Blogs from Sebastopol, California, United States, North America

The name of Sebastopol first came into use in the late 1850s as a result of a prolonged and lively fistfight in the newly formed town, which was likened to the long British siege of the Russian seaport of Sevastopol during the then-raging Crimean War. Britain, France, Sardinia and Turkey fought Russia in this war, one of the first wars to be directly reported by journalists and photographers.... read more

All this moving around of dirt and old boards will help my climbing.. without gloves, my skin is roughenin' up real good. Working for a recovering alcoholic and his wife, to whom I cannot tell he actually speaks, is frustrating. This household is anything but unified. I thought maybe they had a plan, and I was the only one being left out of the loop, but it turns out neither of them really have plans. Maybe Marty does... But, either way, they both have ideas that are completely different about what they see happening on these premises, they haven't really talked about it, and I am here to listen to what they both have to say, follow orders accordingly, and then un-do everything I've done in order to appease whichever one didn't give me the instructions ... read more

Out of the armchair and into the world I go. Albeit locally, but out of the house nonetheless. I am so lucky to live in this diverse region. I love it here in Northern California. What's there not to like? Living side by side with natural beauty, clean air, kind and kindred people, culturally stimulating choices and a myriad of amazing food and wine. Did I say wine? Yes, wine! It's an Oenophile's delight in this slice of verdant green paradise. My friend Trever came to visit last week. He's from Utah and has never been to this part of California. One of the highlights was our hike through Armstrong Redwood Forest. Afterwards, we drove along the Russian River to the coast. It was one of those piercingly crystalline days...till we came upon the ocean. When ... read more

I haven't been doing much traveling lately. Not even armchair traveling. Been down with a cold for over a week now. I hate to be sick. On top of that, it looks like I've managed to break my camera, so I can't even post any photos until I get a new one. It's my 46th birthday today and I really wanted to get dolled up and have my honey take me out for a lovely dinner. For now, that will have to be put on the back burner. When I look out my window, I'm reminded that life goes on. No matter what state of being that we humans are in. I am honored to be alive and to generally have good health and a wonderful life. Dinner can wait. That new dress in my closet ... read more

The Armchair Traveler has decided it's time to thrust oneself out of the chair and into the world today. She doesn't travel far. Certainly nowhere exotic or impractical. But her choices are limited given that her passport is expired and there are no trains leaving any nearby stations. So home it is. Fortunately the sun is warmer than it's been in days. It's one of those picture perfect backdrops, with puffy, white clouds and an aquamarine sky. The creaky old squeaky trees are groaning with delight and her spirit is buoyant with a sense of adventure and undiscovered territory. Even if this territory lies in her own back yard. There's a trail that meanders through the neighborhoods of Sebastopol. A cozy, sleepy, wine country town. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of big city San ... read more