  Nothing dramatic, but I just seemed to wake up the wrong side of something today because it was one mishap after another.  It's the kind of day I wish I could go get a do-over on.   Or view from the safety of my bed with the covers pulled up tight and some cheesy lifetime movie on.   They people in those movies always have such drama going on in their lives, it always make me feel better about my life.   Read More A Walt Disney Production? March 29th, 2010 WOW.   That's all my dad kept saying as we wound our way along highway 58 on Sunday checking out the wild flowers.   My mom, dad, and I had all seen them the week prior, but when I paid them a visit this weekend we decided to take another quick spin to see what new colors that had bloomed since our last visit.  150 miles, and a few hours later, we felt like we had been to Oz.    Read More A California Contribution Monday, March 22nd, 2010 We ran a story tonight about the loss of a man who made his mark on the Central Coast.   He made a mark on the state of California..in a big way. Maynard Potter was the General Manager of the Mid State Fair in Paso Robles for 25 years.   He handed things over to a new boss in 1994.    Now I haven't been to the Mid-State Fair in a few years, but I'm sure it has continued to grow and prosper.    But it was Maynard who put it on the map.   Read More Easier Said Than Done Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 I've spent the last couple of days going through pictures and videos of my pal Darcy, who I lost last week.   She died in her sleep last Thursday night.  It's still sinking in, and it's been difficult to be away from all the people who knew and loved her.   My folks did for sure.   They called her their "other daughter" and Darcy called my them her "other parents".    And they understand the magnitude of the loss of Darcy.   But it's hard coming to work and when people ask how you are, being honest.   And how can I explain how incredible she was in passing?   "One of my best friends died this week" just doesn't seem to do it. Read More Not Fair March 5th, 2010 My phone started wringing in the early hours this morning.   The first time I assumed it might be a friend out too late who wanted to leave me a funny message of some sort.   But then the calls kept coming, I knew something was wrong.   I was right.  I just didn't expect this. One of my best friends died in her sleep last night.  She was 47.   It's not fair.  Nothing was fair in my book about Darcy's life, and now her death has left me feeling the same way.  I'm still in shock.  I don't really believe it yet.     Read More Try Try Again Wednesdy, February 24th, 2010 Sometimes when you take on a big project, you don't always succeed in seeing it to the finish.   It's kind of how I felt when I left Iowa to take a job in Minneapolis without getting legislation passed there to crack down on Puppy Mills.  I started a foundation with a friend and attorney there where we had a tip line people could call with information on suspected mills.  We would pay an investigator to go out and look into it.   But when I left Iowa, the foundation, and my efforts in that state kind of went by the wayside.     Read More If You Only Knew Wednesday, February 22nd, 2010 I like to think if people really knew what their passion for trendy pets leads to, they'd head to the local shelter instead of the local paper or their computers to find their dogs. Last week the Hollywood City Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit the sale of dogs in pet stores.  It's a move that comes with controversy, but unfortunately, restrictions like this can be needed in some communities to keep pet retailers honest.    History has shown too many have chosen to get their supply of dogs from "breeders" who run less-than-ethical operations. How do I know this?  Read More Pismo Beach Therapy Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  If that's true, and I was to share all the images I carry with me from this past Saturday afternoon, this is going to be one long blog.    I'll try to widdle it down. Read More Now I Know February 15, 2010 About a month.  Now I know.  If you read my blog a month ago  I was wondering as I entered back into the work-a-day-world how long it would take for me to lose the balance I had seemed to find during my soul searching of the previous few months.  I lost my balance immediately as far as I tried to get a footing in a new job, with new co-workers, new duties, and new ways of doing just about everything.   But I'm talking about a different kind of balance.   The kind that keeps you sane.   Read More Small World Thursday, February 11th, 2010 So I'm kind of fired up about the Olympics starting tomorrow.  