Betlo Court Garage Sale

Fraser and Leslie took part in a Garage Sale in their cul-de-sac Betlo Court as a way to get rid of unwanted items. It was shared with 2 other families and proved to be a great success. As usual in California it is a bit different from our Garage sales as it is outside and with notices up on all the local streets we drew quite a few people.

Eleanor had a difficult choice choosing which soft toys to get rid of. 

All ready for customers. Three bikes were sold.

Eleanor gets ready to sell her soft toys 

Emily selling cup cakes

An Afternoon on Capitola Beach

I love walking along beaches and my favourite ones are in the Outer Hebrides but a close second is the beaches of California on the Pacific. Today we headed for Capitola Beach which is 45 minutes from Frasers home in Saratoga. I had set off very early this morning to finish my painting project in the new house and by 10.00am it was done so I could go to the beach with a clear conscience. Tommy and his mum were unable to go as he had another Soccer match and won it 6-0. Eleanor just loves the beach and was great company with her granddad.

Fraser with Elliot. Elliot used to be scared of the surf but now just loves it and ended up with a huge wave knocking him off his feet but he just picked himself up and waited for the next one.

Waiting for that big wave

Big waves are no bother to Eleanor

I prefer them small but got caught unawares when I went for a walk and a big wave drenched me.

Gaye is not really a beach person but enjoys a short walk along the beach 

Plenty of action all along the beach

There are some very colourful beach houses in Capitola 

Under the pier

Capitola beach from the pier 

Eleanor back among the surf. She also loves surfing on a body board but not today. 

Next to us on the beach this girl was trying to put up a shelter and it took her exactly 55 minutes to do it. Several times somebody offered to help her but she refused all help. It was great entertainment as it was a job that most people (not me) could have done in 5 minutes.  

The southern end of the beach which is predominately for surfers

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge for The Buccleuch Centre

The main task for today was to walk the Golden Gate Bridge as my Sponsored Walk in place of the Umbrella Walk back in Langholm on 19th March. I am walking for The Buccleuch Centre. Fraser took the day off from his work and the 3 of us headed of to San Francisco. The forecast for the day was to keep dry but it was not too hot so ideal for walking.  

Mother & Son

The auld couple 

Father & Son 

Half way there on the first crossing and Gaye looks a bit cold but was more concerned about her hat flying off in the strong wind

A small harbour on the north side of the bridge looks just like Queensferry on the Forth Bridge

The view from the north end looking south and the half way point for our walk where we had a nice picnic

The San Francisco skyline in the distance

Having a rest and our picnic

Well done Gaye. Its a great feeling when you complete something you have planned for a long time and as this is the longest Gaye has walked for a long time and bearing in mind what she has gone through in the past couple of years both Fraser and I were very proud of her.

On return home we found Eleanor had been given this Medal at school for her reading abilities. Well done Eleanor.

My New Camera

Having dropped my camera a few weeks ago I was still able to use it until I switched it on when we arrived in USA and the screen was useless. Using my I Phone to take photographs is OK but I prefer a proper camera. I looked at the Which best buys in a price band and came up with Nikon Coolpix S9700 which I bought from Amazon Inc and had delivered to us in San Jose as it was much cheaper than buying in UK. This is my first photo taken of Elliot who got a wee fright from the flash.

Eleanor and Mallory off to school this morning

They love to have a swing on these hoops when we arrive at school

Fraser & Leslie's house. The middle section is a nice veranda where Gaye and I spend time reading or just enjoying the warm sunshine.

Eleanor & Thomas

 Eleanor with that wonderful smile usually after she has done something mischevious.

 She loves her little brother.

Thomas usually smiles but this is him in a more serious pose.

Eleanor talks to Granny Gaye on the Phone

Fraser took this photograph on Christmas Day as Granny Gaye was speaking to Eleanor on the phone.

Eleanor and Fraser at the Utah State Fair

Eleanor trying Hulahoops

Granny Gaye & Eleanor ready for Church

 Gaye and Eleanor before they went of to an LDS Church Blessing for the baby son of Leslie's friend Melissa

Early Evening on the Veranda

Eleanor enjoying playing at the front of the house while Leslie & Gaye sit on the Veranda. We sat out until 8.30pm as it was lovely and warm although Eleanor was fast asleep by 7.30pm.

The Birthday Girl - Eleanor at 1 year old

Eleanor on the morning of her 1st Birthday

Leo and Eleanor