tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21974364196957114292024-02-20T01:40:32.044-08:00Completely CaliforniaAnn Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-82020841239600917722014-08-30T07:40:00.000-07:002014-08-30T12:42:53.734-07:00Traveling in Southern California<div style="text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Traveling in Southern California means many things to many people. This is not a travel guide. This is how to survive the freeway system and information on how to calculate distances. The freeway system scares many people. Heck, it terrifies some Southern California natives. What if I get stuck in traffic? What you see on TV is lines of cars going nowhere. Yes, that happens but it is not as bad as the media would have you believe. What do you need to know?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">The freeways in Southern California appear to cross each other every few miles. It is easy to get confused. Do I want to go south or north when the freeway looks like it is heading east? If you are geographically challenged this can be a problem. An easy trick to remember, freeways are numbered. Even numbered freeways (Interstate 210, Interstate 10, and Route 60) are always east and west. Odd numbered freeways (Interstate 15, Interstate 5, and Route 71) are north and south. If you know your destination and your map gives you the direction, even if the freeway looks like it is going in the wrong direction, you will be all right. If you missed the 91 freeway and got on the 22 freeway instead, do not worry. Both of them will cross the 57 freeway.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">Travel in Southern California is measured in time, not distance. If you ask anyone how far something is, they will give you a time frame. Miles are inconsequential and mean absolutely nothing. A four-mile trip could be 4 minutes or 20 depending on the area and traffic. If there is an accident, all bets are off. While the distance from Riverside, CA to</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Palm Springs</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">, CA, is 41 miles, it is actually an hour.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">You wake up in</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Palm Springs</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">, CA, and know that it is going to be 110 degrees. You think that it would be better to enjoy the day in a cooler spot. It is going to be 80 degrees in Oceanside, CA and you really want to watch the sun set over the ocean.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">Given what you know, it will be an easy drive. It is 98 miles, which is an easy 2-hour trip. Oceanside is west and south of Palm Springs. Take Interstate 10 and go west. Merge onto Interstate 15 and head south. Take CA-76 west towards Pala/Oceanside and you are there.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">In spite of its reputation, traveling in Southern California is not scary. Having an estimated time and a working knowledge of the freeway system takes away the confusion. Southern California is a great place to visit. It is possible to start out in the desert, make a trip to the mountains, enjoy the pines, and end up at the beach to roast marshmallows.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">Before you leave, you may want to check</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;"><u>t</u></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">he <a href="http://www.sigalert.com/ChooseMap.asp?lat=33.83516&lon=-117.33758&z=2" target="_blank">Sig-Alert maps</a> covering all of Southern California and now, most of the major cities in the United States. If there is an incident, you will be able to plan a route that avoids the problem. Sig-Alerts have been around a very long time. According to the <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/" target="_blank">California </a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/" target="_blank">Department of Transportation</a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 12pt;">, Sig-Alerts are unique to Southern California." In the 1940's the LAPD notified a local radio reporter, Lyod Sigmon, of bad accidents on city streets. Mr. Sigmon then notified his audience and they became known as Sig-Alerts. Mr. Sigmon created an electronic system that allowed authorities to alert the media of incidents. This system still notifies the media of any traffic incident that will tie up two or more lanes of a freeway for two or more hours.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 600; text-indent: 36px;">Reposted from a Helium article created on</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 36px;"> July 10, 2009. </span></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-9842811147748486422014-06-16T14:10:00.000-07:002014-06-16T14:10:00.183-07:00Wildfires in Southern CaliforniaWhen you grow up in Southern California, you develop almost a cavalier attitude about wildfires. You learn through experience they are going to happen. Every year you hope the hills and the mountains will escape fire season. However, you also know the Santa Ana winds will bring out the bad people. You then make a choice. Either you live in the hills or mountains or you pick the flat land. People new to the area fall in love with the mountains without understanding there are dangers and it is a roll of the dice.<br />
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In the 1950's, not only were there prescribed burns but the clouds were seeded to produce rain. After several mishaps (substitute disaster), the cloud seeding stopped and the burns were less frequent. That means like most fires, the undergrowth can be up to 30 years old. That's a lot of fuel. Since the area is not prone to thunderstorms in the summer, it is a given many of the fires are arson. With the winds, downed power lines start some of the fires. Power tools create sparks and start fires and campers start a few. Regardless of the reasons, wildfires are part of daily life.<br />
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The Los Angeles Basin and the surrounding areas vary in elevation. From Riverside, it is possible to see the smoke from the fires as far away as the San Fernando Valley. Depending on wind direction, ashes from the fires travel everywhere. There have been many times when the entire valley was surrounded by fire. Even if you are not in the direct line of the fire, the ash and smoke makes it hazardous.<br />
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Southern California continues to grow and many developers have moved further into the hillside, creating expensive homes. These homes have great views but as callous as it sounds, it is hard to feel sorry for the people who believe their homes will be safe. If you live in the hills, you will be guaranteed at least one scary fire. Southern California has exceptional firefighters who are well trained and dedicated. Because they are so good at what they do, they have saved countless lives and homes. It is sad when a home burns to the ground but it minuscule to the numbers they have saved. The news will focus on the one home, showing it repeatedly without giving our firefighters credit for the other 20 on the block still standing. Kudos to our firefighters!<br />
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People who live on the flat land are not always safe when the wind is blowing embers but there is generally less fuel and spot fires are easier to contain. Our family is fortunate no lives have been lost but several family members have lost homes. Two of them opted to move to the flat land, one moved to another mountain community and lost the second home there. It is always going to be the roll of the dice. Living in the Southern California hills and mountains with the Santa Ana winds is the perfect storm. Wildfires are a way of life.<br />
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Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-47683275968702998152014-06-09T05:44:00.000-07:002014-06-09T05:44:04.077-07:00What to do if you run out of things to do in Palm Springs<div class="MsoNormal">
If you run out of things to do in Palm Springs, CA, there
are many places close by to amuse and amaze. All these side trips are within an
hour drive from downtown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The <a href="http://www.pstramway.com/" target="_blank">Palm Springs Aerial Tramway</a> is just north of the town.
If you come in on Hwy 111, you have to pass it on your way to downtown. It
takes 15 minutes to travel to the 10,834-foot peak of Mt. San Jacinto. At the
top are 54 miles of hiking trails. Even if you are not a hiker, just the trip
to the top is an adventure. No matter how hot the valley is the temperature at
the top 20 to 30 degrees cooler. The rotating tramcars have been providing
visitors with breathtaking views 50 miles in all directions. The two trams hold
80 people and are the world's largest rotating cars. The tram was completed in
1963.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Interstate 10 just before the turn off on Hwy 111 to Palm
Springs, there is shopping galore. The <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=6" target="_blank">Desert Hills Premium Outlet</a> boasts such
stores as Prada, Dior, Boss, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. If that’s not enough, the
<a href="http://www.cabazonoutlets.com/" target="_blank">Cabazon Outlet</a>s is right next door. It is not hard to miss with the <a href="http://www.morongocasinoresort.com/" target="_blank">MorongoCasino</a> right down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, overshadowed by the Malls and the Casino is the Wheel Inn. The Wheel Inn is a slice of Americana that unfortunately has closed. The
food was wholesome and the restaurant itself was a museum. Claude
Bell who ran the Wheel Inn built two dinosaurs on the property. Dinny is
probably the largest dinosaur in America. His belly holds a gift shop. Dinny is
an Apatosaurus. Mr. Bell passed away before the second dinosaur was completed.
