Adventure 608: Half Moon Bay-Redwood City/Post F

Mansion Cookware.

This morning the needed rain came down in sheets, sluicing across our roof like the soft riff of a jazz drummer's brush. It was ever so cool, some would say cold, and for sure a chill gripped our marrow like a sad memory whenever we left the trailer. By afternoon, the sun peeked over the horizon, not quite sure if it was welcome, and certainly not full of warmth . Nonetheless, we ventured out in the bright light to Redwood City to the home of John and Sarah Ulmen, where we enjoyed not only John and Sarah, but also their daughter, Emma and John's mother, Liz. The quiet pleasantness of their home, which is nestled in a culdesac along the ravine bordering California's coastal mountain range is just a short drive from Half Moon Bay. It seemed like a bit of mystic fairy land after the incessant beating of the surf. From there, we spent the afternoon wandering through the magnificent estate, Filoli. It was built in 1915 or so, ranges some 654 acres, presents a 54,000 square foot mansion, two or three formal gardens, a swimming pool, a fruit orchard, stables, and an expanse that can only reference the glory of riches reaped from gold mining, a shipping fortune, and water rights for most of the Bay area. I can't even fathom the kind of riches it takes to own such a home, much less "just" a country estate. And despite its magnificence, it seemed in now way pretentious. Rather, its ambience lived up to its motto: Fight for a just cause (FI); Love your fellow man (LO); Live a good life (LI).  It was time well spent. Afterward, John BBQ'd exquisitely delicious artichokes, and baked three fabulous margarita pizzas. To say the least, life is good, especially today.

 Judy with Miss Emma.

 John dough.

 Pizza pie.

 One of the formal gardens at Filoli.

 John and Sarah's deck.

 One of several magnificent marble fire places in the Filoli mansion.

 Mom and daughter.

 All around the mansion were bouquets of fresh flowers, which the garden society changes out each week. This week, the boquets featured orchids. 

 John's artichokes. Wow!

 On the drive up, this grove of olive trees welcomes guests.

 Mom and son.

 Selfie of the day.

 Grandma and grand daughter.