Ten years ago 2014 BIG bubbles 01-02-24

On New Year's Day 2014 I went to San Clemente to the Ota's Open House  When I arrived Nancy was out in the cul-de-sac helping her grand children make huge bubbles using a home made contraption composed of two dowels, some heavy string and a metal washer.  I wish I had taken a picture of it.

There is a long skinny bubble here that shows just below the car. But the real reason I include this picture is because of the shadows - Nancy's shadow in the middle holding the bubble maker and my shadow in the lower right (with my camera shadow sticking out like a weird nose).  The pan holds the Dawn detergent/glycerin mix for the bubbles.  Google "Giant Bubbles" for information to make your own! 

Here is an irregular bubble ready to be release when it will become more round. 

Two rolling together uphill in the breeze. 

It was such a fun thing to do.  I would still like to try it one day!

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First Day of 2024 01-01-24

It has been a rather strange day-verrrry quiet!  When we walked this morning we saw nobody and no cars drove through our neighborhood.  Even this evening about 4:30p when we did our  evening walk we only saw three other people.  Fortunately one was willing to give KoKo some loving.  He expects it, you know!  Not many planes, which is eerie because we live under the flight paths of John Wayne/Orange County airport and the small Fullerton General Aviation Airport.  And we didn't have many fireworks  last evening either.   An unusually quiet New Years.   Somehow people did take down their Xmas decorations but a few are still up.  Like this one.

This is my favorite decorated tree.   It is an olive and the owners keep it nicely trimmed.  The lights wrapped around the trunk and branches go way up inside the leafy part and make the light spots in the dark crown. It  is like broccoli with lights inside.. The wrapped lights are red and white but the red doesn't show in a picture taken in the dark.

Meanwhile, behind our house the contractors are still renovating our little park. The two trees in the foreground have been in for a few years and the large ones in the background are located in the gated community beyond the slump stone wall.

A few small trees have been planted and they have added the lighter area in the middle of the cement ring. I don't know what the light stuff is, but it looks like sawdust.   The two structures that look like an elephant and a pile of dung, we  guess are for climbing on. Hopefully everyone who climbs will have to sign a  waiver in case  they fall.  Ha!  In the very foreground is the flood control channel with a gravel road in the bottom right corner used by the occasional trucks doing  an inspection.  I am told there is a zipline nearer the entrance to the park - guess the city must have fabulous liability insurance.  The park is unstaffed.  

 

An elephant without a trunk??

I had only three "to-do" items on my list today and didn't do even one.  Not very promising for the first day of a new year!!

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New Year Ahead 12-31-23

Just reminiscing about New Years past.  I have never been to the Rose Parade in Pasadena, although Floyd and I drove up several times after the big day to look at the fabulous floats parked along a street.  The crowd control was excellent, so everyone stayed happy and  friendly.  There were rows of porta-pottys to make everyone comfortable. 

The closest I came to actually attend the parade was about 1959 or 1960.   I was living with my paternal grandmother in Arcadia and went to an all night party with some friends - dancing, eating, snuggling, "carrying on".   My date dropped me off to change into warmer clothes while he went home to do the same.  It wasn't light yet and very cold.  I took off my party dress and, shivering every minute, started to layer on warm clothes. I looked  at my nice warm bed, yawned a few times, looked again at the clock, and called my date to say I  just  couldn't make  it.  He wasn't terribly disappointed and didn't go himself. As it turned out we were not the only chickens, about half the group actually went to watch the dawn and the parade.  By the time the next year rolled around I was living in Long Beach and had to work on holidays.  I was never tempted to go to the parade again.  I guess I am too much  of night owl.  Not very many sunrises in my life!  

In another hour it will be a new year.  I am very apprehensive what will happen to our country politically.  And also about the wars around the world.  I hope  you all stay safe and keep well.  Have a great 2024.   Love, Del and KoKo

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Sara Sharp quilt from TCQC 01-01-23

Hope you all had a Happy New Year in the manner you chose.  Ours was very quiet and not many fireworks, probably because it was raining pretty hard at midnight.  It is amazing how quickly the grass and weeds pop up and turn the brown hillsides and fields a bright green.  Smells good, too!  

Here is another Sara Sharp quilt from the SAQA Auction.  I posted her 2022 quilt "Stilts" on December 11, 2022.  This one is from the SAQA 2021 online auction.   She does the birds very well so I always look for more of her donations  to add to the Collection.

