Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Our 3rd Annual Medford Fireworks Spectacular
Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this universe is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor.
~Francis Lucille
Hi Friends,
Wow, I almost forgot to tell you about our trip to Medford for our annual fireworks fun and games.
Every year we celebrate the 4th with a trip to Medford, OR so we can visit with family and play with fireworks. In Reno if you even say the word "fireworks" you get a visit from the long arm of the law. Bushes seem to burst into flames at the slightest hint of fireworks of any kind.
So we packed up Christine and headed North. A pleasant ride made the trip fun with a bit of traffic but not to bad. We arrived in Medford and were greeted by the big tents that sell our sparkly friends. I was told as we passed that I was not to enter the tent without supervision. Brenda knows that I am pretty much out of control in fireworks tents.
On Monday morning Brenda and I wondered down to the local fireworks tent to spend a little (or maybe a lot) on fireworks. The staff was really helpful in helping us get the most for our money. We picked up some of our usual fireworks ... The Lava Light and the Clown Face are always part of our front yard show. This year we picked out some new and longer running fireworks to bring some freshness to our celebration.
The only thing we were missing this year were Ashley as she has moved across the country and Danny, who was in L.A. We had a BBQ and then waited for the fun to begin.
Here is a video of our 3rd Annual Fireworks Spectacular ....
Ooh ... Ahh ...
But we always enjoy the neighborhood celebration around Bonnie and Danny's house. It runs from dusk to about 11:30 pm and puts our show to shame. But we wonder the streets and enjoy all the neighbors celebrations and fireworks. Many are far more spectacular than anything we can buy ... legally!
Here is the neighborhood celebration.
So we had a wonderful time this year and hope to be able to share the 4th Annual Fireworks Spectacular with you right here next year.
Have a Blissful Day!!
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don and Brenda
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Refreshing at Lithia Park
Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. ~Anatole France
Hi Friends,
When you get to go back to one of your favorite places is it like going back to see an old friend?
During our Annual 4th of July Extravaganza, I managed to wander away and spend a couple hours walking and taking photo's again in Lithia Park. Ashland was busy and people seemed to be everywhere but as you got further into the park it got quieter and the visitors were fewer.
I was just walking, discovering new spots that took my breath away and it was wonderful. I shot some video and took some pictures to share with you.
I hope you find a place that takes your breath away and brings you peace.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Friday, July 08, 2011
Beauty All Around Me
I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities. ~Theodore Geisel
Hi Friends,
Don't you think that vacations are amazing things? They have the ability to open up your mind and help you find creativity that is locked inside you. Work and the daily grind tend to bottle up my creative juices and that sucks. So when I am on vacation I try to do random little adventures, most without planning or much advance warning. It usually comes to to the surface as a *"blurtation" like ... I am off to see waterfalls or covered bridges.
On our current vacation in Medford I woke up wanting to see covered bridges. I had seen something on one of the travel websites about the large number of covered bridges in Oregon, so I just announced .. "I am going to see some covered bridges." I then jotted down a few very crude directions and wandered out the door.
I managed to accidentally, on purpose actually find the three bridges I was looking for. My notes included a strange drawing and some directions that looked like caveman scratch. But I did find the bridges and it was really pretty easy, even if I did wonder at one point just how lost I was.
It was after I stumbled across the first bridge in Eagle Point, Oregon that I was reminded that all around me every day is beauty. It is so much fun and gives me like a runners high to ponder things as I photograph them. I like to slow down my thinking and look at whatever I am going to photograph. Then I slow it down even further and look deeper, past the surface at the spirit of the object. Something comes out and attracts your attention, then draws you in further to help you get a better photo. I also like to take along my Flip video camera to capture the movement of the things around the object.
Yesterday I captured a moment in the lives of three covered bridges in Southern Oregon.
The Antelope Creek Bridge in Eagle Point, Oregon.
The Lost Creek Bridge
The Grave Creek Bridge.
I hope you have time for an adventure of your own soon. One that will help you open closed doors and see the beauty all around you everyday.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
*Blurtation... An occurance in which a person has a complete 'brain fart' and does not make sense in speaking. A person's brain is in high overdrive and suffers a temporary 'blonde' moment. Sometimes this burtation is heavy.
