tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8534056812419796702012-01-18T17:12:57.459-08:00Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.comBlogger2351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-58016890493460554712012-01-01T15:18:00.001-08:002012-01-06T12:44:38.223-08:00

Happy New Year and all that . . . but I'd like to rewind briefly to Christmas 2011. This is what "Santa" brought for my present. I don't know if this means I was a good girl or not. A bright red, two-seater canoe complete with paddles and a low profile dolly that you can use to drive it to and from the car and dock. Good stuff right?!So fast forward to New Year's Eve and see the two victims

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-33082791828449598862011-07-03T19:00:00.000-07:002011-07-03T20:25:12.464-07:00

I rediscovered a little creek which flows in the canyon below my favorite hiking trail a few weeks ago. As I huffed up the steeply sloped, redwood-forested trail, I looked down the hillside and spied the rocky channel of Blackhawk Canyon Creek below.I had one of those AHA!! moments when I realized that it still had really good water flow, uncharacteristic for this time of year. All the late

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-80212862940650637702011-06-21T21:15:00.000-07:002011-07-04T17:58:16.606-07:00

So the fact I can't remember how many days the kids have been out of school might be an indication that I am a survivor of summer vacation. For now.Here's our latest family project that we completed. For some bizarre reason I thought we should embark on a simple little mosaic pot project. And by simple I mean lengthy and arduous and by little I imply gigantic. The fact that Wyatt's class in

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-79163720854506612011-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:002011-06-16T14:22:27.733-07:00

Summer Vacation - Day 8For the record: Day 2 - 7 survived. But on Day 3 we decided to implement "Will Work for Bucks" program.New parenting goal. Or rather, my new and improved and reinforced parenting goal is that I am not going to raise a kid who feels entitled to everything and won't work for "nothin'". To facilitate this mutual happiness between adults and children on our "Compound" I have

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-6014016134070970442011-06-09T22:37:00.000-07:002011-06-10T12:01:46.839-07:00

Summer Vacation, Day 1With much fear and dread summer vacation has sprung on me like an angry swarm of ants. Biting and itching and possibly stinging . . . Maybe I have over reacted to the eminent threat of Wyatt being home all day for summer. And as such, it only seems appropriate to take the challenge of properly documenting summer vacation 2011.Two days ago, I was not bubbling in glorious

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-11719528870185104462011-04-28T18:02:00.000-07:002011-04-29T14:32:53.810-07:00

Now wait a minute you all are saying . . . but really. I can only report what I observe with my own eyes and I can hardly make this stuff up. I've been tracking bluebirds on my property for seven years now and have seen many a pair of bluebirds successfully fledge young every year, but this season has been wild and woolly, unpredictable and strange.See below the sentinel bluebird male guarding

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-44979465731033202382011-04-11T15:22:00.000-07:002011-04-11T16:38:14.111-07:00

I have not been really, totally, super, hopping, jumping excited for ages about a bird nesting on our property. We have bluebirds, swallows, doves, killdeer and magpies that all use our trees and grasslands for their nesting sites. So, I guess I have been a bit spoiled and bored with my own personal national geographic happening in my back yard.BUT today I spotted a pair of rare-ish birds

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-87861623884826135042011-04-03T21:35:00.000-07:002011-04-04T08:14:51.986-07:00

There are days which shall live in infamy at the King Compound due to the sullen and miserable attitudes that spread from kid to kid like a virulent super virus ravaging the country side . . . But I am glad to report that there are the days when the cousins get along like the best of friends and play in uninhibited ways that make me want to be a little kid again, like today.As I was sitting on my

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-46413312119706370952011-03-23T15:36:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:48:57.614-07:00

There is much that has not been blogged . . . My blogging time has evaporated somehow . . . However, my "vacation" from blogging has been much needed with projects being finished and "real" life taking over.With low motivation levels for typing at the keyboards I have been a stranger to my journal. But glancing back at previous posts I realize that I may be loosing memories that I want to keep

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-56976178420543079242010-12-21T20:51:00.000-08:002010-12-21T20:52:39.347-08:00

We have a wooden fence on our back property line which is ancient. Over the past nine years, I have often lamented that this fence needs replacement. Since we moved on to the property we call home, this fence has been in an ongoing state of decay. It wobbles when leaned upon. It shakes when climbed. From afar it is an eyesore to most people. Sometimes I have been embarrassed.This fence is

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-74618846553509144812010-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:002010-12-05T21:33:34.181-08:00

Another year.Another tree.A few more ornaments purchased.A few more broken.We got our tree today. It's a Home Depot special and we saved about 40 bucks in comparison to last year. And that's ok by me.The over riding theme of my our tree is glass ball ornaments in whites, blues, greens and silver.And horses. Horses on ceramic discs. Trail of Painted Pony horses.On lighting . . . I am a white

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-13509614043250421522010-11-27T09:00:00.000-08:002010-11-27T16:27:00.635-08:00

Come and join us on a trip back in time! It's an adventure to a land where the forces of nature run wild and animals teem in their natural environment. We're going to the Cosumnes River Preserve in the central valley of California because it is the last free flowing river that drains down from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Sacramento delta below. That means good things can happen there!The

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-17739427108130755722010-11-12T20:23:00.001-08:002010-11-13T18:33:45.438-08:00

