tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90529454289929348272024-03-12T21:31:09.990-07:00desert horsesThe ranch where I board my horses. That's Sunni in the arena, February 2016.Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.comBlogger2085125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-36890052610240134492024-01-14T09:08:00.000-08:002024-01-14T09:08:51.414-08:00<p> Still here! Alive and kicking (barely, some days)!!!!!</p><p>We are enjoying the grandkids. Life happens at a slower pace for both of us (hubby and I) nowadays. We are active with our daughter's 2 kids and our son and his family of 4 kids has moved across the country for a new job, so we don't see them often. We still have Bodie, our lab rescue, and our cat, Abby (now 14 years old!) and we've been adopted by 3 feral cats who now live in our garage AND a momma cat and her 3 kittens! We do leave food and goat's milk out for them and we cook them eggs for breakfast. They seem to have taken over our side patio. Fortunately our dog ignores them!</p><p>I don't get up to see the herd as much as I would like to. Honestly, some days I'm too tired to even drive to the store and hubby doesn't drive anywhere anymore, ever since he has a "fender bender" last September. So I do ALL the errands. And, that wears me out.</p><p>So, just plugging along here, one day at a time.</p><p>Some recent pictures attached. Daisies are from a few years ago. Sunflowers are this year's. I do have quite a few sunflowers, hollyhocks, cosmos, marigolds, and Black Eyed Susans still in the front yard, so I'm enjoying them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydRJ-XFctMLlozfrfSKDu19diuqRbSW4Sb92XgwIxN2hcVe9HBmeAHTEodnmK4GBpvSR5qlZKivfp4wC1NKVfV44Dfqh1QTa64rHmQOwJbSeTeoCcDPRj2JAcDFgkCLWDMFlLK9cfXs7fYT0f6YhHnA15p_XYtnkdsyceS94Iu4dkttJyuUfEbP1235I/s960/daisies%20front%20yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="960" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydRJ-XFctMLlozfrfSKDu19diuqRbSW4Sb92XgwIxN2hcVe9HBmeAHTEodnmK4GBpvSR5qlZKivfp4wC1NKVfV44Dfqh1QTa64rHmQOwJbSeTeoCcDPRj2JAcDFgkCLWDMFlLK9cfXs7fYT0f6YhHnA15p_XYtnkdsyceS94Iu4dkttJyuUfEbP1235I/s320/daisies%20front%20yard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXngn7ffNJ-wHXavIimpTwkADriYX8TSFau0mitJw_rdhFWw1dpS6ahfFudUmXt67DDrPK3KgVfmf02dXHVUGERKqBGgTO4cBzEMWQzpVfa30WqM7tzK0CxH0jKSfLv25Q2tiruMMzgjFgBkKTXMdVknhps5t39aNt6C1pgN_Z6UGBfydclvIhbisxU0k/s2048/sunflower%20and%20cosmos%20Jan%202024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1169" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXngn7ffNJ-wHXavIimpTwkADriYX8TSFau0mitJw_rdhFWw1dpS6ahfFudUmXt67DDrPK3KgVfmf02dXHVUGERKqBGgTO4cBzEMWQzpVfa30WqM7tzK0CxH0jKSfLv25Q2tiruMMzgjFgBkKTXMdVknhps5t39aNt6C1pgN_Z6UGBfydclvIhbisxU0k/s320/sunflower%20and%20cosmos%20Jan%202024.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-54525747680423973832023-01-11T08:06:00.001-08:002023-01-11T08:06:25.987-08:00Gigondas has crossed the Rainbow Bridge<p> Gigondas is no longer with us. I felt it this morning when I saw beautiful, pink clouds streaking across our sky. I knew she was gone. She has not been well all Fall and she didn't lose her fur from last Spring. It was in clumps all over. She had a nasal discharge which the vet gave her pills for, but her old body just didn't last and she died last night. She was my oldest horse. She always nickered for me when she saw my car drive into the ranch. I miss her already. We also lost our 17 year old cat this week, so it has been a shitty week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhVF0VYc704kFvqw5VtFQedOQRGvJ2g9M4z3WDy011EHDH3xfPL_SES1gM7fLBJrcKwiYbTUnjZrg65UCYgBOfR5R27zeLVXIb1DidxboE-0Sh-VPe7ZAtc39dpGMadf3c0dOA93R5Nl9zye6pMGFJrC6TUSw-ogFhL3qKf-bQgRsVIBbVoo6gORA/s2048/Gigo%202016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhVF0VYc704kFvqw5VtFQedOQRGvJ2g9M4z3WDy011EHDH3xfPL_SES1gM7fLBJrcKwiYbTUnjZrg65UCYgBOfR5R27zeLVXIb1DidxboE-0Sh-VPe7ZAtc39dpGMadf3c0dOA93R5Nl9zye6pMGFJrC6TUSw-ogFhL3qKf-bQgRsVIBbVoo6gORA/s320/Gigo%202016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-8241806013292681282022-08-16T11:22:00.003-07:002022-08-16T11:22:48.268-07:00Still here!!!<p> We are still here, although we both seem to be moving slower these days. Hubby pretty much stays indoors most days and watches the news and baseball. I stay in and work on journals. I did get outdoors in July and start my porch side garden, then we all got hit with watering restrictions, so half of my plants died. I AM recycling kitchen sink water and even shower water, however, so the rest of the plants are struggling to stay alive. Everything pretty much dies in August each year. I did buy some vegetable seeds which I want to put into containers this fall and crops are exempt from water restrictions.</p><p>The birds are happy here and we have 3 feral cats who come into the yard, mostly to check out the gopher holes and leap up into the air to try to catch a bird (they don't...). The gophers out front are pretty much OUT OF CONTROL. I gave up for about a month and just let them run and dig wildly, but now I'm back on them.</p><p>Speaking of gopher holes, I looked out back 2 days ago and...a big, fat GROUND SQUIRREL was sitting up next to its hole, surveying the back yard. Now, Bodie, our dog, has caught 3 gophers, but I'd never seen this VARMIT before. I absolutely HATE ground squirrels. The horse ranch is full of them and their holes are EVERYWHERE! So, I'm going to borrow a trap from the ranch owner and hopefully catch this one. And, this is in spite of the fact that Bodie goes out back about 4x a day and I've even seen one of the feral cats in the #RIGGING back yard!!!!! THIS MEANS WAR!</p><p>We joined our daughter and her family over Memorial Day, up in Idyllwild. Hubby, Bodie, and I had a small cabin and they had the big one 2 doors down. The grandkids had a blast. We haven't gone anywhere else (just too expensive), but they've gone up to Crestline a couple of times, and Arrowbear. We are ALL staying home over Labor Day.</p><p>Our monsoon season this year is a real dud. We got some sprinkles ONCE. But, we haven't had days of 120+ ALL SUMMER! Yippie! And, it doesn't look like we will this month either. In fact, next weekend, it is supposed to be "down" to 99 degrees here! YAY! Double digits!