We both flew to San Francisco, California on Wednesday, March 6 of 1985, and got picked up by one of the Pescadero mushroom farm people; Ed Zoliniak.
Pieter had to do a farm review for Campbell Soup.
We did not get dropped off at a hotel, but instead at the home of the manager... Don Richards or Daddy Don as he affectionately got called.
His wife Donna was partly paralyzed... she toured me around on my very 1st visit in October 1983 and we'd gathered at their home before going to dinner at the Shadowbrook restaurant in Capitola, California.
~
We got the home key on Thursday, and also their Ford LTD, for going to the farm till noon and then to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton together.
A HUGE Redwood tree...
Even both of us together still do dwarf in front of this Redwood giant...
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Admiring a spring garden, probably at The Greenhouse in Soquel, California.
Flowers and plants always make me so happy...
My blouse from Hungary with hand embroidery blended in well here.
Don Richards, the Pescadero mushroom farm manager with his wife Donna and Pieter before they left with us, back to the SF airport for our flight...
Flying to San Diego for the 5th North American Mushroom Conference.
Don, me and Donna Richardson
So glad that I did clean on Friday, all outside lower windows for Donna, as she could not do such chores.
Donna went to heaven early September of 1988 when Don lived at 1393 Pleasant Hill Street in Escondido, CA 92026
Wish one of their children or grandchildren would read this!
Related post:
My First Trip to California, Santa Cruz | previous post where I mention my lunch with Donna Richards
Amazing how big those trees grow. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGod bless, Mariette.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteYes, some people's heart grows tremendously big and so do Redwoods!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Those redwoods certainly are awe-inspiring. I think that any one who has anything to do with making environmental decisions should be required to visit the redwood forests first. It is a great shame that your friend had to be stricken and lost at an early age--she looks like a nice woman.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteShe and her husband were extremely kind and let us hope one of their children or grands will read this.
Redwoods are indeed the best for teaching people about growing and nature. Sadly it seems that those California wildfires have destroyed a great part of them.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a lovely visit, Mariette. The redwoods are incredible, it would have been awe-inspiring to see them.
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to help them out with the cleaning of the windows. I'm sure they deeply appreciated it. Is her husband still alive, or do you know? It would be amazing if you could track down a family member!
Dearest Kim,
DeleteYes, a lovely visit and so much kindness! They had a son with kidney problems whom they talked to daily by phone. Just incredibly loving and caring people. Cleaning the windows for her was just a little thing for doing for them. She had a hard time sitting on a stool in the shower in the morning, for getting dressed... all on her own as he'd left already for work. Life at times is not easy for some! But still she was so caring and giving and recalling her taking me in October 1983 to several places made me even more grateful, seeing her decline in health so rapidly.
We doubt he is still alive, don't think so but indeed, tracking down a family member would be wonderful.
Hugs,
Mariette
Gosh the giant redwood trees are stunning Mariette, excellent pics to show perspective. What an astounding age they must be! Special memories of Donna for you here in these shots and yes, would be wonderful if her children and grandchildren could read your post, is there anyway you could contact them, Facebook seems to be the way these days ✨
ReplyDeleteDearest Grace,
DeleteEven though it is awfully hard for capturing any picture due to the shade in those Redwood State Parks, we are happy with these memories.
Hoping indeed that someone will find the connection. Have it also on my FB Page which is open to the public, let's hope for the best.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh Mariette ... what a huge smile I have pasted on my face! You and Pieter look like kids up against that tree! I love this post.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteAnd that is exactly how we felt; feeling so ecstatic about all the love and care by those people; giving us the key of their home + their car. Incredible memories!
We did manage to go back to that Redwood State Park together on February 2 of 2001.
Fondest memories...
Hugs,
Mariette
Huge sized tree!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteThat sure was a HUGE one.
Hugs,
Mariette
Un viaje muy bueno en el que has disfrutado de un lugar precioso. El mar tan cercano y esas preciosas flores , es un buen reclamo para poder estar.
ReplyDeletePor cierto, los colores del bordado de la camisa, combina muy bien con el color del pantalón. Estás bien conjuntada y luces muy bien.
Besos
Querida Antónia,
DeleteMuchas gracias por tu cumplido y tal vez no lo sabías, pero estudié moda como mi principal educación. Supongo que se queda contigo toda tu vida.
Los recuerdos de esta estancia son preciosos!
Abrazos,
Mariette
I enjoy seeing these photos. Such wonderful memories! I think the third one, with the ocean background, is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteDearest Peter,
DeleteThank you and yes, those are wonderful memories!
Hugs,
Mariette
My goodness dear friend, how small you two loo0k next to that amazing tree ! Such gorgeous picture you always share and the memories are outstanding. I'm sure you guys transport each other to those times by just looking at your incredible photo albums, of your most amazing trips by the sea, as here and those flowers !
ReplyDeleteThank you darling for sharing, I so enjoy your posts.
Muchos abrazos,
Fabby
Dearest Fabby,
DeleteThank you, and yes, those HUGE Redwood trees were quite overwhelming for both of us on our first ever encounter.
It is good for reliving our best years but we are never looking into any photo album. All digitalized and in files by country and by year.
Pieter enjoys reading my posts on his iPadPro.
Glad you enjoy them and muchos abrazos para ti,
Mariette
What wow photos
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteSo happy to share them with all those that never saw such giants of trees as well as generous and caring friends.
Hugs,
Mariette
I noticed your beautiful blouse right away. Still mind blowing that you have so many fresh memories and wonderful photos of your time and travels from so many years ago. I'm going through old pictures here and sometimes I can't even remember who the people are in them or how we even knew them. :/ Wish I'd documents things a little better. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteAfter having mastered many mega tasks of digitalizing all slides, photos, scrapbooks, home videos, and due to my dbl closed pelvic bone fracture I finally scanned all our letters and with our diary this is enough for writing many books. So grateful for it, even for having had that pelvic bone fracture.
Big hugs,
Mariette
I Just Love Checking In Here - Always Such A Treat - Delight Photos Once Again - Sending Positive Vibes Your Way
ReplyDeleteCheers
Dearest Travis,
DeleteThank you and this at least was closer to your region... But we both have always loved nature and its adventures.
Hugs,
Mariette
Nice! I know the areas very well.
ReplyDeleteDearest Debby,
DeleteThank you and this is very special for you, glad I connected this to your region!
Hugs,
Mariette