We continue to have an amazing time in Carmel. This picture was taken on 17 Mile Drive, a must if you ever visit the Monterey Peninsula. The weather has been just perfect and we have been making the most of it.
We started the day with a healthy portion of avocado toast and strong coffee. We briefly considered having a heavier breakfast or maybe even just pastries with our coffee, but settled on avocado toast instead and didn't regret it. It was SO good!
I've mentioned that we used to live in this area, 13 years ago. While we lived in the Monterey area, our son Ahren lived with us while he attended college at Cal Poly and did internships at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey. He also had part-time jobs at various retail businesses in Carmel. One of them was the location in the picture above. When Ahren worked there it was Villeroy and Boch, a high-end dishware company. Now it is a women's clothing store! When he worked there when it was Villeroy and Boch, I acquired several sets of beautiful dishes and even glassware with the help of his employee discount. Those were the days. I thought he would get a kick out of the changes that have taken place in the place where we used to work and live, so I was texting him photos all day long.
There is definitely a lot of money in the Carmel/Monterey area, which is reflected in the type of automobile you see all around town. Honestly, people drive cars that cost as much as some housing!
While my husband and I have been hobnobbing with the rich and famous, spending our children's inheritance, and eating like kings, something bad has been happening back at home. A fire has broken out about 7 miles (as the crow flies) from our home. Supposedly someone was welding their fence in the weeds and sparks caused a fire to break out. It is now at 5500 acres and all the power to our town and the surrounding area has been off for over 24 hours. I had a freezer full of nice things I am going to have to throw out. At this point, I think the fire is only 23% contained.
We are headed home this morning and will need to take a detour rather north of where we live because the highway we normally would use is closed due to the Aero fire (as it has been named). You can see from the photo above that things are serious. Many people have been evacuated and cattle and other livestock have had to be rounded up and transported out of harm's way. This is a huge undertaking and hardship in our rural agricultural area. Fires in California are real, seem to happen more often and with greater damages each year. When will people learn to have common sense and not endanger other people, animals, and property through their thoughtless carelessness? The cost of fighting these blazes is enormous.
66 responses to “Living the Dream in Carmel While Rome Burns”
Great vacation marred by frightening news! I’m glad your home is safe although you lost the food. Hoping and praying things go well for you.
Great vacation marred by frightening news! I’m glad your home is safe although you lost the food. Hoping and praying things go well for you.
Great vacation marred by frightening news! I’m glad your home is safe although you lost the food. Hoping and praying things go well for you.
Happy Belated Birthday!! What a wonderful getaway gift your hubby gave you. How fun! Always enjoyable to reminisce about earlier days. Probably seems like yesterday.
Safe travels home and good luck with the food purge. Maybe it stayed frozen if just 24 hours.
Happy Belated Birthday!! What a wonderful getaway gift your hubby gave you. How fun! Always enjoyable to reminisce about earlier days. Probably seems like yesterday.
Safe travels home and good luck with the food purge. Maybe it stayed frozen if just 24 hours.
Happy Belated Birthday!! What a wonderful getaway gift your hubby gave you. How fun! Always enjoyable to reminisce about earlier days. Probably seems like yesterday.
Safe travels home and good luck with the food purge. Maybe it stayed frozen if just 24 hours.
Thinking of you Nicole. I hope they get this under control and it doesn’t threaten your home. I would echo Kim’s comment – if no one was home opening freezer doors, 24 hours is probably fine. We have had power outages with tornados and it was all still frozen. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage#:~:text=A%20full%20freezer%20will%20hold,food%20to%20determine%20its%20safety.
I love Carmel – I’ve been there only twice, but what a great little town and yes – LOTS of money!
Thinking of you Nicole. I hope they get this under control and it doesn’t threaten your home. I would echo Kim’s comment – if no one was home opening freezer doors, 24 hours is probably fine. We have had power outages with tornados and it was all still frozen. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage#:~:text=A%20full%20freezer%20will%20hold,food%20to%20determine%20its%20safety.
