12 of 12 February 2009

Welcome to this month's rendition of 12 of 12, the most wonderfulist idea of Chad Darnell. Happy Birthday, Abe. The day started out dark, cold, wet and windy. And like any other Thursday, before my Friday off, it was busy hectic and the photos are from the beginning and the end of the day. Enjoy! and join us next month.

The morning commute. Very light. It is a state holiday: Lincoln's Birthday.
Yolo Causeway between West Sacramento and Davis 6:45am

The thermostat in the office. At least the heater is working today. Hopefully, it will get to the designated 68 degrees soon.
Vacaville, CA 7:15am

Two days of mail. Boss is out of town and this is his mail from home.
Vacaville, CA 8:20am


I found a new Old Time Radio listening site. They have 63 Philip Marlowe stories. Listening on the Mac iBook G4 and the club wireless.
My office, Vacaville, CA 2:15pm

My office computer desktop. Dare to you find a file. Hide 'em in plain sight, that's my motto.
My office, Vacaville, CA 2:20pm


The view out my office window. There are blue skies out there. If only for a moment.
Vacaville, CA 3:20pm

Brandt's new OTTB. The sun came out just long enough to get two photos. Then came the hail and the rain.
Elverta CA 5:05 pm

So, we are off to the Cash for College seminar. Received lots of information, but not sure how I feel about the presentation of the information. I may pontificate about that later in the application process.
Rio Linda CA 6:20pm

People at the Seminar. Rio Linda Senior High School
6:23 pm

College Banners in the Library at Rio Linda Senior High School
6:23pm

Found two pennies on the ground. One Lincoln heads up, One Lincoln tails up.
Thanks, Dads.
Rio Linda, CA 7:15 pm

Here's to a good Friday the 13th, part one. See you next month on the eve of Friday the 13th, part two.

12 of 12 January 2009

The day started out like the usual Monday. Me over sleeping. There is something about the winter months and arising before the sun that gets the brain into the sleep more mode. So, I decided to wait for the sun to rise.

If you are new to 12 of 12, it is a great photo essay-type of project started by Chad Darnell, the most amazing person I have become acquainted with through cyberspace.

You take 12 photos of your day on the 12th of each month. Then you post them. Simple. And Fun. Enjoy this month's set of photos.

Good Morning, Boy. 6:10am Elverta CA. The strange look is because we were over an hour late for feeding the horses. We "messed" up Boy's routine. And, he still won't come in the house.

The sun, trying to overcome the clouds, some fog and get above the trees. Elverta CA 7am

Another view of the sun rise, Elverta CA

I just could not resist the colors. They just kept changing from moment to moment. Elverta CA.

These two are of the moon. 7:20am. From our front pasture gate as I was leaving for work.

The entryway at work with photos of our locations on the walls. 4:15pm Vacaville CA
The US Post Office in West Sacramento CA. Time to mail 2008 estimated-tax payments. 5:10pm.

The new wireless weather station that the puppies bought Brandt for Christmas. The top one is the wind gauge and rain gauge still sitting in the the box. Bottom photo is the temperature/humidity gauge out side.


Indie and Precious. Elverta CA 8pm

Thanks for viewing.

12 of 12 for December

Thanks for viewing this month's edition of my 12 of 12 musings of which there are only seven. Not sure why the holiday photos didn't come out, other than I really didn't want to be there.

For those of you new to 12 of 12, it is the brainchild of Chad Darnell. Thanks, Chad. Hope you are feeling better. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. And, FIGHT that insurance company.

And, Happy Birthday, Quinn. WOW! the Big 1-0. Following Auntie Lizzie's Big 5-0.

Foggy, foggy morning. Photo taken in Elverta at 6:30 am. Visibility was about 1/2 mile.

By the time I arrived near Dixon, CA. The sun was peaking through. Take about 7:00am.

My Sister-in-Law, April, was in Vacaville for a business meeting, so we went to lunch at BJ's. Taken at 1:00pm.

Massage and sugarwrap time. Molly's door decorated for the season. Taken at 4:00pm. Vacaville, CA.

The Vichi Shower. Damn, it feels so good. 4:00pm Vacaville CA

Post Massage and wrap. Getting ready for the Christmas Party for Staff at the Millennium SportsClub Vacaville.

5:30pm.

OOPS. Forgot to turn this photo. Well, this is the out fit for the party.

And now, showered and hair somewhat ready to go, off to the party.

The food and coat collection barrels. Taken at 6:15 pm.

Party guests arriving. 6:30pm

And I have no idea where photos 11 and 12 are. But, since it is now Monday. That, as they say, is ALL.

Thanks for viewing.

Well, the day started like the rest for the past three weeks: Unable to see more than a hundred feet due to fog.

