Memories Then and Now

Val's horses

2011-10-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

October 7, 2011 Valerie's horses

Ben and the lawnmower~101611

2011-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ben and his lawnmower October 15, 2011.

Sunflower and bees~Live Every Moment

2011-03-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

A sunflower in my garden and two bees who were enjoying visiting it. Just a simple pleasure...Live Every Moment for March 18, 2011. To visit Live Every Moment, please go to: http://liveeverymom.blogspot.com/

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Arizona 031511

2011-03-15T05:59:00.001-07:00

Red Rock Canyon State Park outside of Sedona, Arizona.

Arizona cottonwoods

2011-03-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

These cottonwoods are in Peeples, Arizona. There is a huge valley there with large cattle ranches and a horse ranch. These were across the road from another ranch.

"White"~Bloggers Community 010211

2011-01-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

This is one peak of the Sierras, near Bishop, CA. We traveled there this past week, the last week of December, 2010. The winds were blowing the snow off the top of the peak and the clouds were moving in. "White", Bloggers Community for January 1, 2011. Please visit: http://communityphotochallenge.blogspot.com/ for other entries.

"W" is for waves~ABC Wednesday 122210

2010-12-22T06:35:00.000-08:00

We frequently drive up to northern California and on this trip, we stopped in Monterey. It was very windy that day and the WAVES were crashing against these rocks. In fact, I got WET from one WAVE! But, it was WORTH it to WITNESS them! We haven't been up to Monterey for a couple of years and I'm eager to travel up that way in the future again! ABC Wednesday for December 22, 2010. To visit other participants, please visit: http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

Old museum~Window Views and Doors, Too 11/11/10

2010-11-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

I wonder what stories this old museum could tell? We found it outside of Oatman, Arizona, on our way to Kingman. Window Views and Doors, Too for November 11, 2010.

Sierras trip~fall foliage~Scenic Sunday 102410

2010-10-24T12:26:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I took a 3 day trip to the Sierras this past weekend. I took a day off school, on Monday, and we stayed 2 nights at the Silver Lake Resort, on Silver Lake. We had stopped by there many times, but had never stayed there until this past weekend. And, we weren't disappointed! The cabin was clean and the furnace worked so well, we threw off our covers the first night! It had a small kitchen and Sunday we got both lunch and dinner "to go" from The Stove, in Mammoth. It was hailing and sleeting up on Mammoth Mountain, so we headed back to Silver Lake. I took an afternoon walk and spotted 4 deer on the horse trail that I was following while hubby took a short nap! It was a good weekend and I'm glad we were able to both get away from our jobs, even for a short while! Scenic Sunday for 102410

"Summer" ~Sunday stills Challenge 071810

2010-07-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Summer at our house means lots and lots of grilling! First, it is just too dang hot to even turn on the stove or oven! It was 116 degrees on our front patio, which is shaded by trees, yesterday! ACK! Believe me, NOBODY wants to cook indoors when it is that hot! So, the "boys" do the grilling outside! Yes, it is hot for them, but they don't seem to mind. I mean, not when you have chicken, lamb, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions awaiting your mouth! Oh, and wine, too, of course! Summer is BBQ season around here! Our son-in-law even made his OWN BBQ sauce to go with ribs this week! Tonight, the family is getting together for salmon, rice pilaf, and a cold spinach salad. Wanna join us? Dinner will be around 6 pm! Hopefully there won't be a thunderstorm at that time! It is humid and cloudy already today, so there may be one. Sunday Stills Challenge for July 18, 2010. For other entries, please visit: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

J, J & hubby~Shadow Shot Sunday 0-62010

2010-06-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

I took this photo at the north rim of the Grand Canyon after our daughter and son-in-law hiked down one of the trails there. Hubby pretty much stayed nearby. They were all tired from the altitude and had stopped to take more pics of the canyon below. Shadow Shot Sunday for June 20, 2010. HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!!!

Eyes~Loki~Sunday Stills Challenge 061310

2010-06-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

My white cat, Loki, staring me down. Typical. He is a BRAT! Sunday stills for June 13, 2010. He's ornery as @#%%!!!

Trains~Mellow Yellow Monday 052310

2010-05-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

I visited the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA this weekend with my aunt and uncle. They just moved down here from San Diego and are exploring my desert. We stopped at the Living Desert early Saturday morning, about 8:00 a.m. The Living Desert has a wonderful toy train exhibit which has grown over the years. These two were passing each other when we walked by and I stopped to take their picture. Mellow Yellow for May 23, 2010.

"B" for balcony~Sunday stills Challenge 051010

2010-05-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

We saw these BALCONIES on our trip to New Orleans, the year before Katrina. We went during Thanksgiving, but the city was already decorated for Christmas. It was beautiful! We would love to visit New Orleans again sometime! We took our daughter with us and she enjoyed the visit, too! Sunday Stills Challenge for May 10, 2010.

The Road~Valley of Fire~SkyWatch Friday and Looking at the sky on Friday 050910

2010-05-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Some roads are meant to be taken. This is one of them. It is beyond the visitor center in the Valley of Fire, about 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, NV. If you haven't visited the Valley of Fire, put it on your "bucket list". You'll be amazed by the colors, the textures, and the cloud patterns. It is indeed a special spot. SkyWatch Friday for May 9, 2010.

Flowers from the wedding~Today's Flowers 032810

2010-03-28T07:55:00.001-07:00

Our daughter was married yesterday and she and her husband decided to keep it simple. She is 31 years old, a teacher, and, in this economy, didn't wish to have a lavish, overly expensive wedding. So, they were married in their own home, with about 30 family and close friends in attendance. Dad paid for the sparkling wine (1 case) and her aunt sent 2 cases of her own red wine down for the wedding (Ilona merlot). Dad also paid for the cake ($18.00) and we bought them an expresso machine for a wedding present, since this whole family LOVES coffee! Jennifer bought her flowers at Fresh & Easy and Super Target. Plastic plates were from Smart & Final. Food was from COSTCO and Fresh & Easy. She didn't wear a gown. Her good friend bought her wedding dress for her and helped pay for some of the decorations. We are proud of her for keeping it simple. In this day and age, we ALL worry about our jobs and hubby and I got stuck with a tax bill of several THOUSAND dollars, so we weren't able to pay for much. They had a sit-down dinner afterwards of BBQ chicken (grilled by the new husband!), green salad, and scalloped potatoes (COSTCO & Fresh & Easy). But, everybody enjoyed the wine, the wedding, and the weather, and they are happy and so are we! I thought I would share pics of her flowers. Nothing fancy. Some tulips and sunflowers. But, aren't they pretty? Today's Flowers for 032810