Welcome to the mixed salad of my bloggy pictorial for this week. A little of this, a little of that, for a taste of everything light and mostly fresh.First I have a little soft calling bird. It's no mystery for me but a challenge for some of you birdy folks out there. This is the female of the species and more subtly colored in comparison to the gaudy males. Or rather brilliantly colored

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-12729015204662073232010-11-04T21:13:00.000-07:002010-11-05T10:28:10.569-07:00

October? What happened to October? I can not explain October.A thick gray fog has clouded over my brain and there is a vague memory of a pink taffeta-adorned ballerina superhero and a brown duster-cowboy hat wearing Wyatt Earp. We traipsed through a nearby neighborhood since no one trick-or-treats on our street (It's just not possible).I could not believe my ears when I heard the complaint, "

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-14712330054990969822010-10-02T21:07:00.000-07:002010-10-03T21:46:42.329-07:00

I've been kind of obsessed lately doing research on houses like this...The thought of totally replacing our little hovel of a shack is fabulous. (We have lived in an 800 square foot house for seven years now.) I've been combing the internet and getting all the information I can find on Craftsman style architecture. I even got one of Gustav Stickley's books to find prospective floor plans. Ha!

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-29576126496123332922010-09-18T22:02:00.000-07:002010-09-19T07:05:56.875-07:00

Imagine that.My son, Wyatt, has no fear of the camera. Either operating it or being the subject of photographic composition.I recently bought a small device to complement my camera arsenal called a remote shutter release. At a cost of 10 dollars I can not believe I did not buy it earlier and I can't see how I lived without it!Basically, this little black remote control has one button and it

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-78718262092507960852010-09-14T16:28:00.000-07:002010-09-14T18:26:23.604-07:00

I have sad news to report from the world of Our Simple Life. Sometimes there are events that are beyond our control and we must forge on in the face of sadness and grief...Last week we lost a valued member of our community.While he only weighed 9 lbs and had a pea for a brain, but we loved him all the same.Mr. D, the intrepid rooster, succumbed to an infection after being attacked by an unknown

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-19366187899116268632010-09-08T17:18:00.000-07:002010-09-08T17:48:52.063-07:00

I am not one for reposting stuff from the news but this one I just had to share. This fish was allegedly hooked in a lake in France and then released by the angler. It took 10 minutes to reel this 30 lb mass of a fish to shore.... Hmmmm. Is it really a fish? I am not sure.But seeing this giant "real life" carp (if it is not a fake) sent me immediately to a book I can almost recite verbatum.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-74988907728615604982010-09-01T20:52:00.000-07:002010-09-01T21:38:47.857-07:00

Let's start off with my daughter Ella today. She has been the source of much happiness in my life with her sense of humor, her quick wit and kind and loving ways. She really is an angel in disguise as a child.However, if I can accurately see into the future there could be clouds of dissent brewing sometime in her teen years. Here's her best, "I'm an insolent 16 year old expression." She's

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-45623949217295577462010-08-24T20:22:00.001-07:002010-08-24T22:34:05.113-07:00

Good day humans!The Tall Lady had been quite ill, but I decided to help her out and write a post while she is recovering. Tonight she looks the best she has in about a eight days. She has a hop in her step and a certain gleam in her eye. It's a good thing, since for a few days I thought she looked a little like something the cat dragged in... heh heh... (see I can make a joke too.) I

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-21983526450274276242010-08-20T17:00:00.001-07:002010-08-20T17:01:40.062-07:00

Yep. Still sick. I am down for the count... Pneumonia. My weekly post is only going to be about a sentence. See ya on the other end of this.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-6150335368149148442010-08-14T21:02:00.001-07:002010-08-15T13:04:16.025-07:00

This morning started foggy and wonderfully crisp as a light drizzle misted down upon our town. This summer I have been spared the sizzling heat that normally bakes me dry and makes me feel like a crispy weed that will snap with the next passing foot fall. Today began with gray clouds hovering low across the green oak mountains. The dense clouds framed the heaven while the gray pavement under my

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-37433099438841633622010-08-07T22:43:00.000-07:002010-08-07T22:51:21.191-07:00

We celebrated my son's birthday today and I just HAD to share the cupcakes I made. I love the pirate cupcake liners I found in the grocery store. They really saved me and provided a great base on which to plan the colors of the frosting. (And yes I am mostly healthy again. It took a while.)I went all out and did a chocolate and vanilla cupcake, filling part of the liner with each mix. Then I did

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-6015781609890148362010-07-31T20:25:00.000-07:002010-07-31T21:06:49.188-07:00

Can you say enterovirus?I can.Can you say strawberry colored rash over you entire body, itching and scratching, low grade fever, swollen wrists, knees ankles and fingers, and a cloudy head?I can.Can you say stiffened neck from a swollen brain stem?I can.Can you say viral meningitis?Yep, it's ugly.Another virus, complements of the nine and under population on our "compound," has made its way

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-37213580179650310672010-07-24T20:51:00.001-07:002010-07-25T20:27:32.944-07:00

The sweet dry air of the late afternoon makes me happy as I sit in the tall grasses and think about the day that has past and what the night shall behold.But then I see someone I know! He is a friend. A very good friend who I am always glad to see. He was nice to me when I first came here, even though I thought he might have been mean. He blends in with the yellow grasses with his best

