The Rusticators' Open Mic! on All Songs Considered!

Look at what my friend Abigail Linfert has accomplished! She and her husband, Chris, are The Rusticators, featured on NPR's "All Songs Considered." I'm so proud of them! Scroll down to The Rusticators' second album, "Talking With The Dead" and listen to one of their songs, Journey To War. I just love the cover art, from Abbey's own hand, ever the visionary. Oh, and that's me singing backup on a couple of other tracks on the album. Power to us all! To Life, Music, and the Pursuit of Happiness!

From A Bike.

We had the most wonderful ride last weekend. Starting from Almaden Equestrian Center, we rode up McKean to Calero Reservoir and beyond, up to Uvas Dam all the way to Morgan Hill and back. It was a fantastic day. Lots of wildflowers in bloom. We were fortunate to stumble upon a gathering of the Morgan Hill Classic Car Club, a picnic at the old Machado school, a one-room school house/slash/community center. We smelled the barbeque and heard banjo music, saw the vintage cars and rode on up to get a closer look. We reveled in some of the most beautiful classic automobiles still in existence. A flawless, dark maroon 1937 Rolls Royce. A 1932 DeSoto sporting a big art deco grille and a flying woman.A 1915 Studebaker with the hood open for all to study the simple beauty of its humble, six-cylinder engine. It had a dinner plate-sized beveled circle of glass for a windshield. We drove away as more cars were coming to join the picnic, and waved at each one as we passed them driving along in a long line in our direction. They tootled their horns for us -- some went "meep meep" and others "ahooooooogahhh." It was a blast. Further down the road a yearling buck in velvet dashed in our path, cutting me off ten feet in front of me. I got a very good look at him, poetry in motion. Behind me, Henry says, a large covey of quail ran before him as we passed. He saw them, I was studying the deer and missed them. It was a tough ride, a wonderful ride, 23.7 miles in all.

Oh, how I love how the world looks, smells and feels, from a bicycle.

Bay Cafe Breakfast.

Mmm. Fresh bings and a hearty mocha java. The brunch appetizer, prior to the artichoke, jalapeno and basil eggs benedict over herb cheese scones. Who needs restaurants when the best cooking's going on right here at home? Well, I do. But thanks to my favorite TV chef Joey Altman I've learned to come up with recipes like that. Watching Bay Cafe, I just get it.

Wedded Bliss.

Those who know me know that I can be two people: one outgoing, the other reserved. While I am not the least bit shy about singing in front of a large crowd without blinking, speaking before a even small one can simply wither me. I do not like a big fuss made over me, preferring, as does Henry, to simply blend in and belong. For this reason, getting married was ultra stressful on us both and we are glad it is over, done with and behind us so that we can get on with married life as simply and stress-free as possible. The calm after the storm is delightful.

The wedding was lovely. The weather cooperated. The garden was in bloom. Friends and family were very dear and loving to have come share the day with us. The ceremony, performed by my cousin, Bob Mitchell, was absolutely perfect. My daughter was beautiful and sweet, my son so handsome and kind. Both my parents were there, and by that singular gift in and of itself, we are so blessed. My brother Matthew brought his PA system and did a fantastic job as DJ for the reception. My sister Gloria has our ultimate gratitude for running the show because even though I was there, I really was not. She has a fine eye for detail and didn't miss a trick. I was all hands shaking, knees knocking, brain in partial collapse. Henry kept me steady...so handsome, his vows spoken so sweetly, so heartfelt. I am fortunate to have found someone so wonderful to share life with.

The honeymoon was everything we wanted it to be: peaceful, private, simple. Call us simple, but we like life simple, uncomplicated. We drove to the Russian River and rented a quaint, very stylish cabin for a few days. Our host, Dean, left no stone unturned ensuring our stay was absolutely perfect. I recommend Spring Hill Cabin to anyone wishing for a lovely Bay Area Backroads getaway. The first day we relaxed and got to know the place. Tuesday we went to Osmosis Spa in Freestone; it was fabulous. Upon leaving I felt like blue sky and golden light. We spent the remaining days enjoying the beautiful countryside, and each other's company.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

Inside Spring Hill Cabin



Misty Vineyard
Barn at Freestone Bakery

Red Poppy
Osmosis


Henry

Chamomile Meadow - Osmosis


Peacock Lampshade


Wild Poppies



Cozy Fireplace Where Henry Read Poetry to Me