Numbers at Santa Anita~Sunday Stills Challenge 030810

2010-03-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I went to our local race tracks in Southern California for about two years. I had gone as a child (YES!) as I had a great-uncle who was a thoroughbred trainer. Uncle Earl used to get us into the tracks at Santa Anita, Del Mar, and Hollywood Park when a horse from his barn raced. I owe him my love of thoroughbreds. He was the first one to show me them up close, although I was warned to stay away from some of the horses in his barn. But, I loved them ALL! I loved their beauty, their spirit, and their intelligence. Even as a young child, I knew that something BAD happened to those horses who didn't win races. I just didn't know what it was (slaughter). Now I have two rescued thoroughbreds myself (you can read about my horses over at http://deserthorses.blogspot.com/). So, when I returned to the race track, I had to mentally brush up on my numbers while figuring out the odds. Man, talk about "mental math"!!! It was fun going. I spent most of my time down at the paddock watching the horses, while hubby would view the odds carefully and read the Daily Racing Form before placing his bets. I usually came out a little ahead and hubby...well...not always so well. I always relied on my gut and my instincts. He relied on printed media, although one time he won quite a bit of money by just looking at a trainer's grin and ended up paying for our entire weekend with his winnings!! Hmmm...while I studied the horses, he studied the trainers! Interesting, eh? But, if you go to the horse races, there are PLENTY of opportunities to see numbers in action. Here are just a few samples. Sunday Stills for 030810

Yard Art 030310

2010-03-03T17:27:00.001-08:00

My neighbor to the west is a landscaper and I frequently wander over into her yard with my camera. She's used to it now and lets me freely explore her yard and garden! I wish I were half as talented as she is! She has this cute yard art in her yard! Doesn't it just make you smile? Yard Art for March 3, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/2010/03/yard-art-meme-for-thursday.html

Windows~New Orleans~Window Views 030210

2010-03-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hubby, me, and our daughter visited New Orleans about 4 years ago, before Katrina. It was during the Thanksgiving holiday and we all had 5 days off! We fell in love with the city. We especially enjoyed the French quarter. I mean, who wouldn't??? Just LOOK at those windows! Window Views and Doors, Too for March 2, 2010. For other participants, please visit http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

Windmills~Scenic Sunday 022810

2010-02-28T06:04:00.001-08:00

I usually post two or three photos on each of my blogs, but, in visiting other blogs, I'm really impressed with those bloggers who just choose one. It's simple and elegant. So, here's just one photo of the windmills near Palm Springs, CA. I found this on hubby's laptop. As some of you know, my desktop (with ALL my photos) crashed and died a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately, hubby, being the Type A personality that he is, often also uploaded my photos (and his) to his laptop. So, while going through our archives this morning, I came across this photo. I like the clouds and the stark white of the clouds and the windmills. Scenic Sunday for February 28, 2010.

"G" is for girraffe~Sunday stills Challenge 022210

2010-02-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

These giraffes are all at the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA. Sunday Stills Challenge for February 22, 2010.

Thunderhead over Joshua Tree~Looking at the Sky on Friday 021210

2010-02-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I traveled to Joshua Tree National Park last spring. Joshua Tree is on the opposite side of our valley, to the east, and is about an hour away. We've only been there three times in thirty years and the last two were both last year. That is just a shame. JTree is a beautiful, spirtual place and we should go there more often. PERIOD. While we were there, this gorgeous thunderhead developed over the park and I pulled over to photograph it. Looking at the Sky on Friday for February 12, 2010. For other posts, please visit: http://www.crazyworkingmom.com/?

Textures~Sunday Stills~January 31, 2010

2010-01-31T05:30:00.000-08:00

Our local college has a street fair every weekend, all year long. The proceeds go to the alumni association, so I try to visit whenever I can. I'll be walking over there this morning and meeting our daughter and her fiance. Most weekends, I'm too busy with the horses, but I'm staying home today and mowing the back lawn ...(long story...my electric lawnmower FINALLY konked out, after about 5 years...) since I borrowed our son's new one! Oh, yeah! But, on another occasion, these were some of the textures I saw at the swap meet! Sunday Stills for January 31, 2010. Enjoy your day! Oh, I did ask the artist for permission to take these photos. She was very nice about it and gave me permission. THANK YOU, Monica's Pottery! I even went back and purchased a small, handmade sun for my front porch!

After the storm~SkyWatch Friday, January 29, 2010

2010-01-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

I tell you, after a rain, the desert changes and becomes a different place. First, the scent of the creosote and desert plants invades the air. Second, the ground is wet, not dry, which for us desert dwellers is quite a change! Third, the clouds hang on our mountains, as in these photos. THAT is very unusual! So, after our five days of rain last week, I headed out with my camera to discover these and other delights in our desert southwest. SkyWatch Friday for January 29, 2010.

My driveway~Weekend Reflections 012310

2010-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

During a break in the rain yesterday, I ventured outdoors to see the view. I found this reflection in a puddle in my driveway. Weekend Reflections for January 23, 2010.

"A" is for antiques~~ABC Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 and Sunday stills 062710

2010-01-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Not far from my parents' home is the Los Angeles County ARBORETUM in ARCADIA, California. And, inside the Queen ANNE cottage there, are many ANTIQUES. The cottage belonged to Lucky Baldwin and he and his family lived there during the early 1900's. Did you know that he developed the first race track in Arcadia? It was actually in a different location than the current Santa Anita race track, but I digress. The Queen Anne cottage, like I said above, is filled with many, many antiques from the time that the Baldwins lived there. I used to love to visit the Queen Anne cottage and I often went there as a child. ABC Wednesday for January 20, 2010. I'm also reviving this post for Sunday Stills, June 27, 2010. I cannot access my photos which are on hubby's desktop...some message about the pathway lost. ACK! So, it's back to the archives for this one! Sunday Stills Challenge for June 27, 2010.