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-6201407717041190602010-07-15T18:44:00.000-07:002010-07-15T20:46:42.485-07:00

Happy summer Bloggers and visitors! Here we are in the heat of summer and I am finally posting a series of photos that I took back in late April in serpentine grassland near our home.I dragged Wyatt and Ella up the hillside to see flowers only their mom and maybe 10 other people care about. But they're gonna learn about these flowers if I have my way!!Mush children!! MUSH!!Let's forget the fact

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-10699333879471679102010-07-07T17:52:00.000-07:002010-07-11T13:49:39.216-07:00

I present exhibit No. 1. A happy portrait of a child with VERY long, unruly hair.Mom says, "Wyatt your hair must be cut. You look like a long-haired hippy child at this point. Your hair is almost touching your buttock." Maybe I exaggerate just a bit here.Wyatt says, "NO NOOOO NO! No No No No No NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"But Mom says, "It's in the chair for you! Sit it down or it gets busted!"Exhibit

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-62860367447754837112010-06-30T22:15:00.000-07:002010-06-30T23:00:31.991-07:00

Greetings Land of Blog!I am so excited I can hardly sit to write this post.The books, the Bingo's Big Adventure books, have arrived from the printers and look incredible!!I wish my night time, incandescent lighting did these justice, but I could not wait to take these photos in daytime!The printers did an outstanding job putting my vision on paper and I am so proud to be able to say I

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-29285863762829446442010-06-25T13:16:00.000-07:002010-06-25T17:42:10.699-07:00

Tonight at dinner we were having the usual battles regarding the cuisine du jour. Wyatt, my soon to be six year old son, was behaving like the exorcist, spinning in his chair, standing up and down, and exhibiting his best "eyes rolling back in his head" look. He was showing his strong contempt with the food he was offered.What do we eat in the house of Our Simple Life? Well, our dinner this

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-35705610304438518052010-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:002010-06-16T07:12:38.521-07:00

Am I the only "house wife" (I use this term very loosely...) in America with a husband who can look in the refrigerator and tell me with a grief stricken, forlorn face that there is nothing to drink while gazing upon five to six different icy cold beverage choices???Seriously, I have had numerous occasions where after unloading beer, bottled water, juice, milk, Gatorade and chocolate milk into

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-24130802842902936712010-06-08T22:45:00.000-07:002010-06-09T06:37:55.895-07:00

Happy Summer Folks! It feels like the season is really, really here. Tomorrow is the last day of school and Wyatt is going to be home as a kindergarten graduate in need of constant occupation.This picture of pretty flowers from my garden is supposed to calm me regarding the inevitable.Well, nope. That didn't really work. Oh crap. I'm doomed.We spent some time outside this afternoon in the

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-20532392289420387552010-06-01T11:52:00.000-07:002010-06-02T17:02:10.567-07:00

I do not drive "the bookmobile" or "the batmobile" or "the Popemobile." But I am the some what embarrassed driver of a vehicle which can only be conservatively called "the badwordmobile." My embarrassment really only lasted about a half second, so I must share the results of my experiment. I may also be required to categorize this post under "Bad Mommy Part III."I would totally be

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-67044712116325840612010-05-29T13:14:00.000-07:002010-05-29T20:13:01.601-07:00

Here's the mock up for the 7 x 5 inch "post card" style media flier that I will send to bookstores for my Bingo's Big Adventure book.Here's the front side.This is the back side.Now would this advertisement make you interested in buying this book?Comments welcome. Feed back positive or critical would be greatly appreciated.If you are interested in advanced purchase of Bingo's Big Adventure hop

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-2213071782183082082010-05-26T23:21:00.000-07:002010-05-27T11:45:32.459-07:00

This hodge-podge mess of a post is random stuff. It's totally unrelated jibberish, but what the hey. . .We got a new play structure. YEAH!!I've been wanting to get a new play structure for the kids for years, but have stalled on the whopping, rip-your-heart-out, suck you dry, leave you in poverty price they want for them at Costco. LUCKILY . . . a friend of ours did not want theirs any more

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-73167838331903598152010-05-21T19:05:00.000-07:002010-05-21T21:28:30.906-07:00

Really. . .Do I have to open my eyes? Can I not just stay inside my cave a wee bit longer? What? I have obligations to fulfill? What? People have expectations of me?I will open my eyes, but I can't help feeling like I'd prefer climbing into the cat's house, then take a nap for a week. Or two. Bingo landed in the right place at the right time. When is that going to happen to me? For

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-79938821755811365442010-05-16T19:49:00.000-07:002010-05-20T13:04:43.184-07:00

Yep, it's come to this.This pile of blankets, towels and clothing are the result of 36+ hrs of vomiting between two children. Thankfully, I was able to make it to the lavatory and/or shower for my vomiting and dry heaves. But since I spent several hours sleeping on the bathroom floor this was not so difficult.Why such disgusting illness?Meet Mr. and Mrs. Roto Virus's and all their beautiful

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-50455504094005380562010-05-08T10:12:00.000-07:002010-05-09T21:25:56.874-07:00

