The fourth in the area this year...
Willow Fire
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Sunday, July 05, 2015
JULY 4th 1st
For the first time in my life, I went camping during the July 4th weekend at the Aspen campground outside of Lee Vining with my wife and stepson, KC, and his girlfriend, EriKa.
The new Coleman two-burner propane stove we purchased at Wal-Mart worked great. We had a white gas stove but we needed an upgrade.
The screened shelter we purchased at Big 5 worked well to keep the bugs at bay.
Our camping condominium, the REI Hobitat, provided us the room and comfort to "get away from it all" but still have some creature comfort.
We forgot some items: a can opener (I swear it was in the camping gear), the stand alone propane burner to heat water while the food cooked on the stove.
We couldn't purchase firewood in Oakhurst due to the restrictions imposed by Cal Fire. We managed to purchase two boxes of Hotwood in Mariposa.
Our fireworks show at Site 16 comprised of a campfire and smores. Earlier in the day, we treated ourselves to a bowl of ice cream in Lee Vining.
For dinner we has chili over corn chips along with fresh wild onions we picked near Tioga Lake. We also had chili hot dogs. It was deelish!
We also went fishing on July 4th, but not a bite. Lee Vining Creek at the dam was low and Tioga Lake was low, too. Doggone drought.
Unfortunately, we felt it was not the right time to bring the dogs. We didn't feel like tethering them to the picnic bench during the night because we didn't want them to soil around the bench or to untangle them in the middle of the night.
For breakfast on July 5, we were surprised to crack open four eggs and saw this...
Yes, we all had fun.
The new Coleman two-burner propane stove we purchased at Wal-Mart worked great. We had a white gas stove but we needed an upgrade.
The screened shelter we purchased at Big 5 worked well to keep the bugs at bay.
Our camping condominium, the REI Hobitat, provided us the room and comfort to "get away from it all" but still have some creature comfort.
We forgot some items: a can opener (I swear it was in the camping gear), the stand alone propane burner to heat water while the food cooked on the stove.
We couldn't purchase firewood in Oakhurst due to the restrictions imposed by Cal Fire. We managed to purchase two boxes of Hotwood in Mariposa.
Our fireworks show at Site 16 comprised of a campfire and smores. Earlier in the day, we treated ourselves to a bowl of ice cream in Lee Vining.
For dinner we has chili over corn chips along with fresh wild onions we picked near Tioga Lake. We also had chili hot dogs. It was deelish!
We also went fishing on July 4th, but not a bite. Lee Vining Creek at the dam was low and Tioga Lake was low, too. Doggone drought.
Unfortunately, we felt it was not the right time to bring the dogs. We didn't feel like tethering them to the picnic bench during the night because we didn't want them to soil around the bench or to untangle them in the middle of the night.
For breakfast on July 5, we were surprised to crack open four eggs and saw this...
Yes, we all had fun.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
NEXT "UP"PER...
Work commences on the Upper bathroom...
Used to look like this...
Used to look like this...
 |
| The toilet will be placed at an angle to allow room on either side. A corner shelf will be built. |
 |
| Looking from the "doorway" in. |
 |
| For the corner shower. |
 |
| Toilet. |
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
MIL's PORCH...
What was once this....
Has become this...
Has become this...
 |
| Toby approved... |
 |
| Drake does not approve... |
Sunday, June 21, 2015
DOGS' DAY OF FIRST SUMMER...
To celebrate the puppies' first summer solstice, we take them again on a hike on the Lewis Creek Trail toward Red Rock Falls. This time, they got their "pawz-pawz" wet wading at the base of the falls.
Sasha has become well-adapted to hiking with us. She no longer "pulls" us when she is with us. She is a good lead as a trail dog occasionaly turning around to check up on Drake.
As for Drake, he is another story. He seems to think that when Sasha is in front, he needs to keep up. The leash is taut while he is huffing and puffing away. I have to occasionally stop him and tell him to calm down.
Toward the end of the hike, we let Drake lead and he seemed to calm down a bit.
When we returned home, it wasn't too long before both of them were passed out on the front porch.
All of us had fun...
Sasha has become well-adapted to hiking with us. She no longer "pulls" us when she is with us. She is a good lead as a trail dog occasionaly turning around to check up on Drake.
As for Drake, he is another story. He seems to think that when Sasha is in front, he needs to keep up. The leash is taut while he is huffing and puffing away. I have to occasionally stop him and tell him to calm down.