Especially because I work for an NBC affiliate now, so I can kind of get paid to watch them.  I'm looking forward to the opening ceremonies tomorrow night.  And while I don't have any real local ties (well any ties really) to any of the athletes, I'm still excited I'm going to have some friends there for all the pomp and circumstance.  Read More Rediscovery Friday, January 5, 2010 Phew, it's been a week.  But it's been full of good.   Just a little busy.    I moved.  Again.   I had been in temporary housing and made the move Monday to a less-short-term place.   I still don't know where I'll be living long-term, until I know if my house back in Minneapolis will sell.    But at least I can settle in a bit and that's nice.  Read More With a Little Help From my Friends Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Okay, I'm feeling better today.   I'm starting to get over the Vikings painful loss over the weekend.  It helps I guess that all my colleagues are loving bringing it up over and over...to the point it gets funny.   And then I have these wonderful viewers who can't resist the jokes going around.  Jim Eaton sent me one I couldn't resist passing on today.   I'm doing so with love and respect for my friends back in Minne-SOH-tah:   Part of my heart will always be there.  You betcha.  Read More One of Those Days Monday, January 25th, 2010 Sometimes the best of intentions can't overcome a day that just wasn't meant to go down as a one of your best. I tried this morning.  But it wasn't easy when the first thing I thought of when I woke up was last night's Viking's game.  It wasn't a dream.  Dammit.  It was more of a nightmare...at least in the final seconds of the 4th quarter. It's not that I am against the Saint's going to the Superbowl, it's just that I really wanted it to be the Vikings. Read More Be Gone With You Thursday, January 21, 2010 I'm over it.  I'm seriously over it.  No, I'm not talking about the weather.  Of course I'm eager for sunshine and 70's again.   But you have to remember, I've been living in places where that wouldn't happen for months yet.  So I can wait a few weeks while these storms pass.   Read More Weathering the Storm Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 Whoever said it never rains in California didn't spent much time here during El Nino years.   Much of the state is getting hit with a series of storms this week and the Central Coast is no exception.    When I got up this morning, there wasn't much time for coffee.   I could hear the winds blowing the patio furniture around on my roof, so up I went in my pajamas in the hopes of beating the rain to batten down the hatches. (I'm guessing my neighbors are getting used to me wandering outside in my jammies after my morning sunrise runs and this morning's antics.)   Read More Haiti Help Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 If you are like me and feeling helpless watching all the devestation in Haiti, and wishing you could do more, I have an easy one for you.   The power of a lot of people doing just a little is evident in the Red Cross's texting campaign. Anyone with a mobile phone and an account with a major wireless carrier can text the phrase “Haiti” to the number 90999 and donate $10 to the Red Cross. That amount is charged to the donor’s cellphone bill.  And according to New York Times bloggers, the campaign has already raised $1.2 million dollars!   It's nice to have a story like this to report on when the news coming out of Haiti is so sad.  Read More Catchin' Up Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Hi Friends.   Well, I'm beginning to catch my breath.   And I'm beginning the process of catching up.   I've almost caught up with the schedule of news updates, script deadlines, and promo shoots for each day at KSBY.  I still haven't figured out my voice mail at work.  And I'm having trouble with my new company cell phone.  It does more than my computer, and I can't even figure out how to unlock it, so I'm thinking it's going to be awhile until I'm using it much.  I'll have to add reading the instructions to my "to do" list. Read More When Everything Old is New Again January 6th, 2010 I've heard it said, if you're not growing, you're dying...or something like that.  Well at least I know I'm not dying.   I know that because I'm experiencing growing pains.  Again.   You'd think you reach a point in life where they kind of stop, or at least subside some.   Not for me.  Not right now.     Read More School Night January 3rd, 2010 Well it's been a glorious start to the new year.   