"...and to all a good night!"

Part of the Tribe...

 Yes, I know.  I'm absolutely adorable....

 We ran out of gas.....

 Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!

Look at me!  I gradiated!

Happy Birthday, Sarge!!!

 Have a splendid birthday!!! I went shopping for you and found these really neato cakes...see what you think!

 And here are some funnies for you...
(This is Nancy Pelosi before make-up!)

Happy Birthday, My Hero - SARGE!!!

Snooping Complete

That's Hubman with grand-dog, Norma Jean.  They're having a great discussion about playing fetch, I think!

Well, I finally found out a little more about the folks across the way.  I always take Homer with me when I go out and get the mail.  He thinks it's his job now.  So I had him in my arms at the mailbox and noticed Ray was outside so I took a chance.  I meandered over and asked him if he'd like to meet my new pup.  That opened Pandora's box.  He petted Homer and started telling me about all the cats that they have.  There are several feral cats he's been feeding because he said he couldn't stand to see them out in the cold.  The "Cat People" are coming with traps and neuter/spay them and try to find them homes.

I asked him how things are going - remember, he's quite hard of hearing and I speak softly - lots of yelling going on!  He said that Bertie is "near being dead," and that she's back home.  He said they can't be together more than five minutes that they're not arguing, although he said he's trying real hard not to.  He said that he has to help her up during the night several times "to urinate on the port-a-potty, but she dribbles."  TMI!!! 
But I let him go on.  They're looking for a convalescent home for her, and he's got help during the day.  He also told me that Bertie is 93 years old!  Remember me telling you that she was still driving to the store?!?  She doesn't look that old at all.  I would've guessed mid to late 70's. 

So that's that.  I didn't want to ask him any questions about the fire truck that comes and goes all the time.  When I told him goodbye, I told him that we were praying for them and he broke into tears.  I hugged him and he recovered and thanked me.  Gee.  Talk about breaking your heart!  So....now I know and kinda wish I didn't.

Me and Wally at the Beach....

Okay, this isn't nice but why the heck do people do this?!?  I saw so many "odd" wardrobe malfunctions while working at Knott's, you'd think I couldn't be shocked, but this one almost takes the cake!  (Must be somewhere in Europe, I'm guessing!)
(Ooops.  I should have clarified that that's me and Wally on the left....she snickers)

Still Snooping...

Still no answers...but family and friends have been in and out.  The truck, "Fire Attack Unit," comes and goes on a regular basis - at all hours.  Ray and Bertie are their names.  He spends a lot of time working on his rose bed and petting his calico cat.  His kids bought him a golf cart so he can drive around the park and not feel as if he's totally dependent. Up until a few weeks ago, Bertie was still driving to the grocery store with Ray in tow.

Several months ago, a deputy sheriff pulled up and wound up hauling Ray off.  I got the mail at the same time as my neighbor who told me that Ray had "gone off" and was flushing Bertie's pills and pushing her around.  A couple of weeks later, family came and took the furniture out and hauled it off.  Bertie went to stay with family and Ray was allowed back in the home - by himself.  Since then, Bertie - and the furniture - all moved back in.  But earlier in the week a  realtor posted a "For Sale" sign in the yard.

It's made me somewhat reflective.  I sure hope I don't lose my cognitive skills - the few I have left anyway!
I've already apologized to hubman for things I may do in the future.  I have a vivid imagination, and I guess that's why the saga of Ray and Bertie has piqued my interest and concern.    There hasn't been any notice in the paper so I'm hoping that things are going well.

When hubman found out about his diabetes, he started walking 1-2 miles a day.  By the end of the first week he made several friends and probably knows everyone's name by now.  I'm such a "recluse," I don't really know a soul.  I guess it's true that opposites attract!

Hope everyone has a fantastic week...

I'm a Snoop!

I didn't realize what a snoop I am until we moved here where our neighbors are so close.  There has been a fire, several ambulances (remember, we're on "Geezer St."), the coroner's van - that was interesting, since it was right across the road, approx three car widths. 

