It's been hot-- around the high 90's to 100's. Yet, it is interesting to see that plants can still bloom. They, of course need to be draught resistant. I'd like to think that it's an expression of how beauty can exist even when it's smoldering outside, and the asphalt radiates heat that exceeds 125 degrees around 2 p.m.
Rather than wish for cooler temperatures, or a different season, it's good to just enjoy the heat, and even thrive in it, such as the cactus shown above.

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

San Diego is always a restful way to get away- and this was no exception. We stayed for the first time, (and plan to go back to) Campland by the Bay. Even with the 500+ RV and tent campsites- it was still a cozy place. There was a lot to do- from just hanging out on the bay, to singing Karokee. Very family-oriented friendly-- the atmosphere was pretty lively. The bonus was being so close to Sea World-- which we rode our bike to get to.

Vintage...

Last weekend, we had a yard sale. It always brings people to our house, and one of these persons turned out to be a former owner of our 1915 built house. It turns out too, that she and her husband actually did the add-on of our master bedroom and family room. It was exciting to see her walk around the house and reminisce of times she and her family shared in it. Maybe this is why we have always chosen to live in vintage houses throughout our lives. It's fascinating to hear stories of what took place in our abode. For example, another former resident shared with us a few years ago that her grandfather who owned the house was a Riverside physician and developed an entire square block of our downtown. Also she shared the house with boarder military wives of World War II soldiers.

We continue to document these events and feel privleged to add our own family's history to our house. Vintage houses definitely add interest and fascination to our every day normal lives.

April Showers...

April showers bring May flowers... right now, it's anything but. Our city hit a high record of 99 degrees today. It's only supposed to last for a couple of days, but you have to admit the warmer weather brings people out more, especially in the mornings and evenings. It's nice to see people walking and pedaling along the street.

Spring and Easter

Spring has arrived! This weekend, it was evident everywhere as people were spending time outside in their yards. New growth is everywhere, from flowers, greener lawns and plants spurting all over.

Easter is around the corner, evidenced by store ads filled with bunnies and chocolate. We plan on making the trip again up to sunrise service at Mt. Rubidoux. It's the 100th anniversary and already the city has repaved the road and making preparations for the event.

I'm always excited for sunrise services because it is such inspiration to see the sun rise as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Not only that, but to see the many types of people just coming out to worship is such a testimony of the relevancy of gospel. I plan on taking pictures of this and will share at a later blog. Last year's picture is posted here.

Dealing with Change...

Been dealing with lots of change lately... These past few weeks have been jam packed with it, and while it's hard to change, I realize it's also good because the Lord allows it...

There's the constant change in the weather...and just last weekend, we sprung forward to get to Spring one hour earlier that should happen on March 22nd.

Then there's the new administration in Washington keeping on bringing in change. First in policy, people, and even on their position before the election, to a different one now that the votes are in, and the pressure to win a vote is off. Yet, something don't change. For example, I found a card for a friend the other day that I sent her that stated that while many things may change, one thing was a constant... our friendship.

Above all, is the fact that there is ONE who will never change. It's the Lord, and how good it is to know that no matter what... we can be sure that His truth is everlasting and never subject to change.

Needles, CA- Presidents' Day

Our trip to Needles produced a beautiful view of the surrounding desert in it's winter state. It offered beautiful wild flowers and cactus turning different hues of pink to coincide with Valentine's Day.

Saturday started with a 2 mile hike into Grapevine Canyon in Nevada. The short hike provided several fun and challenging rock climbs. It was also fascinating to view the ancient Indian pictographs on the high walls of the massive rocks.
We had a great time driving into Oatman, AZ visiting a historic mining town, complete with roaming burros who didn't hesitate to introduce themselves.
We toured downtown Needles, which still remains as the Sante Fe RR Depot just as it did in the 1880's. Still standing is the original El Garces Hotel/Sante FeTrain Depot which housed the Harvey House, part of Fred Harveys chain of railroad side restaurants. The hotel is currently being renovated.