More Photos From Fort Bragg, California

Just some more photos from around town. Lots of the big trees were by the cemetery. Actually the cemetery often has lots of life going on in it. A few times I have seen deer having a nice snack on the flowers. And the day I was there lots of robins were hopping all over the place. And of course little squirrels love to scurry around here, too.

When I was learning to drive my mom took me to a huge cemetery in the early morning hours. She said, "Don't worry you can't hurt anyone here." She did have a funny sense of humor - my mom. I like remembering those good memories more than the tough ones with my mom. :-)

Ocean Today

Nice day out by the ocean.

Spring Flowers 2009 Fort Bragg, California

Looks like an early spring from the looks of things around town.

Dedicated To A Hero Teacher

This is dedicated to a very caring teacher who was the wind beneath the wings of so many students. And those students will go on to be the wind beneath many other peoples wings. Dedicated to a "hero" teacher who passed away whose good works will live on!

Dedicated To One Of The Best Teachers

Recently a really great teacher passed away and he certainly is where these good ones are at now. No doubt about that. He will be greatly missed by many people, but he is as close as our memory and our hearts. His spirit can and will live on!

Robins Having Fun Together

Looking up at this tree, I saw many robins in it. By the time I got it together with my camera, many of them flew away, but still some were left in the tree. It is nice that it looks like spring will be here soon with the little flowers blooming already on the tree.

It Couldn't Be Done - A Poem by Edgar Guest

It Couldn't Be Done
Edgar Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.

My grandfather had some really nice books of poetry. He was a doctor and he lead a busy life, but he still took time to take photos, travel and enjoy poetry and enjoy life. This is one of my favorite poems I read in one of his poetry books.

Happy Valentine's Day

The creative prompt was "Lace" from Inspire Me Thursdays website. And I played around a bit and here is a my post. Happy Valentine's Day.

Break Time Drawing by me

Sit down, grab a cup of your favorite drink and relax. :-)

Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland

Ran across this on Youtube today and I really liked it as a child and even now as an adult. Those were the days, those good old movies like The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland could really sing and act well. Look at how cute Toto is being in this, too. :-)

Peace Artwork

Well, the creative prompt from "Inspire Me Thursday" was "fold" and this is what I created this evening. I didn't spend lots of time, but I still had fun doing this. I actually traced my hand for this one. It was relaxing just doing this. The little fan was to be all colored in, but I only colored a little of it after I "folded" it, but it would be fun sometime to do this again and really color it all in with different colors.

Peace Video

I just saw this video on Youtube and really liked it, so here it is.

More Flowers in the Winter

I will have to get out there again with my camera as flowers seem to be blooming everywhere. They are blooming much earlier than last year. This was our mild winter, so perhaps the flowers think it is already spring. Well, we have a little rain right now, so I am sure that will help things along, too.

Movie - Bobby

I get behind in my movie viewing. But I watched "Bobby" yesterday about Robert Kennedy. It was really a good movie. It really reminded me of the 60's. So many different scenes in there. And it had a whole back story of all these people who worked at the Ambassador Hotel or were visiting there (the place Kennedy was shot at along with others)I liked Demi Moore's role and feel she played a rich spoiled celebrity drunk woman well. And Ashton's role as a hippie was great, too. I think this movie is worth seeing, just have a box of tissue handy for the ending.

Fan Art for the Heatwave

Well, I tried to draw this flower by a fence. I then used watercolors, but it wasn't dark enough. So I color penciled things in and colored it. Then I noticed the flower was all off and not the way I wanted it. So I just turned it into a fan and can use it for our heatwave we are having.

Then She Found Me DVD

I watched this movie this evening. I think it was a very good movie. Helen Hunt is one of my favorite actresses and the other stars did well in this, too. I feel I didn't waste my time in watching this as it was so well done. I love movies that make you feel glad you watched them. This one was from 2007 and somehow I missed it. So if you want a nice comedy with also serious stuff in it too, this is a good one to watch. And I didn't give away anything in this review, so if you want to know more about this movie, best to look up rotten tomatoes website for the review.