12 of 12 for November 2008

November 12 of 12. Here's the concept for those of you new to the idea. Take 12 photos of your day on the 12th of each month. It is the wonderful idea of Chad Darnell. People from all over the world participate.

This months photos are tiny, but I don't know why. It has something to do with having to email them to me because the wireless connection was acting up. But, they are now here. Enjoy.

Good morning. Elverta CA 6:43am.

The Nut Tree amusement park. THEY have the BEST gingerbread cookies ever. And they are BACK!!! Vacaville, CA 7:26am

A Ferrari leaving the Club parking lot. It is even red. I only drool over a couple of cars, but red Ferraris will do it to me everytime. Vacaville, CA 7:45 am.

My Desk. Photos of Heather and Luke on the right, Luke and me on the left and my Champ the Horse that I got when we went to the Autry Museum last summer. Vacaville, CA 8:45 am

The Championship Ribbons Luke won this show season, with Heather in the irons. The photo is a collage of me falling off in Watsonville.
Vacaville, CA 8:45 am

My laptop. Our T-one line died. I had to resort to the laptop. That's my Facebook page. I understand now why my SIL finds it so addicting.

Vacaville, CA 2:40 pm.

Good Evening. Sunset, Elverta CA 4:57 pm.

Just loved this cloud. Elverta CA 5:02 pm

The moon rising over the ranch. Elverta CA 5:02 pm

The Grapefruit are about ready. The orchard. Elverta CA 5:03pm

Kitty Kat, the dog, watching something. Elverta CA 5:15 pm

The kitchen herb garden. Starting to grow. Elverta CA 6:20 pm.

12 of 12 Two Days Away

November 10, 2008. Would have been my mom's 80th Birthday.

Will go to Sizzler as we have every year for the past 14 to celebrate (ten with her, these last four with her spirit.)

Will ponder what might have been; had she not gotten so tired so quickly and too soon.

Will carry my head high and move forward. I made it through the first two phases, in a long process. Will update all later.

Remember, 12 of 12 is two days away. If you haven't seen 12 of 12, it is the WONDERFUL idea of Chad Darnell. 12 photos of your day on the 12th of each month.

A work day. Commuting. (The crowd protests the very idea). The critters will run for cover. The birds take refuge in the brush, hoping the flash will not work. But I will get those photos.

And, tomorrow, Thank a Vet for their service.

12 of 12 October

Welcome Back, to 12 of 12. No excuses for missing last month, other than busy, busy, busy on a new and exiting endeavor that is taking more time than I anticipated. There are no commuting photos, (the crowd roars) but there are traveling photos.

(For those new to 12 of 12, it is the brain-child of Chad Darnell. It is quite simple as well. Take 12 photos on the 12th of the month.)

So, here is October 2008: A Day in the Life of Me.

Nephews, Carson and Logan. Grateful that Auntie Liz finally got up out of bed so they could play in their playroom that serves as a guest room. Fresno CA 9:15am

Brandt and Kelly working in Kelly's office. 11:15am. Fresno CA

What was leftover from breakfast. 11:30am Fresno CA

Preparing to depart. Loading up the vehicles. Nice visit for Brandt's birthday. Now, to head home. 11:35 am Fresno CA

Meet Chili Dog. She is your typical "Little S*** Yapper Dog". Brandt was able to make friends with her. I didn't even try. Fresno CA 11:30 am

Another pose. Chili Dog wanting to know when those mean humans who make me mind will be leaving. Fresno CA

Nephew Logan showing off his Halloween Costume. Reminds me a bit of Dark Helmet fame from Spaceballs. Fresno CA 11:45am

Nephew Carson in his costume. Comes complete with grenades.
Fresno CA 11:46am

And here they are together 11:47am Fresno CA

And we are home. Lemons are getting big. 5:15pm

Someone is glad we're home. Luke not letting me get too far away. 5:20 pm Elverta CA

Indiana Jones, Jr. making sure the horses are cooperating with the photos.
Elverta CA 5:25pm

12 of 12 is today

and the morning is not off to a good start.

Took Luke to the training barn so he could hitch a ride with Heather to the show. On the way there, FLAT tire. Remembered the camera: Was able to take three photos before the battery said, no more. Hopefully, the rest of the day is not as eventful.

Will try to post photos tonight, but for sure, by golly, by tomorrow.

Enjoy your day. I am. Can't do nothing else but..........

August 12 of 12 One Week Away

Good Afternoon.

12 of 12 for August is one week away. A boring Tuesday. But a glimpse at my new venture, I promise. I will try to curtail the commuting photos now that officially "handsfree" driving is not allowed.

New to 12 of 12? It is the coolest idea created by Chad Darnell. (His blog is pretty cool too!) You take 12 photos of your day, no matter how mundane, on the 12th of each month.