I love Carmel – I’ve been there only twice, but what a great little town and yes – LOTS of money!
Thinking of you Nicole. I hope they get this under control and it doesn’t threaten your home. I would echo Kim’s comment – if no one was home opening freezer doors, 24 hours is probably fine. We have had power outages with tornados and it was all still frozen. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage#:~:text=A%20full%20freezer%20will%20hold,food%20to%20determine%20its%20safety.
I love Carmel – I’ve been there only twice, but what a great little town and yes – LOTS of money!
I can’t imagine the worry you must be experiencing. I do hope you get home safely and all, except maybe the food, is ok. Such dreadful news during a wonderful vacation. Stay safe! ❤️
I can’t imagine the worry you must be experiencing. I do hope you get home safely and all, except maybe the food, is ok. Such dreadful news during a wonderful vacation. Stay safe! ❤️
I can’t imagine the worry you must be experiencing. I do hope you get home safely and all, except maybe the food, is ok. Such dreadful news during a wonderful vacation. Stay safe! ❤️
So sorry about the fire and hopefully it will be stopped soon. Looks like a great vacation 😻
So sorry about the fire and hopefully it will be stopped soon. Looks like a great vacation 😻
So sorry about the fire and hopefully it will be stopped soon. Looks like a great vacation 😻
Hopefully you will be safe! And don’t lose anything more than some freezer contents. Your trip looked amazing. That is such beautiful county. I think the last time I was there was about ten years ago.
Hopefully you will be safe! And don’t lose anything more than some freezer contents. Your trip looked amazing. That is such beautiful county. I think the last time I was there was about ten years ago.
Hopefully you will be safe! And don’t lose anything more than some freezer contents. Your trip looked amazing. That is such beautiful county. I think the last time I was there was about ten years ago.
Scary to have it so close. Safe travels home.
Scary to have it so close. Safe travels home.
Scary to have it so close. Safe travels home.
Oh my, I hope everything is well at home! I’m sorry about your freezer but glad you had a wonderful birthday trip before heading into the fray. Please keep us updated!
Oh my, I hope everything is well at home! I’m sorry about your freezer but glad you had a wonderful birthday trip before heading into the fray. Please keep us updated!
Oh my, I hope everything is well at home! I’m sorry about your freezer but glad you had a wonderful birthday trip before heading into the fray. Please keep us updated!
Hope your safe!
Hope your safe!
Hope your safe!
I’m so sorry about the fire in your area. My first thoughts went to your family & Archie’s safety. 🙏 Hoping all are doing fine & that, if anything, the worst for you is the freezer contents. Those can be replaced. Have a safe drive home from a lovely birthday getaway!
I’m so sorry about the fire in your area. My first thoughts went to your family & Archie’s safety. 🙏 Hoping all are doing fine & that, if anything, the worst for you is the freezer contents. Those can be replaced. Have a safe drive home from a lovely birthday getaway!
I’m so sorry about the fire in your area. My first thoughts went to your family & Archie’s safety. 🙏 Hoping all are doing fine & that, if anything, the worst for you is the freezer contents. Those can be replaced. Have a safe drive home from a lovely birthday getaway!
Oh Carmel! My family had a beach house at Pajaro Dunes and Carmel was a lovely day trip from there…my favorite stop was the Dansk outlet. I bet your freezer is fine. That fire sounds so close and very scary. I hope all is well now.
Oh Carmel! My family had a beach house at Pajaro Dunes and Carmel was a lovely day trip from there…my favorite stop was the Dansk outlet. I bet your freezer is fine. That fire sounds so close and very scary. I hope all is well now.
Oh Carmel! My family had a beach house at Pajaro Dunes and Carmel was a lovely day trip from there…my favorite stop was the Dansk outlet. I bet your freezer is fine. That fire sounds so close and very scary. I hope all is well now.
I will be thinking of you and am wishing you the best. Such a scary time of year for Californians.
I will be thinking of you and am wishing you the best. Such a scary time of year for Californians.