It is a Tyrannosaurus. The dinosaurs have appeared in commercials and the film
"Pee Wee's Big Adventure". If you arrange your vehicle just right,
you can make it appear the tyrannosaurus is attacking your car. I am sad it's gone because we used to drive out there on weekends just to have breakfast. I hope they'll bring it back. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in the old days
was a long and thirsty drive. There were no fast food places to get a drink and
people often stopped at <a href="http://www.hadleyfruitorchards.com/" target="_blank">Hadley's Fruit Orchards</a>. It was the place to slack their
thirst with a date shake. It is still the place to stop for the shake. For
those who think using date crystals to make shakes is just not right, they
offer a free sample. I guarantee you will like it. We certainly do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As you travel along Interstate 10, you will see giant windmills rising from the ground. They start around Cabazon and run well past Whitewater. They look like something out of a SciFi movie and used to creep me out as a young adult. There used to be tours but there are none at the present. </div>
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Leaving Palm Springs and heading south on Hwy 111, follow
the highway to <a href="http://www.shieldsdategarden.com/" target="_blank">Shield's Date Garden</a>. Mr. Shields started the date garden in
1924. He would give educational talks about dates to his visitors. He added a
slide show to his lecture about date culture and recorded it on a 15-minute
film. The film called, "Romance and Sex Life of the Date" is shown in
the shop. He invented the date crystals used in date shakes and cooking. They
sell many date products in the store, including some of the date varieties he
cultivated. It is worth a stop just to see the film and the man who loved
dates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Continuing south on Hwy 111, is the town of Indio and the
gateway to the Salton Sea. In December, they kick off the holiday season with
the <a href="http://www.tamalefestival.net/" target="_blank">Indio International Tamale Festival</a>. Admission is free and it is a county
fair with a tamale flavor. They have a tamale cook-off and were recently ranked
in the top 10 of "All-American Food Festivals by the Food Network. They
won two Guinness World Records. In 1999, they won for the largest tamale. It
was one foot in diameter and 40 feet long. In 2000, they won for the World's
Largest Tamale Festival with 120,000 visitors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It may be possible to run out of things to do in Palm
Springs. If that happens, try out one of these side trips. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-50225355800282929482014-06-02T05:11:00.000-07:002014-08-22T05:53:11.381-07:00Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">To understand why the Western Center for Archeology and
Paleontology (WCAP) is located in the rolling hills behind Hemet, CA, it is
important to look at the past. The area is rich in history and starts with the
Soboba Band of Lusieno Indians who first inhabited the area. The Domenigoni
family, who were some of the first settlers, arrived in the area in the 1880's.
For more than 100 years, the family farmed the area. However, even before that,
the valley was populated with animals from the ice age. Saber tooth tigers,
mastodons, giant sloths and many others roamed what is now Diamond Valley Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the Metropolitan Water District started their search
for a new reservoir, they settled on the Domenigoni Valley. However, when
scouting the area they found more than 90 sites that contained Indian artifacts
and ice age fossils. This became the most interesting archaeological and
paleontological dig ever. It came down to a basic cooperation between giant
earth-movers and people with small brushes. As they unearthed artifacts, the
earth-movers shifted to other areas giving the archaeologists and paleontologist’s
time to unearth, preserve, catalog and move the specimens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the excavation, they removed more than 1,000,000
specimens. The WCAP opened as not only a museum but also a learning center.
Half of the WCAP is dedicated to research labs and curation facilities.
Scientists and researchers have the ability to advance their learning with state-of-the-art,
climate-controlled labs. The labs are complete with 12 foot roll-up doors,
equipment for heavy lifting, floor drains and water outlets. With this
equipment, they are able to study the specimens. The WCAP is the repository for
all the material excavated from Diamond Valley Lake. WCAP welcomes scholars,
researchers, curatorial staff and cultural groups to study the collection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Museum is kid-friendly but appeals to adults as well.
You can view two short movies that are entertaining and informative. One
explains the animals in the museum and the people who lived there and the other
is about the excavation. The screen wraps around more than half of the room and
holds the attention of even the smallest of children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once in the display area, there are many things to do. You
can make your own fossil. There is a place to unearth fossils using brushes.
Built into the floor is a re-creation of the burial site of "Little
Stevie", a juvenile mastodon. "Max" is the largest mastodon even
found in the western United States. "Xena" is a 16,000-year-old
mammoth and the giant sloth is called "Sammy". There are displays of
the excavation and how all that earth was moved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many schools come to the WCAP for field trips. They provide
additional programs for the children. In a classroom like setting, the children
are given bags of matrix containing teeth, shells and other small fossils. They
pour the mix into screens and sort the fossils. Given tweezers, the children
are instructed not to touch the fossils. They also have a magnifying glass to
examine them more closely. Each is given a guide to match the specimens. These
are real fossils and the children feel empowered that they are allowed to work
with something so special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The museum also has on-going learning programs. For children
6 to 9 years old, they have a Super Science program. Children 11 to 15 years
old can work in a simulated dig site in the Adventures in Archaeology program.
There are programs for people 15 years or older, including Basic Forensic Anthropology.
Scouts are welcomed to earn badges working with the education staff. WCAP has
something for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you leave the WCAP Campus, you might want to cool off at
the Aquatic Center. It is directly across the street. It has a heated outdoor
pool. There is a zero depth entry with fountain sprayers for the smaller
children and a water slide for those more adventurous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before leaving the area, drive west to Winchester Road and
go south to the entrance to the "Clayton A. Record Jr." Viewpoint. It
overlooks the Diamond Valley Lake with views of Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San
Gorgonio, Southern California's tallest mountain peaks. After visiting the
museum, try to imagine the people and the animals that lived there. There is no
admission cost. There is a paved walkway to the top but it still is quite a
climb for elderly folks and young children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology reminds
us that we have a very rich history and it's just a fun place to visit. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-25801391054026501772014-05-26T05:28:00.001-07:002014-05-26T05:28:25.380-07:00Birthday party venues in the Temecula, California area<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Temecula, known for its wine country and historic downtown,
also has an amazing array of birthday party venues for kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pennypickles.org/" target="_blank">Temecula Children’s Museum</a>, also known as Pennypickle’s
Workshop <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Temecula Children’s Museum is a fun-filled activity on
any day but for a birthday, it is a special treat. They have several birthday
packages. The least expensive is $100.00 for 8 kids and 2 adults. That includes
admission to the museum, invitations, a gift for the birthday child and one
hour reserved in the outdoor picnic area. Kids love exploring Professor
Pennypickle’s workshop and on a personal note, adults love it too. The museum
is located at 42081 Main Street, Old Town Temecula, CA 92590/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://childsplaytemecula.com/" target="_blank">Child’s Play</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a birthday party spectacular for the younger crowd.