Toward the end of the hike, we let Drake lead and he seemed to calm down a bit.
 |
| Who dat in the french door wanting to go hiking? |
When we returned home, it wasn't too long before both of them were passed out on the front porch.
All of us had fun...
Thursday, June 18, 2015
FIRE WATCH...
Three fires in one day...
Triangle Fire: Mariposa County.
http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1098
Sky Fire: Madera County.
http://www.sierrastar.com/2015/06/18/73672_truck-fire-quickly-spreads-to.html?rh=1
Corrine Fire: Madera County
http://www.sierranewsonline.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=5373:fire-near-north-fork-off-road-222&Itemid=468
Triangle Fire: Mariposa County.
http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1098
Sky Fire: Madera County.
http://www.sierrastar.com/2015/06/18/73672_truck-fire-quickly-spreads-to.html?rh=1
Corrine Fire: Madera County
http://www.sierranewsonline.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=5373:fire-near-north-fork-off-road-222&Itemid=468
 |
| At the intersection of Highwy 41 and Highway 49. |
 |
| Farther north on Highway 41. |
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Monday, June 08, 2015
FROM DRIZZLE TO SIZZLE
We got 0.01 inches of rain on Friday, June 5, 2015...
Then we got smacked with 100° on Monday, June 8, 2015...
Summer solstice is on June 21, 2015.
Welcome, summer!
There will be more days like this only hotter up until October...as always this time of year.
Then we got smacked with 100° on Monday, June 8, 2015...
Summer solstice is on June 21, 2015.
Welcome, summer!
There will be more days like this only hotter up until October...as always this time of year.
Sunday, June 07, 2015
HAPPY 6IX MONTHS OLD...
Today, Sasha and Drake are 1/2 year-olds...
How did they celebrate?
A picture is worth a thousand dreams of dog treats.
An update on the dogs...
Sasha has my routine down pat. After taking my morning shower, she is there in the hallway waiting for me. As I put my socks on she nibbles on the socks as if to say, "I want a pair." When I get fully dressed for work, she knows it is "D-O-G-F-U-D" time and when I mention, "Happy dance," she starts dancing and rolling on the floor.
Drake has really become quite affectionate. A major step for both of us. He is still skittish when he meets other male humans. When KC came to visit after his graduation, Drake was very skittish but soon was comfortable around KC.
We don't know how they will react to kids, but I am sure we will find out.
Sasha loves attention. She loves to have her belly rubbed. What dog doesn't?
Sasha likes to chomp her teeth. So, whenever I do it, she, "yips," and starts going into a frenzy by rolling on the floor.
Drake has a unique way of doing "number 1." He doesn't lift his leg like other male dogs do. He does it on all fours. Poor guy gets his fee "wet" but he doesn't seem to mind. Hopefully, my MIL's dog, Toby, will teach him the ways of correct "scenting." Hopefully, no more "four on the floor," and "three for the tree."
Both dogs know how to shake. All I have to do is command them to sit and say, "Paw paw." Drake loves to shake. I can't get him to stop.
We have allowed Sasha to be untethered while outside the confines of the fenced in yard. She stays by our side when we venture out. Drake is another story and we have yet to train him. We don't walk without a leash due to deer and automobiles on our evening strolls near our home.
They got their first baptism on June 6, 2015, the day before the 1/2 birthday, as we hiked the In-N-Out Trail to Bass Lake. There, they waded in the water and had a grand old time. They went as far as their bellies but their natural instincts to paddle kicked in although they did not swim.
Sasha joins us for our crunches and pushups in the morning. Her version of crunches is lying on her back. It is quite a sight. Her version of a pushup is the "downward facing dog."
Drake is not a "piggy" when compared to his sister, Sasha. Come feeding time Drake takes a mouthful of food and dispenses it away from Sasha. Sasha, an opportunist, is quick to devour the food in her bowl and then proceed to what remains in Drake's bowl. No wonder Drake looks a little thinner than her "chunky monkey" sister.
Sasha has become potty-trained. Whenever she wants to go outside, she either whines and goes to the door during the evening or licks my hand to alert me in the middle of the night.
Drake prefers to eat lying down. Sasha prefers to eat on all fours.