Seal Watercolor

A friend gave me a watercolor set today. This is the second person who has given me some watercolors. So I attempted a watercolor painting this evening of a little seal I saw by the beach one day. It was relaxing painting this and time just flew. I am not so sure of what I am doing yet, but it is still fun.

Turn Down Volume - Ocean Loud!

Well, the wind and ocean were loud here today. But sometimes it is nice to just get out in the elements, so thought I would post this video for all to see our Fort Bragg Glass Beach Area Ocean and surroundings.

Ocean Today

Well, it was very cold here today, but it was fun watching the roaring ocean.

Fort Bragg Winter Flowers

A Little More Rain

Today we had a little more rain, but it still was nice out for a bit. I mean it was very cold and windy, but the sun did come out for a little while. It was nice to go for a walk today, but I did have to bundle up. So it does feel like winter now in Fort Bragg.

A Toast To This Quote

"It's better to have loved and lost than to
spend the rest of your life with a psycho."
–Seen on a t-shirt

A Little Rain

Well, we had a little rain today. It wasn't that bad though. I actually was riding my bike in the light rain and it didn't bother me at all. From what I hear, we really need the rain, so I was happy to see it. We are back to cooler weather now, too. So it is time to bundle up a bit more. The mini heatwave sure was nice though.

Obama - Yay!

Obama Inaugural Concert - Part of it

Part of Obama Inaugural Concert. Just love how great Usher looks and acts here. Not to mention his great singing and the great singing of Shakira and of course Stevie Wonder!

Excitement - Barack Obama 44th President!

I am very excited about the Barack Obama Presidential Inauguration tomorrow. I normally don't get up so early, but tomorrow I will so I can see all the events on TV and hear his speech.

The Lazy Days Of Summer In Wintertime

My cat is enjoying this heatwave, too.

January 18, 2009 Our Heat Wave

Well, for the past few days we have been having really great weather. It is our winter heat wave time. I loved going to the beach today and feeding the seagulls. Then it was on to a nice bike ride across the pudding creek bridge and over to haul road. It was a great day for outdoor activity. I saw people wading and even swimming in the ocean water. Amazing for January! Lots of people were out for little strolls with their kids and their dogs. Loved this day!

My New Gold Silverware - Gift from my son

The story behind this: Well, when I was a kid, my mom had green stamps she would save. I helped her many times paste those green stamps in the books and she would get nice things for our home. One day I saw some gold silverware in the catalog and said how nice it would be to own that and set my table for my future family with that. Well, she ordered some for me and I had a little collection going of it. We moved and our luggage was lost along with my pretty gold silverware. That was very sad for me.

Well, last week on our community online list, I found a nice lady selling things. She posted the photos of items and I found this pretty gold silverware there. I don't have a car to travel to her town, so she kindly came by and dropped it off for me. And to top it off, my son saw how excited I was about getting the gold silverware that he paid for it for me! Whenever I just need to cheer myself up, I keep opening the drawer and look at the shining gold silverware we are using for everyday use. It is nice to dine with this pretty gold silverware.

I know it is not really made of gold, but it sure looks pretty. I found this brand of it on the internet and all it needs is to be washed and dried to a nice shine. It was called "Derigold" originally, but they had to change the name to "Dirilyte", because it looks so much like gold that people thought it was real gold. Anyway, I am very happy with my gift from my son. It is fun to dine in elegance. :-)

Cat In Purse Drawing

Trying my hand at drawing again. Last years calendar had cat photos on it, so I thought I would try to draw one of them. :-)

Just Like Summer In January

Today was the nicest day out ever. So warm with a cool breeze. I love this kind of weather. Nice to have this treat in the middle of winter. Got out and mowed the lawn and took a nice walk. I couldn't believe how warm it was. Didn't even need a jacket. Well, the rain will be back soon, so I will enjoy this warm spell we are having.

Another Moon Photo Jan 2009

Great moon out tonight for any of you interested in taking a look. Luckily it is not cloudy here and we have a great view of it.

Movie "Yes, Man"

Well, if you like Jim Carrey, I think you will like this movie. I got a kick out of it. I think it is worth seeing. Lots of funny scenes in this. I found myself laughing out loud a few times along with others at theater. Sometimes it is just fun to watch lighthearted movies.