This is an indoor playground especially designed for children from one to six
years. Created to provide a safe, kid-friendly environment, it features climbers,
slides, tunnels and a dress-up area. Food and drinks are the responsibility of
the parents. There are three birthday packages available, each featuring
different games but the children are allowed at least 1 ½ hours of play in all
the structures. All children must wear socks. Child’s Place is located at 28860
Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.skyhighpartyzone.com/" target="_blank">Skyhigh Party Zone</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of the most interesting birthday venues. Located
at 26015 Jefferson Ave, Ste D, Murrieta, it is a 10,000 square foot indoor playground.
Kids can play air hockey, ping pong and shuffleboard. There is a karaoke stage
and video arcades. There is a toddler area. There are the all-important jumpers
with slides and rock-climbing. They are quick to point out they have Direct TV
and so no one will miss the games while the kids play in a secure environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The staff will supervise your guests and do the entire
cleanup. Their prices start with the “Penny Wise” package for $99.00. It price
includes jumping for an hour and 30 minutes in the party room. Bring the cake.
Everything else is included<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chuckecheese.com/loc/414" target="_blank">Chuck-E-Cheese </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In Murrieta, Chuck-E-Cheese is a place kids love and the
freedom that it allows. They can go from game to game, winning tickets, all
within the eyesight of their parents. Prices range from $14.00 to $19.00 per
child, which includes pizza, drinks and tokens. The party area is reserved for
90-minutes and the birthday child gets a present, a balloon and a birthday
show. The Chuck-E-Cheese is located at 25110 Hancock Avenue #101-106, Murrieta,
CA 92562</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">McDonalds’s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just down the street from Chuck-E-Cheese is McDonald’s. The
birthday package has been around for decades. It is a great way to save money
with a party that children will enjoy. There is a play area outside. McDonald’s is located at 29888 Los Alamos
Road, Murrieta, CA 92562.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mulliganmurrieta.com/" target="_blank">Mulligan Family Fun </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not just for birthdays, this is also a family fun day for
all ages. Birthdays packages vary but for $8.99 a person, the party area is
available for 1 ½ hours. The package includes invitations, balloons, party
supplies and 15 tokens per child. Also included are 2 slices of pizza,
unlimited drinks and a birthday gift. If that's not enough, party-goers can
also add go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, rock wall, teacups and the
train. Mulligan’s also has laser tag and batting cages for future baseball
stars. Note here: we spend a lot of time at the batting cages. Bring your own helmet and bat or rent them there. Mulligan’s is located at 24950 Madison Ave. Murrieta, CA 92562.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Temecula with its antique stores, fine dining, and superior wine can also boast about the fantastic birthday party venues that are guaranteed to delight any
youngster.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-24233245512465497502014-05-24T05:09:00.000-07:002014-05-24T05:09:03.913-07:00Helium is closing its doorsI started writing for Helium in 2009. It was a fun place and I met a lot of encouraging people. Over the years it changed and became less user friendly. We recently got a notice that the site would be shutting down and it we wanted, we could move our articles to other sites as we will lose them at the end of the year.<br />
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Now, there is a mad scramble to copy and save what we've written. Many of my articles are about camping, grand-parenting, and California. I am in the process of moving them to the blogs I currently have. Some won't be copied but some of them are actually good.<br />
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The California articles will be updated because there is information to share that has not already been covered. At least I won't have to think of new posts for awhile.Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-74526679849847891822014-05-22T05:37:00.000-07:002014-05-22T05:37:40.337-07:00Mono Lake, not what you expect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mono Lake is not the place to find ski boats or water
sports. It is a unique body of water sitting at the base of Yosemite National
Park. To the north is the historic ghost town of Bodie and to the south, the
high desert town of Bishop, the gateway to Mammoth Lakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mono Lake is unique because it is one of North America's
oldest lakes. It has no outlet so as water runs into it; the mineral content
raises creating alkaline water. It is too alkaline for fish to survive but supports
it own ecosystem for migrating birds. It also has a population of brine shrimp
unequaled by no other body of water. It is an active volcanic area with hot
springs and steam vents. While all that is impressive, its claim to fame is the
tufa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tufa is a Latin word for porous rock. Tufa is formed when
fresh water springs containing calcium bubble up through the carbonate rich
lake water. As the springs bubble up, it creates deposits that grow upward
under water. The lake level has dropped significantly since 1941 when the
rivers that feed the lake were diverted for drinking water in Southern
California. As the water receded, the tufa was it was exposed leaving towering
columns of rock. It has been mandated that the water level of the lake be
restored to the level it was in 1951. This will take time as a quick influx of
water will change the chemical consistency of the lake, putting the brine
shrimp, the alkali fly population and the migratory birds in danger of
extinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a Visitor's Center in the town of Lee Vining. It
not only describes the tufa but explains the history of the lake and the
species that inhabit it. The museum is free. The lake is managed by the
National Park Service and they are very willing to answer any and all questions.
There is also a separate site on the south side of the lake known as South
Tufa. Here visitors are allowed to walk through the tufa beds. It is a loop trail
most people can navigate easily although it is not wheel chair accessible.
