Tahquitz Peak and blue sky~SkyWatch Friday, July 31, 2009

On one of our many trips to Idyllwild, we stopped at the park there and walked around. I took these photos of Tahquitz Peak. There were no clouds in the sky that day and you can see the contrast of the peak with the blue sky! SkyWatch Friday for July 31, 2009.

"B" is for bird~ABC Wednesday, July 29, 2009

B is for bird. All of these birds, except the flamingoes, were photographed at the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert, CA. The flamingoes were photographed at Marriott's Desert Springs, also in Palm Desert, CA. ABC Wednesday for July 29, 2009.

Out and about~That's My World for Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Just some pics of around here. That's me, with the glasses, on the bottom. That's my uncle with Scout, one of our mustangs. Thunderheads over our local mountains. And, finally, can you see the coyote in the meadow? That's My World for Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

Sunflowers for a birthday~Mellow Yellow for Monday, July 27, 2009

Our daughter's birthday was this weekend. She's (cough, cough...29+2). You do the math! This is how she decorated her table. Aren't the sunflowers pretty? We all had a good time and had great food! Mellow Yellow for Monday, July 27, 2009.

Even horses have toys~Sunday Stills Challenge for 072609

I took these pics a year ago, in the spring, when the horses still had their winter coats. See how shaggy they were? I brought in a cone for them to play with, as horses do like to play! Scout, one of our mustangs, was the most interested in it. And, they were ALL very interested in the saddle pad! Sunday Stills Challenge for July 26, 2009~~"toys".

The coming storm

These clouds developed up over the ranch yesterday afternoon and soon BOOM! There was thunder. Just a little bit, and then the storm moved on. I took this photo in the parking lot at the Paradise Cove Cafe, one of our favorite places to stop and eat. I had to drop my cat off at the vet and he wanted to keep him for a few hours yesterday, so I stopped at Paradise for a half sandwich and soup. I got some sprinkles coming back down the mountain, in Pinyon Pines. Today I'm driving up to Idyllwild to have breakfast with my aunt and uncle, who are driving up from San Diego.

A reminder of winter~~SkyWatch Friday, July 24, 2009

While we are baking and MELTING in our desert heat this month, I thought I would post this photo from a winter not too many years ago. I guess we all yearn for winter during summer and for summer during winter! That is Mt. San Jacinto, near Palm Springs, CA. SkyWatch Friday for July 24, 2009.

Garner Valley~That's My World 072109

Just 40 minutes from the desert valley floor lies Garner Valley. Surrounded by tall pine trees, the Garner Cattle Ranch lies in the middle of the valley. For desert dwellers who wish to escape the heat, GV is right on the way to Idyllwild. These cattle certainly were enjoying the cooler temps on Sunday! That's My World for Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

This road was taken~Scenic Sunday for 071809

Hubby and I took this forest service road which is west of the San Francisco Peaks, near Flagstaff, AZ. From it, we saw a herd of elk and a kit fox. The fox was sitting in the middle of the road on our way back, but by the time hubby grabbed his camera, the fox was gone. Sometimes it is fun to take these dirt roads and get off the main highways. Scenic Sunday for July 18, 2009.

Moon and clouds~~Skywatch Friday, July 17, 2009

While up at the ranch the other day, these clouds were moving past the moon. If you click on a photo, you can see the moon hiding behind the clouds! SkyWatch Friday, July 17, 2009. Enjoy your weekend.

San Diego garden restaurant~That's My World 071409

When I took a few days off and went to San Diego to visit my aunt and uncle, after Beauty's untimely death, they took me to a beautiful restaurant. We got there early, sat outside by the fountain, and ate appetizers. It was so peaceful and helped me to clear my mind. I don't remember the name of it, but I would love to return someday. That's My World for Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Texture~Waputki Ruins, AZ~Sunday Stills Challenge for July 12, 2009

This beautiful wall is at the Waputki Ruins, near Flagstaff, AZ. Hubby and I arrived in the late afternoon when the afternoon sun was hitting them. Sunday Stills Challenge for July 12, 2009.

Arizona sunset~~SkyWatch Friday, July 10, 2009

Hubby and I drove up on this plateau near Flagstaff one evening. The colors were bright orange as the sun set, but when I turned the other direction, they were soft pastels. SkyWatch Friday for July 10, 2009.

Arizona trip

Hubby and I just returned from a trip to Arizona. I was hoping it would mend my broken heart. We visited Prescott, Flagstaff, and Sunset Volcano. We found a WONDERFUL place to eat: Brandy's Restaurant and Bakery, in the Safeway shopping center in Flagstaff. We ate breakfast, lunch, and 2 dinners there and enjoyed the food and company. Unfortunately, we had to return home a few days early for a family matter. But, I missed the dogs, the cats, and of course, our remaining horses! These are some Arizona photos.