Somebody decided to stop fighting me on my attempts at "hair control."Finally.And finding out that pigtails are not the end of the universe, that same someone might even LIKE them!The battle really begins when we start to brush Ella's hair. No matter how carefully, no mater how slowly I tease out little tangles, I would hear a screaming, screeching, hissing fit. I think I've finally wore her

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-68581573033016884042010-05-05T13:34:00.001-07:002010-05-06T06:40:29.265-07:00

Time for change. Time for new sights and visions to represent the seasons that whirl past so quickly every year. I always think to myself, "Don't blink. . . "Thus, the new background.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-32049226981409532862010-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:002010-05-06T12:21:01.586-07:00

Long time no blog! Boiled volley ball? Anyone? Anyone?Volleyball stew complements of my daughter Ella . . . I think this is where the term, "Taste's like shoe leather" comes from. No takers?How does my girl come up with these things?Now, on to Wyatt.How about Lima bean sprouts?First you'd have to wrestle it away from this little farmer-man. . .Let's not make any comments about the grape

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-30075392203034092602010-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:002010-04-23T09:31:03.886-07:00

One of the hazards of being a botanist is only being able to see some of the plants I love once a year. They show up, have a big party and then crumple into the dirt, expired. The annuals are like parting rock stars of the plant world. They get all pretty with fancy make up, party 24 hrs a day, then crash into oblivion, phoenix like.Look at these little beautiful herbaceous annuals below.These

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-75454252311780800442010-04-18T21:42:00.000-07:002010-04-18T22:07:30.553-07:00

Today we went on a little bike ride and I got a chance to do a wee little bit of botanizing in between making sure Ella did not crash on her bike. Yes I said BIKE! Daddy put training wheels on her brother's old 12 inch wheel bike and Ella was hot to trot!She just looks so tiny on that bike. It cracks me up. Ella was a super trouper.And NO, I did not accomplish my mission of ensuring my

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-37687971954706266392010-04-14T08:42:00.000-07:002010-04-14T10:22:42.866-07:00

Today I went out to give the chickens some table scraps. I normally don't make this level of effort for them, sadly, but today I had some special kiwi fruit I thought the pack of voracious chickens would enjoy pecking.I decided I'd better check on the broody hen too. She's a buff orphington who decided she wanted to sit in her box and self induce a psychotic trance. We were in the habit of

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-46502687249189945252010-04-09T06:54:00.000-07:002010-04-09T07:25:01.509-07:00

Spring has found it's way to our home and the insects are bursting with enthusiasm for yummy pollen. There's nothing like fresh flowers and warm temperatures to make the bees giddy with excitement. They have been harvesting furiously at our buck brush (Ceanothus sp.) for the past two weeks. They just can't help themselves.Meanwhile, Bingo has been making the rounds on our property checking out

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-52799718561118647902010-04-03T15:19:00.000-07:002010-04-03T15:23:47.995-07:00

Happy Easter to Everyone!!We colored a few eggs today so the Easter Bunny would have less work to do.Ella is my Mini-Me Missy Apron Goddess who can pull off the camouflage sweatshirt with the tan leaf print apron while coloring earth tone eggs. She's got it all together at the wise age of three.I love that the brown eggs our hens lay don't color like normal eggs. They take on pretty

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-70601568380903078262010-03-31T13:00:00.000-07:002010-03-31T15:28:21.148-07:00

This week is "Fairy Tale" week at Wyatt's school and the kids are supposed to dress up tomorrow in their favorite character.I asked Wyatt what he wanted to be. I was full of skepticism and doubt.Wyatt says, "I want to be the Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk. I need a bag of gold, Ma.""I see," was the only logical reply. Then I thought quickly, "What on earth are you going to wear? You know,

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-89169541536610519792010-03-26T15:27:00.000-07:002010-03-26T21:18:01.996-07:00

On our trip through Montana last week we were able to stop in and visit the world famous Pricilla who writes at The Maaaaa of Pricilla. The Publicist met us at the goats home and showed us the troupe consisting of Pricilla, Abby (Pricilla's daughter), Matthew, Mallory and Michael (by the way he's kinda studly).Pricilla,wearing her tan safari outfit, and Matthew, wearing slimming black, were a

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-48244355782030137772010-03-23T21:06:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:24:38.729-07:00

He's passed out in the hall. The effort of going to the bathroom was just too overwhelming. Must rest. Must suck thumb. Must close eyes.I thought this was a little strange and out of character for my boy. Thus, when taking his temperature I was not surprised by the 102.5 degree reading.One hour after taking a dose of Advil he was spotted running around our property like a wild child.Let's

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-8632003154755719732010-03-21T11:09:00.000-07:002010-03-21T11:28:17.102-07:00

I need a vacation from vacation... Driving 18 hours to get home in one day is taxing. Then carrying home the virus's from out of state is a burden which was not anticipated.But the views were lovely in Montana.Wyatt could not be kept from the water on the Clark Fork. I kept saying, "Don't get your feet wet." But it did little to dissuade my son from skimming the edges of the rocks on the river

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-26700339863692990722010-03-16T17:16:00.000-07:002010-03-16T17:20:20.888-07:00

Greetings from Montana. I'm still in the back country but the scenery is amazing. Today on a hike from SIL's house this snag called out to me with its many voices. And NO I am not hearing things. We get home next weekend. Hope all you in Bloggyville are well!

