In before midnight, so it’s technically still Wednesday! Huzzah!

So, I recently wrote a “Life Update” post, and I ended by asked you what kind of stuff you missed reading here on the blog. A lot of you said “WIAW!” and I realized that it’s literally been almost a year since the last time I did one of those. So okay, I guess I’m overdue!

Last weekend was a 4-day holiday weekend, and I had Waits the whole time, which was great. But by the time Monday rolled around, we were all feeling pretty cramped and cabin fevered. So, I made sure to fill the day with outdoors and adventuring! Here’s what it looked like, the whole little family together on President’s Day:

The Matriarchy Is Coming

The boys let me sleep in, and it was such a lovely slumber. I woke up lazy and late, around 9 am, and got to enjoy my coffee and some kitty cuddles all alone in bed. Really great way to start the day.






Jeremy and Waits had already eaten breakfast by the time I emerged, but I’m told that Jeremy had 2 slices of whole grain toast with coffee, and Waits had a blueberry muffin with oat milk.

Our plan was to shower and get ready, then hit the road for a short little road trip down to Ojai. I knew we would all get peckish before lunch, so I made a giant family-sized smoothie.

Almond milk, spinach, banana, strawberry, mango, and pea protein. With an array of probiotics and supplements (see this recent post for which supplements and why).


I blend it all up, then pour Waits his portion. Then I add these super adaptogens — Maca and Ashwagandha — which Jeremy and I are using to support our over-worked adrenals.

With our mason jars fully loaded, we were ready to hit the road, for a beautiful drizzly drive through the southern California back country. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. ♥






This picture up there doesn’t look like anything special, but it’s actually amazing. I have shared many pics over the years of hiking in this river bed. It’s all white rocks and sage scrub brush. Dry as a bone. I’ve been bringing Jeremy there for years, and the first time I told him that I used to see a real river rushing through there as a kid, he didn’t believe me! I’ve been bringing Waits here his entire life, and he’s never seen water.

But now? Finally? WATER! It’s been pouring rain here this winter, and it feels like our drought is finally beginning to subside. Thank you Universe!

Lunch at one of our favorite Ojai vegetarian eateries, The Farmer and the Cook. These two goofballs . . .


Jeremy and I split this cup of simple bean and veggie stew.


I loooove their hand-made burger! It’s a simple lentil and veggie patty, but they serve it up right with cashew cheese, avocado, and all the fixins! Plus they have this tomato vinaigrette that’s to die for.


Jeremy got the exact same thing as me, and Waits got this PB&J with apple slices.

After lunch we were off to our favorite Ojai outdoor play area, which is this huge park in the middle of “downtown” (Ojai is teeny tiny, so “downtown” is sort of funny to say). There’s a monster playground, an astro turf hill for cardboard sledding, all sorts of fun interactive equipment, plus an amphitheater. It’s pretty awesome.







After we’d gotten good and tired (and properly water-logged), it was time to head back home to Santa Barbara. Waits had outdoor school — his very favorite — scheduled for that afternoon/evening.

We dropped Waits off with is fellow feral tiny people and the brave, barefoot hippies who escort them into the wild, and Jeremy and I hurried home for some down time. He napped.

I worked, and had a cup of tea, and ate some apple slices with peanut butter.

Right around twilight I set back out to fetch the boychild. This is what he looks like when I pick him up from outdoor school, every time:

Mud monster.

From there it was home to give the kid a bath and throw on some fresh clothes, then right back out again. We were meeting my papa for dinner!

My papa. And a big beautiful greek salad at Pizza Guru, mmmmm.


Close up. Alllll the goodness.


Super lucky dude with his very own tofu + kalamata olive pizza.


And our pie: vegan white sauce, vegan cheese, rosemary potatoes, mushroom medley, tofu, and garlic. With vegan ranch YOU GUYS OMG.

The food was delicious and the company was aces, but by the time our bellies were full, we were all beat. Long day!

We said our goodbyes and headed home. Jammies and face washing and tooth brushing . . . and tea. Always tea.

I’ve been making Waits this bedtime tea, sort of a homemade soothing/sleepy time/digestive aide bedtime tea, and he absolutely loves it. (Is this something I should blog in detail?)


Homegrown chamomile from my garden!


Happy sleepytime kid. ♥

After Waits was asleep I had a couple of mugs of tea myself, while working for a few more hours into the night.

It was a really good day.

♥ ♥ ♥