Food delights~Sunday Stills Challenge 011710

2010-01-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

I'll let your imagination go wild and let you decide what moods/emotions/feelings you have while looking at these pics! Sunday Stills Challenge for January 17, 2010. HEHEHehehehehe!!! Cackle, cackle (evil laughter)!!! All photos taken at Panolivio Restaurant, Paso Robles, CA.

Desert winter~That's My World~Tuesday, January 12, 2010

2010-01-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Here in the desert southwest, not all animals hibernate. Birds flock into the valley for its water supplies and golf course ponds. Ducks, geese, and northern migratory birds are found around the desert this time of year. Yes, snakes and tortoises hibernate, but mammals don't, like this gorgeous leopard at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. He was out in the sun, enjoying the desert morning's warmth, like the rest of us! Ahhhh....can you feel the sunshine? That's My World for Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Breakfast~Sunday Stills Challenge 010310

2010-01-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

Our daughter's fiance, James, LOVES to cook and he is always experimenting with new recipes and foods. One of his "old standbys" now is eggs Benedict! And, just LOOK at the presentation! While I don't eat eggs myself, I sure was tempted! Sunday Stills Challenge for January 3, 2010.

Wagon Wheel~Macro Monday 122809

2009-12-28T07:24:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I are still experimenting with our camera's macro setting. Last weekend he took these photos of the wagon up at the ranch where we board our horses. I included a regular photo, on the bottom, to compare with the macro ones. We are both having fun finding things to photograph with the macro setting! Macro Monday for December 28, 2009.

Dodger game~Odds & Ends~Sunday stills challenge 122709

2009-12-27T06:19:00.000-08:00

I didn't go to this Dodger game, but hubby went with our daughter and took these photos. Talk about creative hats! I love the egg carton one! Sunday Stills Challenge ~Odds & Ends for December 27, 2009.

"W" is for wolf...ABC Wednesday 12 23 09

2009-12-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

I used to LOVE to stop by the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA after school and WALK through its inner loop trail. That would take me about 45 minutes. I haven't been out on that trail since I injured my back, however. I also loved to stop and watch the WOLVES. These are Mexican wolves, the most endangered of all the wolf sub-species. They have been virtually eliminated from the desert southwest, although the Living Desert and other organizations have tried a re-release program. ABC Wednesday for December 23, 2009. Aren't they beautiful?

Christmas decorations

2009-12-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

My husband is a real HUMBUG. He HATES Christmas. We haven't had a tree in years. He gave away our fake one, which is now decorated and sits in our daughter's living room...sigh... So, when, a couple of weeks ago, he ordered me to empty my bookshelves in the kitchen, I did. Now, they sit completely empty. The thought was to give them to our son, for his new house, but he didn't want the two bookshelves, oak desk, and 2 filing cabinets...(sigh, again...). So, since we don't have a tree, yesterday I got out the Christmas decorations and decorated the empty bookshelves! Hehehehehe!!!! Now, they look Christmassy and colorful! BAH HUMBUG to HUBBY! Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffftttttttttttt!

Christmas tree decorations~Macro Monday 122009

2009-12-21T05:49:00.000-08:00

This will be my first Macro Monday post! Hubby helped me figure out the macro setting on my Canon, so when we went to our daughter's house for dinner last night, I tried it out! Here are some decorations that were on her Christmas tree. Since she is a music teacher, most of them have a musical theme. Macro Monday for December 20, 2009.

Pom-Poms~~Mellow Yellow Monday 121409

2009-12-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

I'm still without my own computer (and photos), so in going through our archives from years ago, I came upon this photo that hubby took at a local football game. Mellow Yellow Monday for December 14, 2009.

Cameras and lenses and dropping both of them!!!

2009-12-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well, now both hubby and I have dropped our cameras. He dropped his this summer when we were up in Mammoth Lakes. We awoke early one morning at 5 a.m. and drove an hour down to Mammoth Lakes to get to the Minneret Viewpoint at sunrise. We arrived promptly and I wandered off to take my own pictures when I heard a "plop" and "expletive deleted". Hubby was on the ground and so was his film camera, his Canon A-1. Now, he dearly LOVES that Canon, but he had a choice to make as he went down. Protect either his Canon or his Hasselblad. Yup. He chose the Hasselblad. The Canon's body was okay, but its lens cap was shattered and, as he found out later that day, his lens wasn't working properly. It stuck. It's now in the repair shop. I, on the other hand, am incredibly careful with my cameras. I have a Canon also (a digital one), a Nikon, and an Olympus. I like my Canon for low light photos, but I LOVE the Olympus for zooming in on things and for its crisp shots. So, this afernoon, as I was grabbing my backpack with the Olympus in it...you guessed it....yup...the camera plopped on the ground! I was horrified! Fortunately, as I swung the backpack toward me, it was on the downward spiral as the camera fell out and it was only about a foot off the grass when it plopped down on it. Phew! I certainly don't want to mess up that lens! Honestly, I was just in a hurry and I didn't re-check my backpack. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do and believe me, I've learned my lesson!!!

Chickens, Ducks, and GeeseMemories

2009-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

When our two children were small, about 28 years ago, here in town, I had a batch of chickens. I had about 3 or 4. I had one "special" hen that I really loved. They laid me brown eggs every day. I got them from my cousin's wife's parents, who had a 40 acre ranch down the valley, in Thermal. The Johnsons raised their own alfalfa for their cattle and had chickens, ducks, and geese. At some point we also got some ducks as the young children next door got them for Easter and then didn't know what to do with them, so we took them in. I even dug out a pond BY MYSELF (!!!) for them...what dedication! Then, I was so enthralled with the Johnsons' geese, I just HAD to have 3 of them! HA! BIG MISTAKE! They were excellent watchdogs, but they also pecked me on my stomach and tried to herd me around the yard. Now, mind you, we only have 1/3 acre in the city! But, our property has lots of trees and it is completely fenced. The geese enjoyed the pond, too. We also had 2 collies at the time who enjoyed catching the chickens and pulling out their feathers! I made a little cage for them, but the collies also broke into their cage, so the chickens went back to the ranch. The ducks eventually disappeared (flew off?). The geese were RETURNED to the ranch after chasing me around the yard several times!!! This is the same ranch that I bought bales of alfalfa and straw from and one time, as I opened a bale to spread the straw around for the chickens to sleep on, 12 little pairs of eyes stared out at me and I screamed and they all squeeked (it was a family of mice!) and I went running back into the safety of my house!!! While I don't have any photos of them (this was WAY BEFORE the era of digital photos), they live on in my memories. Chickens, ducks, and geese, oh, my! Of the two collies, they were brother and sister. We paid $50 each for them and bought them both from a local breeder here in the desert. We kept the male, BJ, and my two children learned to walk by hanging onto his fur and toddling along next to him. He was a wonderful animal. He suffered a stroke in our back yard when he was about 14 years old and I had to have him put down at a local animal emergency clinic. Heather, the female, went to live with my grandparents and she protected them for many, many years. She never let ANYONE into their yard except family members and she would stand her ground and bark and growl at strangers. She was the perfect guard dog and companion for them in their later years. They were both good dogs and I still miss them to this day. Bless you, BJ and Heather! Thank you for the wonderful memories.

