Staycations! Stone Creek Kitchen, The American Tin Cannery, The Barnyard and Walks around Monterey Bay

Our moods are subdued, we continue to take one step in front of another.  Our journey is bumpy, emotional and one of stress right now.  The last couple of weeks have been hard.  Phil has had to choose a path that is best for him.  Right now he has been suffering with memory problems, weakness in his left side and is about to enter into radiation to try to keep the cancer from growing anymore.  I won't lie he has been struggling but we both continue to proceed with joy, love and humor.  We spent a few hours in the hospital a couple of days ago doing an MRI and an appointment to get ready for the radiation.  The medical aspect is always difficult but we enter into the next phase of treatment with hope.

The Koi Pond at the hospital provides peace for me as Phil goes through his procedures.

My sister has been sending Phil Tshirts as he goes through radiation just like she did the first round.  The staff at the hospital seems to get as much joy from his shirts as we do.  He started it all off with "Back to the Future"

Due to Phil's fatigue and upcoming radiation treatments, we have decided to keep our adventures closer to home.  We are lucky to live in an area full of beauty, history and wildlife.  Once again the camera ends up being a muse getting us out and enjoying where we live.  It would be very easy to be sad, depressed and not have any energy......the journey can be difficult.  We keep trying to have fun, enjoy life and appreciate every single moment.

One day recently, we headed out with a gift certificate that Phil got for his Thanksgiving birthday for a store called, Stone Creek Kitchen, in Del Rey Oaks, California.   Thank you Patricia, Phil had a great time shopping around and choosing some gifts.  For those of you who know Phil, you know that he loves to cook.  We had never been there before and we didn't know what to expect.  Wow!  What a great store, we spent some time looking around, the decor was lovely, plenty of product to choose from, staff was friendly and the deli had the place smelling simply irresistible.   I would highly recommend this store to locals, as well as people visiting the area.  Loved it!

We have a favorite place to get french bread and think you all should try this one.  Both Phil and myself spent time in Europe as children and we both have an affinity for french bread.  In Carmel, in The Barnyard you can find coffee and french bakery heaven.  Lafayette Bakery has been a favorite of ours for years.  Phil has done alot of walking around the Barnyard as he has been recooperating, nothing like a coffee and a baguette as a reward.

When the weather is cold or rainy, we often walk in The American Tin Cannery.  The talk around town is that the Cannery will be replaced with a new hotel.  The Tin Cannery carries history of Cannery Row and I'm sure carries many stories stored in its walls.  It it industrial, it is local, there is a couple of great places to eat there, artist studios and there is some great metered parking right behind the building.  Dog friendly, casual and there are some great treasures to be found there.   When our dog Judy was here with us, we often took her there to look around, she loved it.

It has been chilly and rainy around here lately, so Phil and I have been watching the weather and popping outside when we can.  We love our walks - here are some of the fun things we saw this week.

We are looking forward to some more local adventures!  Trying to keep our spirits up, Phil's health stable and the courage to keep  moving forward.
Thank you to family and friends who have been helping us with our forward movement.  It is a time for prayers, love and I would encourage family and friends to show Phil some love.  Times are challenging and love goes a very long way.

Thank you Mom, each card is appreciated and loved.  All the prayers and love are certain to help.
My mom has sent Phil a card almost everyday.  Right now the positive energy is needed.