Come on TRY IT!!!!!!!

July 08 12 of 12: Better late than not at all

Well, it was a fun and exciting weekend. More on that later this afternoon. When I get caught up. For those readers who are new to 12 of 12, the credit goes to Chad Darnell. Check his blog for more photos from all over the world.

Saturday was an eventful day. I was at a USEF rated (B) show in Watsonville, CA. The host was Almaden Farms and this was their 30th Summer Show. It is a Hunter/Jumper Show and was held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Since I was riding in the first class, the morning started off early.

Our Show sign at our barn area. Taken about 8:30am Watsonville CA.

The groom preparing the horse. This is the stabling area. Taken 8:40am Watsonville CA.

Awards presentation for the Enchanted Farms Jumper Class. Three of the women I ride with placed in the class. Stabling area can be seen in the background. Heather Whitney, our trainer, is assisting with the presentations to the winner of the class, Teresa and her horse, Even Steven. Teresa is the friend who loaned me her towing rig to attend the confidence building clinic. If I told you how old Teresa is, I would never blog again. Let's just say, Luke and I have many years of happy jumping ahead of us.

The warm-up arena. On the left is Kendra and her horse, Keven; and on the right is Mackenzie walking Luke, my horse, out. Luke had just finished winning his Jumper class and Heather was on to the next rider. I had already taken off my boots and hat, so Mackenzie who loves to ride, but doesn't really like showing, was our working groom. Taken about 12:45pm. Watsonville CA.

This pony was stabled near us. We called him "Mini-Me, Luke" because he looked and moved like a miniature version of Luke.

The washrack. Getting preped for another day.
3:30pm


Waiting at the back gate. Watsonville CA

The posted course. It is a bit tough to see, this is the roadmap to success in the ring. The jumps without numbers were not used in this particular class and jumping one of them makes you off course. (More on this concept in a later update).

The dreaded-horse-eating zebra and quad. In the barn area. 5:20 pm

The empty back gate area. Although you can't really see them, there are people walking the course for the big event of the evening, the Mini-prix. Walking the course helps you visualize what was written on the posted course to how the jumps actually are. Taken at 5:25 pm.

On Saturday evenings, there is a golf cart decorating contest. (These people have WAY too much time on their hands. And I am grateful.) The creativity is amazing. This is the "Circus Cart", entering the arena. Although you can't tell from this angle, the cart is decorated like a lions cage. It was awarded best most creative golf cart. 6:30 pm

This golf cart is an Olympic ship carrying US athletes. It won for most patriatic.
6:35pm.

The Los Altos Hound Group Demonstration. They don't chase foxes anymore, but do go on "hunts" like in days of yore. Very cool demonstration. I just don't think I could handle all the dogs under foot.

Changes

Well, the vacation was wonderful and photos and accounts shall appear in the next few days.

12 of 12 is tomorrow and I will be in Watsonville at a horse show. Will try and not bore the crowd with too many equines, but it will be change of pace from previous photos shoots.

Speaking of changes, and we were weren't we? I am embarking on a new and exciting direction and looking forward to the adventure. Will keep everyone updated, but many descriptions will be cryptic. Let's just say that this past week contained some of the most exhilarating information and encounters I have faced in a long, long time.

12 of 12 June

Welcome to Lizard's 12 of 12 for June. If you are new to the idea, check out its architect, Chad Darnell. Alrighty then, it is nearly noon and not a photo taken. And the crowd cheers that there are no commuting photos. (Ah, just you wait, these are all Green Acres in the 21st Century shots.)

The Feed Store that I patronize in Vacaville CA. Our office was across the street (until we moved) and they were very convenient. Their good prices and service keeps me coming back. Picked up dog food for Angus, a bit of scratch for Reuben and a hope your feeling better card for a special somebody who is under the weather. Taken at 4:15pm.

Rufus is getting to be quite the young man. I took this through the gate I was attempting to open at feeding time, but he "won't" back up, so we had a bit of a stand off. Elverta CA 5:30pm.

Reuben standing guard near the barn door. He assists Luke with his dinner. (On a side note, we found his "owner" who said if his happy, you can keep him). How do you tell if a Rooster is happy? Elverta CA 5:30pm.

This is Mikey. He loves to open gates and go for "joy" rides. No better way to meet you neighbors, than to have an escape artist living with you. Here he is waiting for me to come through the gate and just shut, not latch it; hoping to flee. Elverta CA 5:35pm.

Precious watching the gate. "I am not really napping; just trying to trick Mikey. I won't let him escape." Elverta CA

This is Luke and BJ. Patiently waiting for their dinner. But not in their respective places for being served. But they know, until Rufus moves, no one gets fed, so they wait. Elverta CA 5:35pm.