However, there is a boardwalk reaching almost to the shore so no one is denied a
close-up view of the tufa itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Swimming is allowed in the lake at designated beaches. The
National Park Service states swimming in the lake “offers a delightfully
buoyant swimming experience”. The high salt concentration makes it almost to
sink. They do point out that because of the alkaline content, it is important
to keep it out of your eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Camping is not permitted at the lake but there are many
campgrounds in the general area. There are several picnic areas and restrooms
around the lake itself. Each provides a spectacular view of the lake and the
volcanic activity. The island in the center of the lake is closed to the public
from April 1st through August 1st to protect the seagulls nesting there. Some
boating is allowed and permits must be obtained at the Visitor Center.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Visitors come from around the world to visit this unique
lake. The lake is flanked by the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Sierra
Nevada's to the west. The views are spectacular from any direction. Mono Lake
should not be missed. It is an impressive demonstration of nature at its best.<o:p></o:p></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-50107537382886690742014-03-10T06:57:00.002-07:002014-03-10T07:13:24.974-07:00Another, another day at the ball park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It was simply another beautiful day at the ball park. We had to be there at 6:55 am for the kids to warm up. It was the first day of daylight savings time so it was dark when we left home. It took about 30 minutes to make the drive to Riverside where the Arlington Sports Park is located. At that hour, there was no traffic and the sun was coming up when we pulled into the parking lot. The sky was tinged with pink clouds. It was 53 degrees and so we had jackets and blankets but by the time this picture was taken, everyone had shed the jackets and the blankets were neatly folded over the bleacher seats. </div>
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The air was filled with the scent of orange blossoms. The Arlington Sports Park is a block down from the California Citrus State Historic Park and one of the few areas in Riverside to still have orange groves.<br />
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The mountains in the background are part of the San Gabriel Range and run all the way to Big Bear. The very tall palm trees are more than 100 years old and were used for road markers in the late 1800's. How do I know that? I was a volunteer at the California Citrus State Park for several years and I know a lot about the history of oranges and Riverside, California.<br />
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Gary and Niles after the double header. When we left it was very windy and a balmy 80 degrees. March weather can be iffy. If we have hard frost they are usually in March which makes it hard to start seeds for the garden. It the weather holds, I will get my seedlings planted. In the meantime, we will take what we can and enjoy our mornings at the ballpark. Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-37437254646277517432014-02-16T08:12:00.001-08:002014-02-16T08:12:53.702-08:00Another day at the ballpark<p dir=ltr>I know this is California but it's chilly today. We are all wearing jackets. It's 54 degrees. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The kids don't care. For them its all about baseball.</p>
<p dir=ltr>We know it's much colder everywhere else and our thoughts are with you.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ggqiVYlAk1mbfgVuMm_2aFMF-h1RmbE_ndGkMw3cQV4lBPmCndYHBSNWRyeWDTEuAZV2HCxxCNuCz4XZTvV1B3wz7EFrTMbD0mvGPQOh3zmT0YRMDbfFsUGZxhijM6Dr0pNU2xoyuytQ/s1600/1392566506129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ggqiVYlAk1mbfgVuMm_2aFMF-h1RmbE_ndGkMw3cQV4lBPmCndYHBSNWRyeWDTEuAZV2HCxxCNuCz4XZTvV1B3wz7EFrTMbD0mvGPQOh3zmT0YRMDbfFsUGZxhijM6Dr0pNU2xoyuytQ/s640/1392566506129.jpg"> </a> </div>Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-3473564267635346302014-02-11T07:59:00.000-08:002014-02-11T07:59:01.589-08:00My seed catalogs are here!There was a time when gardening was my favorite thing to do but in the last several years, it has not been a priority. I used to grow a lot of my own vegetables but I've gotten lazy. The last time I started seeds, Cinnamon ate 100 heirloom seedlings. I was discouraged and just quit.<br />
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This is the picture we used on the "Wanted" poster for Cinnamon. </div>
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I miss gardening so I found a new place to start seedlings where she can't get them. My dining room has great lighting. I have a baker's rack that I didn't have when she found the last batch. Now I have a new location that's cat proof with great exposure.<br />
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Off to the Internet to get some seed catalogs. I prefer heirloom seeds that are not GMO modified. I don't need or use chemicals on my plants and don't want ones that have been altered.<br />
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Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds has "1500 rare, Non-GMO Seeds" to choose from. I could spend hours just reading the descriptions. I quickly ordered that catalog. I find I am also interested in seed saving and the Seed Savers Exchange has a catalog I ordered too. Both of them arrived this week and I have set aside a day to review and place my orders. I need to set aside some time because I am also homeschooling my 7th grader and it consumes time. He also plays baseball year round so we are gone a lot.<br />
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The next thing on my list was to discover what zone we live in. I used to know but the USDA updated their <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx" target="_blank">interactive zone map</a>. The USDA requires you enter a Captcha<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #fcfdfd; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.59000015258789px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fcfdfd; line-height: 18.59000015258789px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to view the map but it isn't a big deal. The map is nationwide. C</span></span></span>alifornia shows up as mostly browns but the map zooms in for detailed areas. I am in zone 9a. That means avocados won't grow here, it's too cold. However, just 15 miles from here, the avocado trees cover the hills. It's too cold for hybiscus but downtown Riverside is covered with the colorful blooms. All is not lost, apples love it here.<br />
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One of the best things about California is the growing season and the weather to grow almost anything. So armed with my new zone and catalogs, I am off to discover what tasty vegetables will be growing in my garden this spring. And, since it almost March, I need to get the seedlings started.Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-23542102552025208342014-02-10T20:31:00.000-08:002014-02-10T20:31:10.819-08:00It's been a long time since I've been hereLast summer wasn't about travel in California. Last summer was about family history and making new family history.<br />
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I traveled to Tennessee to find my grandfather's roots. What an amazing journey that was and where the Home Place was and the surrounding area is now ingrained in my memory. Coming from the browns of California, the greens of Tennessee were incredible. From there I went to Missouri to visit my son and brother but I also got some time to see where my grandmother was from.<br />
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We also made new family history when we met two more of my husband's siblings. We stopped for a day in Amarillo, Tx to meet Darla and then in Diamond, Mo to meet David. We spend several day visiting his new brother, Rick and sister, Frances in Albuquerque and saw where his grandparents lived. This is all new to him because up until 2 years ago, he had no idea where his biological family was.<br />
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But it appears that I am back to California. I took on the role as <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/california-dreamin" target="_blank">"California Dreamin'</a> Contributor" for Squidoo. I'm not quite sure what that means yet but I know California.Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-77518338935878160542013-08-11T15:24:00.000-07:002013-08-11T15:24:06.196-07:00No new picturesI guess I was in such a hurry to get out of California, it didn't occur to me to take pictures. Besides, we went a different way and how many pictures can you take of the desert? We took the 10 to the 62 which runs all the way to Parker, Arizona. There is nothing out there but whoop-ti-dos and cactus. Now that I have been to Tennessee, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, it's time to do something California. School starts in one week so we will need to do something soon. Maybe we'll go to the beach. Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-43818533053525070722013-07-03T08:56:00.000-07:002013-07-03T08:57:22.321-07:00Getting ready for a road tripI recently returned from a family history research trip to Tennessee and soon we will be off on a road trip to Missouri. While none of the places we will be visiting are in California, I find I have no pictures of the trip to the Arizona border on Interstate 40. I guess we drive it so often, it doesn't occur to me to take pictures of something that has become boring. <br />
