Corry James

Corry was on his way home from Southern California (10 day Air Force commitment) last night with a lay-over here at home base in Atwater. He didn't have to work today and had class this evening, so he wasn't in a big hurry to get back to Sacramento. He so kindly appeased his mother by letting her do a photo shoot with him. Only photographers and shutterbugs can understand the fullfillment of this event (I was truly giddy inside, but was very careful not to show it).

Endearing Names

Since our grandson, Maycin, came into this world I have always called him "Bug-a-boo." There are all kinds of endearing names to use with your loved ones...honey bunny, sweety-pie, pookie, ...when Cliff and I were courting, his was "Cowboy" and mine was "Slim"...okay, don't go there people, Cliff and I know all too well, we are far apart from those endearing names today. But, let's get back to "Bug-a-boo." After Ashlee and Maycin's short visit yesterday, it was our ritual good-byes, with "love you" attached at the end. As Maycin rounded the corner of the garage, he yelled back to me with the surprising "love you, Bug-a-boo!" I had to chuckle but was absolutely delighted that he has been taught to give endearing names to those he loves.

What Up With Breakfast?

What up with breakfast, you ask? I know last weekend I talked about oranges and orange juice...but there is just something about breakfast on the weekends we love. Through the week, we don't get to sit down, relax and enjoy it together and these days it's pretty much oatmeal every day through the week (since my diverticulitis); boring...except, yes the weekends! Cliff and I go all out...okay maybe not all out, but sometimes we do. This week we had pancakes, sausage and eggs. Yeah, nothin to write home about, but I have a secret. I promise I will tell Cliff...sometime! I jazzed up our pancakes!! I know the photo looks like ordinary pancakes...no bananas, no strawberries, no blueberries. So, what's all the hub-bub? Well, I secretly put a bit of vanilla and...you gotta try this...a teaspoon of lemon extract. I just nonchalantly commented how good the pancakes tasted to Cliff and he agreed whole heartedly. I know I'm a little sneak, and again, I promise I will tell him, eventually. If you haven't tried it yet, try lemon or orange extract in your pancakes! They are YUMMMMMY!

Bumble Bee

Gilbert and Ashlee found themselves without another vehicle and had to make a decision so Gilbert could get to work and school in Fresno/Clovis, and Maycin to pre-school in Merced. They found a cute little 03 Ford Escape, dubbed "Bumble Bee".

Maycin (5) Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008

I just love this kid! Maycin and Ashlee came by today for a short visit as he had a birthday party to go to. Once in awhile I will ask him if I can take some photos and he was very willing today. Mind you, he does not like to sit still and when he does he loves to give cheesy grins, but it's great practice for me as a photographer. Notice he is still very into "Dog" his stuffed animal, and let's not forget the action heros and Hot Wheels!

(By the way, you can click on any photo in this blog and it will enlarge for a better look)

Lacee & Lori

Lacee and Lori are on their way out to watch the Super Bowl with friends...I ran after them and said, "I have to take a photo!" One day they will thank me! :0)

Hail Super Bowl Sunday

We were surprised with a hail storm today...In spite of the bird feeder being almost completely covered with it, the birds still came. This will be the closest we will come to snow here in the Central Valley. In the 27 years I have lived here it has snowed twice, and I was only here one of those 2 times (we were up in the mountains for the other time).

Food Sensation!

Yesterday I made a homemade sweet-potato pie! I had never seen, tasted or heard of one before I met Cliff. It has become our family's favorite pie at Thanksgiving and it's always a treat any other time of the year. So, my mouth was watering...I almost rushed through dinner just to sink my teeth into it. First I put on a pot of coffee...oh the arroma and the anticipation of blending the two (coffee and pie). I poured myself a cup and topped my pie with a dollop of light cool whip. Awhhhhhhhhhhhh, at last! I closed my mouth around the delectable morsel and...and...and...Oh RATS!!! My mouth opened up...I forgot the sugar! What was even funnier is that Cliff didn't believe me when I told him I forgot the sugar and decided to take a bite only to echo, "That is nasty!!!" Well, on to a better story...this time of year is the best to eat oranges here. They are so sweet and especially right off the tree. Our neighbor had given us oranges (we always gladly accept them even though we have a dwarf orange tree ourselves) and I made fresh squeezed orange juice this morning to enjoy with our breakfast. Let me tell you, nothing better!

Rainy Days

We have been having rainy days off and on and it is greening up the country side. As you can see the rain in the distance (most likely disapating before hitting the ground). It will stay green up to about the end of April and then things will start to turn brown until next February. We haven't seen any signs of orchards blossoming yet (the almonds are first), but the daffodills are beginning to show their faces.

Lacee Photo Shoot

Her playful side

In order for me to become a better photographer, once in a while I can talk a family member into being my model. Lacee agreed...I have been practicing with RAW photography.

Self Portrait

I have been wanting to try RAW photography for awhile...finally tried it today. The only willing subject was myself!

Lacee Turned 20 Thursday

Lacee and her friends on a day trip to Yosemite

(Paul, Lacee, Erika, Lori and Joel)

Lacee dyed her hair blond on her birthday, but only the roots took!

Lacee and Lori the day before her birthday