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.

Summer is Here!

Summer is here... June gave way to sunshine after a solid two weeks of gloom. I didn't think of it as gloom though, because with this cloudy overhead, everything in our yard became lush and greener.

Summertime is a time to stretch in the sun, spend time outside, and travel a bit more to the beach and the mountains. I'm looking forward to both in between work schedules.

No matter how old I get, I still get excited about having a summer before me to be more casual in dress, and enjoy the treats like ice cream and watermelon!

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.

Seeing the largest trees in the world last week during a trip to the Humboldt State Park in Northern California makes one realize how beauty can lift our human spirits. God's creation has an impact on how we create our own sphere of influence. When we plug into gardening or other creative endeavor that results in beauty,