Desert road and rainbow~SkyWatch Friday 121109

2009-12-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

I was out and about a few weekends ago and during the early morning, this rainbow appeared. I followed it out to this desert road and stopped to admire it. It was actually a double rainbow! Very pretty, eh? SkyWatch Friday for December 11, 2009. I like the morning light.

Dad and Abbey~Sunday Stills Challenge 120609

2009-12-06T06:26:00.001-08:00

We got Abby from my cousin, Valerie, last spring. She's half Oriental shorthair and half ??? She has a very LONG tail and a sleek body. She's very playful and intelligent! Here are some pics I took of her snuggling up to my husband, while he was using his computer. She now loves to sleep with us (between us) or up by my head, every night. Sometimes, if she is cold, she will snuggle under the covers. She gets up with me, and goes to bed with me every night. She's just a joy to have! But, just look at those little claws! YES! They are sharp! She's getting used to our dogs and now pretty much just ignores them. Sometimes she and Ripley, our black lab, will both sleep on our bed. PETS! Sunday Stills Challenge 120609

"T" is for...Sunday Stills Challenge 112909

2009-11-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

We spotted these thunderheads near Bishop, CA, when we visited the area in August. It was raining on and off over the Sierras and by late afternoon, it was raining over Mono Lake. Sunday Stills Challenge for November 29, 2009.

"S" is for...ABC Wednesday 112509

2009-11-25T07:08:00.001-08:00

"S" is for Sonoma, CA. Sonoma is in an agricultural area of northern California. My sister-in-law lives in Napa, in the next valley. But, we LOVE Sonoma. There is a town square with many interesting shops and the mission commands one corner. The old barracks line another one. They have a wonderful visitors' center in the middle of the town SQUARE! ABC Wednesday for November 25, 2009.

Horses and jockeys, Santa Anita~Sunday Stills 112209

2009-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated by throughbreds and the jockeys who so deftly ride them. I could never do that~I'd fall off!!! These athletes (the jockeys) are in top physical condition. They must control an animal that weighs over 1,000 pounds while it is running about 40 mph!!! I honestly don't know how they do it! I salute them for their courage and ability! But, anyway...here are some jockeys on their mounts at Santa Anita in February, 2006. I love to watch them in the saddling area, walking out to the track. Sunday Stills Challenge for November 22, 2009.

Monterey and Monterey Aquarium~~Sunday Stills Challenge 111509

2009-11-15T06:32:00.001-08:00

My family visited Monterey and the Monterey Aquarium in 2005. It was the last trip we all took together as a family. The kids went on to have their own jobs and apartments. We still take small trips with either our daughter OR son, but this was the last one we all took together...sigh...the end of an era! Anyway, we saw plenty of "fins, feathers and fur" on this trip, as you can see. I even included a photo of the 4 of us! Sunday Stills Challenge for November 15, 2009

UFO cloud~SkyWatch Friday 111309

2009-11-13T05:21:00.001-08:00

Is it a bird? A plane? A UFO? Nah. It was just an unusually shaped cloud that I spotted yesterday afternoon! SkyWatch Friday for November 13, 2009.

Currency~Sunday Stills Challenge~110809

2009-11-08T07:38:00.001-08:00

I don't have any exotic money hanging around the house or much money, but a few years ago, I did enjoy going to the horse races in Southern California. I'd been away from racing for many, many years...raising my family and moving to the desert. Then, I read a book about racing and decided, hmmmm....I used to be fairly good at this (I could ALWAYS pick the 3rd place horse in a race, occasionally the 2nd, and once in a blue moon, the winner!), so hubby and I, armed with our cameras and some spending money, spent a season going to Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar. I learned the ins and outs of betting (well, sort of...) I never picked an exacta or trifecta, but instead bet on horses to win, place, or show (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). Sometimes I even bet "across the board" which means you pick one horse to come in EITHER 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in a race. For a $2.00 bet, that would cost $6.00. Depending on the odds and how that horse finished, one could make a little money on that. I usually just bet $2.00 to win OR to place OR to show. Our daughter would sometimes come with us (yes...she was over 21), bring $20 and usually go home with $20 and bet all day. She was what I would call a conservative bettor. My husband, on the other hand, the "Type A", logical, thinking, strategist, would go all out on a hunch and bet $20 to win! I was astonished. Here, beside me, was "Mr. Cool" who would bet on a name, or a color, or because he liked the trainer! Me? HA! I'll NEVER reveal my secrets! (just kidding). I ALWAYS went down to the saddling paddock, looked over the horses, and then bet. I hit paydirt when, in 2005, I spotted a young two year old colt, Stevie Wonderboy. One look at him and I knew he was a great-grandson of the great Secretariat. I bet on him in every race he raced in Southern California, followed him to his races, photographed him, and when he ran in the Breeders' Cup in 2005, I bet $50 on him "across the board". When he won, that started my "horse fund" and I was able to purchase my first two rescue horses, Beauty and Gigondas. These are some pics from Hollywood Park in 2005, when we were going to the track. You can see some of the payouts. Funny story: One time, at Santa Anita, I spotted a beautiful, chestnut mare, Sweet Catomine. She was so impressive, I bet $20 on her to win. Hubby was up in the stands. He had placed his own bet, $100 TO WIN! I nearly fell over. Of course, she won. After the race, I asked him, "HOW did you pick her to win? You didn't even see her in the paddock!" "Ah, yes," he said, "But I saw her trainer's face and he had this @#$%-eating grin on his face and he looked like he had confidence in her, so I bet on her to win." Needless to say, his winnings paid for our ENTIRE weekend! Go figure. Another story: One time as I was cashing in my meager winnings, the guy in front of me was telling how he picked the winning trifecta: His ten year old son gave him the numbers off the top of his head and he placed the bet. He won over $800. Go figure. Currency, Sunday Stills for November 8, 2009.