The elderly couple that lives across and down one have a lot of health problems.  He's nearly blind and deaf, and she's in and out of the hospital.  So, on Thanksgiving, the ambulance picked her up and then yesterday, the family came to town.  Of course, I'm concerned for her well-being, but still wonder what happened.  Tonight, about 6:00, in the rain, a pick-up truck pulled up with signage across the side "Fire - - - ".  It was definitely a beefed-up truck with lots of equipment, but not a regular county fire vehicle.  All of the lights went on in every room and they started hauling in some sort of equipment.  Now, mind you - I can't be hanging out my door watching, so I peeked through the blinds, but you can't see as much.  

The truck stayed until 11:30 - and I still don't know what's up.  Maybe someone left a pan on the stove when they went to the hospital and it smoked up the place.  I kept bugging hubman to go across the street and ask (kidding him) but he wouldn't go, so my snooping didn't do a bit of good.  I came up with all sorts of scenarios but, darn it, no answers.  

All I know is we sure hope they're all alright!!!

Krap on a Stick

Norma Jean

Spike on a Stick

Spike loves to sit and look out the window but not from my plants!  Something spooked him and off he went.

Ya know, I've gotta be more careful - I posted those baby owl pics because I thought they were so darned cute, but I didn't realize that I sounded whiny until I read the comments.  Sheesh.  What with all a lot of you are going through right now, I'm sure as heck not gonna crab about a headache! 

The top photo is my daughter's Shiba Inu, Norma Jean (they're like a miniature Akita).  I laughed really hard because my grandson, Kyle, named her not having a clue who Norma Jean was!  I guess it's the name of some rock band, and that's why he chose it.  I don't think the real Norma Jean was this hairy.... 

The baby had to go to dog school today.  He's really doing well with the sit/stay/leave it/down/ and all of those dog-type commands.  But boy, is he a pill!  He'll get ahold of something he knows he's not supposed to have, he'll look at you, at if you make a move, he's out the door running around the yard, daring you to come get it/him.  He's a real "slimer," too.  Just loves to give kisses!  He acts a lot like a cat and he likes to settle in the chair on the back of my neck - which is really kinda nice 'cause he's warm - but he slimes you.  Slurp...

Daughter #1, Leah, and her hubby, Bob, are on their way back to OK after a two week trek.  She posted on FB that they hit winds so bad in AZ they had to pull off-road (they have a humongous RV).  I guess they were stuck several hours - now they're driving through the night to get home so they'll be ready for work Monday.  They work at the Federal Prison in El Reno OK.  Leah works in the accounting office and Bob's a CO.  Boy, the stories they can tell, only they're very careful not to name names, darn it.  When they first started working together in the prison system I didn't like it at all.  I didn't want her to see the sort of stuff they see in a prison situation but she's very matter-of-fact about it and doesn't let the gnarlier stuff get to her.  She had to qualify on weaponry which also makes me feel better.  Back in Victorville, she actually got overtime by working on the guard towers.  Did you all know that the toilet facilities in those guard towers are quite primative since they can't leave the site?  Wouldn't work for me, guys.  

Well, I'm gonna sign off and read for a while.  I've been reading "The Murderer's Daughters," by Randy Susan Meyers.  Pretty good so far.  I am seriously thinking about getting a Kindle.  I still have very mixed feelings about that whole concept, but if I can still read in the bathroom I'm okay!

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone!

Little snot had that geranium in his mouth....

A Photo of My Week...

A week of migraines and other discomforts: Just a feeling of being yelled at and shat upon....
(I think this guy is just too cute!)

