tombstone tumbleweed

Tombstone Bead Collection

2012-01-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful wire wrapped pendant suitable for any gold chain

Stones are jasper beads are copper length approximately 20"

All pieces are one of a kind.
For more information please email me.

Flat calm, gin clear

2012-01-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

that is what our viewing pleasure was when we were out

whale watching. We celebrated our family Christmas with a feast the nite before then wandered off to Ventura for some dynamite whales, dolphins and sea lions. Viewed dolphins I had not heard of called Common dolphin. The sea lions were quite comical but the whales were spectacular as the find their way south to Mexico have their babies then wander on back up the coast to babysit the babies on the way to the Berring Sea. Would love to view their trip north. I might add that when we left the dock we had rolling 4 - 5 ft swells meaning an iffy trip out. But once we got out a ways it flattened out and became just beautiful. Unlike the day before the folks on the whale watching boat had eighteen foot crashing waves. I do believe our timing was impecable to say the least. I do have a few more photos to add but that will happen once we land in a more permanent spot in a few days.

My wish for you

2011-12-19T19:27:00.002-07:00

A very Merry Christmas to you

What's in a number

2011-11-07T10:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary to my dear sweet husband

trick or treat!!

2011-10-24T09:07:00.002-06:00

Pulling up anchor...............

2011-09-30T03:00:00.000-06:00

and heading south...................Hooray!!

We shall arrive about the time the pumpkins arrive at the Patch.
Anxious to spend time with family and friends.

It's your BIrthday!!!

2011-09-05T09:57:00.001-06:00

Bogey is celebrating his second birthday
at the beach today!!

wow

2011-08-29T03:00:00.000-06:00

the gentleman handling the three kites in this particular photo, he is Ray Bothel, from Bristish Columbia, Canada and is 84 years old. Been doing this for thirty some years I understand and hold the world record of flying kites for as long as 14 hours. I think the record was set here in Long Beach, WA. Anyway the man is just an amazing crusty old kite flyer.

Nothing like being content.....

2011-08-27T12:16:00.000-06:00

My sweet Bogey...........and yes he was asleep.

Washington State International Kite Festival '11

2011-08-24T09:02:00.001-06:00

Washington State International Kite Festival '11, a photo by barbjwhitla on Flickr.

An amazing site with more photos to follow.

It's magic

2011-08-23T03:00:00.000-06:00

Name this flower....Sea Holly!!

2011-07-11T11:47:00.000-06:00

Boy I couldn't...........I do know that the bee's love this posy!!
Oh this photo is untouched, the color is that vibrant!!

Patriotism all over the place

2011-07-05T22:17:00.000-06:00

young ones

and the old ones

in doors

in windows

on feet

on heads

even droopy ear furry ones

Look what appeared

2011-06-28T10:32:00.000-06:00

beautiful, just caught dungeness crabs. So now we have one day off and I foresee a beautiful fresh crab salad for lunch!!
They call these beauties dungies, I call them super, duper scrumptious.

I'll be taking a few weeks off from my weekly photo posting..................................

I know another insect.........

2011-06-20T04:01:00.000-06:00

Week 35..................insects

2011-06-06T04:00:00.001-06:00

Not sure if a snail is an insect or not but I couldn't pass this one up.

Week 36..........wood and waves

2011-05-30T04:00:00.001-06:00

Week 36........................limbs

2011-05-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Quote.........for a friend

2011-05-21T04:00:00.002-06:00

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind...............anonymous

Week 37...............wind

2011-05-16T04:01:00.000-06:00

blowing in the wind

My Vitamin SEA!!!

2011-05-08T09:51:00.023-06:00

You know how it is when you start something new and in an area where you have never been before. It can be overwhelming. Well it can be to me. I'm behind on everything laundry and photo posting mainly. Shame on me I'll try to do better.

Let me tell you there is so much to do, things to see, seafood to eat, places to go on hikes, kayak trips to take. Oh and we work a few hours a week also.

If you have never been to this area of the country well you are missing a bunch. The Pacific NorthWest is just beautiful. Now just think how much I'll rave when it hasn't rained nearly everyday. This is a terrific site for the area http://www.funbeach.com/

Week 38................Spring

2011-04-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

sooooooooooo pretty

My favorite pup!!!

2011-04-14T17:11:00.002-06:00

Buddy was tragically taken from my sisters family yesterday and as my niece stated getting over this very sad loss will take sometime. But the memories of this sweet pup will be forever in our hearts.
I love your scruffy sweet face. You'll be missed Bud man!!

For one of many sweet photos of Buddy go over to nieces blog here

Week 39....................marketplace

2011-04-11T03:00:00.001-06:00

love me a radish sandwich

Week 40.................wood

2011-04-04T03:00:00.002-06:00

Some old barns just are so beautiful this is one of those barns.

Together

2011-03-30T03:00:00.002-06:00

Together is a great place to be..................