I will be thinking of you and am wishing you the best. Such a scary time of year for Californians.
Happy Belated Birthday Nicole. Looks like you had a wonderful time in Carmel, it is a nice spot on the cost to enjoy. I do read your posts every day and love all that you share with your viewers. Safe travels home and happy sewing.
Happy Belated Birthday Nicole. Looks like you had a wonderful time in Carmel, it is a nice spot on the cost to enjoy. I do read your posts every day and love all that you share with your viewers. Safe travels home and happy sewing.
Happy Belated Birthday Nicole. Looks like you had a wonderful time in Carmel, it is a nice spot on the cost to enjoy. I do read your posts every day and love all that you share with your viewers. Safe travels home and happy sewing.
It’s heartbreaking to see all of our California fires and so many of them that could have been prevented. We had some devastating ones in our area about seven years ago. I hope they get this one contained quickly and you and everyone else stay safe.
It’s heartbreaking to see all of our California fires and so many of them that could have been prevented. We had some devastating ones in our area about seven years ago. I hope they get this one contained quickly and you and everyone else stay safe.
It’s heartbreaking to see all of our California fires and so many of them that could have been prevented. We had some devastating ones in our area about seven years ago. I hope they get this one contained quickly and you and everyone else stay safe.
This year’s “fire season” has started early. I hope all will be well in your neck of the woods!
This year’s “fire season” has started early. I hope all will be well in your neck of the woods!
This year’s “fire season” has started early. I hope all will be well in your neck of the woods!
Safe travels and saying a prayer that all be well at your home. Living in the SoCal mountains, we have had to evacuate twice over the years due to wildfires so I totally understand your concerns.
Safe travels and saying a prayer that all be well at your home. Living in the SoCal mountains, we have had to evacuate twice over the years due to wildfires so I totally understand your concerns.
Safe travels and saying a prayer that all be well at your home. Living in the SoCal mountains, we have had to evacuate twice over the years due to wildfires so I totally understand your concerns.
A belated “happy birthday” to you Nicole. Such a nice surprise that your husband planned.
Hoping and praying that the fire will be fully contained soon and will stay away from your family, friends, and loved ones. Hopefully the freezer contents will be ok; and if not, they can be replaced. Safe travels on your way home!
A belated “happy birthday” to you Nicole. Such a nice surprise that your husband planned.
Hoping and praying that the fire will be fully contained soon and will stay away from your family, friends, and loved ones. Hopefully the freezer contents will be ok; and if not, they can be replaced. Safe travels on your way home!
A belated “happy birthday” to you Nicole. Such a nice surprise that your husband planned.
Hoping and praying that the fire will be fully contained soon and will stay away from your family, friends, and loved ones. Hopefully the freezer contents will be ok; and if not, they can be replaced. Safe travels on your way home!
Thanks for the photo from the 17-mile drive along the Pacific. I drove that on my own once while on a business trip while working for the UC and thought it very special for a SoCal gal used to ocean beaches. As I recall there were lots of “barks” from sea lions. Happy Birthday to you, and many more. Hope you are lucky and the fire is around your home and not on it. We are holding our breath over a like situation in the NM fire. Hard to be away, but harder to have to be on the run from your own home. Saying a prayer you will be spared. I miss the CA coast but happy to hear you are enjoying it for your birthday.
Thanks for the photo from the 17-mile drive along the Pacific. I drove that on my own once while on a business trip while working for the UC and thought it very special for a SoCal gal used to ocean beaches. As I recall there were lots of “barks” from sea lions. Happy Birthday to you, and many more. Hope you are lucky and the fire is around your home and not on it. We are holding our breath over a like situation in the NM fire. Hard to be away, but harder to have to be on the run from your own home. Saying a prayer you will be spared. I miss the CA coast but happy to hear you are enjoying it for your birthday.