Palm Tree and sunset~SkyWatch Friday 110609

2009-11-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

We only get sunsets like this once in a while. On most afternoons, our desert does not have clouds. However, one afternoon we were treated to a gorgeous sky display. SkyWatch Friday for November 6, 2009.

Queen Anne cottage sepia 110409

2009-11-04T18:24:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I'm old fashioned. I don't like to mess with my photos. I don't even have Photoshop on my computer. But, recently, I've added Picasa to my computer and I'm experimenting with black and white and sepia images. So, please, let me know your opinions of this experimentation with the Queen Anne cottage at the Los Angeles County Arboretum!!! PLEASE! Here are the "before" and "after" (sepia) image. I have known the Queen Anne cottage from the time I was a little girl. My parents' home was in the old Baldwin rancho "The Rancho" of Arcadia, CA, where the arboretum is located. And, the arboretum is right across the street from the Santa Anita racetrack, where my great-uncle trained his small string of thoroughbreds. Another one of my great-uncles was the personal secretary to Anita Baldwin, "Lucky" Baldwin's daughter. So, you can see how my own family history is intertwined with that of the Baldwins. Interesting, eh?

Tractor clouds~SkyWatch Friday 103009

2009-10-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

I call these "tractor clouds" because they remind me of the tractor prints which cover many of the dirt roads in our nearby mountains. I often have to rumble over those roads looking for places to stop and take a photograph! On this afternoon, the sky was full of them. SkyWatch Friday, October 30, 2009. Have a safe Halloween tomorrow!~

Skywatch Friday ~vineyard, Napa, CA~ October 23, 2009

2009-10-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to continue with our Napa trip last December (to see my sister-in-law) over the holidays, since several people asked about Napa. Yes, she owns her own vineyard. She has 10 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. She is up in the hills above Napa, not right down IN the valley itself. She makes a very wonderful, big, robust red wine~~Ilona, named after her mother, Elaine. While in Europe one summer, she found a coin with a bust on it that she liked and that became her label. Of course, I'm prejudiced, but I LOVE her wine and so does my husband (her half-brother)! So, for SkyWatch Friday, I thought I'd include some pics I took of her vineyard. We LOVE it up there! She backs up against the national forest and has visitors like mountain lions! She used to have a dog, but, old age took him. Here are some pics of the vines that go into the Ilona wines. It was late one afternoon when I took these pics and the light was dark against a bright background. Bon appetit~ and happy Friday!

If you are interested in reading about Ilona wine, here's the link to her website: http://www.ilonawine.com/story.html

"N" is for Napa~ABC Wednesday 102109

2009-10-21T04:59:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law lives in Napa, CA and has her own vineyard and last December we visited her for the holidays. She has 10 acres of Merlot. These are some pictures of Burgess Cellars and the vineyard around it. We often stop to visit Burgess. The vines were sleeping and the leaves that were left were very colorful in December. ABC Wednesday for October 21, 2009.

"C" is for caution~Sunday Stills 101809

2009-10-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

When hubby and I stayed in Prescott, AZ, we took a trip to the Grand Canyon and saw this sign. "C" is for CAUTION~~big cats (mountain lions). Sunday Stills Challenge for October 18, 2009.

Moon over Sierras~SkyWatch Friday 101609

2009-10-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

The morning that hubby and I awoke early and drove to Lone Pine was a clear one. Not a cloud was in the sky. The sunlight was coming over the mountains east of the Sierras and I looked up and noticed the moon through a cottonwood tree. It was a beautiful way to begin our day and we drove up to Bishop and found many trees turning into the fall colors. SkyWatch Friday, October 16, 2009.

"M" is for murals~ABC Wednesday 101409

2009-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

I did an entry on desertsouthwest about the Lone Pine Film Museum, but I also wanted to do one on its MURALS. One whole outside wall is covered with them and they are very colorful! ABC Wednesday for October 14, 2009.

Joshua Trees~Walker Basin~Scenic Sunday for 101209

2009-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

As we drove through Walker Basin on our way back to Ridgecrest, we came upon forest after forest of joshua trees. These joshua trees are a different species from ours in Joshua Tree National Park. They seem to be more stout and spread out...I'll have to look up which species they are! And, they all disappeared below 3,000 feet! Aren't they pretty? Scenic Sunday for October 12, 2009.

Kin, Kids, and Kiss~~ABC Wednesday 093009

2009-09-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

Yup~That's my KIN and that's mommy giving little Ben a KISS. We have a weekly Sunday dinner with the KIDS and this is just one of them. Kin, kids, and kiss~ABC Wednesday for September 30, 2009.

Grand Canyon clouds~SkyWatch Friday 092509

2009-09-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

We love visiting the Grand Canyon and on this day, clouds followed us wherever we went. SkyWatch Friday for 092509

"J" is for jockeys...ABC Wednesday 092309

2009-09-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, hubby and I and our daughter used to travel to Hollywood Park during their racing season. I would run down to the saddling area and take photos of the horses and jockeys. I really enjoyed doing this. Here are some photos of the JOCKEYS from the July 3rd weekend in 2006. I really admire the jockeys as they are all superb athletes. EnJOY the photos! ABC Wednesday for September 23, 2009.

Arboretum, Arcadia, CA ~ Sunday Stills Challenge, Purple 091909

2009-09-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

These purple flowers were at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia, CA. I used to live right up the street from the arboretum and visited it frequently as a child. Now I enjoy going back, seeing the baby geese and ducks, and its beautiful gardens. Sunday Stills Challenge "purple" for September 16, 2009.