Week 41.................Y

2011-03-28T03:00:00.002-06:00

Y is for yolk............................Before the quiche

Week 42................B is for

2011-03-21T10:21:00.002-06:00

Bell Pepper

An Irish story

2011-03-17T09:16:00.000-06:00

Every morning Mr Doodles and Bogey have a little ritual, Bogey gets some good rubs while Mr is having his morning coffee, Bogey gets a treat or three then Mr opens the drawer for Bogey to choose his playtoy for the day. This morning Bogey chose his ratty olde green mouse.
Mr Bogart must have a bit of Irish in him.
Wishing y'all a Happy St Patrick's Day.

Week 43....................Song Title

2011-03-14T03:00:00.001-06:00

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Week 44....................detail

2011-03-07T09:15:00.002-07:00

poppy from The Getty a photo by doodles312 on Flickr.

the detail of a California poppy

What Bogey has been doing

2011-03-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Norm bought him a present a few days again. We have gotten a lot of entertainment out of this purchase.

at this point the poor guy was quivering, just wanting to play with that little birdie

the pretty little hummingbird decided a black furry creature was not something to mess with so off he went to go sit on the ocotillo. Bogey is now resting waiting for the hummingbird to come back.

Week 45....................Silhouettes

2011-02-28T03:00:00.008-07:00

I think y'all know how much I love sillhouettes

Week 46...................parts

2011-02-21T03:00:00.008-07:00

Body parts~~~~~~~~taking photos of any body parts is difficult your own is even worse.........I NEED A PEDICURE!!!

It's kinda funny that sweet sister is attending her life drawing classes with the lesson plan being to draw body parts and my weekly photo assignment this very week is body parts...........a co-inky-dink for sure.

My submission for week 46 - body parts.

Maiden voyage

2011-02-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

It was a drop dead gorgeous day with flat calm,

gin clear water on Squaw Lake.

More about the comfortable part of the trip NOT when we

figure out how to make the seats more comfortable.

Week 47...............sweets

2011-02-14T03:00:00.005-07:00

Given the week assignment is sweets I thought I would post one of
my sweetums favorite.........black licorice.

Happy Valentines Day!!

A couple that beads together are critics

2011-02-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

of each others works of course in a good way.
click on the photo and it will give you a better view

Week 48................wind

2011-02-07T03:00:00.003-07:00

Blowing in the wind

Well now I do know a little something about that subject. Unfortunately there isn't a lot of subject matter out here on the desert to depict wind plus we had company. This photo was taken on the land where the Battle of Little BigHorn took place in Montana. Loved hearing about Geronimo and all the folk lore. Great history in that area.

Asian Star

2011-02-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Our new favorite Asian restaurant.............this is their bento box of tempura for lunch/ I cannot even imagine what a dinner portion would be. Friends wanted something different so we told them about our new find of this place. They loved it as much as we do. This place stands out brightly amongst all the fine mexican places here in this border town. Heard about this on Yelp.com. If you don't use Yelp you should that and urbanspoon.com. Perfect if you are in an unfamilar area as the reviews are generally spot on and honest.

I always knew

2011-02-02T09:33:00.002-07:00

Why dear sister and bro-in-law's sweet olde dog Buddy has led such a great long life. The pup walks every day, he doesn't walk in the rain or maybe today since the winds at his house are blowing 40 mph. But I can attest to the fact that he does walk everyday that weather permits.

Buddy

Check out this article I came upon this morning. It certainly is not something we don't know but it sure is something we should all practice. So grab a leash and have your dog take you for a walk. No dog, grab a friend or your phone and call a friend while you're walking............just get out and walk!!

Week 49.............a little color

2011-01-31T03:00:00.001-07:00

peeking thru

What Mr Doodles has been up to

2011-01-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

If you click on this photo I think it will enlarge enough to see the pieces.

Of course he has help from the furry black beast. I talked him into making some anklets but I have to come up with some designs. Don't ask what he is gonna do with all of these...............................

Week 50................project.............vintage

2011-01-24T03:00:00.003-07:00

Vintage

New wake up call..............

2011-01-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

Nope not on my cell phone, this would be the braying of one of those cute little burros I shared
with you the other day.

It surely is a startling sound coming from a sound sleep and the only light is from the very bright full moon.

I just don't get it...............

2011-01-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

As of right now we are staying in Yuma, Arizona. Along with being a border town this area is also referred to as the lettuce bowl of the United States.

Please explain to me on why that on January 18, 2011 I went to the grocery store, purchase a head of lettuce for the whopping amount of $1.49. I look on the packaging and I see that this head of iceburg lettuce is from some podunk town in Florida. WHAT!!!

Like I said I just don't quite understand the workings of the agriculture business. Having said that wouldn't it be better to buy what is grown local??? Not just because I paid waaaay too much for a head of lettuce to be transported from Florida to Arizona. I bet someone just like me in Florida is saying WTH am I buying Arizona lettuce for when they grow the exact same thing down the road.

