slackerville, what is the meaning of life, in arizona

I'm in Arizona now with Angel, trying to keep warm. It's 28 outside and a warm 50ish inside, after the fire being lit for 2 1/2 hours. woke Ed early so he could get it going before I emerged from my warm, snuggly nest. I actually don't have anything to do all day. I thought that would be a good thing, but, it really isn't that great. I did have fun taking the dogs for a walk in the desert this morning, singing at the top of my lungs a rolling stones song, and I thought while I was singing, I'd never be able to do that in Paris (especially with the outfit I had on!).

I guess my project today is to get the wood oven fired up and start experimenting with baking bread in it. I'm glad I have internet out here so I don't have to go to town to research bread recipes (which are somewhere in a box, probably being delivered by donkey from Paris as it's taking so long).

Struggling with decision, future, career, etc. I think there's also a little culture shock happening. I see our president wants to expand the army which makes me worry about Stefano. Nothing like living in fear. Paris was nice that way, not as much terrorist propaganda. The people there seemed to feel safe, secure, content even. Blah, blah, blah...

I'm here in a good place to contemplate, the desert is quiet, the skies are clear, I can hear the train whistle in the distance. Sun is shining and the weather is good.

more later, Dominique

This rock formation is in the San Bernandino forest...? Anyway, it was fun driving through this part of the road. There were rocks in either side of the road.  

On the road again. Joshua trees and clouds on a cold, clear day. Tehachapi pass was closed, due to snow, so I drove down to Lancaster on 138 and cut across. The mountains were pretty all covered with snow. 

Castro Valley, artichoke capitol OF THE WORLD! According to California. Here is an artichoke all dressed up for Chirstmas. 

Yum, deep fried artichoke hearts, and a big old artichoke the old fashioned way. At school in France, we cut off the leaves, shocking I know, so I couldn't wait to get back in the states, back to artichokes with their leaves. almost went in to the Beach Boys California Girl song there for a minute. 

Fruit stand in Castroville. Pretty cute displays (I think). 

more happy doggie on vacation photo 

Yay! It's Angel's vacation again! Here she is at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.  

The promised land...San Rafael. 

Ahhhh...on the plane at last. My big suitcase was 10 kilos too heavy, so they had me take out those 10 kilos at the check in desk. I almost lost it. At least they didn't ask me to take off my new shoes (lace ups) from Barcelona.  

Receiving my diploma. Not a good hair day, but I made it! 

party after graduation, with 2 chefs & stef  

View of Blanes from an old watch tower. (espana) 

off of our balcony. it was so nice to be with palm trees and hibiscus! 

Castle overlooking the sea, costa brava, espana 

The beach in front of our pensio, Canet, Espana. 

Promenade at the beach, Blanes, Esp 

Blanes, Espana 

A fountain in the gothic quarter. The streets are narrow and the buildings are pretty high. Every once ina while you come upon a cute little placa like this one. I bought some Spanish fans and hair combs around the corner from this place.  

A pretty street in Barcelona's Bari Gothic 

Barcelona's gothic Cathedral.  

one of the towers of Sagrada Familia and a view of Barcenlona. Took the lif up. 

Inside of Sagrada Familia temple. 

more of parc guell, this is the entrance 

Park bench at Parc Guell. A city park designed by Gaudi. This bench is all mosaic and sits on top of a "forest of pilars." There was a man playing guitar the day we were here. It sounded pretty with the acoustics he got from this place.  

Breakfast in Barcelona in the Placa Real. We ate here the three mornings we were in town. Our waiter finally became nice with us on the third day. too bad we had to go, but I needed to get OUT OF THE CITY.