"Well a very very heavay - uh - heaveh burtation tonight. We had a very darist-darison, by, lets go hit teret taysan those to the bet who had the pet."
Hi Friends,
Don't you think that vacations are amazing things? They have the ability to open up your mind and help you find creativity that is locked inside you. Work and the daily grind tend to bottle up my creative juices and that sucks. So when I am on vacation I try to do random little adventures, most without planning or much advance warning. It usually comes to to the surface as a *"blurtation" like ... I am off to see waterfalls or covered bridges.
On our current vacation in Medford I woke up wanting to see covered bridges. I had seen something on one of the travel websites about the large number of covered bridges in Oregon, so I just announced .. "I am going to see some covered bridges." I then jotted down a few very crude directions and wandered out the door.
I managed to accidentally, on purpose actually find the three bridges I was looking for. My notes included a strange drawing and some directions that looked like caveman scratch. But I did find the bridges and it was really pretty easy, even if I did wonder at one point just how lost I was.
It was after I stumbled across the first bridge in Eagle Point, Oregon that I was reminded that all around me every day is beauty. It is so much fun and gives me like a runners high to ponder things as I photograph them. I like to slow down my thinking and look at whatever I am going to photograph. Then I slow it down even further and look deeper, past the surface at the spirit of the object. Something comes out and attracts your attention, then draws you in further to help you get a better photo. I also like to take along my Flip video camera to capture the movement of the things around the object.
Yesterday I captured a moment in the lives of three covered bridges in Southern Oregon.
The Antelope Creek Bridge in Eagle Point, Oregon.
The Lost Creek Bridge
The Grave Creek Bridge.
I hope you have time for an adventure of your own soon. One that will help you open closed doors and see the beauty all around you everyday.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
*Blurtation... An occurance in which a person has a complete 'brain fart' and does not make sense in speaking. A person's brain is in high overdrive and suffers a temporary 'blonde' moment. Sometimes this burtation is heavy.
"Well a very very heavay - uh - heaveh burtation tonight. We had a very darist-darison, by, lets go hit teret taysan those to the bet who had the pet."
Sunday, July 03, 2011
The Benefits of a Great Wet Winter
Rivers are roads which move, and which carry us whither we desire to go. ~Blaise Pascal
Hi Friends,
This year are experiencing the wonderful benefits of a long and wet Winter. Everywhere we go in Nevada this Spring and Summer, the water is running high and with spirit. On Friday as June was coming to an end and July was getting started, I stopped along highway 88 on my way to Lake Tahoe to see just how beautiful water was in one of my favorite spots.
Here just off the busy road, the West Fork of the Carson River is running high on the banks. The sound of the water can be heard from the road. I love this pot and often use it as a meditative rest from a busy day of driving. The sound of water on rocks can take your mind off the jumble of daily non sense.
I put together this video for you. Just the sound of the water to help take you away for a couple minutes.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Hi Friends,
This year are experiencing the wonderful benefits of a long and wet Winter. Everywhere we go in Nevada this Spring and Summer, the water is running high and with spirit. On Friday as June was coming to an end and July was getting started, I stopped along highway 88 on my way to Lake Tahoe to see just how beautiful water was in one of my favorite spots.
Here just off the busy road, the West Fork of the Carson River is running high on the banks. The sound of the water can be heard from the road. I love this pot and often use it as a meditative rest from a busy day of driving. The sound of water on rocks can take your mind off the jumble of daily non sense.
I put together this video for you. Just the sound of the water to help take you away for a couple minutes.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Our Fay Luther Trail Ride
Hi Friends,
On Sunday Brenda and I took the horses out to explore the Fay Luther Trail System near Gardnerville.
It has been one of our goals this year to be able to see new trails and share new adventures on horseback. So we got a used horse trailer the first part of the year. Then a few weeks ago we started practicing loading up our three horses. We made a short drive down to the South end of the lake to get Dually and Pete used to trailering again. It also allowed us to try some new trails in the hills at that end of Washoe Lake.