I am a tad annoyed..........but then I'm the dope that paid $1.49 for the stupid lettuce that came all the way from Florida to my market here in Arizona.

Week 51............project..........naps

2011-01-17T03:00:00.003-07:00

Ahh the goodness of naps

Bogey has a new playmate

2011-01-12T03:00:00.001-07:00

Well Hi there!! Aren't you cute.

Well not really playmates in the strictest sense but he was quite interested that we were outside with these furry creatures and he wasn't.

An explanation needed here these are wild burros that roam these desert grounds. They have been around for a very long time, back in the gold rush days............read about them here. Norm calls it donkeyland!!

You brought a friend

Our neighbor John getting acquainted with these nosy burros.

What a sweet face..........this one was quite small.

I think Bogey just might enjoy the hummingbirds that frequent the area a lot more than these wild burros.

Week 52.............a project

2011-01-10T03:00:00.002-07:00

Breakfast of freshness

A project...........starting Monday

2011-01-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

That photo class I mentioned earlier, well I got kicked started with an assignment in addition to the class. There was mention of a project that has been around awhile called 52 week project, meaning a photo taken each week and shared. There is also a 365 project however that is just a tad too ambitious for me at the moment.

Think I can handle the 52 week project. So you as friends and visitors keep me honest and hold me accountable. Let's see what I can come up with................

The Gypsy Caravan has landed

2011-01-06T03:00:00.007-07:00

We have landed in the Copper State (AZ) enjoying seeing friends from last year.

Have great intentions of organization, some schooling on photo taking for me, Norm is gonna take a beading class (I can hear his friends now gasping). But he's really good and with a little more knowledge to sharpen his skills he should be great. He does the peyote beading which is the very small tedious weaving. He calls what beading I have done just stringing rocks, hmmmm!!

There happens to also be a very full calendar of goings on in the Yuma area. We will be attending the Tucson Gem show the beginning of February, stopping in Quartzsite for their Craft show along the way. The Air Show in Yuma is a must towards the end of March.

One of the reason we'll be going to Tucson is to pick up our wood for the floor we will be installing in the RV. Looking at all the goings on wonder if we'll have time for the floor installation.

I shall take photos so.......................

No resolutions for me!!

2011-01-03T09:00:00.002-07:00

How bout 2011 being a year of content and comfort. Actually any year should be content and comfort!!
I plan to................in no particular order

*organize my photo's

*plan on winning back my bottle of tequila

*to be more physically active

* go paperless and plastic bagless whenever possible.

* watch the sunset every nite over the beautiful Pacific Ocean

* buy rain boots cause I might need them where we are spending the summer

*To explore the moments in life that lead to contentment

I borrowed this idea from my friend Sandi at Whistlestop, one of her promises is to spend more time in Tuscany................Sandi I hope that happens because hearing of your adventures is wonderful!!

Wishing you a very Merry

2010-12-22T19:16:00.001-07:00

Tree lot goings on.............

2010-12-17T14:43:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you know by now that Mr Doodles and I manage a Christmas tree lot in Southern California. Now having said that the weather is usually quite nice,warm days in the 50's or 60's and nice crisp cool nites. Well the weather God's must be annoyed at someone cause the forecast is to rain for the next three or four days.

The weekend before Christmas that't just not right!! But we have about eight really great, young burly lot boys that can do just about anything on the lot. But they are happiest when the place is packed with people and they are busying around load trees for the nice folks.

That just isn't happening right now, it is cold and rainy and the BOYS get bored. When we sell a tree it is put thru a contraption that is called a netter. It keeps the tree from getting limbs broken plus makes it eeasier to get the tree into the house.

keeping track and tabs on boys that are in their early 20's is like herding cats. But this group we had this year is just the best. They make me look forward to next year cause they all have said they will be back next year with the exception of one.

They all have other jobs or are going to school. We have a couple of paramedics, a fellow that is going to be a Dr, ones a dirt bike racer, And what makes it the best is they can lift big a$$ trees up on top of cars all by themselves.

It's a fun and festive place to work/play, the owners are terrific, our family is close by so we get to have Christmas with them............life is good..............we look forward to next year

Miss her everyday

2010-12-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Momma!!

One of many favorite quotes

2010-11-26T03:00:00.005-07:00

May the light always find you on a dreary day.

When you need to be home, may you find your way.

May you always have courage to take a chance.

And never find frogs in your underpants.

Good Morning

LET THE STRESS BEGIN!!

The Christmas season is upon us and we will be very busy. My friend Bee is an avid collector of quotes I hope she enjoys this one as much as I do.

I'll try to post a few photos of the trees in our lot.

Shhhhhhh............... they are sleeping

2010-11-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Next stop 41

2010-11-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

But in the mean time the celebration for our 40th anniversary was so very special. Sister found a cool little tratorria over in Culver City. Brunello's was a terrific choice.
After spending the afternoon at the Petersen Auto Museum, we met up with sweet niece and hunky nephew in law at Brunello's.