Sunset at the ranch~SkyWatch Friday 091809

2009-09-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

This was one afternoon last week. There haven't been any clouds this week and they always present such interesting scenes to watch at sunset. Hubby actually took this photo up at the horse ranch in the mountains. SkyWatch Friday for 091809

Mechanical transportation (and not!)~Sunday Stills Challenge for 091309

2009-09-12T08:13:00.001-07:00

My family visited New Orleans a couple of years before Katrina. Our daughter cooked up this trip, planned it, got the plane reservations, and did everything. Hubby and I came along for the ride! It was Thanksgiving, but the city was already decked out for Christmas. Here are some pics from the trip...transportation...some mechanical, and some not! Enjoy this Sunday Stills Challenge for September 13, 2009.

Palm trees at sunset~SkyWatch Friday 091109

2009-09-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

These palm trees are in my neighborhood and one evening I could see beautiful sunset colors, so I ran outside to take a photo before the colors faded. SkyWatch Friday for September 11, 2009.

June Lake~Watery Wednesday for 090909

2009-09-09T05:53:00.001-07:00

We got up early one morning to go have breakfast at the little cafe at the Silver Lake Resort on Silver Lake, one of the three lakes at June Lake, CA. It was so quiet and still! The boats were lined up, waiting for people to take them out on the lake. Watery Wednesday for September 9, 2009.

Desert morning~SkyWatch Friday 090409

2009-09-03T16:59:00.001-07:00

I left very early one morning this week to get to school. The sun was just coming over the hills and peeking through the cloud cover as I was heading out. Sometimes our monsoon clouds are pretty, don't you think? SkyWatch Friday for September 4, 2009.

Sunday Stills Challenge~Sounds 083009

2009-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

My family visited New Orleans, pre Katrina, in 2004. We took a ride on this paddle boat. It was incredible because the boat was so low in the water, which is something I had not experienced before. We took a cruise around New Orleans and I was fascinated by the sounds of the paddles. Aren't they colorful, too? Sunday Stills for August 30, 2009.

Trees with moss, Yosemite~Think Green Thursday 082709

2009-08-27T05:38:00.001-07:00

It's so unusual for me, as a desert dweller, to see moss on trees! We spotted these trees on our drive through Yosemite in August. Aren't the trees beautiful? Think Green Thursday for August 27, 2009.

Wood pile~Shadow Shot Sunday 082309

2009-08-23T01:03:00.001-07:00

The same little resort that had the ducks also had this wood pile and I couldn't resist its shadows! This is up in June Lake, CA, which is north of Mammoth. Shadow Shot Sunday for August 23, 2009.

Sunrise over mountains~SkyWatch Friday 082109

2009-08-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

Early one morning, hubby and I drove over to Minaret Vista, which is above Mammoth Lakes, CA. The views are incredible! I'm learning to not only take pics of what I see one direction, but to also turn around. We were so busy taking photos of the Minarets, that I almost forgot to look behind me! This was the view as I turned around...early sunrise. SkyWatch Friday 082109

"e" is for eating! ABC Wednesday, 081909

2009-08-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

After we ate our breakfast at Silver Lake, near June Lake, CA, yesterday, we wandered out back of the cafe and grocery store and I saw a duck. Hubby came walking over and asked if I had seen the others. What others? There was a duck pond behind the little cafe/grocery store and quite a few ducks call it home. A nice man even came out and gave them their breakfast! ABC Wednesday for August 19, 2009..."ducks EATING"!!!

Sunni's training~Camera Critters for 081509

2009-08-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sunni is my PMU quarter horse gelding, who is 5 years old. Since I lost a whole year of training him due to my back injury, this summer, my cousin and I started him again. He is learning to "stay" up in the round pen. That's my cousin Valerie working with him. She is in charge of his training, since she knows what he needs. She comes over twice a week and gives Sunni a lesson and I work with him the other days. He is gaining confidence and he isn't the flighty horse that he once was! GOOD BOY! Camera Critters for August 15, 2009.

Thunderheads over valley~SkyWatch Friday, 081409

2009-08-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love to watch the thunderheads develop over the Coachella Valley and these were over the Indio Hills one afternoon. Look at their flat bottoms! SkyWatch Friday for August 14, 2009.

Remember Wednesday~Our collies

2009-08-12T09:06:00.001-07:00

This is a photo of our two collies, "BJ" and "Heather". We got them from a litter of puppies here in the desert. They were brother and sister. BJ was a typical collie color, but Heather was of "unknown" breeding. BJ was very calm and patient. Heather was more of a guard dog, like a German Shepherd, so when my grandparents were living alone, I gave them Heather. She lived with them for the remainder of her natural life and provided them with companionship and protection. Believe me, NOBODY came into their yard when Heather was on patrol! We kept BJ for the remainder of his natural life, until he suffered a stroke in the back yard and had to be euthanized. I believe he lived for about 12 years (thinking back). Both were wonderful, loving, caring dogs! My two children learned to walk by grabbing onto their fur and toddling alongside them! That's my "Remembering Wednesday" for August 12, 2009. WE LOVE YOU, BJ and Heahter and salute your faithful service to our families! For more "remembering" stories, please visit: http://rememberwhensday.blogspot.com/

The Elements in Motion~Sunday Stills Challenge 080909

2009-08-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

This week was tough. I don't have "fire" pictures, except for a fire in the desert about a year ago. But, I do have this 1 photo that contains 3 out of the 4 elements: air, earth, and water. I took this one afternoon when we arrived at Canyon de Chelly. The thunderstorm was to the west of the canyon. Sunday Stills Challenge for August 9, 2009.

Cali and the water trough~Camera Critters 080809

2009-08-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

My two horses, Cali and Sunni, have a 100 gallon water trough which mysteriously is nearly empty every day. Now, horses drink a LOT of water, but not 100 gallons a day. The ranch owner told me they both like to splash in the water, but I had never seen them do it until one afternoon when I caught Cali, my palomino mustang, playing in the water trough. Yup. Caught in the act! And, just LOOK at her innocent face!!! Camera Critters for 080809.

Clouds and pine tree~SkyWatch Friday, August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

As we were driving home from the horses one afternoon last week, I saw this pretty cloud pattern in the sky and the lone pine tree. SkyWatch Friday, August 7, 2009.