</p><p>Horses are all find except for Gigondas. We think she has Cushings. We all brush and brush her and she's still full of hair. I'm going to have my vet look at her in September when all needs their shots and I'll have to make a decision about her at that time. She's had a good, pampered life. While I would miss her, I DO NOT want her to suffer or be uncomfortable. </p><p>So, that's all for now...just taking one day at a time. The arthritis in my knees is so bad some days I can barely walk. Getting up to the horse ranch is difficult, too, because of my lack of energy. Hubby and I are pretty sure we both had COVID back in February of 2020, before it was widely known or suspected, and our energy levels since then haven't been the same. We also BOTH suffer from brain fog some days.</p><p>Take care of yourself!</p><p>~Cheryl Ann~</p><p><br /></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-81830975332537353072022-05-15T17:59:00.000-07:002022-05-15T17:59:00.598-07:00Summer's COMIN' !!!<p> Still here. Summer's heat is coming. All my plants and flowers are really struggling this year, due to the heat and drought. Fortunately I did not plant a garden. My hollyhocks came back on their own and I've just been watering them enough to maintain them. I have very few sunflowers. We had horrible winds in March which almost took out all the hollyhocks. We also have fewer birds this year, but my resident hummingbird population seems to be stable, at about 5. I go out now and clean and refill their feeders almost every day.</p><p>Gigondas seems to have developed Cushings. She is a shaggy wooly beast now. I went up Saturday, brushed her, and her hair just came out in clumps. I'm going back Tuesday and brush her again. I'm also picking up some supplements for her. I always wanted a big, chestnut thoroughbred mare and she is my dream. The ranch owner says she'll be fine as long as she isn't in pain, which she isn't. She kicked up her heels in her corral Saturday and nickered to me and even nuzzled me! Gosh, it's only taken 18 years to get to this point! She wasn't real fond of people when she first came to me, but she has learned that humans give treats and rubs.</p><p>Grandkids are growing. I pick them up a couple of days after school each week and we spend one afternoon here at our house. Their school year is soon coming to an end.</p><p>Just a few random photos. I'm sewing tote bags, journal covers, and keeping busy. I enjoy still being able to have some quiet mornings outdoors (so far) with my coffee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ9CBo_FlhPX6FliNBTqjgMLZdFDCdJl3L0X6JlVkf_j3vTofcjjpRkjQ8srmgYdA5jaj-0gtewpJyCEyS-EYfdYRzX5MrgqGUEFj0O4EdqiM2KUFBz2km63xIRr-UMLAEUMnaf3fgwox_KJoVXJnZi-17y_wE6_6v7VmZ85Th6oTtBsYIi3lFXXX/s2048/Gigo%202016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ9CBo_FlhPX6FliNBTqjgMLZdFDCdJl3L0X6JlVkf_j3vTofcjjpRkjQ8srmgYdA5jaj-0gtewpJyCEyS-EYfdYRzX5MrgqGUEFj0O4EdqiM2KUFBz2km63xIRr-UMLAEUMnaf3fgwox_KJoVXJnZi-17y_wE6_6v7VmZ85Th6oTtBsYIi3lFXXX/s320/Gigo%202016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pretty Gigondas in 2016...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjL1k94-Hgd5y9ocZSlql78c7sVNurJWe40tT-sayVZfnVns_UO44LJRo-w4_w97eiRaLPJxQMvprRtqcwTjyUcg8Djj7lP4Ezg6mSh38g30A-5sFzqNuYdY63805MNSVVS8es6ja8mpeWnssewKzPLfhv6A21W_690N3DJfR14nOocf5HpDMKu86/s960/Anza%20snow%20021522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjL1k94-Hgd5y9ocZSlql78c7sVNurJWe40tT-sayVZfnVns_UO44LJRo-w4_w97eiRaLPJxQMvprRtqcwTjyUcg8Djj7lP4Ezg6mSh38g30A-5sFzqNuYdY63805MNSVVS8es6ja8mpeWnssewKzPLfhv6A21W_690N3DJfR14nOocf5HpDMKu86/s320/Anza%20snow%20021522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anza got SNOW!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbka4gVY7g_lsFtdn1CmCkywHEpH9tfbUe8tVrLrYUeOfgkB1h0BT9zPlWQvklsGSlHBK32jXinT3r42QfvZsWPjoTAKCPMLTgMFkTDnHKQ5gd2s2uKaMVgSCSGCApdj3ZX04Y2GHfLGOKgPgGiCHUQf5YFU7352EAviCTMo7w3tUDphXI7MUQpTv6/s3072/Toro%20Peak%20new%20snow%20030622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbka4gVY7g_lsFtdn1CmCkywHEpH9tfbUe8tVrLrYUeOfgkB1h0BT9zPlWQvklsGSlHBK32jXinT3r42QfvZsWPjoTAKCPMLTgMFkTDnHKQ5gd2s2uKaMVgSCSGCApdj3ZX04Y2GHfLGOKgPgGiCHUQf5YFU7352EAviCTMo7w3tUDphXI7MUQpTv6/s320/Toro%20Peak%20new%20snow%20030622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our local mountains got snow in March...view from the Toro Peak webcams at 8,500 feet.<p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-60969921806241246682021-08-13T14:21:00.001-07:002021-08-13T14:21:07.790-07:00Still here, but hobbling around!<p>Well, we are still here. Grandkids are back IN school, but I don't know how long that will last. There are already cases of COVID exposure at their school. (They are both now at the same school.)...we'll see...sigh...</p><p>I pulled a ligament in my left knee a month ago getting up out of my recliner. I heard a loud "POP" and half my kneecap went one way, the other half went the other direction. I screamed! I nearly collapsed on the floor. I woke hubby up from his nap! I've been hobbling around ever since, but now I also go to physical therapy twice a week. After each session, I am physically EXHAUSTED! Obviously I'm not doing much right now. It took me 3 weeks to make 2 journals! I just couldn't focus or concentrate! I'm getting better about taking time in the mornings and afternoons to work on some fall journals now.</p><p>So, life goes on. I had to let my garden go because I just couldn't get out back to water it and, with it being August, it was time to rest it anyway. I'm already planning my fall one IF (and that's a big "if") I can get out and get it ready. If not, well, then I won't have one.</p><p>Coopers' hawks are returning almost daily to the bird bath and we still have doves, finches, and sparrows, and the occasional woodpecker. I've heard a male grosbeak now for about a week, but haven't spotted him yet. This August has been NO WHERE near as hot as last year's and next week, we will have double digit temps! And, nights down in the 70's...YAY! I'm going out for a very short walk (with my cane) every morning in our cool air.</p><p>Take care and stay healthy!