After four months in Santa Cruz, CA we're ready to leave tomorrow morning. Before leaving, it's time to bring you up to date a bit on our December; and of course, to post a few of Donna's photos.
December was full of holiday activities; including a half dozen Christmas concerts before our children (Lisa & Margaret and Dave & Jenni) arrived to help us celebrate. Christmas in Santa Cruz is a busy time, and we were delighted to see that the main street was alight with holiday displays - and full of holiday shoppers. There are no big 'box' stores nearby, and so locals patronize small businesses in town. It was good to see such local spirit - with support of local businesses. Not too common these days.
December was full of holiday activities; including a half dozen Christmas concerts before our children (Lisa & Margaret and Dave & Jenni) arrived to help us celebrate. Christmas in Santa Cruz is a busy time, and we were delighted to see that the main street was alight with holiday displays - and full of holiday shoppers. There are no big 'box' stores nearby, and so locals patronize small businesses in town. It was good to see such local spirit - with support of local businesses. Not too common these days.
Before we leave, we should probably mention just a bit about Santa Cruz in general. The town has a distinct character - like no other place we've been. The locals like to refer to a state-of-mind that they are proud of: 'Santa Cruz Weird'. Although we're not too certain 'weird' is the right word, the town does seem to be a bit of an anachronism - and totally different from other California cosmopolitan centers like San Francisco (and especially Los Angeles). No one appears to be overly fashion-conscious; and the folks seem to be more genuinely 'happy' than is noticeable in other places. Drivers are polite and courteous - as are clerks in stores. Typical of California (particularly Northern California) - everyone seems to be an activist for some cause. The town hosts numerous parades - both formal and informal. And 'drumming' seems to be part of the local culture. In short: there's always something going on; and what's going on is likely to be just a few degrees 'off-center'. Somewhat reminiscent of the spirit of the 60s and 70s, Santa Cruz has been a great place to spend four months; and we look forward to returning.
The upcoming leg of our journey will be much shorter than the trip that brought us here, but we're looking forward to seeing some old friends, and to seeing the southernmost part of America. We plan to spend some time in Arizona, before the lengthy trip across Texas. Then it's on to New Orleans for a pre-Mardi Gras visit - before returning to Gulf Shores, AL, which will just be opening the Mardi Gras season.
Donna's Picasa Photo Album should give you, we hope, just a flavor of our holidays here in Santa Cruz. The Album can be viewed at:
We'll try to stay current as we make our way east. And when you have a chance, drop us a brief note to let us know you've been here!
Donna & Glen
1 comment:
Dear Donna and Glen,
My name is John Benzinger and I am an actor living in Atlanta. I've come to know Bounder Across America through your daughter, Lisa, who is currently directing me in a show. We are working very hard to put on a fine performance in a play about sisters and other things. I am the only "male" involved in the show and I sometimes feel like I'm surfing a tidal wave of estrogen. But I digress...
Because we are so busy it makes it very difficult to keep up with those we care about most. The good news, technology has made the world a smaller place and blogs like "bounder" help us keep in touch. Lisa has made note of "bounder" on several occasions and curiosity has gotten the best of us. Each actor has, over the past few weeks, stopped by to read as well as check for updates (Lisa is a little disappointed there have been no new entries for 20 days and to be honest we'd like to know just what is going on as well - just as an FYI).
Secretly, i think we are all hoping you are headed to Atlanta for the opening of our show... which will certainly make you proud of your daughter.
travel safe,
John
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