"It's an Ibis!"  Sara Sharp - Texas   2021  12"X12"

Commercial cotton fabrics, cotton and rayon threads.

Machine pieced and quilted, thread painting.

 

I think the water is especially effective, but Sara's thread painting is very good.  Look at that great eye.

There is even a watery backing fabric and tidy regular facing. 

Nice computer printed label which includes several ways to contact the artist.  

The contacts are important.  Recently there was a post on the SAQA site from an artist in Europe who recovered stolen quilts after years (I think it was seven).  That would not happen if there is no contact written on the label.  

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The end of 2022 - MADE IT!

 Last minutes in 2022!

OOPS!   KoKo is already asleep.  

One minute to midnight and pouring rain (Hurrah!) there are a few fire crackers, but it seems there isn't much celebrating in this neighborhood.   We end the year in the hope that 2023 will be a better time around the world.  

Be safe.  Keep well. Love, Del and KoKo

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Goodbye 2021 12-31-21

Hope you are all enjoying New Years Eve in your own way.  KoKo and I are being quiet and peaceful - until the fireworks start.  So far only a few and not close by.  I just hold him and pet him and talk softly and he survives, shaking and growling.  

I did have to go to the pharmacy this morning, but masked up and distanced.  Nothing else on my calendar for more than a week.  I did have the booster on Dec 22nd.  I had waited until there was nothing on my calendar for a few days because I reacted so strongly to the number two shot.  It was a wise move as I spent about three and a half days with headache, temperature, ache all over, wiped out.  But I'd rather do that than have full blown Covid.   I certainly know people who have it or have it in their family, but no hospitalizations so far.  Scary stuff.  

Here is to better luck with 2022.  

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New Year's Dinner 01-02-21

Nothing special for New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.  I just don't do holidays anymore.  A wreath on the door for Christmas season and multiple flags for 4th of July.  I can't tell you why!  I just lost interest about a decade ago.  I think it is part of being old and deciding to just be my own person and do whatever I enjoy.  

I do enjoy going out for meals, but that isn't something I can do right now, so I prepare food to eat; minimal cooking - microwave, toaster oven.  Today I had the urge to eat something special so I ordered takeout from The Wild Artichoke in Yorba Linda.  I have always enjoyed their food, which is rather pricey, and have picked up take out a couple times in the last six months.  Tonight I called and ordered their special salmon with capers, risotto, and veggies.  KoKo and I drove over to pick it up at 5pm, rather early for me, but it just seemed like a good time.  Beautiful sunset driving home; flashing behind buildings and trees like a film strip.  

The picture doesn't do it justice - much more colorful. 

But very delicious and enough for two meals for me, so I will enjoy the other half tomorrow evening. 

 

I ordered carrot cake for my neighbor, Mark-to-the-South, because he does love it.  I don't think it will be as tasty as the carrot cake from Katella Deli in LBeach, but I can't currently drive over there.  I delivered it to Mark when we went for our evening walk and he told me he has had the first of the two vaccinations.   He retired from the hospital where he maintains and repairs equipment, but they keep calling him back part time.  He'll have his second shot soon.  He says that some of his fellow employees are declining the vaccine,  They seem to want to see how effective it is with other people.  DUH!  

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A New Year 01-01-21

The thunder storms we had on Sunday night and Monday brought local hail, although I don't think there was any at my house, but we had 1 1/2" + of rain.  And there was snow on the local mountains (San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges).  Someone posted this morning that there was were miles long traffic jams on the roads up to the mountain resorts.  I'll take the snow at a distance!

This was taken on Christmas Day from the roadside at Bastanchury Hill.  

 

And this was taken this morning, New Year's Day, while stopped in the left turn lane on Bastanchury Hill.  There was NO traffic this morning so I felt safe stopping in the middle of the street.  The closer hill you see is actually a land fill.  I wonder if it will eventually become so high that one can no longer see the mountain ranges.  

We went out to find a Starbuck's drive thru that was open.  And so did everyone else.  When we found one we spent about 45 minutes in line!  But it was okay since it gave me time to do my e-mail and read some Facebook posts.  And KoKo could see there were other dogs looking out car windows.  Sometimes they bark, but KoKo seems to realize those dogs are not going to come near.   It was a chance to get out of the house.  It was a gorgeous sunny day and the temp eventually got up to 73.  Nice California winter weather.  

I wish you each a joyful, calm, peaceful, friend filled, worry free 2021!