</p><p>Cheryl Ann</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmpCfthkhpg/YRbh60MrQfI/AAAAAAAAwHM/tFp8Z9cHEloi0daCyhsjfS43G_mqutnbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/toro%2Bpeak%2Bclouds%2B081021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmpCfthkhpg/YRbh60MrQfI/AAAAAAAAwHM/tFp8Z9cHEloi0daCyhsjfS43G_mqutnbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/toro%2Bpeak%2Bclouds%2B081021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Storm clouds up in our local mountains after a monsoon storm last week...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7zTFaeoCQ/YRbiLqh8G2I/AAAAAAAAwHU/Egfn8ONVvYwi8i8zUF11l4LeQC7gFy88ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/toro%2Bpeak%2Bclouds%2Bafter%2Bstorm%2B072621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz7zTFaeoCQ/YRbiLqh8G2I/AAAAAAAAwHU/Egfn8ONVvYwi8i8zUF11l4LeQC7gFy88ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/toro%2Bpeak%2Bclouds%2Bafter%2Bstorm%2B072621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Another view of our mountains and clouds</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-23210717047582938632021-06-02T07:20:00.003-07:002021-06-02T07:20:54.042-07:00Still here and still healthy!<p> We are still here and our family is still healthy. We (4 adults) have been vaccinated, but not the 2 youngsters. We just spent a wonderful weekend up in Big Bear, but I got altitude sickness and then hubby did, too, so we are glad to be home to our 200 foot elevation. I didn't even take any photos! Bodie got to socialize with our daughter's new Shiz Tsu puppy and the 2 dogs got along. The grandkids wore us out, however, with their constant bickering. We DID get to go to some yard sales and I bought an old dictionary and some linens to use in my journals.</p><p>It's been a long year many ways. First, I had to babysit the granddaughter every 2 weeks. Her other grandmother did the other 2 weeks each month, but she can no longer babysit since she has to take care of her brother. So, that leaves me...I'm finding that babysitting an 8 year old can be EXHAUSTING!</p><p>My garden has taken off. I have 6 tomato plants, 2 basil, and 2 peppers. All are doing quite well. I've picked some of the Roma tomatoes and they are DELICIOUS!</p><p>Hubby and I will be celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary tomorrow. He is cooking dinner and we are having a bottle of bubbly.</p><p>Stay well!</p><p>Cheryl Ann</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-31144931002977941502021-04-08T03:00:00.001-07:002021-04-08T03:00:23.882-07:00Still here...slugging along<p> Since we are both over 65, we have now completed our 2nd COVID vaccine shot and are back to normal...whatever that is. We now just stay at home. I run out to the grocery store about once a week, although yesterday I did visit 2 fabric shops and I went to Target with our daughter and granddaughter and then I also ran to the post office to mail out a journal. PHEW! That was a busy day!</p><p>I've gained 10 pounds and hubby has gained 20. I'm noticing my legs don't work like they used to and I have to consciously THINK about where I put my feet. I'm 69 now and slowing down...YES! I hate to admit it, but it is true. Sometimes when I go out in the back yard, my feet get tangled up and I nearly go down. And, I tend to shuffle a lot. Hmmm....guess more walking is in order! Doctor won't be happy with all the weight gain, either. Well, when all you do is STAY HOME....</p><p>Some photos from the yard. My hollyhocks are starting to open up. Sunflowers are done in 2 areas, but new ones are coming up in another one. Oh, and I have California poppies AND African daisies where the Chinaberry tree used to be!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NL2szqqjk3U/YG7UH-JbgiI/AAAAAAAAuFI/0MBtGZtrdas7O_umvYRdNeWR5B44wVpDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NL2szqqjk3U/YG7UH-JbgiI/AAAAAAAAuFI/0MBtGZtrdas7O_umvYRdNeWR5B44wVpDACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-19545334799562516862021-03-01T07:10:00.001-08:002021-03-01T07:10:33.612-08:00My sunflowers in February<p> So far I have two patches of sunflowers out back and more are sprouting. I went out with my Nikon D40x and took some photos. It is still my backup camera, but sometimes I prefer it to the Canon. Hopefully you'll see why.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75IUiGqPtck/YD0DVpKukdI/AAAAAAAAtkY/CWhQvVvw_QADw3enF59JTuuKATzX8SWfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75IUiGqPtck/YD0DVpKukdI/AAAAAAAAtkY/CWhQvVvw_QADw3enF59JTuuKATzX8SWfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7iviJ5XHlY/YD0DZ8GfJ9I/AAAAAAAAtkc/eW0X8aPWHvEPQnkPXUOnuwDvUHjEdyinwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7iviJ5XHlY/YD0DZ8GfJ9I/AAAAAAAAtkc/eW0X8aPWHvEPQnkPXUOnuwDvUHjEdyinwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_sEcWPe6Ks/YD0Dc5PniBI/AAAAAAAAtkg/Y7bzO5TvuJsFZxaoAJ2HQnCZAFrHC8IiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_sEcWPe6Ks/YD0Dc5PniBI/AAAAAAAAtkg/Y7bzO5TvuJsFZxaoAJ2HQnCZAFrHC8IiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDN0slYi6k/YD0DfWVDHuI/AAAAAAAAtkk/OTumv214N_ABG4HY1wjeho0vI0Slhfb8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDN0slYi6k/YD0DfWVDHuI/AAAAAAAAtkk/OTumv214N_ABG4HY1wjeho0vI0Slhfb8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_IQGxSveI/YD0Dj05UkZI/AAAAAAAAtko/tLqmgC42X38ZEZV6KPJDB0W785QJfH2xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_IQGxSveI/YD0Dj05UkZI/AAAAAAAAtko/tLqmgC42X38ZEZV6KPJDB0W785QJfH2xQCLcBGAsYHQ/w321-h216/DSC_0079.JPG" width="321" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-27142726618796831812021-02-27T08:21:00.002-08:002021-02-27T08:21:29.121-08:002nd COVID vaccine shot nearly did me in!<p> We all got our 2nd Moderna covid shot on Thursday. I awoke at 3 a.m. Friday with severe chills that 4 blankets didn't help. I staggered out into the living room (where it is warmer) and sat in my chair for the rest of the morning. It was a LONG morning...headache, body aches and the chills. Finally, 12 hours later, the chills were gone, but I still had the headache and body aches. I ate nothing that day. Hubby did bring me a cup of coffee, which was nice. I basically slept on and off for 36 hours. This morning, however, I'm back to normal. I went out and fed the birds, cleaned and refilled the hummingbird feeders, and watered out front. So far, NONE of my sunflowers, black eyed Susans, cosmos, and marigolds have sprouted. NONE! We haven't had any rain since...??? (I don't even remember). I did set up a sunflower circle out back, but nothing has sprouted there either. I'm going out today and turn on a portable sprinkler and hopefully they will sprout in the warm weather next week. We'll see...