Sunday, September 11, 2016

End of Summer

by Caro Lamont from Sparkle Abbey's Pampered Pets Mysteries

The end of summer always brings changes. Kids are back to school and days are getting shorter. In some parts of the country the nights are cooler and the leaves have already begun to change color.


Here in Laguna Beach the change isn’t so much in the weather as it is the number of people in town.
Though we love that everyone loves Laguna as much as we do, in the summer months we have a big influx of visitors. Which means that parking is often at a premium and we wait a bit longer for a table at our favorite restaurants.

This time of year everything slows down a bit. The days are still warm and the sky is that gorgeous saturated southern California blue. Still there’s plenty to do.



One of my favorite fall traditions here in Laguna is the annual Chili Cook-Off and Pet Parade. There are all varieties of chili offerings, judged by local celebrity judges, followed by the pet parade. Prizes are awarded to Most Handsome Male, Prettiest Female, Cutest Baby, Best Costume, and Most Gorgeous Senior Pet. Such fun!

What are some of the end of summer changes where you live?

Do you have a favorite fall tradition or a festival that you look forward to attending?


Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets--Sparkle (Mary Lee's cat) and Abbey (Anita's dog). The latest book in the Pampered Pets series is Raiders of the Lost Bark. If you want to make sure you're up on all the Sparkle Abbey news, stop by their website and sign up for updates at sparkleabbey.com.



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9 comments:

  1. Dianne B.September 11, 2016 at 9:25 AM

    I've never been to California, but I love the idea of the Chili cook off and pet parade. My Community has what is called River Boat Days celebration. There are a variety of activities, including a traditional parade, an arts/craft fair, various food vendors and free entertainment, mostly provided by various groups and dance studios.

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    1. Sparkle AbbeySeptember 11, 2016 at 2:09 PM

      It's such a fun event! People get creative with the costumes and the chili is fantastic. :-)

  • Robyn KSeptember 11, 2016 at 1:11 PM

    We're looking forward to the Fall car show and swap meet in two weeks. I love the cooler temperatures and the fresh air. I'm so glad Football is back!

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    1. Sparkle AbbeySeptember 11, 2016 at 2:10 PM

      Robyn, a car show sounds like a lot of fun. There's an electric car show this week here and it would be interesting to see what it's about. We hear there will be a Tesla!

  • AnonymousSeptember 11, 2016 at 3:22 PM

    My thing during the cooler months is the dog and cat shows here in the northwest. We had the dachshund fanciers yesterday, today too, but too tired. and We also have some upcoming Equestrian events as well as the concerts, art, and opera shows. Also taking nice long walks to enjoy the colors and cooler weather. And of course the get-to-gathers for taffy pulls, roasting marshmallows, and readings. They only way I get to see car shows is at the Expo once a year and on TV. Motorweek on PBS has shown some beauts. And don't forget the science fair. Heaven forbid I miss that. I have yet to read of your series. They are on my TBR and Jan has the list. She is one fantastic book store lady. She can find me anything. Thanks for a nice post. Della at [email protected]

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    1. Sparkle AbbeySeptember 11, 2016 at 8:56 PM

      We also love the colors and cooler weather. It's such a beautiful time of year! Sounds like some really great events in your area.

    2. Sparkle AbbeySeptember 11, 2016 at 8:59 PM

      P.S. Della, Jan does sound like one fantastic book lady.

  • CaryquilterSeptember 11, 2016 at 10:22 PM

    The highlight of my fall is the NC State Fair. I love the crazy fried food on a stick, the sewing and cooking competitions, the farm animals and people watching.

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  • ptclaytonSeptember 12, 2016 at 1:20 PM

    The highlight for my husband is that he is entering a chili cookoff and this year he has asked the meat market to grind up a really good beef fresh. So the first weekend in Oct he will be in his chili mood and then the next weekend on Sunday he will go over and hopefully win or be happy that he entered. Last year he used a beef the year before was chicken and that was a fan fav but they must like beef as last year he won. Wow he was walking on clouds for weeks and had to put his trophy on my cabinet in the dining room so cute of him. I love it that he enters as it is his happiness!

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