In Honor - - -

This day, Veteran's Day, is set aside to honor those who have so valiantly served their country to preserve FREEDOM.  We have so many patriots in our country (Sarge Charlie!) and I humbly offer my thanks...  This Veteran's Day, I wanted to honor the author of the poem, "High Flight."  As I was hunting the poem, I found this notice on the RAF website.  Sixty-nine years separate the the two men but their sacrifices will endure forever.  So, I lift a pint in honor of our brothers-in-arms, the British. Senior Aircraftman Scott Hughes dies in Cyprus It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Senior Aircraftman Scott 'Scotty' Hughes serving with Number 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment died in Cyprus on Sunday 7 November 2010 following injuries sustained in an accident. Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Hughes was returning from operations in Afghanistan and died from injuries suffered in a boating accident that took place on Friday 5 November as his unit was undertaking decompression activities. He was due to return home to the UK the following day.  (He was born 5 June 1990)   High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941

 

Lessons From a Hummingbird - - -

With a mind that tends to be "busy," I have always, unconsciously, found myself being "busy" with something to keep from feeling as if I were fragmenting.  I don't know how else to describe the feeling of being unable to just be "quiet."  I used to lie on the couch and read or watch The Tonight Show, or old movies....something that could hold my attention so I didn't feel as though I was on an out-of-control train approaching a trestle; or the feeling of being poised at the top of a roller coaster, just ready to begin that rapid free-fall, with your heart in your throat. 

Later, I learned to macrame, then on to embroidery, cross stitch, counted cross stitch (why I wear glasses!), and then I took art classes - oils, watercolor, pastels, acrylics; then on to stamping cards, scrap-booking, and altered art, and beading.  Now, can anybody guess?  Uh huh.  The computer is my current mood stabilizer. I can lose myself reading other peoples' blogs and working on my own. I can look at catalogs, read newspapers, play games, etc.

So you may be thinking, "Okay, we all do that or have hobbies, nothing strange about that!"  But here's the kicker:  I can stay up for hours reading, playing games, painting, wherever my current abstraction may take me.  I have stayed up reading until the sun comes up, or, yes, playing stupid games on Facebook.  I am horribly obsessive-compulsive. Having a mind so fixated on being quiet is only amplified and fixates on the quietness.  

Now to the hummingbird:  I have a feeder out on the back patio and love watching the hummingbirds come and hover, with those wings going a mile a minute, buzzing like bumblebees.  Last month, I welcomed a couple of Anna's Hummingbirds, who were quite territorial, flitting after each other, chasing and darting about.  We're down to one visitor now, so I guess dominance was determined!

I've been trying to get outside everyday for 10-15 minutes of sunlight after reading about Vitamin D.  It seems that popping a vitamin pill isn't quite the same as absorbing vitamin D through the skin.  So I've placed a chair outside so I can sit for a few minutes.  Sitting for 10-15 minutes without something to occupy my mind is not comfortable.  Sometimes I try to pray and my mind wanders, or I just daydream, but something pops in and jolts that trigger-happy brain to snap to attention.  

Okay, here we go back to the hummer.  This little guy - I'm pretty certain he's a guy because he has a beautiful iridescent magenta head! A glorious little creature!  He's accustomed to seeing me sit in my chair, and he'll come to the feeder just a few feet away.  Yesterday, I watched him feed then dart off to the orange tree which provides shade for the feeder.  He landed on a little twig and sat, appearing to watch me watch him.  After a little while of this he flitted back to the feeder for another dose of sugar water.  I know you've all seen them - their wings are almost invisible they move so fast!  Then, again, back to the little tiny branch he'd picked out on the orange tree.  This went on for maybe four or five times.  Then it hit me.

How much energy does it take for his little wings to keep moving?  So much that he constantly has to feed to keep up his strength.  When hummingbirds migrate during the fall, they find nourishment where they can along the way.  All the while, feeding and fluttering.  Do you see the picture I'm painting?  I spend so much energy just to keep my mind occupied - my wings fluttering - that I wear myself out.  Then I need to feed more, and more, and more.  

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  This has always been a favorite verse of mine.  But, as you can see, being still isn't easy for me.  As I watched that little hummer I wondered if being still is knowing God.  As a creature of God, that's his appointed job in the universe, to pollinate flowers and plants along his migratory path.  He knows when to be still and he knows God.  