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There are many things to see and do between our home and the border so this trip, I will be making an effort to document some of those places. Route 66 runs from San Bernardino to the Arizona border and yet, I have not taken the time to see the historical sites along the way. They probably don't grab my attention because as children, Route 66 was our route to Texas to visit family. I can drive this in my sleep so it's time to make it interesting again. Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-10824162286357963902013-06-01T05:40:00.000-07:002015-09-03T11:24:07.602-07:00Hummingbird update<span style="font-size: large;">I had a lovely vacation in Tennessee with my cousin Patty. We tracked down the home place and although disappointed that the house was gone, we did find the foundation. Tennessee is an incredibly beautiful state and coming from the browns in California, the greens of Tennessee were refreshing. Still, in the back of my mind was my hummingbird family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had two eggs and I expected them to hatch when I was away from home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was with total delight that the afternoon before I left, our little eggs hatched. Although the picture could be clearer, Mom was too close to get a better picture. We try not to upset her. The two fuzzy </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st">caterpillar </span>shapes are our babies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These pictures were taken yesterday. They are a definite "Feed Me!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every day they get bigger and I know it won't be long before they leave. We are enjoying every minute. </span>Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-5056502856280181052013-05-20T05:57:00.000-07:002015-09-03T11:33:11.181-07:00Hummingbird Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Darn! I am leaving tomorrow for an 8-day family history adventure in the hills of Tennessee. Not darn that I am leaving but the gestation period for hummingbird eggs is 14 to 23 days and I am probably going to miss the eggs hatching. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, my husband will be home so he can monitor our new babies. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did the research and the eggs are now almost two weeks old. I <span style="font-size: large;">also <span style="font-size: large;">read that </span></span>hummingbird dad's don't nest but our hummingbird dad does. While he doesn't spend a lot of time there, he will cover for the hummingb<span style="font-size: large;">ird mom. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, our cactus has bloomed again. I have pictures of my grandson next to the <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">cactus</span> when <span style="font-size: large;">it and he were small. I take pictures of it <span style="font-size: large;">every time</span> it blooms. So, he<span style="font-size: large;">re is yesterday's picture. The blooms only last one day. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's time to pack for the trip. Just checked the eggs. Still haven't hatched. Dad was sitting on the nest while mom chased away another bird. It's a baby and just hatched from another nest on the porch. It sound like wild kingdom outside<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span>Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-13610521929146674712013-05-13T06:32:00.000-07:002013-05-13T06:35:34.970-07:00Hummingbirds We have lots of birds in our area. We have the noisy black birds, the crows and the little birds with the red chest. I don't know what they are but they have nests in our trees and awnings.<br />
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Then, we have the hummingbirds. When we moved here years ago, I looked them up. The pair that we currently have nesting are Anna's hummingbirds. Our porch is covered in honeysyvle so it is a constant food source. This year they have taken up housekeepoing on the front porch post.<br />
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I am not quite sure how I missed the beginning of the nest building but one day I noticed the momma hummingbird bringing little bits of fluff and tucking it into the nest. I was shocked. The nest is out in the open. Earlier this month the mom and dad spent time coming up to the dog and I on the porch and checking us out. Our dog is oblivious to birds so they were satisfied they were safe. <br />
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I posted the picture below on Facebook yesterday. I am surprised at the interest. I guess it's not everyday that a hummingbird sits for a picture but they don't move unless we get too close. So here is the daddy sitting on the eggs. It is going to be another scorcher today, topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit but mom and dad will be there taking turns. It is shady in the afternoon so at least they aren't in direct sunlight. They are such a treat to watch.<br />
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I am waiting for an opportunity to check out what is in the nest. Although it is only 6 feet away, we have stopped using the front porch steps because we don't want to scare them. They let us know they are not far away so I am biding my time for a closeup. Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-56788483644767424702013-05-06T06:35:00.000-07:002013-05-06T06:35:27.066-07:00It's rainingIt's May 6th. We are past the rainy season. It was 100 degrees for two days last week. Most of us are nursing some sort of sunburn.<br />
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Usually when they say it's going to rain, we don't pay much attention. We are also less likely to get rain than the LA area. We have different micro-climates so rain in one place doesn't mean it will make it to us. Our news breaks down the weather to separate Valleys-Inland Empire, Mountains, High Desert and Los Angeles Basin. Right now, the Doppler shows rain in our area but dry in Temecula.<br />
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Rain is a big deal here. We don't see a lot of it and it makes everything look better. The wet earth smells good. And, I just remembered, they plowed the field across the street last week. All those tumbleweeds they plowed under will get a head start with the rain and provide us with another bumper crop to climb into our yard in the fall. <br />
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Oh well, time to get the boy up. He has an umbrella he can take to the bus stop. He's had it several years and only used it twice so he'll be excited. Small things make us happy. Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-15058740249919194212013-05-02T12:28:00.000-07:002013-05-02T12:28:26.280-07:00FiresAt baseball practice yesterday, the smoke from the Banning fire was visible from the field. Only lost one home and it was 50% contained this morning. Just came home from a dental appointment to news reports of a fire in Camarillo which about 2 hours north of us and Jurupa Valley which is on the other side of Riverside. Some homes have been lost there. We are grateful that none of these fires are close to us. <br />
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It's fire season. It's been hot and everything is its normal brown. The Santa Ana winds are blowing all through Southern California. Residents who live in or back up to areas that are undeveloped are temping fate. Even those of us who live on the flats are surrounded by hills. In these winds, sparks can fly a long way. <br />
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Right now, the wind is really blowing and wind warning are in effect until tonight. This is a fact of life for Southern California residents. In reality, the Southwest portion of the United States is at risk for wildfires.<br />
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It may be good that we had so little rain which may have prevented a bonus crop of vegetation. As expected, all our programming is preempted as they cover the three fires. We can only hope that the winds die down and pray for the firefighters who put their lives in danger to protect residents and their homes. They are our hero's. <br />
<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-33652247606895388902013-05-01T11:34:00.000-07:002013-05-01T11:34:31.618-07:00A Star for Everyone - a reflection on the A to Z challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In one comment someone wrote that maybe there was more to California than Hollywood. That reminded me that I did not mention Hollywood. Quite frankly, it is overrated and not the same as it used to be in the 1960's when it was a really fun. But I digress...<br />
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I am giving everyone a star on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Just substitute your name for Godzilla. I took this picture last year for my Squidoo page on "How to escape from Godzilla". For those who finished the challenge, congrats. For those who attempted but did not finish, congrats too. It's much more demanding than I expected and I was prepared.<br />
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So here is my take on the challenge. I am a grandmother raising a grandson. When this picture was taken, he had been playing baseball for about a year but he was young and sometimes his focus wasn't where it was supposed to be. He was 7 years old when this was taken. This is me at the start of the challenge. I have blogs but they just sat because I don't quite know what to do with them.<br />
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This is All Stars last July when he was 11 years old. We were at Big Bear. Notice that he has a batting stance that works for him. He knows which way to turn his body so the ball goes where he wants. (However, he needs to get his bat up. I will remind him again today at practice.) Does he always hit the ball? No, he doesn't. Still, he knows the rules, makes a concentrated attempt and is a darn good player. Is he the best? No, he needs more practice. This is me at the end of the challenge. I know the rules, I made a concentrated effort and finished. Am I the best? Certainly not but I just need more practice too. <br />
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It was a learning experience. It was fun. I met wonderful people who were encouraging. I learned from everyone and found so many others with interesting lives and experiences. <br />
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My hats off to those who set this up and managed it. What an incredible job! The encouraging posts were helpful, especially in the middle of the month when it sometimes seemed overwhelming.<br />
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Thanks to all of you who followed me and to those who left comments. It helped. I am going to take my time and catch up on the posts I missed and finish the list of blogs that I didn't get too.<br />
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I have no complaints or suggestions. Now that it is over, I can say that I am ready for next year. <br />
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-17823725955543707832013-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:002013-05-01T11:42:53.007-07:00Z is for ZZYZXThe <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ZZYZX">Urban Dictionary</a> defines it as “The last place on Earth” It goes on to say, “It was originally founded by a crazy old man who named it Zzyzx since it would be the last word in the dictionary.