The weekend was full of sun, sand and relaxation, but I'm dealing with feelings I haven't had in a few months; the feelings that come with the reality of a school night after a great weekend like this one.    And it's bigger than that really.  It's more like the one before the first day of school every fall.  I'm going to be in a whole new classroom, with a new teacher, new classmates...heck I'm even going to a new school.  Okay, it's not really a new school.  I've gone to classes here before but things have changed since then.  It's exciting and a bit anxiety producing as well.  After all, it's been a long summer break for JT.   For instance, I've been dressing casually so long, I realized as I looked through my closet tonight I failed to pack a lot of the things I'm going to be needing in the coming weeks.   Read More Livin' the Dream December 31, 2009 Beware of dreams come true.   You've probably heard that before, but it probably came in the form of "Be careful what you wish for".   We've all experienced the peril of ignoring that warning at some point or another.   We've dreamt about the handsome guy across the office only to discover he's really sort of a nightmare once you get to know him.   Or we've wished for that new fancy car, only to find out it's upkeep costs more than your monthly mortgage payments.  Or how about this one: we've dreamt of more free time to write that book or take that vacation we've thought about so many times, only to find ourselves with a pink slip, or a failed investment.   Suddenly we have too much time on our hands and too little money in our bank accounts to think about anything but our worries and woes.   Like I said, be careful what you wish for.  Beware of dreams come true.  Read More Goodbyes are Never Easy December 22, 2009 It's time. It's time to say so-long. I feel like the last few months have been full of too many good-byes. So I don't want to dwell on it. But I couldn't leave without acknowledging it. I left Minneapolis last Thursday and am in California for the holidays   It still hasn't quite sunk in that I won't be getting on a plane to head back to the mid-west after all the celebrations have ended. As regular readers know (and the rest of you can catch up on by reading back a few blogs) I'm staying here in California to take a job at KSBY-TV and be near family.  Read More Transitions and Time Monday, December 1st, 2009 Game on.  The big move to California is in the works.  I've put the house here in Minneapolis on the market, found temporary housing out west.  I've scheduled some good-bye lunches, brunches and such, and have begun going through my life.    I've moved a lot in the last 20 years.   I did a mental scan today and I counted 15 of them since I headed off to college.     The biggest was probably when I loaded what little possessions I had and headed to Iowa to take my first anchor job.   That began my extended stay in the Midwest.  .  Read More Full Circle  can't believe it's really happening.   It's always been a quiet longing, but now it's really happening.   I'm coming home to the Central Coast of California.  It was hard leaving this place years ago, but the quest for upward movement in my career had me packing my bags, saying tearful goodbyes to family and friends, and heading east.  I learned what mid-west winters where like, and what wonderful mid-west people people are like.   I learned how the presidential race starts at least two (or three!) years beforehand when you live in the city that hosts the first presidential contest in the nation, the Iowa Caucus.   And I learned people really do set up fishing houses on frozen lakes and fish in the dead of winter in Minnesota.   And I learned how fun college football can be to watch when you're sitting a sea of Cyclone, Hawkeye, Gopher, or Badgers fans.  Read More Sentimental Journey My Last Walk with Madelyn Friday, November 6th, 2009 I have this belief.   I have this belief that when someone you love died, there is a moment when they give you a sign they are okay, that they are where they are supposed to be.   That they've made it there, crossed over, are resting in peace.   You never know what it's going to be, and maybe not everyone experiences it, but I have had it with every person close to me I've lost.   It's hard to trust that moment will come in the middle of your grief, and it doesn't come immediately.   But at some point, something happens: and you just know.   I believe it's their spirit telling you it's okay.  They're okay.   And you will be okay soon too.   I got that message from Madelyn this week.  Read More Time Flies November 3rd, 2009 Wow, how did that happen?    It's true.  Time flies...when you're having fun, and when you're a bit stressed out.   