Indiana Jones, Jr. always at the ready to chase a rabbit or a cat. "Where to next, Mom?"

Angus, still hanging in there and still hates the camera. In each of the photos I took of him, he conveniently turned his back end toward me. Yes, he is still wearing the running boot. He goes back for a checkup tomorrow.

Raspberry plants and thanks to this sun, we are actually getting to eat some of the fruit. Something so simple is keeping the birds at bay. Hope it works on the grapes too. Elverta CA 5:40pm

Another local market. They are getting their gas pumps replaced and modernized. Now, instead of driving 10 miles to pay through the nose, I will only have to drive 1.5 miles. It is a nice family-owned business, so it will be great to patronize them again. Elverta/Riego CA 6:15pm.

With the fires raging all around us, and the winds finally dieing down, the smoke lingers. Still it is hard to believe something so destructive could create such beautiful sun sets. Elverta CA 8:10pm

Coming attractions: Next month Luke and I will be at a horse show in Watsonville, CA. So, once again the crowd shoots, "Yea!!!!"

12 of 12 May

Here is May 2008's 12 of 12. We now have the technical difficulties worked out. For those of you new to 12 of 12, it is the coolest project out there, started by Chad Darnell. Check out his blog site for details. You take 12 photos of anything in your day on the 12th of each month.

Let the month of May begin:

Good morning. Taken at sunrise, about 5:35 am Elverta CA.


"Damn, is it the 12th again. OK, Mom, take my photo quickly before I run off."

Boy, who still won't come in the house, but is doing better on the scaredy-cat issues.

Elverta CA 5:40am

My office. 7:20am, before the day has a chance to unorganize it. Mondays are always manic. Vacaville CA.

Elverta Market, Elverta CA 6pm. The best place in northern California to buy meat.

My attempt to take a photo of my new camera. Guess I should have at least smiled.

Elverta Road, Elverta CA 6:05pm

The citrus grove. Just planted this summer's squash, rosemary and mint.

Elverta CA 7:00pm

Luke and BJ, Yes, the building in the background is my next door neighbor.

Elverta CA 7:00 pm.

Grapes. Now the question is, will we get to eat any of them before the birds discover them? Hasn't happened yet, unless you like kind of tart grapes. Elverta CA 7:15pm

Rose. Elverta CA 7:20 pm

Ruben. Yea, he is still around. Likes to pester Luke. Elverta CA 7:30 pm.

And we will end as we began with the sun. Elverta CA 7:55pm

Even More Delays

AND yesterday was supposed to be a ten for me.

I am having difficulty uploading my photos for 12 of 12 today. Yea, I know its the 15th. But with dial up and then Monday being manic among my peers, need I say more?

Photos to come as soon as the techno monkeys arrive.

Delays

The crowd was ecstatic when I announced there would be no commuting photos for this month's expose for 12 of 12.

Little did they know that technical difficulties would prevent them from seeing any photos. Having difficulty with the dial-up, so photo posting will have to wait until the 'morrow, when I can hit the Internet cafe down the street from work.

Now, it off to finish using the weed-wacker to knock down the fire hazards.

Post Number 200

Wow. Isn't this supposed to be a mind-bloggingly entry? I mean, who ever thought I would make such a milestone?

Anyway, I was just going to remind everyone that there are eleven days until 12-of-12 photo time. AND it falls on a Saturday. Yea. Photos from the barn and other not-so-thrilling places. The crowd chants: "Anything but commuting photos. PLEASE!!!"

March 12 of 12

March, my favorite month and here are this month's 12 of 12. My contribution this month is a Baker's Dozen.

12 of 12 is a cool project started by Chad Darnell. Check out his site. He gets photos from all over the globe. Really Cool.

So, let's begin.The front seat of the Escape. A bit cleaner this month. Taken in Elverta CA at 6:15am

The flowering trees and green hills of Vacaville, CA. They won't flowery or green for long.
Taken in Vacaville CA 7:25am

Next to Mints, these are my favortie Girl Scout Cookies. Thanks, Bernie.
My Office, Vacaville CA 9:20ish am

The photos on my book cupboard. A drawing of horses exiting the ferry on Whidby Island, Adam, my nephew, Rufus, my yearling (as a weanling), and another drawing of horses and a ferry. Taken in my office, Vacaville CA around 3:40 pm.