Today, I watched a woodpecker try his luck out on a palm tree, I fed and enjoyed our blue jays, and I watched the sweet little hummer just "being."  My mind was being still and I was learning more about knowing God and the peace he provides...

~~~DONA NOBIS PACEM~~~

 

 

The picture I chose for my peace globe was taken at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing.  We were there in 2008.  There were so many, many memorial tokens left on the fences they have allowed them to remain.  My photo is just a minute representation of the love and devotion to those who died that day.

 

This is a hymn from my childhood - it's words are so true today.

There comes to my heart one sweet strain,

A glad and a joyous refrain,
I sing it again and again,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

 Peace, peace, sweet peace,
Wonderful gift from above,
Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace,
Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love.

----Peter P. Bilhorn, 1887

Visit to the Vet!

Poor little Homer, with his doctor, getting his very last puppy shots!  The boy recovered nicely and will be back in two months for the surgery all the boy dogs hate to talk about.

And on a happier note.....

Here's a photo of Daughter #1 threatening Daughter #2's rooster!  She was waiting for dinner and ready to eat anything! 
(P.S.  Please read the comment my cuz left for you guys on the last post.....)

Reflections on a Fault

 Sugar

 KT

 The Nest

California Fall Colors

These are photos of my trip a few years ago to my cousin's home in Angelus Oaks, close to Big Bear Lake.  She dearly loves her home, her critters, and her friends - fellow mountain dwellers.   Last week she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and today she had a mastectomy at 1:00 and was home in the early evening.  I still can't believe how quickly you're kicked out the door after major surgery...

I didn't go to be with her, although she would have been the first to show up on my doorstep, if I needed her.  She does, but I cannot forgive myself for not being the first one she saw when she came out of the anesthetic.  I should have been there to take her home, make her comfortable, and see to her needs. She knows why I didn't come and forgives me for my shortcomings and failings.  I don't know if I can.

Dinner on the River

 

I love Kernville.  I guess you've figured that out by now.  That, and it's a 45 minute trip - probably 20 minutes if you were a bird.  The old road is really rugged - lots of hairpin turns.  When we get the wanderlust we usually head here or Tehachapi.  Kernville is hot in the summer, though, so we usually head up Hwy 58 to Tehachapi.   In fact, it's apple season there. Time for a jaunt!

The Kern River Inn is a B&B, and if you've got a good arm, you could stand on the porch and throw a stone in the river.  We took a look inside and the rooms are really nice, and you can even hear the river from the front bedroom.  Hubman's birthday is in October - maybe that would make a nice gift!  A night on the river and dinner at Ewing's, which is known for their marvelous steaks ...

Hmmmmm. Just wondering....

 Cujo Jr.

 I wonder what it means when you're about a third of the way through a book on Bi-Polar Disorder ("Hurry Down Sunshine...") and you realize you've already read it - and it was published in '08. That means you didn't have a whole lot of time to forget it.  Does it mean I was manic when I read it, or was I too depressed to remember it!

Just wondering.....

Whitewater Cruising

Here we are in Kernville again. They're really more photos of our last visit. I'm standing on a bridge that spans the river, watching the white water rafters return after a trip down river. It was a very warm (hot!) day and they looked so cool, literally and figuratively, coming in for a smooth landing.
 

(One of the women that worked for one of the rafting companies was a contestant on Survivor several seasons ago - can't remember her name.)

There are several rafting companies that operate out of  Kernville.  I'd really like to try this while I'm still able to get on and off a raft!  A lot of people (hubman included) go tubing on the lower river, closer to Bakersfield, but the currents can be deadly.    I'll stick with rafts with guides that know the river and know what they're doing...

No, I'm Not Dead...

...just resting.