I feel like I can blame both for the absence of blogs lately.    My apologies to those of you who kindly stop by now and then to see what the heck I'm up to, and my thanks to those who leave me gentle reminders it's been awhile since I've posted.  Read More It Aint Over Until its Over Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 I'm actually been grateful I'm unemployed the last few days.   That's because there's too much fun stuff going on around the Twin Cities to have a JOB to throw into the mix.   I'm talking the Vikings.   I'm talking the Twins.  I'm talking the Wild.   Minnesota sports have given us reason to cheer during what has otherwise been a kind of dreary, cold and wet early Fall.   We've learned how true the saying is: "It ain't over 'till it's over!" Read More Its a Wrap Sunday, October 4th, 2009 Well, there's no doubt about it.   Fall is here.   And it isn't being well-received by Yours Truly.   I went for a run this weekend and was not too excited about having to put gloves on.   I was even less thrilled to figure out about half-way through, I should have been wearing a stocking cap too.   Seriously.   Frozen ears on October 2nd?   I'm just not ready. Thankfully, our professional sports teams are heating things up this week and making the chill of this early fall tolerable.  Read More Mixed Emotions September 27, 2009 I wasn't going to go.  When I heard a few weeks ago I was nominated for an Emmy award for my work at WCCO, I couldn't imagine how being there for the awards ceremony would be a ton of fun.   I mean, it just felt weird for all kinds of reasons.   But after some nudging from a few supportive friends, and the vision of getting together with some of my former colleagues not only from WCCO, but other stations in the Cities and Iowa, I changed my mind.   I'm glad I did.  Read More Winding Down September 24th, 2009 It always happens.   We even got the last blast of summer I was hoping for, and it eased the sting a bit.   But try as we might, the transition is well underway.   Fall is pushing the summer of 09 into the history books.   And as I often do, I'm finding myself feeling melancholy.   I found myself singing the worlds to Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" song as I was trying to soak up one of our recent wonderfully warm mid-September days: Read More Sweet Condolences Tuesday, September 16th, 2009 You are all so wonderful...all of you who have sent me messages of support and empathy through facebook and e-mail regarding the loss of Madelyn.   I assure all of you who have not heard back from me personally I have read every single one.   And while to a certain degree there is nothing that can take away the pain or fill the void right now, your words have support have been soothing.    You need to know they stick with me.   Little things that some of you wrote when I first talked about Madelyn's cancer came to me last week, helping me through the process.   Read More Missing Madelyn Tuesday, September 9th, 2009 I knew the time was coming.  I knew it would be the right thing to do.  I knew it would hurt.   I knew I'd be a mess.  None of that knowledge made this day any easier.   I'm more than a mess.  I'm kind of a wreck and though I know intellectually it will get better, I'm having a hard time believing that in this particular moment.  Read More Give it a Break Wednesday, Sept 2nd, 2009 I can't believe summer is winding down.   I hate this time of year.  I mean, I love it, but it's such melancholy time of year.   Especially this year when summer has been cool and short in Minnesota.   I love fall, but I just haven't had enough of summer.   And even if we had a long hot summer, I think I'd still feel this way.      Read More Words of Wisdom Tuesday, August 26th, 2009 Today is my dad's birthday.  (Happy Birthday Dad!)   He's getting older and loves to talk about that a lot these days.   Actually, he's talked about it for most of my adult life.  He is not a man who has trouble letting go of his youth.   I think, rather, that he's enjoyed the perks that come with age.  It seems with every year he adds to his resume, he feels free to let go of something.     Read More No Place Like Home Saturday, August 15th, 2009 I believe Dorothy had it right.  I really do.  When I get back to California, and I put my feet in the Pacific, it feels like home.  I am reminded of a million other times I've waded, ran, sat and surfed in the chilly salty water as it hits the shoreline.   There is a sense of release in the next breath that I exhale.  I'm home.  Everything is alright.   I feel grounded instantly.   No matter how long I've been away, it always feels the same to me.   