"C" is for cat~ABC Wednesday 080409

2009-08-04T19:53:00.001-07:00

Loki is our neutered white male cat. We got him in 1996, a year after we got our second German Shepherd, Maverick. He was already a year old by then, and we adopted him from one of our local animal groups' adoptions at Petco, so I believe he was born in 1995. That would now make him 14 years old! He isn't quite as active as he used to be and he stays mostly out front by the food dish next to our front door. He has disciplined and trained every dog we have! They ALL give him the distance and respect that he deserves. He weighs 16 pounds and is still muscle! I love this cranky, old guy, especially his "coffee spots" on his white fur. "C" is for cat...ABC Wednesday, August 4, 2009.

fence and cattle loader~Sunday Stills Challenge080209

2009-08-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

Hubby was on a quest to find a cattle loader, so off we headed one day from South Lake Tahoe, to find one. It didn't take us long! This beautiful one was on a road .... I don't recall which one! Anyway, he was tickled pink to find it and we both stopped to take photos of it. Of course, I had to take one of the mare and foal, too! Sunday Stills Challenge for August 2, 2009.

Rainbow over Canyon de Chelly~SkyWatch Friday 073109

2009-07-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

It always rains when we visit Canyon de Chelly. We always visit it during July or August. Hmmm....must be a connection. Yes! It's the monsoon season! This rainbow was over the canyon one afternoon when we stopped by the canyon. SkyWatch Friday for July 31, 2009.

"B" is for Bryce National Park~ABC Wednesday for July 29, 2009

2009-07-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I have been traveling to Bryce Canyon now for over 30 years. We LOVE the beautiful scenery, the cool air, and the pine trees. We always see deer there. There is so much to see there! ABC Wednesday for July 29, 2009.

Utah, 2006~Above Zion~That's My World 072809

2009-07-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I are soon going back to Utah for a short vacation. He has to use all his vacation days this summer. We love driving to St. George and then driving up a county road, above Zion. We can see the cliffs of Zion off in the distance, but this road actually goes ABOVE them. There is a huge cattle pasture up there and if you drive further, there are several aspen groves. It is such a relaxing place! That's My World for Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

Shadow Shot Sunday~Floor~July 26, 2009

2009-07-26T02:45:00.001-07:00

The afternoon shadows were so pretty at The Bread Basket in Idyllwild last weekend! I took this photo of their floor. Shadow Shot Sunday for July 26, 2009. For other shadow shots, please visit Shadow Shot Sunday: http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/2009/07/shadow-shot-sunday-62.html

BLM corrals, Ridgecrest~~Mellow Yellow 072009

2009-07-20T07:33:00.001-07:00

Hubby and I enjoy driving by the BLM corrals in Ridgecrest, CA when we drive to Northern California. They are about 3 hours from our home, but right off Highway 395 at the base of the Sierras. Apparently they had just had a hay delivery, since it was all stacked neatly. That is a LOT of hay! We always bring carrots for the horses (see car!) and many of them are used to people driving up and feeding them carrots. Mellow Yellow for Monday, July 20, 2009.

SkyWatch Friday, July 17, 2009

2009-07-17T10:35:00.001-07:00

These delicate, feathery clouds were over Waputki ruins in Arizona. Hubby and I stopped there late one afternoon, after the visitor center had closed. It was eerily quiet with a slight breeze as we walked among the ruins. SkyWatch Friday for July 17, 2009.

"Z" is for...ABC Wednesday, July 15, 2009

2009-07-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Zion National Park, Utah! Hubby and I LOVE to travel to Zion. Actually, there is a county road that travels ABOVE Zion and that road is one of our favorite spots! You can actually look out and see the tops of the mountains at Zion. But, these are all in the park.

"Z" is for Zion...ABC Wednesday for July 15, 2009. This concludes this round of ABC Wednesday.

Alabama Hills~Texture~Sunday Stills for July 12, 2009

2009-07-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

These are the Alabama Hills, near Mt. Whitney, CA. I cannot count the number of times we have driven right by them, but never stopped. So, finally, in June, we planned an afternoon stop to view them. The long afternoon shadows were developing and the afternoon heat was disappearing. Countless movies have been filmed here. Sunday Stills Challenge~~Texture

Y is for...ABC Wednesday, July 8 2009

2009-07-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am slowly coming back into this world after the accidental and tragic death of my gorgeous mare, Beauty. It isn't easy. Hubby and I are currently on vacation in Flagstaff, AZ. I am hoping to clear my heart and mind over here. Anyway, I suddenly realized that I completely missed my "X" post last week, but I do have one for "Y". So, here it is...Y is for Yosemite! We visited Yosemite in early June. There were many waterfalls and I heard several people comment that they'd never seen so many. It is very dry here over in Flagstaff and we've never been here when the San Francisco peaks didn't have snow on them! There are very few wildflowers also, not like last summer when meadows were full of sunflowers! What a difference a year makes. ABC Wednesday for July 8, 2009

Taking a blogging break

2009-06-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

I am taking a blogging break after the freak accidental death of my chestnut mare, Beauty, this morning. At least she didn't suffer and went quickly. There were no thrashing marks in her corral. For the full story, please visit http://deserthorses.blogspot.com/. If you can, and want to, please make a donation to either SAFER or TB Friends in her name. She was a wonderful, gentle animal that died way before her time. She was only 5 years old. I'm just not up to blogging right now.

RIP Beauty 062509

Mt. Whitney ~~ Scenic Sunday for June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I have never been to the Mt. Whitney portal. We have driven by it so many times, always on our way to somewhere else. So, on this trip to Northern California, hubby booked a night in Lone Pine. We drove up to the portal late Friday afternoon and got up at 5:00 a.m. Saturday to take another drive up there and get the beautiful morning light. I think it was worth it!

Thunderheads over Lake Tahoe~SkyWatch Friday for June 19, 2009

2009-06-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

These thunderheads developed over Lake Tahoe yesterday while we were there on vacation. I pulled over at the side of the road to snap this photo near Emerald Lake. We drove by Camp Richardson, where I used to play with my cousin when we were kids. Our moms traveled there on vacations many times. We've had beautiful clouds every day that we've been here. SkyWatch Friday for June 19, 2009.

"V" is for valley (Yosemite Valley) ABC Wednesday, June 17, 2009

2009-06-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

"V" is for valley. We were just in Yosemite Valley and what a beautiful valley it is!