Isn't that the coolest planter you ever saw?  I loved it the minute I laid my eyes on it.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a party at my daughter's house - combination birthdays for Corinne and her step-daughter, Amber.  They all wanted to play "Bocci Ball."  If you've ever seen a movie with elder Italian playing what appears to be lawn bowling, then you know what Bocci ball is.  The object is to throw heavy wooden balls at a smaller ball that's been tossed out towards the opposite goal.  Let me tell you, those balls are heavy!  There are teams of two, and I played with my son-in-law and we kicked some butt!  But even my trusty right arm couldn't save us.   We finished in 2nd place.  I couldn't move for two days. 

I've got a fuzzy little juvenile delinquent resting on my feet.  Homer is a little terrorist.  He's so adorable when he's sleeping, but when he's "zizzing" around the house, he's a handful!  We're not a bit sorry we got a puppy, though.  It's fun watching him learn the ropes from our Katie, our older dog.  He's already mastered "sit," "drop-it," "bring it," and we're working on "no-bite!"  He's little baby teeth are like Parana teeth! 

Fall is in the air here - although it is expected to be in the 90's again at the end of the week.  Fall means shorter days, which I hate, and cooler weather, which I love!!!  We only had to use the A/C about ten days this summer, opting instead to use the cooler we bought.  Man, I wish we'd done that two summers ago. Our highest electric bill was under $70!  Considering that just last summer it was well over $300 per month, we're thrilled!

Why is it that during the day I can think of so many things I want to talk about, but when I start typing and thinking it all evaporates?!?  I guess I need to start making notes.  But then I'd just forget where they are...
I'll put my thinking cap on and see what I can come up with.

Happy week, every one. 

"Death in the Chimney" Update

Well, it just got weirder and weirder.  It would appear that Dr. Kotarac was in a rocky relationship. She and her boyfriend were supposed to leave for Amsterdam last Friday, and I guess they had a brouhaha.  She tried to see him Wednesday evening, but he sneaked out the back.  She then tried to break the back door down with a shovel, and when that didn't do the job, she got a ladder and got on the roof, removed the chimney cap and went in feet first.   This happened Wednesday.  The boyfriend stayed elsewhere and didn't return until Thursday, spending the night and leaving for Amsterdam as planned, but by himself, on Friday. 

On Saturday, a neighbor, who was taking care of the boyfriend's fish tank, came in and noticed a rank odor (makes me ill to even imagine, especially given the heat), looked up the fireplace and then called the cops. 

The boyfriend had noticed Dr. K's purse, along with her cellphone and other personal "stuff," in the backyard Thursday.  He and Dr. K's office assistant then called the police, not knowing what had happened to her, and filed a missing persons report.  Sadly, she was there all the time.

Her brother said when they were kids they lived on an old property that had a huge fireplace.  You could see up through the chimney when the flue was open. He thinks, given her mental state (and yes, she had been drinking), she indeed thought she could get in the house.

I keep thinking about her and what a horrible death she must have had.  The official COD was asphyxiation due to chest compression - so it wasn't instant.  And they say truth is stranger than fiction....

Too Strange to be True!

Just a short post:  I just heard on the news that my doctor died over the weekend!  I'm still reeling over this - she was found dead in her boyfriend's house - in the chimney!!!  I don't have all of the details yet, but apparently she was trying to get into the house in his absence and tried to go through the chimney?!?  Something ain't right here.

Why wouldn't she break a window?  Maybe afraid it would set off an alarm?  Could it be that she had a little too much to drink and wasn't thinking straight?  Could she have had a mental breakdown? 

Dr. Kotarac was just 49.  She was a brilliant lady - right now I can't begin to remember all of her awards and titles, but this was no 3rd world country bumpkin.  An autopsy wasn't completed at the time of the report, so that will prove to be interesting.  It's such a shame and what a loss to our community!  She was loved and respected by a lot of folks....

You Have No Idea ...

 This is "Jay" Leno - our resident Scrub Jay.