They have a pretty standard Itlian fare menu but their specials were quite special. One of which was an artichoke potato soup. Sister and I have a habit of trying to recreate a dish if it's something that alerts our taste buds. Well that soup certainly was one that caught our attention. If it sounds like something that would tempt your taste buds try this recipe. I should have known Giada would have this in her repetoire.

I made this soup exactly as the recipe stated and turned out just divine. Yes I said divine. Oh wait I think she calls for two cups of chicken stock I used the whole package which is 26 ounces. It was thick and creamy just as I remembered that special nite of celebrating.

Thankful early

2010-11-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

To be honest I'm rather thankful all the time but it seems

this year I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm not gonna bore you to tears with my list of thankfuls, because those that read my blog know what I'm thankful for.

But I will tell you here and now I am so very thankful for family. If you have family hold them close because everything else is secondary.

We as a family gather early to be thankful earlier than most. Reason being is that Doodles and Mr Doodles open up that Christmas tree lot the day after Thanksgiving. Lots of preparation needs to be done to open the tree lot on that dreaded Black Friday. I know I was shocked when I found out how many folks want to purchase a tree Thanksgiving weekend. Guess it has a lot to do with tradition on when folks want to put up there tree.

I also need to put in a plug here for real trees vs fake trees, real trees are so much better for the environment as well as good for stimulating the economy so I would appreciate it if you would stimulate the economy as well as the environment.

So back to being Thankful. We will gather our small family this Saturday to be thankful together and of course EAT!!! We have a wicked menu planned of all the usual food items with a few newbies making an appearance.

So.................

Forty..............WTH!!!

2010-11-03T03:00:00.001-06:00

Forty years................................ good lord seems hard to believe. Not that we haven't enjoyed most moments of the past forty years, but it just flies by. I swear I am hearing all the elders in our family that told us stuff and we all just laughed.
Trust me young-uns it's right around the corner.

Trust me Mr Doodles is dern lucky after this incident a few years ago. I thought I had written a blog about us getting hitched and why Tombstone guess not. I'll save it for fifty maybe. The other day Mr Doodles heard about a couple celebrating their eighty years of marriage (holy crap) he says "hey we're half way there". Gotta love a guy with a vision.

Look at that picture, I had hair, Mr Doodles had dorky glasses and a pocket protector. We had just gotten married by this wacky Judge Sharpe who had just gotten out of the hospital wearing a neck collar. Here we both are with our witness standing in Judge Sharpe's antique office, I mean some gorgeous antiques. And the view out of his second floor office window was over looking the Lavendar Open Pit Copper Mine just outside of Tombstone, Arizona, home of our favorite movie Tombstone.

Thanks Mr Doodles......................it's been a hell of a ride!! .

2010-10-31T21:20:00.000-06:00

If Bogey ever requested a playmate this little guy would be perfect. Is that the sweetest face!!
Maybe I'll just get Bogey a hat next year.

Here's the trick

2010-10-28T03:00:00.001-06:00

When your born start out your life eating really healthy, then when you get older your arteries won't be clogged and you can enjoy that fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, pecan pie, etc.

But now here we are with sodium, fats and sugar are evil, lurking everywhere. Oh don't even get me started on the calorie counting. Keeping us healthy has always been at the top of the list. Retirement is easy it's the rules of life that make it difficult. It isn't that one does not want to change their eating habits, it's hard to change your taste buds.

Grilled chicken and salads are fine but to a point. But we all know that moderation is the key. I will accept all recipes emailed to me as long as there is NO kale, green tea or spinach smoothies.

So here we are at this stage in our life about to celebrate our 40th anniversary and my dear Mr Doodles has been recently diagnosed with plaque. Nope not your easy to remove dental plaque, oh no he got some sticky arterial plaque diagnosed by a cardiologist.

So now the next step is the roto rooter dude, aka cardiologist is going to remove that plaque. Should be an easy procedure "they say".

Here's a question if your heart and most of your arteries are positioned around your upper left hand side of your body/chest, why would the cardiologist go in thru your groin waaaaaaay down there. Couldn't they train dentists to do angio whatevers and go in thru your mouth, it's a lot closer. It's just the way my mind works folks.

As always

Greetings.............from my favorite Witch!!

2010-10-25T20:45:00.000-06:00

My last Halloween best wishes...............isn't this just the greatest!!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-23T14:52:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping

2010-10-23T08:46:00.001-06:00

that President Obama didn't lose the UCLA vote......... read about it here

Bogey

2010-10-16T04:00:00.001-06:00

Nope I don't have one of those beautiful Cossack hats with a long black tail that is our crazy cat Bogey. Bogey usually jumps up on the top shelf of the closet mid morning and retires for several hours. I thought it would be because he was cold but oh no he was up there during the hottest temps the last few days. Like I said Bogey is a bit loony!!