The definition says Zzyzx (pronounced ZYE-ZIX) is an abandoned town somewhere between Las Vegas and LA.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAeTBWdsS4LCaCl2_fH6Fk4rhjp78ktkYyfDA2OxvMN_6PfklpG7beDXAxhzHu08mPfZN2P5Pp7-1RmcaM5FauR9QaR42jV5QcZHP6emoBS81XPfjfjYJPyTLcSB4-ETxqDRMiuSHNaka/s1600/ZZYZX.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAeTBWdsS4LCaCl2_fH6Fk4rhjp78ktkYyfDA2OxvMN_6PfklpG7beDXAxhzHu08mPfZN2P5Pp7-1RmcaM5FauR9QaR42jV5QcZHP6emoBS81XPfjfjYJPyTLcSB4-ETxqDRMiuSHNaka/s640/ZZYZX.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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That’s not exactly true. It is closer to Vegas than it is to LA and is our landmark that we are almost to Stateline. By the time I get to Zzyzx, the gambling fever has started to kick in and I know that I can make the fever go away at Buffalo Bill’s or Whiskey Pete’s. I don’t even have to go to Vegas.<br />
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Zzyzx is exit 249 on Interstate 15. You may not know that if you actually get off at exit 249, it will take you to the former Soda Springs. Today, Soda Springs is the location of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/zzyzx.htm">California State University Desert Studies Center</a> and is managed by the National Park Service. The public is allowed to meander around Lake Tuendae and the shore of Soda Dry Lake. Curtis Howe Springer created Lake Tuendae in the 1940’s. Mr. Springer was an interesting man and was labeled "King of Quacks" by the American Medical Association in 1969. You can learn more about Springer on the <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/21414" target="_blank">Roadside America</a> site. It is really an interesting story. <br />
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However, we have enjoyed the sign on I15 for many years. It has come to mean that Vegas is near. It also says that we are near family who live in Searchlight, Nevada and proudly have a picture of the sign on their wall. It is a sign that has been there since I was small and is part of my history too.
Zzyzx is not the last place on earth but it is appropriate that it is the last entry for the A to Z challenge.<br />
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Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/grenade/3885645465/
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-23771935869270175102013-04-29T06:00:00.001-07:002013-04-29T06:36:24.513-07:00Y is for Yosemite - OK, that's pretty obvious<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Let the fire fall" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">The voice
echoed through Yosemite Valley. At Camp Curry, we held our breath.
From the top of Glacier Point, a small stream became a full waterfall of
molten embers as it fell to the valley floor. New to the sight or a
frequent visitor, it was the highlight of the evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo
credit: http://filforn.blogspot.com/search/label/Yosemite - Be careful
on this site. I went to view the picture and an hour
later, remembered I was doing a blog post. <a href="http://filforn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Meine Wunderkamper</a> labels the
blog "objects of curiosity, memory, knowledge and wonder". It is!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Firefall is just history
now. I think that in today's world it would be considered dangerous and
those who track those sort of things would be out protesting. For us, in
a less confrontational world, it was magical. The Firefall ended in
1968 after a somewhat tenious start in 1872. The <a href="http://firefall.info/" target="_blank">Firefall history</a> is well documented on this site and if you are interested in the history, it's all there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone writes about <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite</a>.
Today the park is more restrictive than it used to be. The freedom we
had to roam is gone. Most of that is due to the park's popularity.
Still, we make the trip frequently. No matter how many times you stop at
the viewpoint overlooking the valley, it never gets old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yosemite is not just about the valley. We generally come in on the
Fresno side. From the entrance, a right turn takes you to the Mariposa
Grove of Sequioa's. This is my son and grandson starting the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite memory is staying at the Wawona hotel. On this trip, we ate at the hotel but did not stay there.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg8nKXLKT08UzQnDfHRchBfavdmA4Mv0XvSdtkfkAgm3pKeXmiVWPS4VRQFbVj5jY3E4R57ABOa7PdvRamgDsP3AHqYDd1zlBDEIxQg4d3EPOv2NHJ4ux9IVYo3BDx9Qry-b9LIJeQlmz/s1600/steps+of+the+Wawona+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg8nKXLKT08UzQnDfHRchBfavdmA4Mv0XvSdtkfkAgm3pKeXmiVWPS4VRQFbVj5jY3E4R57ABOa7PdvRamgDsP3AHqYDd1zlBDEIxQg4d3EPOv2NHJ4ux9IVYo3BDx9Qry-b9LIJeQlmz/s400/steps+of+the+Wawona+hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, we pitched a tent in the Wawona campground and made it our base
camp. From there, we toured the valley. The road to the valley, all 28
miles, was gravel only. It was being repaved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3UzCzf8N3SiJWDKFbz0hXLMXEZJplqzEHSlp5NRW3OmcUQjYZ2ZtuAJdznA1fyRjYRPhgtiTOJDvx6rtM5My_Ewy_2S3OBYJORTKqNL9uT6lqf4S71TmMHAT7FN_kvDl0YnDIVos0MMD/s1600/wawona+campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3UzCzf8N3SiJWDKFbz0hXLMXEZJplqzEHSlp5NRW3OmcUQjYZ2ZtuAJdznA1fyRjYRPhgtiTOJDvx6rtM5My_Ewy_2S3OBYJORTKqNL9uT6lqf4S71TmMHAT7FN_kvDl0YnDIVos0MMD/s400/wawona+campground.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">We
left Yosemite from the Tuolumne side. This pictures was taken from
Tuolumne Road looking back at the valley from the other side of the
park.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccDb3rCUCxDrRnXwvBMMiIcyPx2qpB2m_8NQFAPj3lL8YTrzPzMly3PXSd_zld6v7CthYCSsosaCb9-BUEzcC95ygkVv5E1VzAcl6dY73E7MrGUDwgkU5UlmT4xxfptKPUKJoh1kbLNbn/s1600/tuolome+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccDb3rCUCxDrRnXwvBMMiIcyPx2qpB2m_8NQFAPj3lL8YTrzPzMly3PXSd_zld6v7CthYCSsosaCb9-BUEzcC95ygkVv5E1VzAcl6dY73E7MrGUDwgkU5UlmT4xxfptKPUKJoh1kbLNbn/s400/tuolome+road.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two more pictures to share. The kids were small when this was taken next
to the Merced River that runs through the valley. We were wearing long
sleeve so it must have been spring when the air was still chilly.</span> </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids were a little older here. This was taken at the Viewpoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every time we go to Yosemite, it is a new adventure. The fact that it never gets old allows us to enjoy it all over again. </span><br />