... how very much I appreciate all of the kindness shown to me and hubman.  Your comments just make me realize what a wonderful community we have, here on our blogs!  I've been at this for some time and it still boggles my mind that we can care so deeply about people we may have never met!  ♥♥♥

I now remember what it's like having a toddler in the house, but one with little razor-sharp puppy teeth! Homer is one active little guy and smart, too.  He's figured out how to get out of the doggie door but we're not ready for him to be outside on his own.  We've got a few too many gaps in the fence, so hubman is headed to Lowe's for some fixin' stuff.  

We were doing really well with the potty stuff, too, but we're regressing and running out of Resolve!  I feed him, immediately take him outside and wait, and wait, and wait.  Give up and bring him in.  He poops.  He's got it all backwards now. (But, thankfully - never thought I'd say this - the carpet in this place is on the top of the list for replacement.  Couldn't be a better time to house train a pup!)

And poor Katie!  She's such a sweet natured little girl, and all he does is pester the daylights out of her.  He hides and dive bombs her just like cats do, so she runs away from him.  Ha!  Now he thinks he's the Alpha Pup!  She's finally starting to growl and bark at him.  I know they'll work stuff out...

Again, you guys mean a heck of a lot to me and I just wanted to tell you how wonderful you are!

Meet Homer....

This has been a crappy week.  I was getting back into the swing of blogging regularly, but our Mini Schnazuer began to fail rapidly, so we made that gut-wrenching decision to euthanize her.  It will be a week ago tomorrow.  This was one very special pup - exceptionally bright - and she had such expressive eyes.  When she looked at you she was asking questions: "What can I do?  Do you need me, right now...?"  Our little Shih Tzu, while very lovable, just wants to be loved...nothing else, nothing more.  And that's a good thing, too.

We held Zoey in our arms while the doctor gave her the injection.  It was a very peaceful, gentle death.  She will always be in our memories...

We made a decision to find another dog, against popular belief.  But we thought it would be the best for us and for Katie.  Katie has had surgery, put up with that stupid collar for ten days, lost her sister, and now is beleagured by a puppy.  The little guy, Homer, is wanting to play with her but she's not wanting any part of him.  She has not growled or snapped once - although, I think if she did, he might back off. 

He was part of a litter whose Yorkie mom was stolen.  The folks that took the litter in hand-fed them around the clock so he's a real lover boy.  His dad is a Shih Tsu, so he should be a real cutie to go along with the attitude! 

By the way - I am not responsible for naming him~

Little Bits and Stuff...

This photo finds us back in Kernville again.  We had horrific wildfires that are just now getting contained, one of which was just north of this spot.  Fox News picked up the story, probably because there was another fire up in Tehachapi, close to the wind farms.   When this photo was taken, we stood on the bridge and watched fire truck after fire truck, along with the Hot Shots, headed up to a fire.  We could just barely see the smoke when we left.  That fire was shut down quickly, and by the fast response, I'm not surprised.  But this one was vicious.  Thankfully, no injuries or worse, just heartbreak over lost homes. 

Our Shih Tsu got her "Elizabethan" collar off Friday.  It was funny watching her, even though we felt sorry for her in her efforts to get around.  She tried to go through the "doggy door," and it was a sight!  And yes, we did open the door for her!  She bumped around a lot but adapted quite well.  I think she kinda liked the fact that the collar was a great way to catch all the doggie snacks!

We're still not certain about our Mini Schnauzer, Zoey.  She has congestive heart failure.  She's on meds but she's losing weight rapidly, even though she continues to have a good appetite.  We go back to the vet on Wednesday.  (Holding my breath...)
  We got the bill for our rent, which includes all utilities.  Our previous summers have been totally out of sight - like $400-$500 for electric.  I tentatively  opened the envelope, expecting to have the vapors, but the electric was $65!!!!  The swamp cooler we had installed has now paid for itself!  It's so dry here we're not bothered by the moisture.  I keep telling hubman that it's good for all of my houseplants.  (My former husband said when he came home at night he felt like he had to grab a vine to swing through the living room.  It's true - I love plants!)