</p><p>Stay safe and stay healthy!</p><p>Cheryl Ann</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-13510558679647625962021-02-07T11:53:00.002-08:002021-02-07T11:53:29.220-08:00Garden started!<p> Well, my spring vegetable garden is started. I have 5 tomatoes, 4 peppers, 2 basil, and some lavender and alyssum (to attract bees) in it. I made it in the old dog kennel cage so he can't get it and dig it all up! Ha, ha! We got a nice 2 days of rain a couple of weeks ago and all my sunflower seeds are now coming up. I already have some nice sunflowers, but I need to go out and pull up all the grass around them. Yes, the grass sprouted, too...sigh...</p><p>We just stay home, read books, watch TV, and I get out every morning now and work in my garden for about 45 minutes to an hour. LOTS of weeds are coming up and if I don't keep them down, they will take over everything!</p><p>That's Bodie "helping" me out in the back yard!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz2kFz0Ci1s/YCBE8O4L-jI/AAAAAAAAtds/k8u8qKVVznMzqPw-ryqJowRHpWke-AkgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/Bodie%2Band%2Bsunflowers%2B2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tz2kFz0Ci1s/YCBE8O4L-jI/AAAAAAAAtds/k8u8qKVVznMzqPw-ryqJowRHpWke-AkgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bodie%2Band%2Bsunflowers%2B2020.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-72073960114507886192020-12-23T08:22:00.002-08:002020-12-23T08:22:17.785-08:00Got a LOT of work to do!<p> An Edison crew showed up 60 days ago and said they wanted to completely remove 6 trees from our property which were under their lines. So, we said yes. One was a 40 year old DEAD pine tree which I planted the year after our daughter was born. The doves loved that tree, but they can find other ones. There were 3 eucalyptus, the dead pine, and 1 Chinaberry (which actually wasn't under their lines), but they took them all out completely. The good thing is that it has now opened up about 1/3 of our yard to direct sunlight and I now have a huge area to plant flower seeds! So, I placed a $40 order for black eyed Susans, California poppies, African daisies, lupine, larkspur, and I forget what else. In the meantime I'm busy planting hollyhocks and sunflowers all along the block wall next to our neighbor. By Spring, it will completely be covered with sunflowers and hollyhocks! and, I have plenty of room for everything else. So, I go out every day for about an hour and putter around. I'm getting exercise and Vitamin D, so that's good.</p><p>We DID see the alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on the 21st, so that was good. Last night it was too cloudy to see anything and they weren't lined up anyway.</p><p>Not much else new here. I have at least 3 hummingbirds who have stayed in the yard. Oh, and the neighborhood roadrunner comes every day and eats grubs and an occasional sparrow or finch..sigh... She can sure hunker down when the Cooper's hawk flies through the yard!</p><p>So far we are still healthy. I only go out to the store once a week and I ONLY go out first thing in the morning. NEVER in the afternoon...and I ALWAYS wear a mask, take hand sanitizer, and I scrub my hands when I get home. We don't go anywhere else, except to our daughter's home and they are both very careful. I do babysit the 7 year old for 2 weeks every month. Now I just basically see that she is on task. Those little fingers sure can move quickly on the iPad! And, in the afternoon she has small groups on Zoom, so I have to make sure she's ready for that. Then, I drive home and take a 2 hour nap.</p><p>Stay safe and STAY WELL!</p><p>Cheryl</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-1149472479869274812020-10-18T16:51:00.002-07:002020-10-18T16:51:54.998-07:00Visit to the horses today<p> I HAD to go up for a visit to the horses today. I start my 2 weeks with the second grader, Miss Ellie tomorrow and I'll be too EXHAUSTED every day to do so. I needed to put some medicine on Quad's two back hooves because he has a fungal infection. So, off I went this morning after going to COSTCO on Friday to have my tire pressure checked. GOOD THING I WENT! ALL my tires were about 7 pounds low! I haven't been driving my own car much. It's just been sitting in the driveway. And, I filled her up with gas, so away we went.</p><p>It was a pleasant drive up, but with a LOT of traffic. And, with traffic comes impatient drivers. I think I pulled over into turnouts about 4x.</p><p>The horses are all doing fine and are getting their winter coats. It's amazing to watch (and feel) their coats coming in. I managed to brush all of them, so I got a good feel as to their coats.</p><p>The leaves are just starting to turn on the sycamores and maples up there...still a little early.</p><p>Here are some photos of the horses:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO2MMF0G7eM/X4zUfGubpRI/AAAAAAAAsnE/B9lQTf_ZklEa_paDPJsyYDOlpS2Oi4aPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DO2MMF0G7eM/X4zUfGubpRI/AAAAAAAAsnE/B9lQTf_ZklEa_paDPJsyYDOlpS2Oi4aPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Quad. He has bandages on his front feet from an abscess. But, he is now able to run and buck and chase his girlfriend up and down the fence.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2H9v9rp7eY/X4zUhgi5sgI/AAAAAAAAsnI/3D6O2OtbEgQgH5oMiNDOGn-cdlW5eSPVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2H9v9rp7eY/X4zUhgi5sgI/AAAAAAAAsnI/3D6O2OtbEgQgH5oMiNDOGn-cdlW5eSPVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1QdKjqQWd4/X4zUkRJt1yI/AAAAAAAAsnM/alTcFAb6CDY6URR9BDQsN2t7H1_pbT3SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1QdKjqQWd4/X4zUkRJt1yI/AAAAAAAAsnM/alTcFAb6CDY6URR9BDQsN2t7H1_pbT3SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Quad and his girlfriend. He has managed to eat half of her tail!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCxgcjo1KHQ/X4zUnfxYTBI/AAAAAAAAsnQ/KcEuDeZsgBUF92rRlRjaBXGO1yhr7v8lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCxgcjo1KHQ/X4zUnfxYTBI/AAAAAAAAsnQ/KcEuDeZsgBUF92rRlRjaBXGO1yhr7v8lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My pretty chestnut thoroughbred mare, Gigondas. She came up for some loving and a nice brushing today.