Weather update

2010-10-14T22:25:00.000-06:00

The weather has cooled and the A/C has been shut off.

My prayers have been answered cause no one wants to get ready to Halloween in 90 degree weather.

My dear, sweet Sister has offered to sacrifice a chicken for me.........God love her!!

A complaint

2010-10-13T09:41:00.000-06:00

I am sick, sick I say of HOT weather!!! If I wanted hot weather I would go see our friends in Texas and visit friends or go see step-momma who lives in the desert.

Having said all that Mr Doodles loves it hot, the hotter the better. Guess Bogey does too cause he sleeps in the closet all day and it's danged hot in there.

My motto I can always warm up but sure is hard to cool down when it's...............

96

The good news is it's expected to cool down for the weekend cause FYI the pumpkins don't like it hot either.

Greetings from Sunny Southern California.......update

2010-10-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

Oh I forgot.................greeting from freakin hotter than the hinges of hell Southern California. Holy crap I long for the cool windy days and brisk nites of Colorado.

In spite of the hotter than holy hell weather we are having fun doing what ever it is we do.

By the way Bogey is pretty angry we made him bring his fur coat with us cause it certainly isn't necessary here!!Temp today 109 degrees.......................yep 109!!

Todays update ...........temps have cooled drastically, plus there is moisture in the air. Supposed to change to a bit warmer but praying to the weather Gods it stays out of the three digits. Bogey still has that fur coat ya know.

One more update..............http://frenchbenefits.blogspot.com/2010/09/there-is-disturbance-in-force.html

Sea level, seafood and sea views

2010-09-16T04:00:00.005-06:00

Most of you know we have made the Western slope of Colorado our summer home for the past three years. We have enjoyed and benefitted every minute of this gorgeous area.

What's not to like................ fishing on the beautiful Blue Mesa Lake, or on the banks of the Gunnison River, drives thru the canyons that can literally take your breath away. A perfect example of that is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We would ocassionaly like to take a drive over to Lake City, where the views of the many ranches are so beautiful. Once we arrive in Lake City the stop would be either the BBQ joint or the New Orleans Cajun spot that is pretty tasty. If there was room after a walk down the picturesque Main Street we just might stumble into the San Juan Ice Cream Shoppe.Then there's hiking for a view of the wildflowers and some wild animals that will pop into view from time to time.

I cannot forget the twelve mile trip to the town of Gunnison. Riding thru the canyons with the mountains to the north and the Gunnison River to your south. I will forever keep that picture in my mind.

And the people we met we will forever hold dear in our hearts and lasting friendships were made.

Of course there's the photo taking that I have enjoyed immensely.

I would have added some photos here but blogger seems to be misbehaving, I'm wondering if blogger is related to facebook.

Well we have done all we wanted to do in this area so it's time to move on. I'm a Pisces, I need some ocean near me, Mr Doodles he doesn't care one way or the other. He says as long as I'm happy he is also. Such a sweetums!!

Between now and April we are going to be in Southern California with family and friends. Possible going to Yuma/Tucson for the Gem show this winter. Come early April 2011 we will be heading to the Southern Washington hanging out for the summer in the beautiful area of Long Beach, Washington.

As always

Join me please.........

2010-09-05T09:58:00.000-06:00

In wishing our cat Mr Bogart, aka Bogey the terrorist, a Happy Birthday.

You may remember last New Years Eve we rescued this little guy and most days we are happy we did. When we got him they said he was born around the first of September so we decided that we would celebrate Bogey's birthday on Labor Day.

The photo is one of my very favorites cause it was Bogey playing with one of his first toys.

Happy Birthday Bogey, here's hoping for many more fun years together.

A new favorite site

2010-08-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

http://www.curlygirldesign.com/

Her messages will certainly bring a smile to your face.

Boots

2010-08-01T20:39:00.000-06:00

for sister maybe to paint my boots

a visible collection of particles of water or ice suspended in the air, usually at an elevation above the earth's surface.

2010-07-20T09:57:00.001-06:00

The title is one of the many definitions of a cloud.

I'm on facebook and I discovered a very interesting site you might want to visit or even participate. Click here to view and participate in the project, I am. You'll see clouds from all over the world.

I think I'm gonna post my cloud photos over on my photo blog.......................maybe we could do name that cloud, have a contest, do some dreaming on a cloud.

As always

110 years

2010-07-19T08:18:00.000-06:00

That's a very long time to hold a rodeo, but the very fine folks of Gunnison Colorado have done just that. Cattlemen's Days is a week long event ending with the rodeo.

My boots need a good cleaning

a patriotic beginning

the Queen of the Cattlemen's Days

and our favorite event...................bull riding

Great weekend, weather cooperated............great job Gunnison!!

Now to the wildflower festival in Crested Butte just up the road a bit.