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-29913096622031354402010-03-08T15:52:00.000-08:002010-03-08T16:14:03.079-08:00

Hi Folks!We've had a lot of rain this year. Episodes like this are happening way, way too often around here. Someone is like a pig in slop within the mud puddles that are plentiful on our property.The hands have ground in dirt. The kind that does not easily come off with scrubbing. Can you believe these are the hands of a FIVE year old?? The look like "man" hands to me.No body parts are

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-817906751689438962010-02-27T21:13:00.000-08:002010-02-28T07:35:39.109-08:00

Jonquil's or Daffodil's, this is the question....I began to ponder this dilemma after seeing the differentiation between these two horticultural beauties over at Ol' Western Gal's site called Banner Haus News. While she did not provide photos, she was referencing their eminent blooming. This got me a-wondering.I always thought these names were interchangeable but I was WRONG. Being the

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-20998640298104573452010-02-21T16:05:00.001-08:002010-02-21T17:30:48.130-08:00

Burgeoning leaves begin peeking from the tips of naked branches in hope of sunlight to warm the epidermis and start the photosynthetic cycle again.Burgeoning flower buds unfold from their dormancy waiting for that special insect to visit.Burgeoning tadpoles with little, black, round-shaped bodies hint at the life form they will later become.Burgeoning Sharpie-horse bursts with stored energy that

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-26220900470280189702010-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:002010-02-16T12:04:12.990-08:00

Give a warm welcome to the newest members of our family who were laid about two weeks ago. They are not warm and fuzzy. They are not pretty or cute. They are not adorable...YET. Just wait. When the baby's emerge from the pond I guarantee that you will utter a big "Aaawww...."No, they are not worms.What species are you thinking???I am sure this is no help and some of you are all, "Ewe and ick

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-10467310882725126412010-02-10T19:54:00.000-08:002010-02-11T07:37:14.996-08:00

Okay, maybe not wordless.I am in the field for work this week and am sneaking in some pictures of the scenery. It is amazing. I entered "the canyon" and immediately my eyes were popping with the incredible views.Fluffy white clouds above the mountains drifted by effortlessly like feathers floating on an eternal breeze.Steep, dramatic peaks with sharp ridges and swooping saddles were eye candy

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-66292266635280031092010-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:002010-02-05T09:03:57.879-08:00

Sorry, the mystery animals have declined to be on display until next week. They are fickle that way. But instead I have something else to show and tell.I can always rely on the CHICKENS to provide some good entertainment on our little property.Well, it has happened again. That is the round up and lock down of our chickens.They enjoy a free range existence during the fall and winter months and

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-65183506473342218182010-01-31T21:26:00.000-08:002010-01-31T21:29:15.370-08:00

CHARGE!!!!!!Muddy day gymnastics peak in the height of winter around the waller pit we call home... Of course, Wyatt comes to the competition prepared to show his best. He has trained for several weeks with his new moves.First, it's a single somersault, difficulty of 6.0, with a muddy foot handicap.Then buttocks hangtime is shown for bonus points. Grass on feet increases difficulty level to 7.8

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-9835879810608538172010-01-25T20:29:00.000-08:002010-01-26T09:07:23.620-08:00

We're working on about 10 days of consecutive rain here on the left coast. I know.... Wah, wah, wah.... Poor babies.... We in California like to complain about the weather when we have no real justification other than we are spoiled rotten with nice weather and are sullen by the infrequent cloud cover that blocks the sky during the winter. Blah blah blah. I know.But I, however, really like

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-81910709441037577752010-01-20T11:17:00.000-08:002010-01-20T11:21:28.769-08:00

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-22210669337128928992010-01-17T19:02:00.000-08:002010-01-17T20:53:28.508-08:00

Being sick seems to be the broken record of my life lately. I am not dead....yet. But I have been ill since before Christmas. Last week, I spent several days flat in bed with the latest virus which had conquered my lungs. The virus' invited a bunch of bacteria over for a grand party in my chest. A great time was had by all. NOT! After taking antibiotics (which I am STILL taking) I started

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-70970393883551664672010-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:002010-01-10T09:54:39.892-08:00

Please observe "Ye Ole Waterin' Hole."It is here, shaped like a long skinny bowl.She glimmers seductively in the bright day sun.Never passes a day without some kind of fun.Then there are some creatures with a goal.And no, there is no stripper's pole.They want to relax, they want to party.It's the water they're wanting and it looks rather hearty.The lively crowd gathers, there will be a

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-25191142475339064722010-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:002010-01-04T20:32:17.624-08:00

Mom in a frenzy: "Wyatt! What did you just do??"Wyatt acting aloof: "Nothing, Mom!"Mom excited: "Wyatt!! You just tied your shoe by yourself!! ALL BY YOURSELF!"Wyatt bashfully: "Yeah...."Mom: "See, I KNEW you could do it!!!"I have to take our little victories where possible. I am thrilled at this minor, but monumental accomplishment. Wyatt's tears and frustration over morning time school

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-27081732132744529142009-12-31T21:58:00.000-08:002009-12-31T22:28:49.250-08:00

