Pumpkin Palooza: Descanso Gardens

Pumpkin Palooza at Descanso Gardens. We love it here so much, we keep renewing our membership.


John's picture taken October 27, 2007


John holding an acorn in his right hand. There was an acorn in my left hand, where did it go?


What is that?


John eagerly starts to climb up the Ford tractor!


John observe closely as Daddy turns the steering wheel.


Sweet!


John Deere tractor.


hmmm... =P


Did someone say time for Starbucks?


Wonder boy... It sure has been a long day.


Wonder boy in the front seat of his cruiser, while his sidekick Monkey hangs around in the back.

So exhausted, Starbucks here we come!

Devil's Gate Dam

Devil's Gate Dam. Picture Taken October 21, 2007


View of the top of the Devil's Gate Dam.


Walking on top of the Devil's Gate Dam.


View of JPL from Devil's Gate Dam.


Fearless John & his monkey walking on the bridge.

What's next for Wonder boy and his monkey?

The Pumpkin Patch

Wow, so many pumpkins!
Picture taken October 21, 2007 Pumpkin patch in La Canada Flintridge, California.


John patiently inspects the pumpkins.


Wait a minute, I think this one will go home with us too.


John and his two great pumpkins!

Play time at the park

Picture taken October 20, 2007


Cool bike!


Ok... Now for something more challenging!


Oh ohh... John see a hill. Da-da-da-da-da-tah charge!


John charging up the hill at the park. Steve & Ian are doing a great job keeping up with John!


What's that over there? hmm...


Well it's time to go. This isn't the end, it's just the beginning of many more adventures.

Something to think about.

Question. If you had a choice, to give up television for a month to 3 months or to give up books, magazines for a month to 3 months, which would you choose?

Answer. I would give up television for a month to 3 months!

October 4, 2007

Picture taken with my camera phone.
Steve & John takes a short nap. While I am getting my NST done at the hospital. I only had to stayed over night at the hospital.
It's hard to believe that only a year and half ago, John was born at this hospital. Amazing how fast time flys.

Disney California Adventure

Video of John playing...

Disney California Adventure & Disneyland

Never mind brushing my hair. Lets go please! Yahoo, Disney California Adventure & Disneyland!


Candy Corn Acres at Disney California Adventure.


Sweet candy corn.


Candy corn carrots.


Candy corn grapes.


John at playing at Bountiful Valley Farm, Disney California Adventure.
Irrigation Station water play area gushes with fun.


Once again John is playing with water. =)


Ah, feels so good. Cool water on a really warm day!


Picture taken outside of the Haunted Mansion.
After so much fun at the Pirates of the Caribbean, we took John to the Haunted Mansion. Which he also enjoyed.


Micky-o-lantern


Picture taken September 30, 2007.
Before heading back home, we all watched the fireworks. =) We'll be back!

September 9, 2007

John's picture taken from our front yard 9/9/07.

Photo courtesy of Ian H. Merritt
Thank you

Quote from Patrick Stewart

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived."

- Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard in the film Star Trek: Next Generations

Wineries & Vineyards

Our favorite wineries & vineyards.

Los Olivos, California

Curtis Winery
Firestone Vineyard


Santa Maria, California

Foxen Vineyard


Santa Ynez

Bridlewood Winery
The Gainey Vineyard
Sunstone Vineyard & Winery


Solvang, California

Blackjack Ranch Vineyard and Winery
Rideau Vineyard


Paso Robles, California

Chumeia Vineyards
Ebele Winery
Tobin James Cellars


"Far Out Wineries" Paso Robles, California

Adelaida Cellars
Norman Vineyard
Olpolo Vineyards
Tablas Creek Vineyard


Wines we discovered at Terrace Wine Tasting, Disneyland California Adventure

Fire Station Red
Ironstone Vineyards

Cheers

September 6, 2007

Steve picture taken at Blue Ridge Mountain, California.


Is that what I think it is?


Sure is... It's an old outhouse!


Sweet, view. This place is just calling out to be explored more. Another time... Sigh


Believe it or not. Steve really has to do some work around here.


It has a rustic, yet modern/high tech look about it. =P


Hmm... Interesting.


Forrest of towers, etc.

A video compilation - from youtube

Trip through the 80's

I wish this video was longer and had more of my favorites songs in it.

I love the 80's.

During the 80's I met my loving husband Steve, my first true love/sweet heart.

Cheers to our future.

Ahh...

One of John's favorite summer activity.


Yay...


Ahh... Cool


See my pearly whites? Thanks Mama and Daddy.

Pictures taken September 2, 2007

Lunar Eclipse August 28, 2007

Ah, one of our many pleasures, watching the sky.
A moment worth while capturing...


Lunar eclipse. Photos taken from our backyard.

Link of interest

NASA's official lunar eclipse

Lessons Learned and Lived By

Here's some of my take on things at this point in life...

There is an important lesson in everything

Teachers are all around you

Lessons will be repeated, if necessary

You have a major role in designing the syllabus

We are part of a greater whole

We are no more important than sparrows

We have more responsbility than sparrows due to our potential for both good and evil

Integrity, honesty and love will save you from having regrets

Without service, your life will be meaningless

Everything is a gift

Not every gift can be returned

Everything is temporary, including our own lives

You can always make more money, you can't make more time

Everything can be transcended

We decide what it means

Life is not a passive process

We always get what we need when we are ready to move forward

Acknowledging that you have what you need and taking responsibility in using it is up to you

Your stress is your own responsibility, it is not up to anyone else to make yours go away

You have to slow down if you really intend to understand anything

Over-commiting is a great way to self-sabotage

Paying attention takes time. You can't move faster than the speed of life.

Life takes time.

Multi-tasking is over-rated, anything worth doing is worth getting your undivided attention

Having a to do list is not the same as having a life

Having a theory of breathing is not the same as breathing

Having a loving companion makes life a richer experience, but you still walk your path as an individual.

Love is all that matters.

Getting older is cool. Rocking cool.

- Laura Young

Men are like...

Men are like wine. Some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.

- C.E.M. Joad

Cheers my friends!

Quote from Judy Garland

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

- Judy Garland

Snack time at the guest house/studio

Yum, Goldfish baked snack crackers.


John & Ian
Picture taken 8-12-2007.

July 31, 2007 John loves yogurt

Picture taken July 31, 2007.