Taking a break from blogging

I am taking a blogging break after the freak accidental death of my chestnut mare, Beauty, this morning. At least she didn't suffer and went quickly. There were no thrashing marks in her corral. For the full story, please visit http://deserthorses.blogspot.com/. As far as we can tell, she died during the previous night from some type of colic. ***If you can, and want to, please make a donation to either SAFER or TB Friends in her name as she was a feedlot rescue herself. I rescued her when she was an unbroke 2 year old on a horse slaughter lot and trained her and rode her for the first time last summer. She was a wonderful, gentle animal that died way before her time. She was only 5 years old. I'm just not up to blogging right now.

UP the Tioga Pass to Yosemite and sleet!

The thunderheads which were over us at June Lake had gathered at the top of the Tioga Pass. The Tioga Pass is the eastern Sierra entrance to Yosemite National Park and it is VERY steep! We paused at "Seagull" Lake (yes, those are seagulls!) to take photos and then continued up the grade. We were already at 9,000 feet! When we got to the entrance of the park, it was sleeting! The ranger said there was a 50% chance of snow that evening. We headed out quickly as we had another 2 hours of driving before we crossed the entire Yosemite road to Merced, where we were staying for the night. Yes, that's sleet hitting the windshield! Once we passed by Olmstead Point, where you can view Half Dome, the weather began to clear and we enjoyed the rest of our ride through the park.

W is for....ABC Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Wood. This beautiful cabin is at June Lake. It is the boat rental cabin there. Isn't the wood beautiful? ABC Wednesday for June 24, 2009.

June Lake

After we left Bishop, we stopped at June Lake and drove the June Lake loop. It was cool and beautiful there. The thunderheads were building above us and we would soon drive through them at Yosemite.

Sierras, Mt. Whitney, and Alabama Hills ~ Scenic Sunday for June 21, 2009

You know, hubby and I have driven past the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney so many times and we've NEVER stopped to see them, so this trip we stayed overnight in Lone Pine and drove out to the hills Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. The views and colors were spectacular, especially in the morning light!

Thunderheads and Lake Tahoe

The thunderheads that developed yesterday afternoon were gorgeous, especially when viewed from Lake Tahoe. Today it is clear, but who knows what the afternoon will bring!

Road trip~~Yosemite~That's My World for June 16, 2009

Hubby and I are on a road trip to Yosemite. Here's a sample of what we have seen~I wish this were my world!

Thunderheads over the valley~~SkyWatch Friday for June 12, 2009

Last week our skies were clouded by massive thunderheads. This week, we have below-normal temperatures in the mid-80's, which is unheardof here in our desert. Usually by now we are in the high 90's to low 100's. I took advantage of the visiting thunderheads and ran outdoors with my camera! Here are some samples. SkyWatch Friday, June 12, 2009.

Coachella Valley table grapes~~Think Green Thursday

If you have recently bought table grapes, they might have come from the Coachella Valley. Several of my parents have brought me some already. The Coachella Valley is a large agricultural center of California, second only to the great Central Valley. Right now table grapes are being harvested. I took some photos of one vineyard last month when I drove out toward Mecca. Aren't the grapes beautiful? For me, it is very peaceful and restful to see them. Think Green Thursday for June 11, 2009.

Fountain at Agua Blanca~Watery Wed for June 10, 2009

This fountain is at the Agua Blanca office complex in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Looking down the walkway~~~That's My World

If you look on the sides of the walls, you can see the two murals from yesterday's post. Isn't this a delightful and restful place? That's My World for June 9, 2009.

More murals

This mural is also in the Agua Blanca center in Rancho Mirage. I love how it fits under the arches.

Palm trees silhouette~~Sunday Stills for 060709

Some mornings, when I drive to school, I see incredible sunrises. This was one of those mornings. Look at all the jet trails! And, those tall palm trees, reaching toward the sky! I stopped at the bridge over the wash on Bob Hope Drive to take this pic. Sunday Stills challenge for June 7, 2009.

Pretty murals

These pretty murals were on the building where I took the photo of the water, Agua Blanca, in Rancho Mirage, CA. I don't see many murals here in my town. There is a beautiful one down in Indio, but I don't go that way very often. I thought they blended in well with the building. What do you think? I'll put that on my "summer list" of places to visit! HA! Only 5 more days of school are left and 3 of them are half days, then FREEDOM! Enjoy your weekend!

Joshua Tree dance

I took this photo last weekend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't the joshua trees look like they are dancing?

Watery Wednesday for June 3, 2009

I got up on Sunday morning not too long along and went for a drive. I spotted this beautiful little center in Rancho Mirage, CA and got out for a look. The sun was just coming up and the light was perfect for this pic of the pool. Right after I snapped this photo, the fountain pump roared to life and the calm water shattered. Watery Wednesday for June 3, 2009, our 37th wedding anniversary!

Storefront window~Mellow Yellow for June 1, 2009

While this storefront window isn't all yellow, I liked what it said! Have a good week! Mellow Yellow, June 1, 2009.