I've missed visiting Blogville during the holidays! Rounds of "Hallo's" are forth coming. But first I wanted to share some nature for the New Year.This is a snapshot of what the hills around our country side are offering me in the "dead of winter." Admittedly, the weather in California is not that cold or miserable as some folks must endure back east and I can always find something to botanize

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-68925336742631260692009-12-20T16:52:00.000-08:002009-12-20T21:34:50.164-08:00

Do you know what this impression is? Don't choke or otherwise hurt yourself laughing at me.I have been measuring. I have been cutting. I have been ironing. I have been sewing. I have been guilty of leaving the iron ON unattended in my kitchen.I came back from sewing hems on Wyatt's project (my sewing machine is in my office in a separate building) and I smelled something funny in the

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-52431677723747579922009-12-15T16:51:00.000-08:002009-12-15T17:15:04.055-08:00

What's that? I can't hear you. Really, I can't hear. My left ear has been plugged for about five days now. Also, I love that when I bend over it feels as if my eyeballs might pop from their sockets and shoot across the floor like some errant marbles. Too graphic for you? Sorry.Trundling along this month in a partial stupor due to the latest wonderful Kindergarten illness, I have been slowly

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-63645665676221116072009-12-08T21:42:00.000-08:002009-12-09T07:45:07.360-08:00

I was sitting in LAX today, listening to a college-age girl talking loudly on her cell phone making fun of a lady working in the terminal who has a little bit of two tone hair. This arrogant post-teen spoke as if visible roots are the worst possible thing in the universe. No compassion, no manners. Then I had to listen to her talk about how so and so is a "douche bag" Yes, she was saying that

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-83742925097595019722009-12-04T21:25:00.000-08:002009-12-05T07:25:24.005-08:00

My kids are crazy about books. See...In addition to the assemblage of Dr. Zeus books we have, there are many other authors who we own and love. As Christmas nears, may I be so bold as to suggest you buy a book for the kids on your list. I am summarizing a selection of stories below that will surely reap the reward of many readings and much enjoyment by the kids who are lucky enough to receive

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-3237926062733780362009-11-29T15:50:00.000-08:002010-05-09T21:22:21.222-07:00

From behind these bars I can touch the outdoors. I have been locked inside for an eternity since moving to this new place. How I have longed to breath the fresh country air, roll in the dirt and get mud on my paws! Oh, the wonderful taste of dead plant leaves. Joy oh joy, I am a blessed cat...Wait, there appears to be a gate I can walk through and there are steps descending to the land of

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-86660453633849060972009-11-28T08:01:00.000-08:002009-11-28T08:02:13.904-08:00

Warning. This is still a mess. Work in progress...

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-18052145631292902412009-11-24T18:26:00.000-08:002009-11-28T18:46:34.333-08:00

"Bwak, Bwak, Bwaaaakkkk!!!Ladies, I am sure glad we're not turkeys....""It matters NOT you silly hens!! I am immune to the hatchet. I AM A PET!!! I'd watch your back were I you, CHICKENS!!"Tilly Turkey has spoken and she is just GORGEOUS!!!Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-23701157362109219812009-11-21T06:57:00.000-08:002009-11-21T11:04:02.357-08:00

You would never guess it, but there is a party-loving beast occupying this tree. It is the smallest party-goer, but is the first to arrive and last to leave.Did you find it? This may be just too easy. He's at the center of the photo if you did not find him.I take it for granted that these frisky little birds are here year round battling to be king and queen of the heap. These Anna's

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-70465304845774920632009-11-16T21:12:00.000-08:002009-11-17T10:27:13.266-08:00

Welcome to the post that contains the catch-all basket of oddities which have collected in my house during the past week, otherwise known as Random Tuesday Thoughts as hosted by Keely, The Un Mom.Unfinished "Business": No body knew exactly what this picture showed from my last post. Actually, not many people guessed at it.Maybe it's a sad indication of my interests that I am almost proud to know

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-14459699079887902572009-11-14T07:22:00.000-08:002009-11-14T07:26:14.253-08:00

We made it to the beach this week to see the hole in this rock at Natural Bridges State Park near Santa Cruz, California. Seriously, I was not so impressed with this doughnut in the sandstone for some reason. What do you think?I did like seeing the comradeship shown by the three birds sitting on the bare rock. I love that in the animal world there is none of the fighting over land like we

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-90885329608599355632009-11-09T14:35:00.000-08:002009-11-09T18:02:03.678-08:00

Over the week end I went to the pet store to pick up some cat supplies in town. Ella and I went into the "mega" pet store and made the tour around the place, looking at the turtles swimming in the tank, the fish, the birds and completed our circuit near the front of the store.Near the exit door they have the pet fair area. Why do they place the pet adoption area here?? Because you see it on

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-72616054247287103542009-11-06T22:00:00.000-08:002009-11-06T23:12:46.397-08:00

The man standing at the kitchen counter exhibited intense concentration. The task at hand: converting Thomas's English muffins into an edible food substance. He was poised over the toaster monitoring the crisping of the symmetrical biscuit, contrasting its roundness with the bumpy crannies that lay on the open faces waiting to be anointed with butter.There was a smallish, yellow-colored,

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-44569775719374187822009-11-01T19:52:00.000-08:002009-11-01T21:01:17.440-08:00