Today

Today was a very nice day in Fort Bragg. Went for a long walk across town and back. It felt good to not even need to wear my jacket. It is nice when we have pretty days like today. I will try to get out more often in between the rain. Already looking forward to spring, but we have a long ways to go here, so I will just enjoy the sun when it is shining. And the sun really is shining somewhere on the planet daily isn't it?

I had a friend that said "You know what they say about people who depend on the weather for their moods?" And I said, "What do they say about those people?" And she said "Those people are crazy." I thought there was going to be a better punchline, too. So I guess I may be one of the crazy ones, but that is okay as the world doesn't always need normal people, it helps to have a few crazy ones mixed in the bunch. And I still can't wait till spring! :-)

And this just was a weird post, but I want to try to keep up posting on my blog, so bear with me until I find something else to put here.

Just Hanging Out

Not doing much lately. Just hanging out. I have been watching some DVD's lately. I watched "A Good Woman" and really liked it. Lots was involved in that movie. And then a cute movie was "27 Dresses" and it was a real lighthearted one. I also have been going to hulu.com and watching TV online. You can choose from a big variety of shows and all for free. I do have TV cable, but sometimes it is fun to watch shows there as they do not have as many commercials. Just little 30 second spots now and then. I put my portable fold up exercise bike right near my computer monitor and I can watch some of those TV shows without having to deal with so many commercials.

Since it is winter, I am doing more indoor things. I will be working on cleaning up around the house more. That will keep me busy for a bit. My last drawing effort didn't turn out so good and I lost my confidence. I do hope to pick up drawing again though as I was having fun. I have been checking out library books on natural healing and I am looking forward to a book I ordered to the library on Ayurveda which I really want to learn more about. Just want to keep up on natural things to help with my aging process. And that is about all that is going on here for now.

Cold

Well, looks like it is going to be very cold tonight. It said it could get as low as 25 degrees. Now that is cold for here. I will surely be bundling up tonight!

I haven't had much incentive to do walks lately. I have been favoring my indoor bike. But hope to get back out there soon when it is not so cold out. But I did get out at least to get my groceries today, so I haven't been inside all day. It is good to at least get out and about somewhere daily so I don't get to having cabin fever. Even if it is to just go on a little mini walk. If it isn't so bad out tomorrow I hope to get a little walk in.

Christmas Cactus Blooming Even More

I just glanced at this Christmas cactus and I see how much it really is blooming with those pretty pink flowers. If you ever need a plant that doesn't require much care, this is the one to have. I do not have a green thumb at all, but this plant certainly is making me look like I do, LOL

Things to do when stressed out

Fun and calming things learned from children

Build a sand castle
Play with a yo-yo
Play with puppies and kittens
Jump rope
Do some jumping jacks
Try hula-hoops
Color with brand new crayons
Play peek-a-boo
Read fairy tales
Scream in your pillow
Say no more often
Ride a bike
Giggle
Roll down a hill
Spin around in a circle until you get dizzy
Try a temper tantrum by throwing yourself on the ground and kicking your feet over and over until you feel better
Take long bubble baths
Dance and don’t care who is watching
Sing any song whether you are good at it or not
Watch cartoons more often
Take naps whenever you are tired
Hug a teddy bear
And have a favorite blankie.

Another Late Night Post

Well it is officially the last day of 2008. All in all it has been a good year for me and my family. We didn't have any huge family "dramas" so I am very grateful for that. Things were pretty calm. So that is a lot to be grateful for. Look forward to the new year and I have hope it will be another good year. Happy New Year 2009 to everyone. Hope it is a good one for all of you.

My Night Owl Post

Hi all who stumble upon my blog. I am up late and I see it will be 2009 very soon. I heard we are adjusting the time by a second. You will have to wait one second longer at midnight on New Years Eve for it to be officially 2009. You can read about it at this link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28392450/

What else am I thinking of at this hour? I am happy I can sleep in, yay! I am glad I got my grocery shopping done for a few days as I take the bus or ride my bike and it has been rainy. Luckily I got out there between raindrops. :-) I have had a pretty relaxing day. I just lounged on the couch this evening and watched a show called "Intervention" and I was so glad I am not having a problem with drugs/alcohol after watching that show. It is sad what the families go through that have loved ones addicted to drugs/alcohol.