What ya think

2010-07-18T20:08:00.001-06:00

Mr Doodles trying his hand at a different kind of beading. And I'm the lucky recipient of a beautiful new bracelet. It's about two inches wide, not stretchy and very comfortable to wear.

Star gazing

2010-07-15T09:38:00.001-06:00

Sister got me started stargazing when we were in Yuma this past winter. Nothing like a navy blue sky and sparkling stars shining down on you to get your juices going for more star gazing. I have a curious nature so I wanted to learn more.

Fast forward to Gunnison, Colorado where we have spent the last three summers. Guess what they have an observatory!! Click here to see the site. This place is run totally on volunteers and has been in existence since 2007 I believe. They now have some fairly fancy telescopes for viewing.

Imagine the nite sky in the Western Rockies in SouthWest Colorado. Many navy blue skies I'll tell ya. And the stars sparkled like diamonds

The local college has some nite classes that they call Wednesday at Western, well one of them was an astonomy lecture and visit to the observatory, fee $5. When I saw that I checked with some friends here and we quickly made a reserve since I figured these kind of things fill up fast.

Last nite was our lecture...................what a terrific experience. Professor was a tad geeky but then I kind of expected that of an astronomer.

The clouds cleared, all but a couple of wisps and low and behold there was Saturn in all its splendor includng the rings. Everyone that viewed walked away from the scope say WOW!!

If you would like to partake in some amateur star gazing check out Skymaps.com You'll print out the map calendar and wander out in the nite time sky and see some pretty amazing sites. Best viewed on a pretty clear sky, no clouds, and when the moon is not real bright.

It was a wonderful nite and I will definitely go back because they have public viewing on Friday nites.

just another PO'd post..........sorry

2010-07-09T09:34:00.005-06:00

We all go in to fast food joints where they give you a cup for your drink. That's an all you can drink ya know so buy a small and drink away, fill up as many times as ya want. Well that is while you are in that location. Don't take the cup home, wash it and bring it back the next time. If in fact you do, look ashamed, look very ashamed.

Now there is another one the irks the HE## out of me. Years ago fast food establishments started giving out small cups for the elderly, yes I mean seniors, for them to get water at the all you can drink area. Isn't that nice they started doing that.

Well it didn't take long for folks to take advantage of the generous nature of these establishments. Needless to say it didn't take long for the establishments to raise the price of their drinks. Why you ask.............well people are getting cups for water and then filling them with soda or tea, yes even the seniors. I sat the other day and watched 7 folks that were all together of various ages, 6 of them used the free water cup given them and walked right over to the soda and filled it with ice and soda. The seventh person asked what's with the drinks, one of them explained and he said "well I'll know next time".

Does anyone think this is stealing?? Yes I know there is a huge markup on soda, tea and ice BUT why must I pay for your lack of conscious. Rest assured I would go very thirsty before I participated in the free cup scam.

O say can we see

2010-07-02T09:42:00.004-06:00

Please remember our service men and women serving our
country around the world.

Have a safe 4th of July!!

Happy Canada Day dear Canadian friends

2010-07-01T03:00:00.000-06:00

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

fyi...........my niece used to be able to play this anthem on her flute

Our third summer

2010-06-30T10:03:00.001-06:00

Here in Gunnison, Colorado. But when sweet sister and dear bro-in-law visited it was the first time in this area.

No matter how many times I take the same photos the scenery always looks different.
My favorite spot at the Gunnison River.

Sister and I scooted out early one morning, I drove her to my favorite spots

Here we are......looks like we have rocks in our head and pockets!!

I hit the wall

2010-06-27T08:35:00.005-06:00

What a week!! It was wonderful to have the Teardrop couple here for a few days. Stay caught up on their adventures here if ya like..............they have several more days on the road to home.

But then I had no idea that we would be that busy this week here at the RV joint. Seems like some folks are getting a jump on their Fourth of July get away. Now this week will be busy preparing for the big BBQ we have here for the revelers on July 4th.

It's lotsa fun, we invite all the folks staying here as long as they bring a side dish or dessert, the owners provide the burgers, hot dogs condiments and drinks. Always a fun time!! Then about 8:30 we all head to town to watch the fireworks.

So yesterday after getting up quite early to work a few hours, Mr and I toddled to town for a few supplies and lunch then back home for a long awaited nap. We even turned down a dinner invite. I have now caught up with my sleep, for awhile at least.

Lot's on the schedule for this week none of which will be photo taking. I do have some pics we took during the time the Teardroppers were here just haven't looked at them yet.

I need a nap.............

2010-06-25T08:14:00.002-06:00

It sure has been a whirlwind the last few days.

Sister and her sweetie husband arrived and three days later they are back on the road to a new journey.

Needless to say, if you know us at all, we packed in a lot of things during that short time.

We dined of course, that kinda goes without saying. We went up the mountains and then down the canyons. Had to show them our favorite places in the area. Sure did pack in a lot of vista viewing in the last few days and also took some photos, but then you know that.