Utah sunset and pond~SkyWatch Friday, June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

Utah is a land of so many different scenes! I've posted two other ones on my desertsouthwest and Sand to Sea to Mountains blog. We came upon this beautiful sunset in Utah, above Zion National Park, on a little county road. I hope we can return to Utah this summer, but we have our daughter's wedding to plan and attend! Maybe mid-July??? It's been a couple of years since we've been there and I miss its scenery. SkyWatch Friday for June 12, 2009.

"U" is for...ABC Wednesday, June 10, 2009

2009-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Utah. Utah is one of our favorite places to visit. We love the scenery there! Here are some samples. Look how varied the landscapes are in Utah! Utah..."U" for ABC Wednesday, June 10, 2009.

Early morning desert scene~~Sunday Stills for 060709

2009-06-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

I like to wake up early in the morning and grab my camera and go for a walk. On this morning, I was able to capture the sun peeking through these desert plants and trees. Sunday Stills for June 7, 2009. Enjoy your Sunday.

"T" is for...

2009-06-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

thoroughbred~ A big, red one! This is our thoroughbred, Gigondas. I found her on a feedlot up in WA state in September, 2006, awaiting slaughter. YES, SLAUGHTER! Slaughter, unfortunately, happens to many healthy horses here in America. She and my Beauty were both on that feedlot. A rescue had come in, evaluated them, and posted their pics on their website. I immediately fell in love with both of them, even though they were 2 states away (I'm in California), so I paid their adoption fees and for their transport to California. They arrived here in January 2007. Gigondas apparently was culled from a breeding farm in Washington. She probably was barren (didn't have foals). She was OBVIOUSLY abused. She hated humans and constantly turned her butt to us. But, with time and patience, she now trusts us and is now ready for her saddle training again this summer. We started her saddle training last summer, but then I got injured, so everything has been on hold for a year. She accepts the saddle, just not sure about a rider! We couldn't touch her ears and she didn't like having her butt brushed or touched. She fell in love with my husband and he has constantly brushed her and now she has relaxed and enjoys her grooming. She is all muscle and power and when we take her down to the arena to run, BOY!~~does she run! She LOVES it! We dearly love her and I tell you, once you have the love and trust of a thoroughbred, they are yours forever! Hubby named her after his favorite red wine, Gigondas, from France. She is very regal and deserves that fine name. ABC Wednesday for June 3, 2009 (our 37th wedding anniversary!)

"S" is for sunrise~ABC Wednesday, May 27, 2009

2009-05-27T04:50:00.001-07:00

S is for sunrise and sliver of a moon! I took these with my husband's old Olympus that he gave me. Since I get up early every morning, I always check the sunrise outside my house here in the desert. Some mornings, when there are clouds, we get the beautiful pinks and oranges, like on this morning. ABC Wednesday for May 27, 2009.

"R" is for...ABC Wednesday

2009-05-20T05:10:00.001-07:00

red barn. This beautiful, old red barn is in Vista, California. My parents used to own this ranch in the 1960's and my dad re-roofed it by himself! I remember him tying a rope to his waist as he climbed up to the top of it and sat there nailing in the aluminum sheeting! It is now owned by a wonderful couple who run an equestrian center, Quail Hollow Farm. I have driven by it for many, many years and never stopped, but this weekend, I drove up into the parking area, grabbed my camera, and wandered around. The new owner, Lindy, took me on a tour. Isn't the barn beautiful? ABC Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Desert morning~Skywatch Friday, May 15, 2009

2009-05-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

I'm now in the habit of taking my cameras with me on an early morning light. I caught the sun coming up behind these trees this week. Isn't morning light beautiful? SkyWatch Friday for May 15, 2009. Enjoy your weekend!

"Q" is for...ABC Wednesday, May 13, 2009

2009-05-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Queen Anne Cottage at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, in Arcadia, CA. It is the beautiful building of my header. I grew up only a block away from the back entrance to the arboretum and as a child I visited the Queen Anne cottage many, many times. I used to be bored with my visits! In fact, I remember going there with my class, my girl scout troop, and of course, my parents and grandparents, both of whom lived in Arcadia for many, many years. In fact, my parents' home was part of the old Baldwin ranch, and I grew up in "The Rancho" area of Arcadia! Frankly, I always enjoyed the carriage house more than the Queen Anne cottage. My great-uncle was the personal secretary to Anita Baldwin, Lucky Baldwin's daughter, and Uncle Ray actually lived in another house on the corner of Old Ranch Road. The Queen Anne cottage has been restored and is open to the public, as I now understand, twice a year! HA~ I'll have to go visit it again, since I have NEVER been inside of it! The delicate and ornate carvings are what is now called "the Queen Anne" cottage look. So, enjoy these photos and a short tour of the Queen Anne cottage. It is on the National Registry of historic buildings. When I think of memories, I frequently think of this beautiful building. ABC Wednesday for May 13, 2009.

Black and white~Sunday Stills Challenge for May 10, 2009

2009-05-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here are my Sunday Stills challenge, black and white for May 10, 2009. These were taken at the LA county arboretum in 2006. That's the Queen Anne cottage, also in my header. My great-uncle, Ray Knisley, worked at the ranch headquarters, which was just down the block from my parents' house.

P is for...ABC Wednesday, May 6, 2009

2009-05-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

peacock! I grew up a block away from the back entrance to the LA County Arboretum and my parents' neighborhood was FULL of peacocks! They landed on our roof. They ate bugs and plants in the garden. Their cries both terrified and soothed me at night. I really miss them out here in the desert, but once in a great while I hear them on a ranch. In fact, my cousin's in-laws used to have them on their ranch in Thermal. While they are beautiful birds, in my eyes, to others they are a pest. What do you think? ABC Wednesday for May 6, 2009.

My neighbor's flowers~~Sunday Stills for 050309

2009-05-03T07:05:00.001-07:00

Hubby gave me a "new" camera on Friday, a Nikon D40x. It's my first Nikon! He bought it reconditioned and I took it over to my neighbor's yard to try it out! What do you think? I also took it with me up to our horses yesterday and I'll be posting pics all week on my deserthorses blog. Sunday Stills for May 3, 2009.