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Friday, May 22, 2009

Beautiful Life: Over the River (and mountains, and the state of California)

Welcome to our friends from Melissa's Beautiful Life linky fest- glad you could stop by! Won't you say hello?
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(Wonder Daddy and Uncle Fireball cleaning the bike)

It's 6:30 in the morning, and everyone is still asleep. BUT, since Mimi woke up at 5:15, and just went back to sleep (and we share a room), I'm out here while she's in there. That's OK, though. When you're visiting family, sometimes it's nice to have a quiet morning.



(Wonder Daddy heading out on a long bike ride)

We're here at my in-laws, on a trip that is soon to draw to a close. Their house backs up to a large grassland, and I'm watching cows, rabbits, and dun-colored birds eat their breakfast. We've never visited here in the Spring, and we've discovered that high desert is beautiful in May. The tumbleweeds are green and growing, and there are tiny wildflowers dotting the vacant lots. This is kind of a boom town, created a few decades ago in the middle of the desert.



(Getting ready to ride with Grandpa)

With this economic down turn, after a huge housing boom, there are too many "master planned communities" at quarter-occupancy. But, it's a nice town with lots of good schools. Cold, sunny, winters; mild, windy, springs; just-hot-enough summers (complete with monsoons a few afternoons a week), and I haven't been here in the Fall yet!


(A very hesitant and careful thumbs-up from Ernie)


Wonder Daddy's family used to live just a few miles from us. Holidays were always busy- mornings at home, afternoons and evenings spent shuttling between my grandparents and family, and his grandparents and family. It was kind of crazy, but always worth it. Two summers ago, Grandpa J was transferred/moved his family to where the Spirit prompted him. All but a few of his former co-workers have or will lose their jobs in our area, as that particular location is shutting down. So far, we've been able to come down to visit once or twice a year, with his family coming up once or twice a year.


(Mimi contemplating the slide)

It's been a beautiful, fantastic week with Wonder Daddy's family, and I'm grateful we've had the chance to visit!


(Making cookies with Nana)

7 comments:

LunaMoonbeam said...

I know it's not luck, but...let's call it that for lack of a better word.

How lucky that Grandpa could miss the job crisis!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your visit. Time with family is always precious.

Hi from Northern Ireland.

Simone said...

It looks like you're having a great trip. Have a fun weekend.

Debbie said...

It looks like a great time.
We have quite a few of those half-built neighborhoods too.

Su said...

Hey Myrnie, it's great to visit family, isn't it? Looks like you had lots of fun.

Elizabeth said...

Love the pictures. It sure looks like everyone had fun!

Guess what? One of the little circles broke that holds my glasses on to that great chain you sent me...Would I find those at the craft store, like Michaels or Roberts?

I hope you are having a great Memorial Day weekend.

Summer is come - hurrah!
Elizabeth

Dolly said...

Love the cool pictures and updates! I'm still eating right and exercising-today I did both: grocery shopping:) Thankful Thursday!