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Hope for the New Year 12-31-20

Since I don't do much of anything and don't go anywhere except for the walks and an occasional short trip to the market, I don't have much to say.  I've thought about telling stories from my past and may yet resort to that!  Today we dropped some things at the PO drive-by box, took some money out of the ATM at the credit union, and visited the drive though at Starbuck's down by the 91 Fwy, just to go some place different.  It is about a mile further than the Starbuck's we usually frequent.  While in line there we have a view of Anaheim Lakes where the white pelicans are moving in for the winter.  It is a distant view, but still nice to see.  Home to do a few household chores, throw Froggy for KoKo to chase, and read my current book, Barack Obama's memoir, "A Promised Land".  I do find it riveting and am surprised at some of the "characters" who are still around today; McConnell, Pelosi, Feinstein, both Clintons, and others.  I guess my memory is really failing me because I don't remember some of the really serious problems that existed in our country in 2009.   The high point of the day was a ZOOM meeting with the art quilt group in San Diego.  Always interesting sharing and conversation.  

So, here we go into a new year.  Along with everyone I know I am hoping for a MUCH better year ahead for the entire world.   Need to get those vaccinations rolling!

Some of you might remember how much I enjoy snowman cartoons!

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New Year's Day Open House 01-01-20

There, I have typed the 2020 date for the first time.  Really hard to make the change every year, but some how going from 19 to 20 seems harder.  I have sticky notes to help! 

KoKo and I drove down to San Clemente to the Nancy and Bud New Year's Day Open House.  We have been for quite a few years now.  Nancy's grandchildren are always glad to have a few hours with KoKo.  And he eats up all the attention, petting, and holding he can get.  We are both a little wiped out this evening.  

The food is always so special.  Lots of things I have not tried before and always enjoy.  Just have to watch out for very spicy dishes.  I love them, but my stomach objects.  

 The house is on the hillside above San Clemente and looks out at the Pacific Ocean. 

Besides visiting and eating some people play games, I don't know what this one is.  But they were enjoying it. 

The food was outstanding, mostly Japanese, but the Mac and Cheese was also great. 

Someone gave KoKo a mouse toy (because it is the year of the rat) and he chewed on it most of the way home. You can just see it at the bottom of the picture. 

This is our view of the ocean from our parking spot.   Beautiful blue sky and lots of sun reflection. 

Hope you all had a great New Year's beginning. 

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Happy New Year 12-31-19

Oh dear, Now my fingers have to learn a new year AND a new decade.  Each year it is harder for me to re-train them.  

I am struggling to not get sick, but tonight my thread is sore and I am just wiped out.   Hope to be up to driving to San Clemente for the annual open house.  Even KoKo will go since he spent his first couple years at Nancy Ota's house. She is the one who taught him his good manners. 

Thanks for checking in with me throughout the year, I hope to make it through another with lots of useless news to post. 

Wishing you each a special 2020. 

Love, Del and KoKo

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KoKo time again 12-31-18

Another year is almost gone - more quickly each year.   KoKo and I are staying warm and out of the wind - no walk this evening, just a quick piddle in the backyard and back inside out of the very gusty, strong wind.  

It is a good thing I am able to sew up KoKo's toys as he is very hard on them.  He loves his Froggie, almost to rags, so he frequently has to have surgery.  

This was just a simple open seam on the back of his neck.  

But you can see how bad his scars are.  There isn't much fabric left on Froggie's back and butt, so I have had to put in an under lining so there is something to sew on to.  

He does love his Woodstock, new this past month.  But it is not very heavy so doesn't throw very far.  

But he does take it to bed now and then.  

We wish all of you a Happy New Year, hoping that 2019 will be better than 2018.

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Christmas Morning and Santa sleeps!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and

a Joyful, Prosperous 2017.  Del

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New Year's Day - Sunset 01-01-16

 I went to an annual Open House today, the same one I have gone to for a few years.   I'm glad they still invite me, it is a delightful relaxed gathering for friends and family with fabulous food.

I returned KoKo to his home and the grandkids and cousins quickly took him over and he went along with everything they did with him.  He was a happy dog, but I bet he sleeps well tonight.  I know I will! 

The sun was just setting when it was time for me to go and these shots were from several places in San Clemente.  Hope you all had a great New Year's Day and a happy, healthy 2016.

 

I admire this simple pelican weathervane on top of a house hidden by the giant Bird of Paradise. 