<div><br /></div><div>I brushed all the horses, so I know that their winter coats are coming in. I was too tired to take photos of Sunni and Scout. Maybe next time.</div><div>XOXOXOXO</div><div>Cheryl<br /><p><br /></p></div>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-60252304685004771782020-10-09T08:32:00.001-07:002020-10-09T08:32:26.033-07:00What I've learned from watching birds<p> I used to have my laptop next to my window in the craft room. Unfortunately, due to the poor reception there, I've had to take it and move it out into the living room. I'm going to have to rearrange some furniture so that I can sit next to that huge window and be able to look out into our front yard, so that will take a couple of days.</p><p>Anyway, during my window sitting time and time spent gazing out of my craft room window (formerly our daughter's bedroom and it is still painted a deep shade of forest green), I've learned a few things about birds.</p><p>First, birds are NOT STUPID. They've been on this planet millions of years longer than we have.</p><p>Second, birds have an early warning system built in against predators (yes, that includes other birds). If one bird takes flight (PANICKED FLIGHT)...they ALL do. I assume that is a survival mechanism. The roadrunner was out front this morning when ALL the doves and sparrows and finches took flight and she, too, disappeared.</p><p>Third, birds have very light sensitive eyes. If' I'm at my desk and I even move a muscle, they spot it and take off. The roadrunner is getting used to me and I move VERY SLOWLY if I spot her. But the doves...nope...they don't want any part of me.</p><p>Fourth, don't let them fool you. Roadrunners CAN move at lightning speed. I've seen this one CATCH and batter and eat 2 sparrows that she caught. Yesterday afternoon she lunged at some on the ground, but those got away. It really IS survival of the fittest.</p><p>Fifth, I don't have a photograph of her. Our windows are 30 years old and I need to get out and wash them, so no photos (yet)...She really is quite colorful and I'm HOPING I'll get one of her soon. Hubby, who grew up down here, says this one is a female because she isn't brightly colored enough.</p><p>60 degrees outside this morning. We have 3 more days of double digit temps, then next week we are back up in the 100's....sigh...</p><p>That's all for now.</p><p>Stay safe and stay healthy.</p><p>Cheryl Ann</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-49511124705118422752020-10-08T07:59:00.002-07:002020-10-08T07:59:55.841-07:00The more I listen to the news, the more art work I do!<p> ...sigh...</p><p>Listening to the news is so depressing I find myself spending HOURS in my craft room the 2 weeks I'm not helping the second grade granddaughter. And, my 2 weeks off are this week and next. We don't even have the TV on down at their house because it is too distracting for her and she needs to focus on her school work.</p><p>I find myself getting outdoors more and more every day, especially now that we are down into the 70's and 60's at night. I bought 4 plants at Lowe's yesterday. One is a purple salvia to replace the one that seems to have died the last 2 days. The hummingbirds enjoy those, so I wanted to buy another one. I got 2 lavender and 1 rosemary also. </p><p>Hubby turns off the TV midmorning and either takes a nap or listens to jazz on our Alexa. Really, who can take this NONSENSE day after day?</p><p>XOXOXO</p><p>Cheryl</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJH6ICZ6Qys/X38pSi1jFLI/AAAAAAAAslQ/5Ndcr5Y3BF8wshBcuG9yYTA7d97zFa2EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1849/DSC_0027crp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="1849" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJH6ICZ6Qys/X38pSi1jFLI/AAAAAAAAslQ/5Ndcr5Y3BF8wshBcuG9yYTA7d97zFa2EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0027crp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Some of my daisies from 2017. Lowe's didn't have any of these so I'll have to look elsewhere.<p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-15501759419184892952020-10-07T08:26:00.001-07:002020-10-07T08:26:11.060-07:00Birds and gophers<p> We have pesky gophers in the back yard. I constantly see new holes...sigh...Our dog has caught 2 of them and is very interested in a couple of spots out back, but for 2 days now I haven't spotted any new holes. So, I'm hoping he got the last one.</p><p>We have a cottontail who comes to visit every now and then and a female roadrunner who comes every morning now. At first she scared off the doves, but now they tolerate her. They are too big for her, but she does catch a sparrow every now and then (NOT a pretty sight!)...She also digs for huge slugs in the dirt which I didn't even know were there! She is quite entertaining, but she is also cunning like a Velociraptor. I have seen her HIDE in the bushes and then rush out, scaring all the birds away (and catching a sparrow!) She delights in scaring the smaller birds.</p><p>I did our weekly shopping this morning: WalMart and Whole Foods and I was lucky to get out during their senior hours, so both stores were almost EMPTY! YAY! In & out in no time at all and without running into a lot of people! :-)</p><p>I MAY drive across town to COSTCO today. I'm getting low on bird seed and TP.</p><p>Until next time,</p><p>Cheryl ~~ Ripley and her bear about 2016. RIP sweet thing. I still miss her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz7kA07OWyM/X33d9r7sLJI/AAAAAAAAslA/yJ51oQqypcsBqS9GxZSSHfD30M-Zdw0rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Ripley%2Band%2Bher%2Bbear%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz7kA07OWyM/X33d9r7sLJI/AAAAAAAAslA/yJ51oQqypcsBqS9GxZSSHfD30M-Zdw0rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Ripley%2Band%2Bher%2Bbear%2B2016.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-1972297392542547112020-10-06T07:45:00.001-07:002020-10-06T07:45:40.426-07:00We're still here and sad news from Oak Glen, Los Rios apple farm<p> Well, we're still here! We just don't do much and we don't go out except to our daughter's. I'm babysitting the 7 year old during the day for 2 weeks each month to make sure she is on task with her distance learning. Her other grandma comes for 2 weeks after my stretch is done. One can ONLY do 2 weeks at a time because she can be exhausting! Mommie is trying to teach middle school band from the bedroom! OY!