Well, I went shopping the other day. I got the most ugly clothes come to find out. I thought at first they were nice, but when I looked again, I really don't like them at all. Looks like they will go in a bag for the thrift store (well, that is where I bought them, LOL, so no great loss. Plus I bought them on half-off day to boot. Good thing as I really am disappointed. I looked at the clothes today and said to myself "What was I thinking?")

Other than those thoughts, my last thought of the evening is taking down all the Christmas decorations. That will be a big job. I hope to take them down carefully though and pack them away nicely for next year. I do love the cheeriness of the decorations. I have collected lots of them over the years. So I will miss them.

I did see some Christmas clearance items today at Safeway. And right by them were Valentine's Day things including Valentines Day Barbies. The holidays just keep rolling right along don't they? Well, Happy New Year 2009 to all. Now I must get some sleep. :-)

Puppies and Dogs

Today I saw these really cute puppies in a yard. They were so adorable. I think they were lab puppies. There was four of them running around all floppy and excited. It was fun seeing them today. The mother of them was real sweet and just wagged her tail when she saw me and didn't bark. I love nice dogs like that.

There are some dogs in town that are not so pleasant. I don't like seeing them at all. But they don't outweigh all the friendly dogs I see. I am a cat owner and often miss owning a dog, but I just try to enjoy other peoples dogs when I see them like those cute puppies I saw today.

Christmas Cactus Blooming - Yay!

Lots of times this Christmas cactus bloomed way after Christmas, but now it is right on schedule.

Here is a link with info. on the Christmas Cactus:
http://www.denverplants.com/ezine/11_03.htm

The One Problem This Christmas - poem by me

The One Problem This Christmas

The presents look lovely
The egg nog looks great
The gingerbread men look like they could dance
I got a great man to date
But there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom.

The china is grand
Boy does the silver shine
Love those Christmas phone calls
The decorations of red and green divine
But there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom.

The stockings so lovely
The mantel with greens
The smell of the pine boughs
The best scent ever it seems
But there’s no toilet paper in the bathroom
And I don’t know what to do
But Merry Christmas everyone
Just hope you don’t have to poo.

Caroler's Here Tonight

Well, tonight I actually had Christmas Caroler's singing "Walking In The Winter Wonderland" at my door tonight. It was fun hearing them sing. :-)

More Christmas Photos From Around Town

Mistletoe poem by me

Inspire Me Thursdays creative prompt was mistletoe and here is what I wrote - although somewhat weird, I had fun writing this.

Mistletoe

I am going to carry mistletoe
Wherever I go.
When I discover
Who my true love is
I am going to take it out
Tack it up high
Right near where he is
Then wait.

I will stalk the mistletoe
Like a cat stalks a mouse.
When I see my true love about to go under it
I will pounce on him
And he will have no chance to escape
My lips grasping his
Like a cats claws grasp a mouse and don’t let go.

More Fort Bragg Christmas

Happy Holidays

Great Christmas Spirit Going On In This Video

It was fun looking at this house tonight so I had to make a little 30 second movie.

Clouds To Imagine By

One thing I love about Fort Bragg, California is all the great clouds they have. It is fun to imagine different shapes of things in the clouds. That was one of the first things my kids and I did when they were little when we moved here. We would see what kinds of shapes the clouds were making like a dragon, a princess, or other shape. Those are good memories of simple times.

Robin Enjoying Berries

This robin was enjoying berries today on this bush. :-)

Tiz The Season Drawing

The prompt to create something was the word "dress" at "Inspire Me Thursday" website. And this is what I thought of. I used a costume Christmas Santa Gal as the basis for this little drawing. :-)

Moon Tonight in Fort Bragg

Great moon going on tonight. :-)

Little Christmas Duck Found Today

Well, I was looking around at the thrift store today and found this little duck with a hat and scarf for only $1.00. I then added the candy canes and some red and green ribbon and he looks nice on my Christmas table. I love bargains.

