DVLA

Pictures and mumblings that may be of interest to family members.

Saturday, April 30, 2005

Old Soldier Meets Valiant End

Former residents of this establishment may feel some nostalgia and a sense of loss for this trusty Salad Fork, which, (old-age not withstanding), was fearlessly breaking up a mass of frozen peas when it met a tragic but noble fate. The peas had become quite forbidding and stalwart - brooding and gaining strength unobserved since time immemorial in the far recesses of the freezer.

The Fork had long dominated such formidable frozen foes with crushing effect, and braved many sorties into boiling pasta water and non-stick frying pans. The Fork survived its mate, the Salad Spoon, by many years, which disappeared under circumstances that none now remember. It is not clear whether this inestimable loss had any bearing on the Fork's selfless exploits and apparent lack of concern for self-preservation.


Lying in State.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

AZ Trip

I went out to Prescott Valley this weekend to inspect the house for warranty claims against the builder. I hired a guy to do the inspection and write a report since I had so many difficulties in dealing with the construction superintendent last year. I don't have the report back yet, but the gist of the verbal summary was that nothing real bad turned up (yay). Sandy was going to go with me, but some family responsibilities came up, and she had to stay home. It was a very nice drive, with some entertaining thunder showers on the way back.

I made some good contacts. Roger, the inspector, who I think I will hire again if I have any more real estate business in the area, and Ben, the renter. Ben is in the real estate business, and is building what sounds like a very nice home over in the trees by Lynx Creek. Unfortunately for me, he hopes to complete it by the first of the year, so I have to start figuring out what to do about a 6 month lease or just going month-to-month. I'm a little concerned about trying to get a new tenant in the middle of winter.


Mt. San Jacinto by Palm Springs.


First AZ Rest Stop on I-10 after crossing state line from CA.


Some folks seem to value their privacy.


Desert Flowers between Hope and Harcuvar.


Thinking about jumping?




Lady and Gentleman? bugs engaged in discrete conversation.


Tough little coyote - still looks defiant even after loosing an ear.


Buford's Buzzard Roost in Yarnel, AZ.


Hotel View PM.


Hotel view AM.


Prescott Valley House.


Windmill outside of Kirkland AZ.


The Road from Yarnel to Congress AZ. That's Congress in the distance to the left.


Congress Cafe. Home of "Rose's cinnamon rolls".


AZ State Rt 60


I-10 in California

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Wildflowers - Antelope Valley

Sandy and Mom and I drove out to Antelope Valley to see the wildflowers. We missed the height of the wildflower season after all the rain we had this year, but it was still pretty nice. It was a little chilly in the morning, but very clear and colorful.


There were only a few poppies left. Posted by Hello


This was about the most we saw in one place. Posted by Hello


Sandy braving rattlesnakes and wind. Posted by Hello


Your typical digital-camera-held-at-arm's-length-couple's-portrait. Posted by Hello


Sandy's turn behind the camera. Posted by Hello


Snowy mountains in the distance. Posted by Hello


Posted by Hello


Posted by Hello


Posted by Hello


We weren't the only ones enjoying the flowers. Posted by Hello


Sandy and Mom getting out of the wind. Posted by Hello

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Front Yard Roses

Bamboo Harvest Good this Year.

Still no need to worry about a boring expanse of grass in the back yard. There are plenty of little points of bamboo interest to break up the monotony.


Bamboo pickets maintain traditional annual march across the back yard.


Bringing in the Sheaves