</p><p>Sad news from Oak Glen: The Los Rios apple ranch main building and packing shed were all destroyed by fire last week. The fire started at 2:30 a.m. The bakery is GONE. The store is GONE. Part of the adjacent Wildlands Conservacy was burned, too. I remember going up there as a kid with my grandparents. 100 years of history...GONE.</p><p>I am busy planting my fall garden. I'm going to have to replace one of my blue salvias because overnight something ate the leaves and it is ready to be pulled out. Oh, and we have gophers out back. Our lab mix, Bodie, loves to stick his nose down their hole and DIG horrible holes! He has actually caught 2 of them. I thought we were done, but noooooooooooooooooo! Another one is already pushing up dirt...sigh...</p><p>Oh, and we have HORNETS at the hummingbird feeders, so I brought them all in this morning. Pesky little things and they fly around my face!</p><p>Until next time.</p><p>Cheryl</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-34151032605353259412020-09-17T06:15:00.001-07:002020-09-17T06:15:09.890-07:00Horses get their shots and Quad had an abscess<p> So, it was that time of year for the herd to get their shots and my wonderful vet, Dr. Lindsey Crowley, came with 2 assistants yesterday. First of all, I had her look at Quad because Cathy, the ranch owner, said he was lame. He stood in one spot yesterday, legs stiff, and didn't move. Poor guy. Well, Dr. Lindsey took a look at his front hooves and discovered a big, nasty abscess in one of them, so she went to work! Then she bandaged that one up and looked at the other one and bandaged it up, too. He has thrush in his back 2 hooves, so I'm going to buy some Thrust Buster today and I'll go back Saturday to drop it off. By the time she was done with him, he was running and bucking in his corral! So good to see him back to normal! She almost forgot to give him his shot!</p><p>Gigondas was a GOOD GIRL, as usual. Scout? Scout was a brat, as usual. She didn't want NO DAMN SHOT and she let everybody know! The doc passed on Sunni because last year he was a complete IDIOT and wouldn't let anybody near him, so Cathy will give him his shot.</p><p>I'm glad that is over. PHEW! It was 95 degrees up there and I drank a whole bottle of Vitamin water, and I came home and drank...4 glasses of herbal iced tea! And, I took a nap for an hour! That warm weather is deceiving even with a nice breeze.</p><p>So, they are all done for a year, Quad, however, will need to get pads and shoes on his front feet.</p><p>I'm going out this morning and planting some hollyhock seeds...tis the season!</p><p>XOXOXO</p><p>Cheryl</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwklgHnj1j0/X2NhJoZYxZI/AAAAAAAAsds/AH6QKyxM5BcYTwdEl3zdLiu6DUAOoVbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/Quad%2Band%2BCrystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwklgHnj1j0/X2NhJoZYxZI/AAAAAAAAsds/AH6QKyxM5BcYTwdEl3zdLiu6DUAOoVbBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Quad%2Band%2BCrystal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Quad and Crystal, his neighbor. He has managed to chew off most of her tail! HOW RUDE! He is much more spotted now (he's 16 years old) and his mane and tail and both white now.<p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-28133879154130243912020-09-09T07:17:00.001-07:002020-09-09T07:17:05.641-07:00FALL has officially arrived!<p> Well, it is 64 degrees on our porch this morning. Yesterday at this time it was 82 degrees. I ran around and opened up EVERY window in the house! The cool air feels WONDERFUL and we will be in double digits for the next 3 days! Whoo, whoo! What a relief!</p><p>I also filled up every bird feeder and added 3 more this morning, since it is about time for the migratory birds to come through. They are very busy feeding this morning, but a hawk just flew through the yard and they have now all scattered...sigh...</p><p>I have a couple of appointments next week...the vet is coming up to give the herd their shots on Wednesday. Sunni was a real BRAT last year and the ranch owner had to give him his shots, so if he isn't a gentleman, she will do that again this year. He mistrusts people, even now. Let's see...he is now 16 years old, same as Quad and Scout. We don't know how old Gigondas is, but we are thinking she is in her 20's.</p><p>Our water heater died over the weekend, so yesterday the company we bought it from came out and installed a new one, fixed the faucet next to the sink out back, and now we are out $1500. And, I'll have at least a $300 vet bill next week....OY! Good thing I saved our tax refund! The guy is going to come back next week and install a new garbage disposal, since I haven't had one for... 4 years! YES! 4 YEARS. I actually don't mind, but it sure would be nice to have a new, working one! After that, at some point, our refrigerator is a 2000 model, so I suppose it will go out next...sigh...always something, eh?</p><p>Take care, stay healthy, be safe, and... WEAR YOUR MASK! I noticed the guy had his on yesterday morning, so I ran and grabbed one, too.</p><p>Cheryl Ann</p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-40988535730396389522020-09-05T06:33:00.002-07:002020-09-05T06:33:35.378-07:00WHEN will fall finally arrive?<p> This Labor Day weekend here in California and the Southwest is expected to break all records. It is forecast to be 120 degrees here in Palm Desert tomorrow and 119 for the next 2 days after that. By Tuesday, temps will be down 10 degrees both during the daytime and at night.</p><p>WHERE IS FALL?</p><p>It certainly isn't here yet and one forecaster predicts that September will continue to have above-average temperatures... ALL MONTH! I looked ahead at the 10 day forecast and by the end of the 10 days, temps will be back up to 110! YIKES! In September! That's awful!