Last Day of March

Last Day of March

Today marked the official last day of my (our) Birthday Month, celebrated with Karen at
"Our Place"...code for cute Italian Bistro, full bar, full conversation, more questions than answers...and someone who really understands the challenges of this phase of life...a truly fantastic gift.

This is a picture of cactus taken in Death Valley...I chose it because on several levels today things felt a bit prickly...I have a need for order, something I have been without...and am struggling to restore...and I will end my day as I started it...wondering how many ducks I need in a row to feel comfortable...

Once Upon a Monday...

Once Upon a Monday

Today was a ease back in to the work day...after a glorious week of vacation...and spending more time than I would like to admit trying to figure out how to make the wonder of the time vacation gives you an every day experience...good luck to me with that...

This is a picture of a tractor...with lovely peeling paint and rust...my two favorite subjects...taken while on vacation. The location has slipped my menopausal mind...though the beauty of the subject, color and metal will never fade...

Orchid

Orchid

Last year I bought an orchid. I have always admired them...on the plant...not so much on people. I purchased it at Trader Joe's which I have come to learn is similar to buying a puppy in a pet store...well...live and learn...

Today I went to a "real" orchid show...and after viewing and talking with their owners...am now the proud parent of 2 additional orchids...and a book that explains their many needs to the novice owner. One is an inside, and one is an outside orchid, which I will be marking on the adorable copper plant markers I could not do without!

The picture above is the outside orchid which I have been assured that even I can assist in its ability to thrive...after all, I have given birth twice...and am an experienced Nurse...in the mean time, I will enjoy the current flowers and hope they return as promised next season...

Carson Valley

Carson Valley

Today's ride home from Death Valley yielded the gift of driving through Carson Valley...an amazingly beautiful area set at the base of mountains that lead over into the Tahoe Valley. Breakfast was at Heidi's...and it was a return to the deliciousness of Buckwheat Pancakes along with BACON that graced my plate...bringing back great memories of breakfast's past when "normal" pancakes were made for my children, and the buckwheat was added at the end when it was my turn to enjoy.

This picture of the reflection of the mountains was taken on the drive over...I am sad that vacation is ending, and thankful that my head is clearer, and ready to tackle the next set of tasks that lie ahead with confidence, clarity and a methodical plan...

The Dunes

The Dunes

Friday, on our way out of Death Valley we stopped at "The Dunes"...the Dunes to me in title were a reminder of the Dunes in Santa Barbara...where I spent a majority of my youth...enjoying the sun, sea and sand and other activities that should not be mentioned here...

These Dunes made the ones I am familiar with pale in comparison. Huge, white and simply beautiful...time was well spent sitting and starring in awe. Also tricky walking...in some areas your step gave way to a rodent tunnel, and was lost 8 inches in the sand.

This is a picture I took of the Dunes...the sky is truly this brilliant...and as with all of Death Valley, the sharp contrast of the sky, sand, and mountains never failed to take my breath away....

China Date Camp

China Date Camp

Today brought a drive that continued to show the amazing scenery of Death Valley, and the uniqueness of several small towns that I have trouble understanding how people could find a satisfying quality of life.

China Date Camp was out in the middle, in my opinion, of "no-where"... this is a picture of a car that was on the grounds...and wild flowers that were growing in front. The car was rusty...my favorite...and the flowers a beautiful shade of yellow...

The outbuilding held many different types of cactus, some in bloom, and the dates were delicious...

Devil's Racetrack

Devil's Racetrack


Yesterday we took a huge drive down a gravel road that felt like it was the road to No-where. Thank goodness for hearty 4 wheel drive... One half way to our destination, we briefly stopped at Tea Pot Junction...oddly enough, signage off to the side of the road decorated with Tea Pots...and various signatures and sayings...and the only place in Death Valley that I have found cell phone service...on a gravel road, where time stands still, a long way from any hint of 2009...go figure.

Our destination was Devil's Racetrack...an amazing area, as breath taking as I am becoming accustomed too...you will see in the photograph the path the rock has created...this is the mystery...how the rocks "move"...the mystery for me is how have I missed out on such a beautiful place...and how many more like this are there...that I am unaware of...