These two orange horses are friends. One might say best friends. I love how horses find a way to appreciate each other. They really have no choice in their companions and usually have to make due with whatever their owners decide. I like to think I pick good horses to be friends. Probably, it's just luck.Max is the small horse on the left. He is petite, antsy, and an Einstein in a horses

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-20061565399108629282009-10-30T20:52:00.000-07:002009-10-31T07:37:59.104-07:00

Quote of the day:Ella asks me, "Is it Halloween today, Mom?""Yep. Today is Halloween." I confirm with her.Next she pops out, "But where's the Easter bunny, Mom?"I say, "Uh.... Today is Halloween. It's not Easter.""But we need the EGGS, Mom!"Apparently, I am not doing my job right. We still have some work to do.Our trip to the local pumpkin patch...Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere, as far as the

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-3690105860330159332009-10-30T13:57:00.000-07:002009-10-30T14:10:18.245-07:00

With requests for pictures and some folks doubts about the presence of a spider in the web from the last post, HERE IS THE PROOF!   Will the fans of spiders please step forward and claim your own? Anyone know what kind it is?  Writing this post did make my skin crawl just a little.  I am not even immune to the creeps from the spider-kind.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-30710815313076579042009-10-28T09:42:00.000-07:002009-10-28T10:29:15.696-07:00

I have not quite jumped on the Halloween decorating band wagon, but my new friend is doing the job for me.  While, I type at my computer I can get a glimpse into the party atmosphere provided by nature. This is the latest version of a spider in my window.  I don't think I can let this one have babies though.  This is a much bigger and creepier "Mrs. Spider."  But she is very very good fly

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-52243133618955217412009-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:002009-10-27T09:19:29.959-07:00

So last week was a total mess. Swine flu kicked our ass. My favorite cat died. What better to follow up the mayhem, but with a Random Tuesday Thoughts post. On Mourning:  I sincerely, from my cat-broke heart, thank every one who left me kind and supportive comments and emails regarding the death of my cat Shmobie. There is still a hole in me and in my house.  There is an empty spot in the

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-2151241533245415962009-10-22T12:54:00.000-07:002009-10-22T16:26:46.686-07:00

This has been a bad few weeks...as I have explained with the swine flu. However, things can get worse.Over the past year good things have come my way and I have passed through happy times for which I am grateful, but it is my turn for a super-sized serving of illness, difficulty and personal sadness.My cat, Shmobie, took a turn for the worse. He looked so much like he might pull through during

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-43687473565628261172009-10-20T15:56:00.000-07:002009-10-20T19:19:09.596-07:00

Yes, it has been that bad. I can't resist the gory details any longer. If I have to be tortured, so do you.And if you were wondering, the swine flu (H1N1) is everything and more than the media promises it to be.People with swine flu can fall into several categories which I have scientifically studied during the last 12 days of my life.There are the violently ill (i.e. my husband Mike). They

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-70457966002628854042009-10-17T11:33:00.000-07:002009-10-17T12:42:03.217-07:00

Unless you want to hear how miserable Ella was and Mike is with the swine flu, I thought the only thing I was good for was a photo essay. I needed a break from the house of pain and walked around this morning taking some photos with the zoom lens.The first thing I encountered were two phoebe's perched next to the pond. One is a resident, the black phoebe and they are common all year round

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-48511415015951392982009-10-13T19:22:00.000-07:002009-10-15T18:34:50.732-07:00

Was it not just a month ago that I was lamenting about how hot and miserable I was and how I could not wait for winter? This is Gemma's field where she lives all summer. All the horses are tucked into the barn so they don't get washed downstream.Hallelujah! The remnants from a typhoon in the Pacific is thrashing us vigorously! I have to cross this below to reach the barn. I'd better be

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-60603388542683333692009-10-09T21:17:00.000-07:002009-10-09T21:20:23.724-07:00

Yes, it's me, Shmobie. I am giving you folks my personal account of the last few days.Sometime an eternity ago, the tall lady put me in the office after I had been hiding out in my favorite bushes for a long time. She came in and sat next next to me petting my dirty fir. Yes, I had begun to think bathing was just not important anymore. My white fur was rather brown in some places. Nothing

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-58674777388811700722009-10-07T02:36:00.000-07:002009-10-07T06:27:45.335-07:00

Hi All, I forgot I had prepared this post a few weeks ago and it snuck through my net. I would not have posted it until next week but.... what is what is... Shmobie (post prior) is still the anorexic kitty but is not any worse. I have started feeding him every few hours since he still wont eat on his own. :( But I did more research and it says 90 percent of these cats can recover with

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-35597608772409929562009-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:002009-10-06T09:50:26.919-07:00

Hi Folks,Last week Shmobie started to plummet and stopped eating and started to look like a bag of cat bones. I knew for sure he had not eaten in at least four days. I had an appointment for him to go to the vet on Friday but he went and hid for the entire day and did not surface again until late Saturday, albeit worse looking than ever before. Locking him up for Sunday, I got in with the vet

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-56550407954104729482009-10-02T13:00:00.000-07:002009-10-02T13:01:38.741-07:00