This Sunday we decided it was time to go a bit further. We decided that we would head South to the Fay Luther Trails in the hills near Gardnerville. We pre loaded the trailer with all our stuff plus a picnic lunch and drinks for the trip. It was our first all day drive and ride so far.
The Fay Luther Trailhead was very accommodating, dirt with gravel parking lot. Plenty of space for trucks with horse trailers and cars to park, even with the special event being held there this weekend. It looks like there are usually no facilities available at the trailhead. This weekend they did have a port a potty, but we assume it was brought in by the special event group. We used it anyway. We brought our own water as we read that none was available. There were some running streams so if we had needed, the horses could have got refreshment from them.
After we saddled up we headed for the hills. We really didn't know what to expect from Pete and Dually on the first trip from Washoe, but were pleasantly surprised by both of them. Pete stepped right out and took the lead on the way from the parking area. It looked like he was on a mission setting a great pace and enjoying the ride. Dually was right behind but a bit more apprehensive. The slope or climb is not too agressive so it is not too challenging for me. Brenda is an ace on hills and has little or no fear, but I am a bit more of wimp, so it turned out great for both of us.
The trail system took us up into the pines and brush. The sound of running streams greeted us around many turns, the smell of the fresh air with pine was amazing. We did need to cross a few small streams if we felt up to the challenge and did try one small crossing. Brenda got Dually over it but Pete was a bit more unsure, so I got off and walked him across. We both learned something we can use next time we need to cross a creek or other challenge. And neither of us beat our horse like the lady crossing in front of us.
There were some rock crossings to tackle as well. Nothing too big for most folks I am sure. But for me it offered something new. Pete impressed me by stopping and looking at his options before crossing and then picking his path across. Dually was great too making his way over the rocks with relative ease.
Back at the trailer we packed up and chatted about how much fun we had. The horse did great and we so enjoyed the ride together and recorded a new adventure for our memories. We really think you will enjoy the Fay Luther Trail System if you are thinking about trying it. Bring water and something to snack on and have fun.
Happy Trails...
Don and Brenda
Pete and Dually
On Sunday Brenda and I took the horses out to explore the Fay Luther Trail System near Gardnerville.
It has been one of our goals this year to be able to see new trails and share new adventures on horseback. So we got a used horse trailer the first part of the year. Then a few weeks ago we started practicing loading up our three horses. We made a short drive down to the South end of the lake to get Dually and Pete used to trailering again. It also allowed us to try some new trails in the hills at that end of Washoe Lake.
This Sunday we decided it was time to go a bit further. We decided that we would head South to the Fay Luther Trails in the hills near Gardnerville. We pre loaded the trailer with all our stuff plus a picnic lunch and drinks for the trip. It was our first all day drive and ride so far.
The Fay Luther Trailhead was very accommodating, dirt with gravel parking lot. Plenty of space for trucks with horse trailers and cars to park, even with the special event being held there this weekend. It looks like there are usually no facilities available at the trailhead. This weekend they did have a port a potty, but we assume it was brought in by the special event group. We used it anyway. We brought our own water as we read that none was available. There were some running streams so if we had needed, the horses could have got refreshment from them.
After we saddled up we headed for the hills. We really didn't know what to expect from Pete and Dually on the first trip from Washoe, but were pleasantly surprised by both of them. Pete stepped right out and took the lead on the way from the parking area. It looked like he was on a mission setting a great pace and enjoying the ride. Dually was right behind but a bit more apprehensive. The slope or climb is not too agressive so it is not too challenging for me. Brenda is an ace on hills and has little or no fear, but I am a bit more of wimp, so it turned out great for both of us.
The trail system took us up into the pines and brush. The sound of running streams greeted us around many turns, the smell of the fresh air with pine was amazing. We did need to cross a few small streams if we felt up to the challenge and did try one small crossing. Brenda got Dually over it but Pete was a bit more unsure, so I got off and walked him across. We both learned something we can use next time we need to cross a creek or other challenge. And neither of us beat our horse like the lady crossing in front of us.
There were some rock crossings to tackle as well. Nothing too big for most folks I am sure. But for me it offered something new. Pete impressed me by stopping and looking at his options before crossing and then picking his path across. Dually was great too making his way over the rocks with relative ease.