Drake is now Mischievous Drake. He is to blame for all of the "chewing" going on in the backyard and for all the potholes. He knows it when we have to pick up his chewing mess and show it to him. The old "tail-between-the-legs."
How did they celebrate?
A picture is worth a thousand dreams of dog treats.
An update on the dogs...
Sasha has my routine down pat. After taking my morning shower, she is there in the hallway waiting for me. As I put my socks on she nibbles on the socks as if to say, "I want a pair." When I get fully dressed for work, she knows it is "D-O-G-F-U-D" time and when I mention, "Happy dance," she starts dancing and rolling on the floor.
Drake has really become quite affectionate. A major step for both of us. He is still skittish when he meets other male humans. When KC came to visit after his graduation, Drake was very skittish but soon was comfortable around KC.
We don't know how they will react to kids, but I am sure we will find out.
Sasha loves attention. She loves to have her belly rubbed. What dog doesn't?
Sasha likes to chomp her teeth. So, whenever I do it, she, "yips," and starts going into a frenzy by rolling on the floor.
Drake has a unique way of doing "number 1." He doesn't lift his leg like other male dogs do. He does it on all fours. Poor guy gets his fee "wet" but he doesn't seem to mind. Hopefully, my MIL's dog, Toby, will teach him the ways of correct "scenting." Hopefully, no more "four on the floor," and "three for the tree."
Both dogs know how to shake. All I have to do is command them to sit and say, "Paw paw." Drake loves to shake. I can't get him to stop.
We have allowed Sasha to be untethered while outside the confines of the fenced in yard. She stays by our side when we venture out. Drake is another story and we have yet to train him. We don't walk without a leash due to deer and automobiles on our evening strolls near our home.
They got their first baptism on June 6, 2015, the day before the 1/2 birthday, as we hiked the In-N-Out Trail to Bass Lake. There, they waded in the water and had a grand old time. They went as far as their bellies but their natural instincts to paddle kicked in although they did not swim.
Sasha joins us for our crunches and pushups in the morning. Her version of crunches is lying on her back. It is quite a sight. Her version of a pushup is the "downward facing dog."
Drake is not a "piggy" when compared to his sister, Sasha. Come feeding time Drake takes a mouthful of food and dispenses it away from Sasha. Sasha, an opportunist, is quick to devour the food in her bowl and then proceed to what remains in Drake's bowl. No wonder Drake looks a little thinner than her "chunky monkey" sister.
Sasha has become potty-trained. Whenever she wants to go outside, she either whines and goes to the door during the evening or licks my hand to alert me in the middle of the night.
Drake prefers to eat lying down. Sasha prefers to eat on all fours.
Drake is now Mischievous Drake. He is to blame for all of the "chewing" going on in the backyard and for all the potholes. He knows it when we have to pick up his chewing mess and show it to him. The old "tail-between-the-legs."
Thursday, May 28, 2015
TWO BUCKS
In my lifetime, I think I may have picked up at least $2.00 in change.
This morning, on my way to the entrance to Lowe's, I passed by a man sitting on the curb asking for some spare change.
Without thinking, I took out my wallet and handed the man $2.00. I could have said, "Sorry, pal, I don't have any change," but I didn't. Something came over me.
Now, I could have used that money to by me a grande coffee at Starbucks or I could use it later in the day,
As I exited Lowe's, I saw the man walking to another location in the parking lot.
As I sit here typing, I don't know that he did with the money I gave him. I hope he bought food, but he may have purchase other items like cigarettes or alcohol.
Maybe the next time I see him, I will go to Carl's Jr. and purchase a breakfast combo and give it to him.
It was time to give back to a poor stranger a moment of my life what I picked up over the course of my lifetime.
This morning, on my way to the entrance to Lowe's, I passed by a man sitting on the curb asking for some spare change.
Without thinking, I took out my wallet and handed the man $2.00. I could have said, "Sorry, pal, I don't have any change," but I didn't. Something came over me.
Now, I could have used that money to by me a grande coffee at Starbucks or I could use it later in the day,
As I exited Lowe's, I saw the man walking to another location in the parking lot.
As I sit here typing, I don't know that he did with the money I gave him. I hope he bought food, but he may have purchase other items like cigarettes or alcohol.
Maybe the next time I see him, I will go to Carl's Jr. and purchase a breakfast combo and give it to him.
It was time to give back to a poor stranger a moment of my life what I picked up over the course of my lifetime.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)