Just a quick update on Gemma-horse (Dutch warmblood) who is getting her act together with consistent training. One of my friends said to me, "She looks like she could jump a house." Too bad I only ride dressage...This is the first horse I have owned on who I look size proportionate. You really can not tell that I am an Amazon in size when I ride Gemma.This trot picture shows Gemma balanced and

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-24391115435413550332009-09-25T21:31:00.000-07:002009-09-25T21:51:17.031-07:00

My mind has been a wash in words. To many letters and syllables floating endlessly around my silly brain. All full of meaning, all full of nothing. Silver ribbon-like sentences wrap around my ears and thread through my nose to exit again from my flapping mouth. Nonsense. Warped and fading like an old newspaper or curling indecipherable like negatives left in the sun, my words are singed and

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-41425530822566994632009-09-21T16:30:00.000-07:002009-09-21T19:40:52.707-07:00

Here's Mr. D, our resident rooster looking wonderful since he has feathers covering his butt. He is actually starting to sprout tail feathers from beneath the "toupee" that is formed over his rear. If you care to see just how bad he looked in the past click here to see a rooster with a naked buttock. The progress here is substantial. There is a fully plumed tail in sight for Mr. D.Mr. D can

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-6996019286038457762009-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:002009-09-19T07:46:36.549-07:00

This is me.This is me on a cold...(Kindergarten's Revenge. Wyatt started school. I don't think any other explanation is necessary. Or I hope not.)

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-51909449631370695452009-09-15T22:41:00.000-07:002009-09-15T22:45:01.227-07:00

Who says there is no color in California autumn? You just have to know where to look...The black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) are shedding their summer clothes again. They hide amongst the live oaks, sneaky-like all summer, and then pow! They suddenly change and you know they are there again.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-27935244047495482462009-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:002009-09-15T07:40:39.802-07:00

This is Part II or the conclusion to Another Strange Day at the Compound.If you don't feel like reading this I understand...I can't blame you. Don't feel bad. This story got way too long and turned into my personal nightmare to write up after I decided to do it. But I am following through with what I started. I won't torture anyone with anything like this again. So on that note:My ghastly

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-67590362346291295762009-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:002011-06-19T21:35:43.858-07:00

Can you fathom that it takes this much crap to spend ONE night out of doors with a family of four.Well it does.We were supposed to go to the redwood forest with tall, tall trees that smell amazing, but somehow someone booked the wrong dates at the County park. When we drove up to the kiosk to enter our fantasy destination we were shown this error in our MY reading skills:(I booked our

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-28025674080238347522009-09-08T20:00:00.000-07:002011-06-19T21:44:22.435-07:00

We made it back. There are more stories and explanations involved. But I have to travel this week on business and am short time for blogging. Boo hoo for me!But I did a study on leaves and colors while camping and was kind of obsessed with the dark red Madrone leaves and peeling bark in contrast to the black oak leaves which were still green.How many ways can you take a picture of leaves?Too

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-64413440369773983162009-09-05T14:39:00.000-07:002009-09-05T14:41:07.476-07:00

Have a great weekend everybody!We will see if we can survive and overnight... in the woods.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-51164391879450696492009-09-03T21:57:00.000-07:002009-09-04T10:17:51.268-07:00

An unrelenting, energy stealing, dry wind continues to dwindle my reserves and throw me into a torpor during the daylight hours. Today topped out at 107 at our house in the shade. My car thermometer read 110, but it has been known to lie.Last night, after 10:00, as I sat mindlessly on the couch watching something unmemorable on the TV, I remembered just how much of television programming is

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-28012730867872349372009-08-31T20:16:00.000-07:002009-08-31T21:34:39.345-07:00

So I felt random and distracted and thought this would be the appropriate way to wrap up a few embarrassing and unrelated things that have been floating around in my brain. If you want more random than this go to The UnMom!You know when someone farts in the house? Then everyone hollers, "Who farted?"Well, in normal homes every one is in total screeching denial and won't admit to any fumes.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-53496544857236758992009-08-27T21:35:00.000-07:002009-08-28T11:41:35.432-07:00

I don't really like summer. I just tolerate it with forbearance and keep up my hope for the cooler days I know will follow soon. I have no choice. Technically, Summer ends in late September, but who's counting the months any more. I just want summer to be done.As I listen to the sound of crickets faithfully clicking outside through the open window, I enjoy their soft life-song. There's not

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-61222303595775867972009-08-25T21:03:00.000-07:002009-08-26T22:07:32.750-07:00

We had a little party over the weekend.ANDI came across this photo opportunity which was simply irresistible.This is a sleeping man. Yes, I assure you dead asleep. What is my daughter doing? She is watching Dora the Explorer........ with a special foot rest.I am guessing that after drinking a few beers my dear and loving husband fell asleep on the couch. (I was cooking on the BBQ like a mad

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-853405681241979670.post-19916175039077387202009-08-23T02:40:00.000-07:002009-08-25T10:10:18.208-07:00

It's Our Blogiversary!!"Meow."That's"Greetings to you people in 'cat'." I will write in human for your sake since after all I know you all don't understand cat.Why am I here today? Good question.The tall lady is celebrating one year of blogging as of today. All these words and sentences and paragraphs are really hard on a cat. I have had to learn new things just to understand the humans.

Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851909774982026207noreply@blogger.com18