The daily mail. Vacaville CA 4:10 pm

Left over lunch, that someone will have for dinner.
Vacaville, CA 4:10 pm

The Drive Home.
Interstate 80 East Bound. 4:35pm Davis CA

One of the reasons I love March. Spring Flowers.
My Front Gate, Elverta CA 5:05 pm

Kitty. The "fat" puppy no more. She has lost nearly 55 pound since we found out she had a thyroid problem. She actually chases Rueben.
But he won't run. Both taken in Elverta CA 5:10 pm

Feeding time for the horses. I don't know why I bother to put his food in a bucket.
Elverta CA 5:20pm

The sun trying to peak through.
Elverta CA 5:20pm

And because I can't count. Here is thirteen

The black dog in the foreground is Angus, the 18 year old. He came with me to see the flowers on Tush's burial site. (those photos didn't turn out). The house and barn are in the background. There is a creek that Angus decided to jump. He landed in the water, swam like a champ, and came up the other side. Yes, there was dry place to cross, but Why would a lab do that? Yes, he got a bath too.
Taken Elverta CA 6:00pm

12 of 12 just six days away

Didn't get a chance to update yesterday.

12 of 12 is Next WEDNESDAY.

If you are new to 12 of 12, it was started by Chad Darnell. (A very funny guy).

Get your camera, even if it is your phone camera and record your day visually.

It's fun.

That is all. for now.

February 12 of 12

Today, is 12 of 12 day. I still don't have a camera, but decided to do use the one my Treo 600. The photos aren't the quality I would like, but it is better than last month's narrative or not doing it.

If you are new to 12 of 12, it was started by Chad Darnell. Check out his site.

Didn't come out too clear. I was driving. 7:42 am. Somewhere between Sacramento and Davis, California. Hybrid's Fuel Economy Reading. What you can't read is that I was averaging about 29.8 mpg.

The front seat of the Hybrid. 7:43 am. Somewhere on the causeway.

Guess I shouldn't admit to speeding, but see all those cars in front of me? They had just gone screaming past me. And I am in the slow lane. Near Davis, CA. 7:50ish.

GPS Map in Hybrid. Approximately 7:54pm. Just past Dixon, CA.


Almost to the office. GPS showing how much the gas and electric motors are each working.

And how they aren't working at all. At the moment.

And how the Electric Motor only is doing its thing. Vacaville CA. approximately 8:05 am. Yes, I was a bit late for work.

Millennium SportsClubs new Lifestyle and Exercise Program. Being offered now. Freshly delivered by the UPS Driver. Tried to get his photo, but he wouldn't stand still long enough. Here is what he left us.

The Technogym treadmill tv screen. I was watching the Travel Channel's show on Hawaii's ten best beaches. This is the massage option at one of the resorts. I was just getting started. 4:15pm.

Sunset in the rear-view mirror. 5:25pm. On the causeway, Davis CA.

Ditto.

12 of 12

The first opportunity of 12 of 12 for 2008 was today. I still have no camera.

So, here are some of the photos I would have taken today.

The fog settling in over the barn as the day began. No fire today. Air quality is going to be too bad.

Angus waiting for his Saturday morning breakfast of bacon and eggs. Hey, he is now 18 and half years old. Nothing is too good or bad for him. He still climbs several times a day, the 12 steps up and down to the yard without too much fuss.

Luke, not happy about going across the street to spend the day. He is hanging out, alone, on days when I am home, because he needs a job, so his is now to behave.

The fallen oak tree. Didn't realize last week that the oak in the creek had toppled over. Glad we got the chain saw fixed.

Numerous photos of the Saturday morning lesson at the barn. Nearly everyone was there. It was truly the first day that we could ride. Sara and Dillion; Sara (yes there are two) and Riley; Megan and Magic; Mel and Laddie; Cheryl and Patrick; Arlene and Lightfoot; Teresa and the new guy; Amy, Diana, and, of course, baby Seth. And, Dana and Livy stopped by to say hello.

The "new addition" to the farm menagerie. Still looking for his correct barnyard. A Rhode Island Red Rooster. Very pretty. White neck, green and rust wing feathers. Very pretty. None of my neighbors claim him. Don't know how long he has been hanging around. Today was the first day we saw him. Dogs don't seem to care.

Rufus running through the creek enjoying the first dry day in over a week.

And, then finally, the sun set. Peeked through an opening in the clouds and made everything that pretty color of red/orange.

So, there is my 12 of 12. Now, to get a camera.

Photos

Well, I guess the energy is such that my 12 of 12 will not be posted until tomorrow.

Ah, Monday Morning Madness has Manafested itself with a huge uproar.

More later.

12 of 12 August

Well, I was able to retrieve 12 photos, but I was hoping to get one of the meteor shower this evening to use as my 13th, light. I also don't like including so many of one subject. But when the camera dies, that is all there is.

Here are the twelve I took. All in Elverta California between 6:45am and 8:00am, then the camera died. Bummer.

Angus is 18 this month. This is his standard stance when I am cooking in the kitchen. "I just know something will fall, if I stand here long enough."