</p><p>I'm SO ready this weekend to work on my garden out front, but it is already 91 degrees at 6:30 in the morning, so I don't see that happening. I'm free from babysitting the 7 year old 2nd grade granddaughter for the next 2 weeks since her other grandma will be coming down to stay with the family. SOMEONE has to fix her breakfast, lunch, and keep an eye on her during the day while Mommie teaches middle school band online (try that one, eh?)</p><p>Horses get their shots on the 16th and I may have to make an appointment with a dermatologist for a raised, bumpy "thing" on my leg. Oh, joy! I'm already having nightmares about sitting in a doctor's office during COVID.</p><p>Hubby and I WILL be getting our flu shots during my 2 weeks off.</p><p>Here are a few recent photos for you: Both were VERY interested in the koi fish pond up at the Idyllwild cabins!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHACHD1nLGo/X1OTdH458OI/AAAAAAAAsYE/wYGJMi3Tz84gEWomfvI_zeK47k7C_9cwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHACHD1nLGo/X1OTdH458OI/AAAAAAAAsYE/wYGJMi3Tz84gEWomfvI_zeK47k7C_9cwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_INT5po3GSM/X1OThbVtLOI/AAAAAAAAsYI/7r177X8HjEwDTYbz7l-2cBQqVE8EW_sAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_INT5po3GSM/X1OThbVtLOI/AAAAAAAAsYI/7r177X8HjEwDTYbz7l-2cBQqVE8EW_sAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCyqbRzssk4/X1OTjwYoARI/AAAAAAAAsYM/7Zh_dmBhcL0QOlq7gC8IgcgCQTCl7DIIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCyqbRzssk4/X1OTjwYoARI/AAAAAAAAsYM/7Zh_dmBhcL0QOlq7gC8IgcgCQTCl7DIIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_MG_8414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-73424394910876133572020-08-23T07:18:00.001-07:002020-08-23T07:18:07.783-07:00Still here and most of the state is on fire<p> We're still here...healthy and at least partially sane! We don't go out much. I run errands and hubby stays home. And, I don't run errands often, maybe once a week. I always wear my mask and I get in and out as quickly as I can...NO DAWDLING!</p><p>Most of California is on fire. The Apple Fire is now 95% contained, but now Whitewater Canyon and Preserve are closed due to... flash flood danger! We are having afternoon thunderstorms and they have been hit by rain in the fire-damaged areas. Northern California has been hit by lightning strikes causing many fires up there. How sad. One of the redwood parks has been completely burned, even the visitors' center...sigh...Our president will say we didn't rake up enough pine needles...(eye roll...)</p><p>August is dragging on and on and on. It looks like we will FINALLY get a break from the heat & humidity around the end of the month. In the meantime, a Coopers' hawk comes every day now and sips water at the bird bath, although one day he did kill a dove and I found its...wing...in the bird bath when I filled it up the next morning! Ugh. </p><p>Bunny comes to visit, too. I have 3 hummingbirds in the yard and I clean and refill their feeders often. The bees emptied two of them yesterday.</p><p>I'm currently babysitting (taking turns with the other grandma) the 7 year old second grade granddaughter now for 2 weeks at a time. She is doing distance learning and we take turns sitting with her making sure she is ON TASK and not picking her nose on Zoom. She has to get dressed, eat her breakfast, and brush her teeth and get her hair up in a ponytail every morning for school. They do the pledge and their school motto first thing every morning and then they do 15 minutes of quiet math. She was tested on her math ability and scored at a 4th grade in algebra! SO PROUD OF HER! She does math problems in her head. Once in a while I see her counting on her fingers, but not very often. She is definitely way ahead of me! She DOES, however, need to work on her writing skills.</p><p>So, life goes on. Our son and his family are now all the way across the country, so we communicate via Messenger. His youngest is 3 years old today.</p><p>Stay healthy!</p><p>XOXOXOXO</p><p>Cheryl</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbdhcbXvmmk/X0J6fd8LvBI/AAAAAAAAqyU/jXxtRH-lUBIFfjP0dpesmV9JMSDf19gaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbdhcbXvmmk/X0J6fd8LvBI/AAAAAAAAqyU/jXxtRH-lUBIFfjP0dpesmV9JMSDf19gaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/_MG_8404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uaHorMlSV8/X0J6dAZD30I/AAAAAAAAqyQ/vlBRUyS1V6YzO4MAlhGTdNDnaBXyKShTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/_MG_8407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uaHorMlSV8/X0J6dAZD30I/AAAAAAAAqyQ/vlBRUyS1V6YzO4MAlhGTdNDnaBXyKShTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/_MG_8407.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Enjoying the koi pond up in Idyllwild a few weekends ago...That's Bodie, our dog. He goes with us.<p></p>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-64154851743638855822020-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:002020-08-03T07:45:00.682-07:00FIRE!There is a huge fire (20,000 acres this morning) about 45 minutes away from us, near Beaumont and another one up in Whitewater Canyon. YES, the canyon with the Whitewater Preserve. The Beaumont fire was heading up toward Oak Glen and all of the apple orchards and farms, but the winds have now pushed that one east, toward Pioneertown. The Whitewater fire is heading UP the mountain, away from the preserve...sigh...Arson is suspected as the cause of these fires since there have been NO thunderheads. We haven't had much of a monsoon season so far this summer and August doesn't look like we'll have any storms, so we have been without rain for some time now.<div><br /></div><div>We are keeping an eye on both fires. Yesterday driving back down Highway 74 from Idyllwild we could see that the entire Coachella Valley was FULL of smoke! Ugh! It is drifting east over our valley and we are FULL of smoke. People are being advised to stay indoors. Well, with a temperature of 118 degrees here today, we will do so!</div><div><br /></div><div>Will post updates as they become available.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some links for you:</div><div><br /></div><div>Los Angeles Times: <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-02/apple-fire-in-riverside-county-grows-to-20-000-acres-winds-expected-to-pick-up-this-afternoon">https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-08-02/apple-fire-in-riverside-county-grows-to-20-000-acres-winds-expected-to-pick-up-this-afternoon</a></div><div><br /></div><div>CNN: <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/03/us/california-apple-fire-monday/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/03/us/california-apple-fire-monday/index.