Tag Archives: California

A Fabulous Day at Disneyland

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Underwater-1Yesterday was a fabulous day at Disneyland with our youngest daughter and grandson. I took the above photo with my cell phone while we were on the submarine ride. The weather was perfect, in the low 80s with a cool breeze. We arrived early and stayed until almost closing time. We went on quite a few rides, including Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain. One of my favorites is Peter Pan. I know it’s not Space Mountain, but I really do love it. I find the twinkling lights that surround you while floating over the tiny villages so charming, that I’d happily ride it several times if it wasn’t for the long line of people who also love the ride. Below our grandson patiently waits for his turn to climb aboard one of the flying ships to Never Never Land.

chrley-waitingOne of the most exciting parts of the day, was when our boy was one of the children chosen to take part in the Star Wars Jedi training camp. Just hearing the Star Wars theme playing and seeing the Storm Troopers and Darth Vader gave us chills .Below you see our young Jedi battling with Darth Maul. It was all so very exciting and made it even more fun. It really was a very special day.

char-and-darth-mal

The Coyotes Are Back!

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fisihed-seal-beachThis morning I took this photo from Mom’s front porch. She looks out onto a lovely green-belt. A great view and a the perfect place for walking. Two years ago coyotes moved in and became a major threat to dogs, cats, and rabbits in the neighborhood. About six months ago, they suddenly disappeared. The community began to relax and the dog walkers began to leave their canes, walking sticks, and whistles at home. The local rabbit population began to expand once more, and it looked like all were safe for the time being, or so they hoped, then last week, one of Mom’s neighbors called to tell her she’d spotted a coyote on her morning walk.

P1020987 coyote-1This morning during breakfast, Mom spotted a coyote across the green looking for breakfast. I ran for my camera,but the above photos  where all I could take before he turned a corner and disappeared. It looks to me like the time has come again,  to pick up those walking sticks and whistles.

 

Hiking Black Star Canyon

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Martin-hikingThis morning we decided we wanted to do something different, a hike, so we drove to Cleveland National Forest at the end of Silverado Canyon, one of our favorite routes when riding our scooters. We were surprised to find the trail head there closed to the public because of dry brush and fire danger. (You may see my Sept 13, 2014 posting about a major fire in that area of Silverado Canyon.)  Disappointed and wondering where else we could go, we spoke to a woman cyclist and told her of our dilemma. She told us of another hiking trail in nearby Black Star Canyon. We’ve lived in this area of Southern California since 1977, but had never been to that particular canyon. Before long we were on our hike there. It was wonderful. Above you can see my husband, Martin, thoroughly enjoying the surroundings. Mountain-Lion-WarningWe saw the above Mountain Lion warning as we started up the trail, but we’re used to seeing such signage in the more open and uninhabited areas of California. There were quite a few hikers on the trail, plus mountain bikers, so chances were slim that we would encounter a mountain lion. Plus there were two of us, an added safety benefit. Jan-hikingHere I’m enjoying a bit of shade and a drink of water. We had started out later than planned, and it was getting quite warm. We hiked inland for just over an hour, but it took less time to hike back because it was mostly downhill. We were glad we had taken plenty of water with us, had applied sun screen, and were wearing wide brimmed hats!Black-Star-Canyon-TrailI want to share one more photo with you, so you can see just how dry the brush is on the both sides of the trail.  Black Star Canyon was truly a find, and we plan to go back again soon, but next time we’ll start out earlier in the day and go a little farther up the trail.

Chula Vista Vacation

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Monday Rose 1We returned home this afternoon from the Chula Vista RV Park, where we spent four  days in our 5th wheel trailer. I took dozens of photos and thought I’d share a few with you. On one of my early morning walks, I spotted this beautiful rose peeking out at me through a white picket fence. It was so bright and full of life.

Two-ducksHere is a friendly couple that I met on another one of my walks around the RV park and marina.enhances-orchid
One of many beautiful orchids in the Botanical Building in nearby Balboa Park, SanDiego.

 

SFO-ferryThis was quite a surprise. A San Francisco ferry in for repairs at the local boat yard. I couldn’t help but wonder how it had arrived there.

Annika-homeLastly, here is Annika looking at me as if to ask why we had to end our fun trip. She loves our camping trips, and gets excited as soon as she sees the trailer out front of our house. Sorry little girl, it was time to return home, but we can always look forward to our next adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying White Blossoms

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Shasta-DaisiesWhen we woke to heavy rain this morning, I jumped out of bed and looked out the sliding glass door, into our back yard. The first thing I noticed was the patch of Shasta Daisies. They were luminous. The rain had highlighted the beautiful white petals. I’ve always loved brightly colored flowers, especially oranges and yellows, as seen in the  pots of marigolds dispersed throughout our yard, both front and back, but as I admired the daisies, I realized that recently I’ve shown a liking for white blossoms.

White-OrchidHere is the white orchid that sits next to our kitchen window. I just love it. So crisp and clean looking. The pale yellow adds just the right touch of warmth.

Night-JasmineThe day after I returned from New Zealand, I was seated at the kitchen table, writing in my journal, that is where you usually find me first thing in the morning. I looked up and suddenly noticed that our Night-Blooming Jasmine was covered in blossoms. The white against the dark green leaves was gorgeous. I grabbed my camera and took the above photo. Are you noticing a pattern here? My new appreciation for white flowers seems to have started before the morning rain highlighted the daisies.

 

water-on-tableI actually ran out into the rain, to take the photo of the Shasta Daisies, and on the way back in noticed this rain puddle on our glass outdoor table, so I took this photo before I ran in the house and dried off. It is still raining, as I write this. It is almost lunch time, and they tell us we will have intermittent rain until this evening. I will not complain, because in California we need the water so desperately, and it  makes me slow down a little and take notice of little Shasta Daisies and puddles.