Death Valley

We camped two nights in Death Valley. The second night was less crowded but there wasn't much shelter
and it rained. The sky was pretty amazing and the view from our campsite wasn't bad as you can see.

Enroute to Death Valley

Early in the road trip

This picture was taken the day before Oscar's first grooming and two days before he took off into the cow pasture to "say goodbye to the cows" at the Smith Ranch (in Oakdale) early in our road trip.

We are home now and I'll try to post a few pictures from our month long adventure.

Stef

Sun on snow

The sunshine has returned!
Along with the electricity...

How important they both are to my wellbeing and mental health.

These images were captured while I ate my lunch and looked out at the back yard.




Sun pockets and streaming light...
So good for the spirits.

Christmas 2008

We had a very snowy Christmas, with lots of plans that did not happen.

Ric and Alison and GoGo did make it. And we all had a very good time. The dogs were great entertainment.

We have had even more snow since these pictures were taken. And now it's RAINING!

The last snow was night before last and we got at least 10 inches (doubling what's on the ground in this picture).
And we've lost power a number of times, so we are very grateful for our generator. And for our friend Greg, who has plowed us out four times now.
Happy New Year!!!
Stef

Oscar's a cutie

I can see that I'll be learning a whole new set of photography skills.
It's not easy catching the spirit and personality of a puppy.
But here's a go at it.

He loves to jump up with paws in the air to welcome me back into the room. He flies around in the yard and digs and scratches and chews. Lin just put straw on all the garden beds and he loves to run on top of them even when I say a very firm "off;" he looks at me as if to say "why wouldn't you think this was a fun thing for me to do?" Right now he is laying quietly at my feet, a very new thing for him to do in the study. I'm hoping he's not sick, he's being so quiet.

This is a whole new level of responsibility. But I love the way he makes me grin and giggle and laugh out loud. He's good for my heart and soul.
Stef

Thanksgiving 08

Oscar is the dog on top. Even though we were sure GoGo would be the "alpha" Oscar held his own. They played very hard.
I think Oscar was sad when GoGo had to go home

John, Erin, Alison and Ric.
We were so glad to have them with us for Thanksgiving.
Stef