 

Hard to show Catalina Island at this distance - it is the darker rough line betwixt ocean and sky.

Here it is slightly enlarged.

 

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Wordless Wednesday 12-31-14

Wishing you all a happy, productive and prosperous 2015. 

Looking Forward.... 12-31-11

I wish for you a new year filled with good food, good health, happiness, creativity, prosperity, and ROAD TRIPS!  I hope my body will cooperate and I can spend some time on the road somewhere in the West.  Maybe I will stop by to see you - wherever you are!



Western New Mexico - May 18, 2007

New Years Eve 12-31-10

It'll be the last time I write 2010 - now I must retrain my brain to 2011. It is a problem for me every year, which is why I rarely write '10 or, now, '11. It takes the first two digits to get my brain in gear for the correct last two digits.

Here is the Poodle Prince at his house in the desert. This was the only picture that turned out of the several I took, he just wasn't much interested in posing for photos this week. We had a good chuckle when I groomed him yesterday - after he was all brushed up and I went to put his collar on (sans the wonderful green/red Christmas collar cover that Karen sent him) I realized he had "ring around the collar" in green! Just a very faint tint, such as one would have from wearing a faux gold ring around their finger. Too cute.

Easy drive home for me today, no wind, few trucks and not a lot of cars on I-40. They were mostly all going the other way. And on I-15N (toward Las Vegas) they were spending time standing still. I arrived in Orange County about 3:40pm, but I detoured to get gas at the 'cheap' station ($3.19/gal for 87octane), so I arrived at my house about 4:10pm. The temperature was in the low 40s most of the way home, but dipped to 39F over the Cajon Pass ( 3,777ft). By 6:30pm Placentia was 45.9F. Sometime since I left on Tuesday my recording thermometer showed a low of 31.6F and it is supposed to about that tonight. Every year I wonder how the Rose Parade fans survive their long night vigil on the parade route in Pasadena - it is probably colder there! In about 1959 when I lived with my Little Grandmother in Arcadia (right next door to Pasadena) I went to an all night New Year's Eve party with the intent for everyone to attend the parade in the morning. It was, as I recall, a great party, but when my date drove me to my house to change clothes I realized how cold it was and how tired I was..... We both decided to just skip the parade. So, I have never been. However, Floyd and I went several times to see the floats after the parade when they are parked on the street in a section of Pasadena - they are on display for two or three days. A MUCH more enjoyable way to see them, but we did miss the marching bands and the equestrian teams.

I have already been to bed for several hours! But got up to Blog. I couldn't let the old year end without wishing all of you a....

.... happy, prosperous and healthy 2011.

Love, Del-at-home

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The last shadow of 2009 12-31-09

No flash still, so I thought I would see what I could take a flash less picture of before the sun went down. This is the shadow of the weeping birch tree on the lovely grey siding of the house. The sun tints the air for the last time in 2009 and, I think, makes quite a lovely image. Every year has shadows, some more than others. This has not been a good year for many people in this country and all over the world, although my investments have 'rallied' so things don't look terribly dark for the future of the TCQC. More new quilts in 2010, I hope. Most of all I look forward to better health and fewer losses, perhaps some long distance travel and LOTS of creative sewing. I have no resolutions - just hopes. And they extend to all of you around the world who read this blog regularly or periodically. I hope this new year fulfills your dreams.

Starting out... 12-31-08

The images we have in our minds for different unsubstantial things is interesting to me. Time, beginnings, air, wind..... etc. I always think of the passage of time as a circle that is traveled counter clockwise through days/weeks/years and a new year as the beginning of a new road - short or long, rough or smooth, flat or uphill. The nature of the road is unknown until I come to another year and look back. I do love a road trip, but some can be intimidating as can be a new year, a new venture, a new job, a new.... anything. We are already three hours into 2009 and I wonder what is ahead. However I'm not going to start celebrating until January twentieth!

I send you all good wishes for health, happiness and prosperity in 2009 and on into the future.

Looking into the future looks a little like this!

It is I-15 going north toward.............................. !!

New Year's Day 01-01-08

Here is dawn of the new year. It isn't blurry because I was hungover, but because I couldn't hold the camera braced against a post - it was too windy! It howled all night and all day and started decreasing about 8pm tonight.

Corky seems to like his new bed, but I have a hard time finding him when he has his black nose and eyes buried. He caught up on his beauty rest while he was here and today I took him back to his parents in LBeach. I miss him, but it will be easier to sew without his assistance!