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Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-49356455275776149412013-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-27T06:00:13.110-07:00X is for Xenagogue and Xanthocarpous <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a stretch but I have enjoyed being your <span style="font-size: large;">California<span style="font-size: large;"></span> X<span style="font-size: large;">enagogue, which just happens to be a noun and means guide. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">I <span style="font-size: large;">thought</span> I might write about <span style="font-size: large;">Xanthocarpous </span>which means to have yellow fruit.</span> One of the best places to find yellow fruit is at the <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649" target="_blank">California Citrus State Historic Park</a> in Riverside, California. It will someday be the last orange grove in Southern California. The citrus industry that made Riverside the highest per capita industry in the early 1900's is dwindling with the cost of water and the extreme building of homes and businesses. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The State of California has mandated that California Citrus be a working grove. There are many acres of citrus trees and a varietal grove with specialties. One of them is the fingered citron, a yellow fruit and the origin of all citrus species. There is no juice in the fingered citron (or Buddha's Hand). It is where the spice Citron comes from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yi8LEbpxEYPPvrILo5D-JMfz93ms2Vr30YfUa4Q7F4hjEsb794q8LTEQY7iQAfirFrEi4awWenYek03kLvKn0RujwLBG5DxGf-cfEtLeI2Cmcp70f2EpJBz7XaI-AoNjDLUMytCwZr-O/s1600/fingered+citron+3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yi8LEbpxEYPPvrILo5D-JMfz93ms2Vr30YfUa4Q7F4hjEsb794q8LTEQY7iQAfirFrEi4awWenYek03kLvKn0RujwLBG5DxGf-cfEtLeI2Cmcp70f2EpJBz7XaI-AoNjDLUMytCwZr-O/s640/fingered+citron+3195.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know a lot about this state park as my husband and I were docents there for three years.This is the visitor's center. There are some fun interactive displays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iRKpR7U_z56bHK2m8TDVaREyzKwwSt3lE2kT-LAjOpQ6UDS_mFViZdvLXyaFRdsycvBhjHLVU3vXsHNImfHeXe9bLBS0R3a-yOXj9FLkjqwmWw2Y8NgRCtO5hCfb3Ar36ihfDE6abTre/s1600/California+Citrus+State+Historic+Park+3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iRKpR7U_z56bHK2m8TDVaREyzKwwSt3lE2kT-LAjOpQ6UDS_mFViZdvLXyaFRdsycvBhjHLVU3vXsHNImfHeXe9bLBS0R3a-yOXj9FLkjqwmWw2Y8NgRCtO5hCfb3Ar36ihfDE6abTre/s400/California+Citrus+State+Historic+Park+3159.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is the corner of Dufferin and Van Buren in Riverside, California where the park is located. The orange stand used to be a familiar sight when traveling. People would stop to get refreshing drinks. They disappeared when air-conditioning was added to car and people were just not as parched. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika_dgZnC38Z35pNyACHpIxSvglnVcvmYyycUK3JXnUP_0so5LsKijiXzOj8QSzJ4CF73D068f9M2pfUMhQTr7u7uBz7TwDfMmcE-3jujrnkcbzfr1hboHtxNDkh0PCKIPpw5SLFULWeSO/s1600/California+Citrus+State+Historic+Park+Orange+Stand+3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika_dgZnC38Z35pNyACHpIxSvglnVcvmYyycUK3JXnUP_0so5LsKijiXzOj8QSzJ4CF73D068f9M2pfUMhQTr7u7uBz7TwDfMmcE-3jujrnkcbzfr1hboHtxNDkh0PCKIPpw5SLFULWeSO/s400/California+Citrus+State+Historic+Park+Orange+Stand+3210.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> A lot of people get married in this gazebo. The setting is perfect and romantic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAV_I4Sl2yFo1xdRP0FI5NRa3_J2LEaqrmcdwvnOLR7SZKDeL2YrDp5PlTv61UlgfU8zMraAV3MGK1jaj0x6tNxr_4MG-cDJ8t0MQqpW8rexdOny3DWCwu6ocGO_A9UMf0sqd2z1lwFr6/s1600/Gazebp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAV_I4Sl2yFo1xdRP0FI5NRa3_J2LEaqrmcdwvnOLR7SZKDeL2YrDp5PlTv61UlgfU8zMraAV3MGK1jaj0x6tNxr_4MG-cDJ8t0MQqpW8rexdOny3DWCwu6ocGO_A9UMf0sqd2z1lwFr6/s400/Gazebp.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Other views of the park. It is made to look like it would have in 1900 so while there are no play structures for the kids, they have hills to climb and lots of space to run and play. We have had Easter Egg hunts here and there are concerts in the park. Visitors can walk through the varietal grove and see examples of different kinds of citrus. School tours are many and the kids love the tasting session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevONZOqAiFRb3hhp4nuHaXBNPPoBzNAhumNsQ-VxsJ_y7Uq59KBFBsUNMvlY1ZRrRsZjEfBpCGafmjqxBGKlDodWnrisc6ZwYhBiNh9Cxyufc8REoGzaEnswHJRNUkRaqNReDIw_fw9UP/s1600/Intreperative+center++3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevONZOqAiFRb3hhp4nuHaXBNPPoBzNAhumNsQ-VxsJ_y7Uq59KBFBsUNMvlY1ZRrRsZjEfBpCGafmjqxBGKlDodWnrisc6ZwYhBiNh9Cxyufc8REoGzaEnswHJRNUkRaqNReDIw_fw9UP/s400/Intreperative+center++3203.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tOmkoVuFjcyCZZ8ktVONYrFTYqe-aiecG6v0JlZT-m3r4uPXLw5E9WEYGHumkC_twiphUGsXnSjqPrgmD0mj3Y1g7ubrqXcyYif2WVKiux24Mq7Mop7Ci2xt8oiCW79xuDXRv6IupeE-/s1600/100_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tOmkoVuFjcyCZZ8ktVONYrFTYqe-aiecG6v0JlZT-m3r4uPXLw5E9WEYGHumkC_twiphUGsXnSjqPrgmD0mj3Y1g7ubrqXcyYif2WVKiux24Mq7Mop7Ci2xt8oiCW79xuDXRv6IupeE-/s400/100_3201.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVYcMdWJiVdQM4SCIurEQ0LnpzcmMI-c-6EfVhR5pE1Ro9o_Kq2wYV3FeUa_cSneqp1gavvM_AXa1SB5wW3ZmhLTaOnteyvbt6fmXHB4An-4SLEVDJ8XlfDBj2lrjpcNN4uWucSlLUG0q/s1600/100_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVYcMdWJiVdQM4SCIurEQ0LnpzcmMI-c-6EfVhR5pE1Ro9o_Kq2wYV3FeUa_cSneqp1gavvM_AXa1SB5wW3ZmhLTaOnteyvbt6fmXHB4An-4SLEVDJ8XlfDBj2lrjpcNN4uWucSlLUG0q/s400/100_3202.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We love this park and spend as much time there as we can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his is a departure from California
destinations and attractions but it is important to note that I had no idea what
I was doing when I started this challenge. I am not really a blogger. I came in not knowing the rules or the etiquette
so it has been a learning experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b> – Continue to blog even when you think that it’s too much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b> – Always know your material and write from the heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b> – Leave meaningful comments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>F</b> – Follow those blogs that capture your attention. They can
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you everyone for the comments and encouragement. Now back to our <span style="font-size: large;">regular scheduled programming and don't miss "Z". <span style="font-size: large;">It's my favorite. </span> </span> </span></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-24535911673238165832013-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-25T06:00:10.770-07:00V is for VacationWe vacation but California is not our only destination. As you can see from the map, we have been to many states and try to add more each year. Next month I am going to add Tennessee and hopefully, Kentucky although my itinerary has me landing in South Carolina so I might claim that too. <br />