We celebrated Mr Doodles birthday, were able to get in a few games of cards, all in all a fun time in a very short period of time.

Off to take my nap..............later for photos!!

Let's acknowledge

2010-06-19T07:48:00.002-06:00

My dear sisters birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SISTER!!!

We await your arrival!!!

Your attention please............

2010-06-17T19:18:00.002-06:00

Preparing for an auspicious occasion...........yes there will be more info to follow and of course there will be photos............that you can bet on my friends.

definitely

I am restraining myself

2010-06-01T05:00:00.001-06:00

from posting any words because I know damn well it would get me in trouble. Just boycott this company and their family of companies. Need I say more.

And let's not forget the men that lost their lives as well as the men and women who have been incredibly damaged mentally by the greed of this company, understandably emotions are running quite high. And might I add in more areas than the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. I went so far as to buy local shrimp, from the US, to put on the BBQ Memorial Day, my little nose thumbing to BP.

My signature has always been stay tuna'd............folks I'm really afraid of the outcome.

A beautiful acknowledgement

2010-05-29T08:42:00.001-06:00

My sweet sister wrote a beautiful tribute to our most wonderful servicemen and women. She acknowledge our family members. A lovely heartfelt tribute................................ thanks Sister!!

Pop on over to her site, to do that click here

They are everywhere

2010-05-08T08:54:00.008-06:00

and they are so cute cause they still have their winter coats that is fuzzy, then with their long skinny legs. I would say about half of the group at least are adults and the rest the kidlets.
Not the best shots given the time and location.

There she is again with that damn camera

My Moment..........reposted

2010-05-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

I am re posting this to remind you to go check out the New York Times site for A Moment in May. You'll be in awe of all the wonderful photos I promise!! Save the site because I'm sure it will be very busy.

The NY Times put together a chance to create a Global Mosaic with a project called, A Moment in May, Sunday, May 2 at 15:00 GMT everyone was to take a picture. They even had a link to a converter to tell when that was no matter where you were. West Coast was easy, 8:00 a.m. Then I realized I'm in Colorado duh!! 9 a.m. I know people in five different areas----Hong Kong, Egypt, Toronto, Florida Keys and Western Canada that took a picture at the same moment, or at least I hope they did.

9:02 a.m. Bogey checking out the Spring morning snow

Everyone has until May 7 to submit the photos. Check back here or pop over to the Times web site for the final Global Mosaic...............I can't wait.

Your attention PLEASE!!!

2010-05-02T08:29:00.006-06:00

Wake me when summer arrives...................OK!!!

2010-04-30T16:34:00.003-06:00

"Every A$$BUTT who ever chanted 'Drill baby drill' should have to report to the Gulf coast today for cleanup duty," - Bill Maher.

Oh my................

2010-04-27T20:14:00.003-06:00

There is some white schtuff in our future and soon..............off to find our mittens. And make some comfort food. And yes I'll share pictures.

Bogey has visitors

2010-04-26T20:16:00.005-06:00

Bogey was quite fascinated.
They still have their furry coats.
This was taken out of the window so quality not that great

There were at least eight of these little guys.
See those big ears their hearing is quite acute.

April showers

2010-04-19T19:23:00.001-06:00

brings snow showers.............HOLY CRAP!!!

Well here we are stuck in the PODUNK town of Indian Springs Nevada. That's podunk with a capital P.

There is one thing that entertains Mr Doodles..............that would be Creech Air Force Base which is a part of the very famous Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. They test the Predator here as well as train the Thunderbirds. Those Thunderbirds are out on tour but there are some like planes up there buzzing around. And Mr has taken a couple a snaps of the (drone) Predator.

There are snow showers in our future with lows of 32*ish. Oh and high wind advisory for the next few days.

So we have changed our route totally. That post I did with the route and then talking about going thru Tonopah, star gazing capital of the world, then on to Winemmucca........not gonna happen friends. We'll see all those wonderful places in the fall.

I should not complain one bit because the three years we have been on this journey we have been so very lucky with weather conditions..................but
for now we are here.............definitely

Update

2010-04-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

one side

the other side

on the walking stick

Think of it as a napkin ring shape...................I really like it.

Good job Mr!!

Taking our time

2010-04-14T05:00:00.006-06:00

As sister likes to refer to us as the Gypsy Caravan, we are ready to head North. Well north as far as Southern Colorado. Just saw an article that says Colorado and Kansas are having the worst pollen in the country. Excuse me you mean worse than my friends in the Carolina's? Worse than last year..........yikes!!