And for so many years, the feeling I get when I'm here, came with an ache to get back.  I'm realizing this trip, though, there is some confusion in that word....home Read More Ding Dong August 6th, 2009 The Rumors are true.  I have found a new gig.  Don't be turning on the T.V to see where I've landed.   It's not that kind of gig.   It's the kind of gig that prompts a few giggles from a lot of folks I know and love, and I'm sure many I don't know, or do know and don't particularly love.  I've thrown caution to the wind and signed on as an Arbonne consultant.  http://arbonne.com/   Think Avon Lady, the next generation.  If you haven't heard of Arbonne, it's a company that sells botanically based skin care and health and wellness products.  (And since I'm officially a "consultant", if you haven't hear of it, we should probably talk...)  Read More Timing is Everything August 3rd, 2009 We're all learning a lot about timing these days.  We're feeling the pain of not guessing it right...in business, in housing, in job opportunities that are or aren't there all due to the timing.    It seems I'm weighing the timing factor a lot lately.   And it's all stressful because, of course, timing is a guessing game.  It's difficult to know for sure when the timing is right.   And even if we think it might be, are we ready to acknowledge it and make a move?    And what if we're not?     Read More Counting the Losses July 29th, 2009 It's everywhere.  I'm talking about the news reports, and friends telling friends the stories, and first hand accounts of people like me "losing their jobs".   Much of the coverage and talk is about the economic impacts...on those of us who find ourselves out of work, and the economy overall.   If we can't spend or pay our mortgages, well, it has impacts.   So I get why it gets so much attention. Read More Big Brother Monday, July 20th, 2009 I'm not talking about the T.V. show that airs on the network I once worked for.   I'm talking about the real deal.   Big Brother watching your every move.   I know it's the world we live in and technology makes it ever so easy to do, but does that mean we should be?  Read More The Power of Prayer July 17, 2009 I'm about to break a cardinal rule of The Big J (Journalism), and talk about something I likely wouldn't be allowed to if I had a job.  Maybe so, as this is a blog, and viewers/readers are becoming increasing hip the fact journalists are real people with real beliefs, faiths and thoughts.  Even so, I'm not going to go so far as to share all my beliefs with you, but I am going to talk about something I do put a lot of stock in.  I'm talking about prayer. Read More Little voices Monday, July 13th, 2009 I live next to the cutest little family.   The only thing missing is a white picket fence, and maybe a dog.  But they kind of have Madelyn part-time.   Apparently when I thought Madelyn was just stepping off the back porch to do her business on early winter mornings and cold winter nights, I was wrong.   She was slipping down the street, or across the street and saying hi to the neighbors.    It wasn't until this spring that the perfect little family  let me know how often Madelyn just comes and hangs with them.   Most of the time she returned home before I realized she was gone.  Read More Good Question 7/9/09 It's what I've been thinking about a lot lately, and it has nothing to do with Jason DeRusha and Joe Berglove who do the great GQ question on WCCO.   I've been thinking about the question presented to me across the desk of a television executive recently.  Read More Beach Party 7/6/09 You know, there is a heck of a gathering happening on the beach today, and it has nothing to do with the 4th of July, or even summertime.   I knew it was happening, but I had no idea how big of a party it was until I was officially invited.  Trust me, you don't need to feel left out if you haven't received your invitation.   In fact, you probably want to feel pretty grateful about it. Read More Happy Birthday America 7/3/09 That's what my silly friend has been going around saying to everyone all weekend.  It's the truth, but it sounds funny when she says it.   It's 4th of July weekend, Independence Day, the high point of summer.   Whatever you want to call it, it's one of my favorite weekends of the year, but it comes with mixed emotions.  Read More Hello Friends 7/1/09 So, welcome to jeanettetrompeter.com.   I'm not sure what exactly it is, or will be, but we will start with it as a place for me to start blogging again.   I am flattered and appreciative of those of you who have visited my facebook page and let me know you actually read the one I did for WCCO and that you kind of miss it.   Read More