KittyKat the dog. "Mom, why are you taking pictures so early. Where's my bacon?"

Our Coast pine that has been ill for nearly 12 years, finally died. Haven't decided what to replace it with and it still shades the house in the evening, so for now it stays.

Boy and Precious waiting patiently for Sunday morning bacon.

The last of the apples from this year's crop. The horses figured out how to get them from the ground and the tree.

More summer squash on its way.

Mom, I am 18, when will this 12 of 12 thing be over?

Now, Angus, now.

12 of 12 August Prelim

Well, I started out doing well, then the camera decided to die. Will get the photos I did take up in a few hours.

12 of 12 for AUGUST

is only 5 days away. Are you ready? For those of you who have never done it, join us this month. Thanks, Chad.

Wow. It lands on a Sunday. Which means lots of animal and farm life photos, most likely.

12 of 12 June

Here is this month's 12 of 12. If you are new to 12 of 12, well, it was started by Chad Darnell and the "assignment" is to take 12 photos on the 12th of the month depicting your day. Here was my day.

Started out with an MRI and Bone Density testing at Kaiser. Haven't been to the main hospital in many years (four years ago for my mom and three years ago for the birth of a friend's twins). Hasn't changed since I was a kid. However, they are now a totally smoke-free campus. I meant to take a photo of their new sign, but was so relieved to get out of there that I took this one as I left the parking lot. Sacramento 10:45 am

Next stop: the Bank. They are remodeling so the sign out front was all that was interesting. Sacramento 11:00 am

My sunhat, cell phone wrapped by my Big Dog hair scrunchie and the book I am reading on the front seat of the car. Wicked, by Gregory Maguire. I am enjoying seeing a story from a different point of view. The other points of view from stories have always interested me, but I never actually acted on those views.

And then to work. Trafffic on westbound Interstate 80 on the Yolo Causeway. Yes, the windshield dirty, again. Or is it still? 11:20 am


My Desk. Vacaville, CA Noon.


Broken Window in the rental space at our offices. Vacaville 3:30pm Not sure when it happened. Sometime between 10am and 2pm


On my way home. Interstate 5 just over the Sacramento River. Stuck in traffic. Running on the electric motor. 5:56pm


Home is where the Quail are. Elverta CA 6:30pm. There are at least twenty babies with this group. And are they ever quick to hide.


Grapes. Will we get any this year? Great crop, but in years past, we have not gotten any. The birds always get there before we do. Elverta CA 7:00 pm


And last but not least, the citrus grove. Elverta CA 7:05pm
All-in-all, not a bad day.

One Week Call

Hi.

One week to 12 of 12. A Thursday. What will exciting paths will we cross? A RiverCats game, perhaps. Well, whatever it brings, we'll photograph it.

On to other stuff.

I am off to Santa Monica for the annual visit with the wonderful nephew, Quinn. Photos to follow in the next few days. I leave this evening, in time for sunset on the beach.

Later

12 of 12 June

I meant to post this on Sunday, but didn't get home until too late. And, well, Monday was, a Monday.

So TODAY is 12 of 12. Are you taking photos?

Wow, Post #100

Isn't it supposed to be revolutionary, inspirational, witty or erudite?

Ok, so this entry was going to be the Five-Day reminder for the June version of 12 of 12. Now what do I do?

Ah, yes. Get back to work. Busy day. Let's Show Beach Party (Horse Show) starts today; boss returns from Hawaii; accountant leaves for Hawaii; whales skip Hawaii for West Sacramento (enjoyed their visit and now back to Hawaii they go); Cactus flowers bloom amongst the star thistle.

UMMM, through the fog I glimpse a theme. Mercury is going to go retro and everyone I know is doing the beach thing.

"Great Party. No whiskey, we go home now." Running Buffalo, McLintock!

May 12 of 12

Hi. This month's extra photo is Dreamscape. And I didn't find anything yet, to fit that description. There are only 6 hours remaining, so maybe, I will add it later.

12 of 12, for those of you who are new to this idea, are 12 photos taken on the 12th of each month. It was started by Chad Darnell, and he gets photos for all over the world. Check them. Join us next month.

Since I am not at work today, (duh, it is Saturday) most of my photos are of my barn family and friends, horses and my critters. Not much variety, but loads of fun. Enjoy. Happy birthday, Heather.

Starting the morning by loading the car with my riding gear. Now that Luke is in bootcamp, I only have to load up my saddle and helmet.

Elverta, CA 8ish in the morning.

Sara and Luke 9am, Pleasant Grove, CA.

Birthday party gathering. Pleasant Grove, CA 11:30.

Birthday party gathering. Pleasant Grove, CA 11:30.

Birthday party gathering. Pleasant Grove, CA.