Holiday Time

Well, I wasn't going to write about this subject, but what the heck. I have mixed feelings about the holidays. I love all the lights and glitter and the music, but the part I don't like is the whole tv commercialism part of it. All those commercials about showing your love for someone by the most expensive gift you can buy them. Well, this year, as in Christmas times in the past, I have to limit my money that I spend. So I just try to do my best. I hunt out bargains here and there. I try to think of things that would actually be practical for a person and that they could use. And I do wish I could buy things for all the people that I like, but that is just not in the cards. So I am going to be just accepting my situation as it is, hand out Christmas cards to people I like/love and I will do what I can for my kids and I will have to call it a job well done. Because I am sure that if any one of my friends or relatives knew that I spent money and made myself and family go without, well, I don't think they would like it. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to spend money on me and my kids and have them go without. Well, the main thing we can give people is the gift of our time and be there for them when they need us or want us to hang out with them. I think that is what is the best gift ever. Take care all and hope you can all be realistic this holiday season and do what you can do and just let go of the rest. Bye for now.

Christmas Swedish Ivy Gift

The first photo is the little gift I made. I got the container from a little church baazar. Then I took some clippings of my huge swedish ivy and planted them in a little plastic pot. Then put it in that red and green container. Tied on a red and green bow and now I have a present made. Thanks to "Inspire Me Thursdays" websites prompt to do a handmade gift this week. Well, I didn't make the container, but I did search it out at a sale. I guess the handmade part of this was the replanting from my big plant that you see in the second photo by the stuffed old time Avon bear. Looks like I actually could make lots of gifts from this huge plant of mine. Any of you with huge plants and need a gift idea, maybe you could copy this idea here. Take care all.

Nice Landscaping Work

It was a little dreary out today, but the sun was out in the early morning and I got this photo then. These plants just looked great with the sun shining on them so wanted to share this on my blog. This is across the street from the Emerald Dolphin Inn.

View From Behind McDonald's in Fort Bragg, California

This is just a great view so I had to share it. And I am a vegetarian, so needless to say I didn't dine at McDonald's, was just in this area today. :-)

30 Second Video Going Over Noyo Bridge By Bus in Fort Bragg, California

I rode the bus today and made this little 30 second video on my way to go over the bridge in Fort Bragg. The ocean was along the right side of me behind the fence that you see and a little beyond the hotel you see. At the very end you can see the green colored bridge railing and there is a boat going out of the harbor to sea, but might be hard to see. Just thought I would give you another view of Fort Bragg. (I used the word see quite a bit in that paragraph, didn't I? Guess it is time for sleep!)

Today's View Overlooking Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California

You can click on the photo to enlarge it and see the pretty trees in the background, too. This was the view as I looked over the Noyo bridge. I used to be very scared of walking over bridges. But I found out that I just watched too many scary movies growing up and I was scared of those scary scenes of people going over the railings of bridges. I still don't want to be standing too close to the rail for any length of time, but at least I could for this photo. :-)

Fun Creatures at Fern Creek Road Area - Fort Bragg, CA

Drawing of a Young Woman by me

What We All Need To Do More Of - Drawing by me

The prompt today at "Inspire Me Thursday" was the word table. And this was what I drew this evening. The table looked a little lonely after I drew it so I added a candle, a chair and the sign. I had fun doing this one.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Who says vegetarians are deprived? Here was my Vegetarian Thanksgiving Meal:

Homemade Stuffing made of: seasoned bread cubes, mushrooms, onions, celery, veggie sausage, raisins, apples and some veggie broth and butter and some fresh orange squeezed over it all.

Then the stuffing was put into: Baked Acorn and Butternut Squashes as well as a baked casserole of stuffing.

And we also had:

Baked Yams, Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy, French Cut Green Beans with Mushroom Soup and French Fried Onions, Brussel Sprouts and Rolls and Butter. Dessert was: Pumpkin Pie and Cool Whip, although I passed on that as I am trying to stay away from sugar.

And I was happy to make this meal for my family and glad they enjoyed it. Well, I did make a cornish game hen for one family member, too, as they are not a vegetarian. Anyway, today went well and I am grateful for that. Grateful for my family and friends and the nice town I live in, too. Grateful I could spend time with family today. Take care all and hope your Thanksgiving went well, too, if you celebrated it. I realize all of us are not in America. So whatever you did today, hope it was fun.