Back at the trailer we packed up and chatted about how much fun we had. The horse did great and we so enjoyed the ride together and recorded a new adventure for our memories. We really think you will enjoy the Fay Luther Trail System if you are thinking about trying it. Bring water and something to snack on and have fun.
Happy Trails...
Don and Brenda
Pete and Dually
Monday, May 30, 2011
Carmel Mission Adventure
We found on our journey, as well as in the place where we stopped, that they treated us with as much confidence and good-will as if they had known us all their lives.
Junipero Serra
Hi Friends & Family,
During our anniversary trip to Carmel we checked out the Carmel Mission. It was really beautiful, relaxing and educational. Just a short drive from our base camp at Carmel Country Inn, we found a nice quiet place to park so the dogs could sleep while we took the tour. Actually it is a self guided tour that allows you to enjoy/explore at your own pace. After entering through the little gift shop you pay and get your map of the grounds. The first part of the tour drops you into the garden area. From there we got a great feeling of the history and spirit that has made this Mission so special. Beautiful roses and statues surround the entrance to the Basilica. What a wonderful building. It looks like a post card from the courtyard. It makes it easy to imagine the same spot in the late 1770's with Blessed Junipero Serra making his way to the Basilica.
The Basilica Church is as beautiful inside as it is outside. The catenary ceiling, thirty foot reredos and 5 foot thick walls reminded me of times past, when buildings had charm and character. There were details in the details if that makes sense. In all there were 5 museums on the grounds, each one a story to tell about God, the Church and what it mean't to the people of 1771. It also showed me that history still matters to people today because so much care is taken to preserve the Mission.
For about 2 hours we wondered around the self guided tour checking out the Basilica and the museum areas of the carmel Mission. It was really cool seeing all the tools that were used to build (and rebuild) the mission. We were surprised to see that there is a active school on the grounds. It sort of made it living history with the sounds of children playing.
As we were leaving, just as we were getting in Christine (our truck) to leave, the bells chimed. It was a perfect end to our time at The Carmel Mission. We captured our tour and the bells in a video we share with you here.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Junipero Serra
Hi Friends & Family,
During our anniversary trip to Carmel we checked out the Carmel Mission. It was really beautiful, relaxing and educational. Just a short drive from our base camp at Carmel Country Inn, we found a nice quiet place to park so the dogs could sleep while we took the tour. Actually it is a self guided tour that allows you to enjoy/explore at your own pace. After entering through the little gift shop you pay and get your map of the grounds. The first part of the tour drops you into the garden area. From there we got a great feeling of the history and spirit that has made this Mission so special. Beautiful roses and statues surround the entrance to the Basilica. What a wonderful building. It looks like a post card from the courtyard. It makes it easy to imagine the same spot in the late 1770's with Blessed Junipero Serra making his way to the Basilica.
The Basilica Church is as beautiful inside as it is outside. The catenary ceiling, thirty foot reredos and 5 foot thick walls reminded me of times past, when buildings had charm and character. There were details in the details if that makes sense. In all there were 5 museums on the grounds, each one a story to tell about God, the Church and what it mean't to the people of 1771. It also showed me that history still matters to people today because so much care is taken to preserve the Mission.
For about 2 hours we wondered around the self guided tour checking out the Basilica and the museum areas of the carmel Mission. It was really cool seeing all the tools that were used to build (and rebuild) the mission. We were surprised to see that there is a active school on the grounds. It sort of made it living history with the sounds of children playing.
As we were leaving, just as we were getting in Christine (our truck) to leave, the bells chimed. It was a perfect end to our time at The Carmel Mission. We captured our tour and the bells in a video we share with you here.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Carmel Country Inn Review
Hi Friends and Family,
Still getting together all the videos and photo's from our Anniversary trip to Carmel. Wow, we took a bunch of photo's and just as much video.
In this post we thought we would share with you a wonderful place to stay in Carmel, just in case you are thinking about spending a few days there.