Oh, my BLACKOUT cake from Freeport Bakery. Pleasant Grove, CA.

Birthday wish. The wind helped blow them out. Pleasant Grove, CA.

Mom and baby. (three weeks old) Pleasant Grove, CA.

Another baby (five weeks old). Pleasant Grove, CA.

Citrus Trees and Grapes. Elverta, CA. 4:30pm

Zucchini plant, Elverta, CA. 4:30pm

Rufus T. Firefly in his new mask. Elverta CA 5:00pm

12 of 12

The official 13th picture theme is Dreamscapes . I can handle that. Yea, sure. Ok. ummmmmmmmm.

Later.

12 of 12 in Eight Days

And this month, the 12th is on a Saturday. So no pictures of the new signs in their new locations. No, messy or semi-messy desks. No cars in traffic. No landmark signs that are passed daily, but never seen. No new projects to brag about. No boring work-day antics. OH NO, what photos shall I take?

To see what 12 of 12 is, check out Chad Darnell's blog.

12 of 12 April

Thank you,Chad for such a wonderful idea.



The Nut Tree is back!!! Located in Vacaville, CA, it was a place we stopped when we were coming home from SF. It closed for a while, but is reopened. YEA!!!!!! Vacaville CA 6:45am



The green hills of Vacaville. They won’t be green much longer. Vacaville, CA 6:55am



Our new sign. I think it was worth the wait. (We moved into our new offices last September.) Vacaville, CA 7:15am



The parking structures at Millennium SportsClub Vacaville. The solar installation is nearly complete. Vacaville CA 7:15am



Parking structure with the solar panels installed. Everyone is excited about the shaded parking. I am excited about saving on our electric bill. Vacaville CA 7:20am



What happens when you drop a solar panel from a two-story roof? This is the result. Vacaville, CA 7:30am



My new best friend. The Vichy Shower. At Millennium Salon and Spa. I can walk with ease today because of the treatment yesterday. Vacaville, CA 10:15am



My “Love UMA” mouse pad arrived yesterday. YEA!!! Listening to Elton John’s Duets and trying to get all the post-it notes from the week cleared off my desk. Well, I was down to three by this time. Vacaville CA 11:15 am



The new citrus area. Nearly complete. Seven trees. Two may or may not have survived the cold weather this winter, only time will tell. Elverta CA 5:30pm



This month’s Spring flowers. Iris. They looked beautiful and full yesterday, but with today’s 15mph north wind, gusting to 25, they have fallen over today. Still pretty, just not tall like yesterday. Elverta CA 6pm



I love the color of this one. Elverta CA 6:15pm



Even the raspberries have flowers and leaves. Yummmm! Elverta CA 6:15pm



Bonus Word: Poison

This is a “weed”. Its common name is Fiddleneck. It is poisonous for horses to eat. Best way to eradicate it. Pull it. We have very little in our pastures, because we pull it when it first emerges. Thought we had gotten it all for this year. Yes, I pulled this one after taking its picture. Elverta CA 6:30pm

12 of 12 is tomorrow

Yep. It is the 12th again. Tomorrow. Be there or be here.

12 of 12 was started by Chad Darnell. You take 12 pictures of your day, on the 12th of each month.

This months bonus topic is a randomly generated word. My word is Poison. Ummmm, going to have to think about that one.

Later

12 of 12 March

Here goes. Let's see if I can post this correctly this month. 12 of 12 was started by Chad Darnell. I make an effort to get photos up every month, but my track record is as consistent as, well, nothing.

Photo One: Parking Structure Vacaville CA for our new solar electric project. Taken at 3:30pm

Photo Two: Parking areas Vacaville CA Taken at 3:30pm.

Photos Three: Spring has Sprung. The trees demonstrate their splendor. Vacaville CA

Photos Four, Five and Six: More Spring Frivolity, Elverta CA 5:30 pm

Photo Seven: Ever been bequeathed a tractor? I have. "Green Acres" here we come. Elverta CA 5:45pm

Photo Eight: The 35 pound lighter Kitty Kat. 5:45pm. "Can't pose now, Mom. Someone's coming down our driveway."


Photo Nine: Boy. Confirming an intruder. 5:47pm.

Photo Ten: New Lemon, Lime and Orange Trees Elverta CA

Photo Eleven: New Shelter Construction. Phase One. BJ the retired jumper inspects.

Photo Twelve: Eleven Month old gelding we rescued last December. "Whatcha got, Mom? Carrots?"

March 12 of 12 tomorrow

Looking forward to the 12 of 12 photo expose started by Chad. Mondays are usually not good days for me. They are either Manic or Phlegmatic. Given the weather and the variety of projects I am currently working on at both work and home, it will surely be Manic.