Had a email message on FB from my son's ex (?), completing dragging me and hubman over the coals for all the wicked and evil stuff we've done to my son.  I blocked her from FB.  There's definite mental issues here - and I'm not trying to be hateful. It's the troof.  (For those of you who may not know - he's 42 and a total wreck.)

No plans for the week ahead except a trip to Target for sundries.  Oh, the trip to the vet, too.  I saw a cartoon last week (Pickles- It's the adventures of an older retired couple).  Their daughter asks them to go to dinner with her and her husband, but they pass because they'd miss Jeopardy!  I thought, "Oh, Lord.  Please don't let me get that bad!"

Wishing you blue skies, lollipops and rainbows.... Crap.  Now I've got to go wash out my ears.  I hate that song!
Happy Monday!

When a Girl's Gotta Go, A Girl's Gotta Go!!!

Thanks to the "Gubernator,"there's no money for state parks...so be certain you go before you go!

Oh My! A Study in Contrasts

I recently reconnected with a dear friend that I've known since kindergarten.  She happened to find me on FaceBook!  She posted this old photo she'd kept as her avatar.  I nearly choked...I hadn't seen it in 50 years, but I remembered it!  Looking at as an adult, I'm absolutely horrified by my expression!  Was I trying to be a 12 year old sexpot?  Oh goodness. That's scary... 

Looking at the two of us, so very, very young, I'm astounded at the differences in us:  She's fair and I'm dark. She has such a darling gamin look about her, upturned smile, sweet little chin, aquiline nose and eyes that hint of spunk and playfulness. 

She used to come to church with us, and we always liked it best when it was just my dad.  He was so much fun!  He like to listen to rock 'n roll on the radio, and sometimes we'd stop and get cokes on the way home.  Or if we were really good, we'd come home via Signal Hill (a rather steep hill in Long Beach CA).  The attraction was a very steep portion of the road that was like a roller coaster - you'd get to the crest and lose your stomach on the way down. 

We went to different schools in high school, then married young and had kids. So we kind of lost touch.  She has been such a good friend over the years, calling and checking up on me.  About 12 years or so ago, we moved and our telephone was unlisted.  Our lives traveled very different roads.  She lived in Indiana and is now retired living the life in Florida!  I'm so happy for her.  FaceBook, thank you!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

This is one of my very favorite photos taken locally.  This is from the cemetery across the road from us.  It was taken in early June, and there was snow on Bear Mountain.  It's highly unusual to see snow this time of year.  We had an unseasonably cool spring, early summer.  Loved it!!!

A Little Bit for Linda

You all know how Linda loves visiting cemeteries?  Well, I do too, and have always enjoyed reading her posts, not just for the history but for the "spooky" element she so deliciously provides - orbs and all!  These photos are of an old Kern County cemetery that sits on the banks of Lake Isabella. The picture I took of the guy fishing was taken from this cemetery.  (See 3rd photo down)

The oldest headstone is a lot newer than the ones Linda visits but is one of the oldest here.  The thing that really contrasts between this one and the ones back east is the earth - here, it's as hard as a rock and dry as a bone.  Although cemeteries are not places in which you want to hold festivities, this one is so forlorn looking.  The solitary bare stakes that are holding the place of those unknown souls give no testimony as to who is forever laid beneath them.  The contrast between these and the ornately carved headstones is great.  Makes me wonder about the folks who inhabit these graves.  It just may be the the unmarked graves hold the remains of people who were of better character than those who fared better as far as markers go......

(While Mr. Lambert's headstone is relatively new, the description says so much about this area.)

Here's the text on the historical marker:

"Kernville, called Whiskey Flat until 1864, was founded in 1860 when Adam Hamilton, a whiskey dealer, moved shop here from the more temperate Quartzburg, founded earlier that year.  Both camps resulted from the discovery of the Big Blue Ledge by "Lovely" Rogers while tracking a stray mule from the earlier camp of Keyesville."