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This one has a map of the fire area: <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/02/map-apple-fire-perimeter-and-evacuation-near-banning/">https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/02/map-apple-fire-perimeter-and-evacuation-near-banning/</a></div>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-28903227474796383912020-08-03T07:36:00.002-07:002020-08-03T07:36:39.389-07:00The dog days of summerAll is normal here. I'm now making art journals and experimenting with various art techniques. One of my best customers ordered a custom art journal, which I've been working on for a month! All I have to do now is the cover and she's DONE!<div><br /></div><div>Horses are fine. I drove up last Monday and brushed them all and trimmed Quad's mane, since he had a LOT of tangles! They just had their feet done and I'll have to get my vet out next month for their yearly shots.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the weekend up in Idyllwild with our daughter and her family. we rented 2 cabins adjoining each other, with a huge patio deck to share. We took our dog Bodie with us and he was fascinated by the squirrels! Most of the cabins there were occupied for the weekend and many people brought their dogs, as it is a pet friendly place. Friday it was 120 degrees here in the desert and 94 up there and they don't have air conditioning in the cabins, so we turned on every fan and finally came out about 5 p.m. to enjoy the evening coolness. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are back home this morning (August 3rd) and I'll have to babysit Miss Ellie for the next 2 weeks while her mother is doing distance learning classes and she (Miss Ellie) will start 2nd grade online. In fact, she and her mom are driving to her school this morning to pick up her Chrome book and anything else she will need for online learning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be posting photos later today.</div><div>XOXOXO</div><div>Cheryl Ann</div>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-10487591586980645552020-05-28T10:45:00.003-07:002020-05-28T10:45:36.256-07:00Now on ko-fi (new)I'm now on ko-fi, which is a website that promotes and encourages artists such as writers, journal makers, educators, painters, etc. I just finished my profile, so PLEASE come take a look.<br />
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https://ko-fi.com/cherylann0254<a href="https://ko-fi.com/cherylann0254">https://ko-fi.com/cherylann0254</a><br />
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And, if you "buy me a coffee", you donate $3.00 to my effort to replenish all my fabric and thread which I used to make masks these last 10 weeks.<br />
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Thank you so much!<br />
Cheryl AnnCheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-32095742955823946632020-05-26T08:43:00.007-07:002020-05-26T08:47:29.235-07:00Just around the garden~Nature Notes~May 26, 2020I always love to putter around my two gardens in the morning, before it gets too hot and I have to retreat indoors because of the heat. Living near Palm Springs, CA is great for about 7 months of the year. We never know, however, what we are going to get in May, June, or September. They can either be hot, HOT, HOTTTT or mild.<br />
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I still have flowers blooming and now I have squash blossoms! I planted zucchini and yellow squash in several different locations and I even have one hanging pot (which I put on the ground) full of them. <br />
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So, here's what's blooming in my gardens right now:<br />
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Gorgeous squash blossom this morning<br />
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Sunflower and bee<br />
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Look at all the pollen that bee has!<br />
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Unopened hollyhock<br />
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One of my black eyed Susans. I have several plants of these which came up on their own from last year's seeds.<div>To visit Nature Notes, please go to this link: <a href="https://ramblingwoods2.com/">https://ramblingwoods2.com/</a></div>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9052945428992934827.post-56453041377109478852020-05-12T06:49:00.001-07:002020-05-12T06:49:10.697-07:00Just some odds & ends from my gardens~Nature Notes~May 12, 2020I actually have 2 garden spots (or "jungles" as the grandkids call them)...one in the front yard and then most of the back yard. I have no lawn in the front, except on the west side of the driveway. The back yard, alas, does have a lawn, but I've managed to plant sunflowers, hollyhocks, and now beans & squash in various spots. I have bird feeders set up in both yards.<br />
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I went around yesterday and took photos of the "hollyhock jungle" and some odds & ends. It's good to view things other than the flowers every now & then. I had a hummingbird accompany me for a while and I enjoyed seeing all the bees in the hollyhocks, but that's another story for another day.<br />
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Front yard<br />
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Bird bath<br />
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Even the dead cottonwood has a certain beauty<br />
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acacia blooms and yes, they smell sweet!<br />
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Dried sunflower from last summer<br />
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My favorite watering can<br />
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To visit Nature Notes, please go to this link: <a href="https://ramblingwoods2.com/">https://ramblingwoods2.com/</a>Cheryl Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04211625006758463474noreply@blogger.com4