Ah, wish it was Tuesday. :) (Although they are never really any different from Mondays).

12 of 12 November

Well, here I am again, a day late. (I HATE dialup. But I am gratful for living in the "boonies", so I guess there truly are always trade offs).

Here's my 12 of 12. Happy Birthday Chad. Chad started 12 of 12.

Anyway, here we go.


Photo One: Angus, our 17 year old lab mix "puppy". Come on, Mom. Not the camera AGAIN. Taken at home, Elverta California:

Photo Two, Three and Four: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Kittens, now cats, we adopted last spring. They are sisters. Taken at home, Elverta California

Blondie (the Clint Eastwood character):

Blondie and Tuco (the Eli Wallach Character) (She was the tiniest of the three when we got them. She is now the biggest):

Angel Eyes (the Lee Van Cleef Character):

Photo Five: We are off to the Body and Skin Spa Convention. San Francisco California Mascone Center 11:10 am:

Photo Six: Glass Ship at the Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco CA. 3pm:

Photo Seven: Waterfall at Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco, CA 3pm:

Photo Eight: Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco CA 3:30pm:

Photo Nine: Me in Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco 3:30pm:

Photo Ten: Church across the street from the Mascone Center, San Francisco, CA 3:45pm:

Photo Eleven: When you are in San Francisco, with a person who "Hates to eat fish" and a strict vegitarian, were do you go to eat? That's RIGHT. Chevy's with Fresh Mex:

Photo Twelve: Martini Glass at Chevy's in SF. 5pm:

Bonus Photo: Merry-Go-Round in Yerba Buena Park. I am gratful for my family allowing me to ride this merry go round of life:

That is all.

Enjoy.

12 of 12 is tomorrow

See Chad's site for details. See my October post for my first published participation. (I have been taking photos since June, but have only been able to get October's up).

I will be going to San Francisco for a Salon and Spa conference. Not sure what the weather will bring.

Hopefully, my techno-geek assistant will be available tomorrow evening to get my photos up. Otherwise, I will have another folder on my laptop.

12 of 12

Here's my 12 of 12 for October 2006. '12 of 12' is sort of a day-in-the-life, photo essay project started by Chad Darnell. I'm a couple days late getting my images posted, but that's because I was so far away from the internet on the 12th that you couldn't even see its neon glow from where I was.

Photo One: Kitty Kat Waiting for her cheese. Hope she never figures out there are vitamins in that cheese. Elverta Califorina

Photo Two: And we’re off. Car packed heading for Oregon. Elverta California

Photo Three: Sims Flat Bridge sign. Sims Flat California

Photo Four: Moon over trees. Sims Flat California

Photo Five: Fly Fisherman and Mt. Shasta. Sacramento River, Sims Flat California

Photo Six: See, we do have leaves that change colors in California. Sims Flat California

Photo Seven: Mt. Shasta with very little snow remaining. Taken from Castle Crags vista point off of Interstate 5.

Photo Eight: Castle Crags. Taken from Castle Cregs vista point off of Interstate 5.

Photo Nine: Gas prices have come down $.30 since the last 12 of 12. Yreka California

Photo Ten a: Wolf Creek Inn Sign, Wolf Creek Oregon

Photo Ten b: Wolf Creek Inn. Wolf Creek Oregon

Photo Eleven: GPS reading. Highway 38 and Loon Lake Road Oregon

Photo Twelve: The Umpqua River. Loon Lake Road Oregon

12 of 12 September 2006

Hope this works
The new building. We moved in last week. Still doing boxes.
Taken at 7:30 am, Vacaville, California

My new Best “Fitness Friend”

The Spark Bike from Expresso Fitness. http://www.expressofitness.com/. This is the sunset bliss ride. It is a virtual reality bike ride. You can race different people. It is so realistic that one of the downhill sections really makes me motion sick. But it is a blast to race others. Taken at Millennium SportsClub Vacaville, Vacaville, CA http://www.millenniumsportsclub.com/.

The new Preschool Playground

Millennium SportsClub Vacaville We still can’t walk on the grass.

My new office.
Two windows and trees. Never have to turn on the lights. Vacaville CA
The View from both windows

My Italy Gift

My Sister-in-law and Mother-in-law just returned from Italy. I asked them to bring be back a Ferrari. This was all they could get on the plane. Oh, well.

12 of 12 I will be there this month!!!!!!

Ok, so I have been trying since July to get my photos posted so I can participate in the brain-child of Chad Darnell.
Now, if I could just figure out how to post a link to his site so you can see what I am talking about and participate too.

It is one week away. This old dog will learn. I promise.

And at some point, I will get my July and August photos posted so you can see them, albeit late.

Later.


www.chaddarnell.typepad.com/runchadrun2/12_of_12/index.html