Thanks for the photo from the 17-mile drive along the Pacific. I drove that on my own once while on a business trip while working for the UC and thought it very special for a SoCal gal used to ocean beaches. As I recall there were lots of “barks” from sea lions. Happy Birthday to you, and many more. Hope you are lucky and the fire is around your home and not on it. We are holding our breath over a like situation in the NM fire. Hard to be away, but harder to have to be on the run from your own home. Saying a prayer you will be spared. I miss the CA coast but happy to hear you are enjoying it for your birthday.
What a wonderful vacation BUT so sorry to hear about the fire! I’m thankful your house is ok but not understand about the freezer and losing food. We had a power outage during a terrible storm then a transformer blew and we have a deep freezer. I agree with Kim and Nancy above – if no ones opened it, give your things a good check before you throw away. Please keep up posted on the fire and your home! Say a prayer right now
What a wonderful vacation BUT so sorry to hear about the fire! I’m thankful your house is ok but not understand about the freezer and losing food. We had a power outage during a terrible storm then a transformer blew and we have a deep freezer. I agree with Kim and Nancy above – if no ones opened it, give your things a good check before you throw away. Please keep up posted on the fire and your home! Say a prayer right now
What a wonderful vacation BUT so sorry to hear about the fire! I’m thankful your house is ok but not understand about the freezer and losing food. We had a power outage during a terrible storm then a transformer blew and we have a deep freezer. I agree with Kim and Nancy above – if no ones opened it, give your things a good check before you throw away. Please keep up posted on the fire and your home! Say a prayer right now
Oops I meant to type I do understand – fat fingers ,🙄
Oops I meant to type I do understand – fat fingers ,🙄
Oops I meant to type I do understand – fat fingers ,🙄
If lightning strikes a tree and starts a fire it is a terrible thing. It s especially awful if a reckless person has started a fire that endangers people, animals, places and things. All fires cost loads of money, and endangers even more – the firefighters, pilots, EMS persons, long haul drivers and so many more. Such terrible events. I’m sorry there is one so near your home. My prayers for you and your community Nicole.
We share birthday months, my 69th was the 8th. But we did not share activities! I spent it helping my niece whose hubs was out of town, with her 2 year old and twin 9 month old girls. Exhausted at the end of each day and full of joy to be able to spend time with these precious littles! Happy birthday- I wish you lots of great books and quilt experiences 😘
If lightning strikes a tree and starts a fire it is a terrible thing. It s especially awful if a reckless person has started a fire that endangers people, animals, places and things. All fires cost loads of money, and endangers even more – the firefighters, pilots, EMS persons, long haul drivers and so many more. Such terrible events. I’m sorry there is one so near your home. My prayers for you and your community Nicole.
We share birthday months, my 69th was the 8th. But we did not share activities! I spent it helping my niece whose hubs was out of town, with her 2 year old and twin 9 month old girls. Exhausted at the end of each day and full of joy to be able to spend time with these precious littles! Happy birthday- I wish you lots of great books and quilt experiences 😘
If lightning strikes a tree and starts a fire it is a terrible thing. It s especially awful if a reckless person has started a fire that endangers people, animals, places and things. All fires cost loads of money, and endangers even more – the firefighters, pilots, EMS persons, long haul drivers and so many more. Such terrible events. I’m sorry there is one so near your home. My prayers for you and your community Nicole.
We share birthday months, my 69th was the 8th. But we did not share activities! I spent it helping my niece whose hubs was out of town, with her 2 year old and twin 9 month old girls. Exhausted at the end of each day and full of joy to be able to spend time with these precious littles! Happy birthday- I wish you lots of great books and quilt experiences 😘
Glad you had a wonderful short celebration! So sorry to hear about the fire near you. I have not had a fire near but I too lost a lot of good food due to garage fridge outage. Will be thinking of you in the coming days.❤️
Glad you had a wonderful short celebration! So sorry to hear about the fire near you. I have not had a fire near but I too lost a lot of good food due to garage fridge outage. Will be thinking of you in the coming days.❤️
Glad you had a wonderful short celebration! So sorry to hear about the fire near you. I have not had a fire near but I too lost a lot of good food due to garage fridge outage. Will be thinking of you in the coming days.❤️