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<img height="220" src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=t&chtm=usa&chs=440x220&chf=bg,s,336699&chco=d0d0d0,cc0000&chd=s:9999999999999999999999999999999&chld=AZARCACOCTDEIDILINMEMDMAMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYOHOKORPARISDTXUTVAWAWY" width="440" /><br />
visited 31 states (62%)<br />
<a href="http://douweosinga.com/projects/visited?region=usa">Create your own visited map of The United States</a> or <a href="http://www.triposo.com/android/">Free android travel guide</a><br />
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The United States is full of the most incredible places to visit and each state has its own beauty. I can honestly say in each state we have visited, there are places where I would up and move if I had the chance. In 2007, we packed the truck and camper and drove 3000 miles to Maine.
This is Gary with one of the lobsters we pulled out of the Camden Harbor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawWOGtydajp-kBhNPj4SgQSYsvJ-Bi1dUcwSaGzzUCTL9_9bhkC5Jnyxl3POPfJYRb9xrcMkl0omiP74JA5azfoZKz6PoksJOIB0bF1ZqdmowBE4ay0My2YpwA7Uag8Bv2EamP-I4rvoh/s1600/draft_lens17976371module150374340photo_3_1306170793Gary_and_the_lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawWOGtydajp-kBhNPj4SgQSYsvJ-Bi1dUcwSaGzzUCTL9_9bhkC5Jnyxl3POPfJYRb9xrcMkl0omiP74JA5azfoZKz6PoksJOIB0bF1ZqdmowBE4ay0My2YpwA7Uag8Bv2EamP-I4rvoh/s640/draft_lens17976371module150374340photo_3_1306170793Gary_and_the_lobster.jpg" width="419" /> </a></div>
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Our friend has a lobster boat and does tours but he took us out by ourselves. What an incredible trip that was!<br />
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While I write about California, I have so many other places to share. For example, Salem, Massachusetts is not my favorite place. We stayed at the Winterhaven campground. However, most of my time was spent at the hospital. I developed some sort of a nasty bug that sidelined us for two days. I also got a parking ticket. They are not kidding with their posted parking time limits.<br />
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This picture was taken somewhere between Bois d Arc, Missouri and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Route 66. It is spots like this that make travel interesting. This is a 1912 gas station that the forest is reclaiming. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSB3XKsXMlxaatFuTTRJJEnEFMYjFANtG_UCAqHjJ1jOqX7Xd7S_HKIzKpdkfRC3Yad9ejQWcbDc75G5hWuvyr-jgdZy7RIo6s-0H-yZfNXejZcQy_-0UmqwpaeTnjp9ggrA9I8hc4byp/s1600/draft_lens17978386module150378853photo_1_13061821221912_gas_station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSB3XKsXMlxaatFuTTRJJEnEFMYjFANtG_UCAqHjJ1jOqX7Xd7S_HKIzKpdkfRC3Yad9ejQWcbDc75G5hWuvyr-jgdZy7RIo6s-0H-yZfNXejZcQy_-0UmqwpaeTnjp9ggrA9I8hc4byp/s400/draft_lens17978386module150378853photo_1_13061821221912_gas_station.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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So while I write about California, I want to pay homage to the other states. I could easily write a A to Z on all the states we've visited. California just happens to be where I was born and have lived for 60 years. Ours is a beautiful country with surprises at every turn. I can't wait to find new adventures as we continue our travels. </div>
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<br />Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197436419695711429.post-55287089488334141972013-04-24T04:50:00.000-07:002013-04-24T04:50:40.867-07:00U is for Union Station, Los Angeles, California<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is nowhere else on earth where the echo of past
voices touch me more than Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
Walking into the building can bring me to tears with the memories captured
between those walls. This is where my lifelong love of trains began. This is
Granny’s station. I didn’t even know it had a real name until I was a teenager.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My grandfather worked as the Stationmaster
in Billings, Montana.
Every year, my grandmother would visit, riding the train to Los
Angeles. We would go to Los
Angeles to ride the train to Montana.
As I got older, I would take my kids on the train to California
locations like Santa Barbara.
Family has come in and gone out at the station and I can stand almost anywhere and
see them in my memories. Most of them are gone now so it means so much more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Union Station is mammoth. When it was built in 1938, it was
called the “Last of the Great Railway Stations”. Its grand size adds to its personality and mystique. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kallahar/2549733728/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/kallahar/2549733728/</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Union Station has been the scene for many movies. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My favorites are: </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Them! </i>(1954)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>– Don’t tell
anyone I’m a Sci-Fi fanatic. I loved this movie and believe it or
not, sometimes it sounds like the ants are in my neighborhood. It freaks me out
every time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Silver Streak</i> (1976) –
Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, murder on a train trip from Los
Angeles to Chicago,
what else needs to be said? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dark
Knight Rises</i> (2012) – The Scarecrow trial courtroom is set in Union Station.
I didn’t recognize it and had to go back and watch it again. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, Union Station is busier than ever. It serves not only
the trains but also Metrolink and the Metro Rail, the newer subways and light
rail lines. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">However, a visit to Union Station should always be
accompanied with a walk across the street to the oldest part of Downtown Los
Angeles. Olvera Street is
part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Historic Monument.
Beside the colorful trinkets they sell, the food is great! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you are in the area on the Saturday before Easter, Olvera
Street is the location of the Blessing of the
Animals. The tradition started in 1930 and it is quite a sight to see. </span></span></div>
Ann Hindshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15299824476212373310noreply@blogger.com4