Ahhhh, Yosemite

Just stopped by to say "Hi" and to let you know we're in Yosemite this week. The first couple of days were rainy, so we just made the most of it. Today it was dry enough to get the bike off the rack and ride til I couldn't ride no mo. There's nothing like riding all over the park and enjoying the awesome fresh air and beautiful views. The dogwood's are in bloom everywhere; it's just gorgeous.



On the way back we rode through one of the closed campgrounds that our family spent many of our Easter vacations. It was eery and somewhat sad to envision all the happy campers that used to be there long ago.

Well, we leave today to go visit our sweet "grandbabies" for a few days...

I'll try to get back into a "blog rhythm" when I get back.

Painting in the Park

Needing to get out and exercise, I thought how boring it would be to do the neighborhood loop... So I decided on a trip to the Oak Canyon Park and took my watercolors and sketchbbook. The morning air was cool, but I came upon a bench in the sun and sat down to try my hand in an attempt to capture the glorious beauty I found there.

I have a lot of room for improvement in my painting and photography, I know, but if I don't practice, well... I guess I wouldn't get anywhere. It was relaxing and even feels like a meditation session when I sit and look at the beauty and color of nature; that's mostly what I get out of it...


The flowers are blooming all over the place out there! Even the paddle cactus are starting to bloom.

Then I found some dried flowers on the trail that someone had picked and then abandoned, so I collected them up and tucked them in my sketchbook pages to be later drawn and painted.

The live poppys I saw were still in a shady spot, closed in their dormant shape. I think it's such a treat to observe a large patch of open poppys up close--such color!

While I was meandering along the trails, I also saw all kinds of wildlife. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, and butterflys and bees abound. Since this park is just a minute away, it's a great place to slip away for a hike and to find treasures hidden in the canyon between the neighborhoods of our hills. Getting out in the fresh air, getting some exercise, and appreciating God's awesome creations does a lot for the soul. Now I feel refreshed to continue with my busy day...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!