The Carmel Country Inn was a great oasis for us during our anniversary adventure in May. Brenda had made the reservations for us well in advance with our primary concern being someplace that would take our puppies and us together. It was a bonus for us when we found this beautiful Bed and Breakfast that charmed us with it's beauty and loves animals as much as we do. It is right in the middle of everything too. Just a short walk and you are in the heart of Carmel and all the neat little shops and restaurants. The ocean is just a few blocks away. You will be there in just a few minutes walking or a couple minutes if you need to drive.
We were in room #2 on the ground floor right next to the office. The steps leading to the room were lined with flowers and garden art that give this place it personality. It seemed like everything was in bloom. as we approached the room we thought for sure we had made a mistake, as the front door appeared to be opened. After checking with the office we learned they had opened the top half of the Mr Ed door to let the fresh air into the room in expectation of our arrival. Now that was charming, we loved the Mr Ed door!
The room we had was roomy with a gas fired fireplace and love seat as you enter. A King size bed promises a good nights sleep with beautiful linens to make it even more comfy. We love the fact that they ask for quiet time from about 9:00 pm till morning.
My favorite was the huge (really huge) bath tub with jets in all the right places. I did say huge didn't I? This was so big, when I got into it I could not reach the end with my feet. It was deep too. The bathroom was decorated in stone that set a very relaxing mood, and it had plenty of nice, fluffy towels and a vanity. The only thing missing was a nice candle or two to make it complete.
We love our dogs and travel everywhere with them. It was so nice to find that our new friends at the Carmel Country Inn loved dogs too. Actually they love all animals as evidenced by the resident cats that live at the inn. We were allowed to roam all over the inn's grounds and not even once got the evil eye that we sometimes get when we travel.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Carmel Country Inn and thank the entire staff for making us feel so comfortable. If you are planning a trip to Carmel,CA please give them a call and see if room number 2 is available. Bring your dogs along, after all they are part of your family. They will enjoy the Carmel Country Inn too.
As always, we took a short video of our stay at the Carmel Country Inn. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
Still getting together all the videos and photo's from our Anniversary trip to Carmel. Wow, we took a bunch of photo's and just as much video.
In this post we thought we would share with you a wonderful place to stay in Carmel, just in case you are thinking about spending a few days there.
The Carmel Country Inn was a great oasis for us during our anniversary adventure in May. Brenda had made the reservations for us well in advance with our primary concern being someplace that would take our puppies and us together. It was a bonus for us when we found this beautiful Bed and Breakfast that charmed us with it's beauty and loves animals as much as we do. It is right in the middle of everything too. Just a short walk and you are in the heart of Carmel and all the neat little shops and restaurants. The ocean is just a few blocks away. You will be there in just a few minutes walking or a couple minutes if you need to drive.
We were in room #2 on the ground floor right next to the office. The steps leading to the room were lined with flowers and garden art that give this place it personality. It seemed like everything was in bloom. as we approached the room we thought for sure we had made a mistake, as the front door appeared to be opened. After checking with the office we learned they had opened the top half of the Mr Ed door to let the fresh air into the room in expectation of our arrival. Now that was charming, we loved the Mr Ed door!
The room we had was roomy with a gas fired fireplace and love seat as you enter. A King size bed promises a good nights sleep with beautiful linens to make it even more comfy. We love the fact that they ask for quiet time from about 9:00 pm till morning.
My favorite was the huge (really huge) bath tub with jets in all the right places. I did say huge didn't I? This was so big, when I got into it I could not reach the end with my feet. It was deep too. The bathroom was decorated in stone that set a very relaxing mood, and it had plenty of nice, fluffy towels and a vanity. The only thing missing was a nice candle or two to make it complete.
We love our dogs and travel everywhere with them. It was so nice to find that our new friends at the Carmel Country Inn loved dogs too. Actually they love all animals as evidenced by the resident cats that live at the inn. We were allowed to roam all over the inn's grounds and not even once got the evil eye that we sometimes get when we travel.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Carmel Country Inn and thank the entire staff for making us feel so comfortable. If you are planning a trip to Carmel,CA please give them a call and see if room number 2 is available. Bring your dogs along, after all they are part of your family. They will enjoy the Carmel Country Inn too.
As always, we took a short video of our stay at the Carmel Country Inn. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don & Brenda
Rusty & Peppy Too!
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