Maybe we'll be taking our time given the yukky pollen situation. Must show you our long but quite different travels. Some of the places we have yet to visit. I know imagine that. I have been yakking to Mr about seeing what the rave is all about when folks talk about Winnemucca, Nevada. So that is one of the stops.

you can click on the photo to enlarge

Should be pulling out of here around the 15th of April. First stop Lake Havasu, AZ, been there and know there is a sweet little English Pub right there on the London Bridge. >>>>>>>>>>>

Taking US highway 95 and no it's not that far, bout 100 miles or so. However the desert is in bloom and that means photo ops for the passenger, me!! I'll be saying, pull over Mr , can ya stop please, every few miles. Mr is such a patient man. So we decided that Yuma to Havasu would be long enough. Plus there are some good lunch stops along the way.

The next day we'll motor on up to Bullhead City, AZ then zip across over to Laughlin, Nevada. Another 100 mile or so trip. Heard there was a casino there.

After Laughlin, still traveling on US highway 95 we'll head east, sorta. Thru Vegas, yep buzz thru Vegas. Still on Highway 95 we'll be on the edge of Death Valley. Next stop Indian Springs, Nevada. We'll be reaching a bit of elevation and with that cooler temps. Here's hoping for no spring snowfall.

click on me to enlarge

So we all know the Internet is a remarkable tool. I would never be able to keep up with y'all if I had to do it by notes and phone calls. But I found something even more remarkable Google has a distance map you can use. There are some pretty smart folks over at Google. I hope they know that our lives have been changed by their many programs. Find it here, Mr says it's right on when it comes to mileage. Don't ask, he knows things like that.

One more thing, young kitten Bogey has yet to travel any long distances, so here's hoping he will be a good traveler.

More to come...............

I am in AWE

2010-04-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr Doodles,

It is said that families that bead together
stay together.

You never cease to amaze me. I've recently taken up beading. I love it, it's creative, relaxing and easy. I'm not proficient but I'll get there like anything else it takes time. Now you Mr Doodles are tackling something I have and never will have patience doing. You have taken up peyote beading.

It's all because we went to that Pow Wow and you saw the Indian beading on the walking stick. I had to open my big mouth and say how cool that was and now you think you can do this.

Well it turns out you can and I am damned impressed. Mr D you have hidden creative talents that I never knew existed.

Turns out you have a helper.

For the finished product

More about the great week

2010-04-04T05:00:00.003-06:00

if ya look real close you can see a tad bit of the Colorado River.

Sister posted on her blog, without photos cause of technical circumstances. Dontcha hate it when that happens.

So go read her blog here and I'll post a few more pics. Oh if your interested NO there is not a photo of the 4 ft snake!!! Ya know we had just finished watching the new Life series on Discovery Channel. That particular segment had reptiles and amphibians......eeeewwwwwwwwww!! And then someone had to tell us about a 4 ft rattler their dog had chased away. Scuse did ya happen to see which way the damn rattler went?? edited to add...............we never saw the damn snake!!!

Sorry to say Sister had to have a dream about those reptiles.

A few nites it was nice enough and not too windy to have a fire.

Saw of few of these funny little creatures................warning don't get too close wild burros can give ya a world a hurt in one kick.

cute huh!!

A terrific week

2010-04-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

sister, bro-in-law and their sweet pup Buddy

I'm sad but have some wonderful memories of sweet sister and her dearly beloved during their visit.

We did a lot but not that much where we couldn't hang out play a gome of cards, take a walk or sit around the fire at nite and roast a marshmallow or three. By the way sweet sister beat the socks off me in the card playing department. Dang couldn't catch a break!!

We even got some antiquing done one day. Each purchased a much wanted/sought after 8" Pyrex pie plate. They don't make those babies any more so we were both cited to make the purchase.

We traveled to the old silver mine, Castle Dome.

Wandered out to the Colorado River, that's BIL viewing.

Had a great lunch at my favorite joint

Saw a few blooms on the desert.

Went to see the Yuma Jail and the QuarterMaster Depot. Did ya see the movie 310 to Yuma? This was the jail they were to deposit Russel Crowe.

We topped off the week with some flying, not by us but by some very talented folks at the Marine Corp Air Station Air Show here in Yuma.

FYI.............a public service message UPDATE

2010-03-31T18:37:00.001-06:00

Well it's fixed for me hope everyone else is fixed also!!

If you don't already know this...............blogger has some issues. Can't post photos with my blog. Trying to be patient.

http://blogger-status.blogspot.com/2010/03/our-image-backend-is-experiencing.html

Pow Wow

2010-03-13T05:00:00.003-07:00

The local Native American tribe in the Yuma area are the Quechan (pronounced kech-an.) We recently attended the Quechan tribal Pow Wow. Many tribal Pow Wows are held in the spring sorta like a big coming out party.

This pow wow was held outside and we did notice the tribe is not nearly as large as most other tribal held pow wows, but the costumes were just as interesting and colorful as any other we have attended.

The bead work done on all of these costumes is phenominal. Many of the beadwork is done by the woman of the family. I had a wonderful conversation with one lady who did the beading on these ensembles/outfits/costumes. And yes she referred to them as costumes.

All ages are involved in each tribal dance and this small child had his rhythm down perfect!! What a fun day!!