View from my window

View from my living room this morning at sunrise in the Mojave. Gorgeous.

Snakes beware!!

It's been quite a snake season this year. Must have been the winter rainfall last year that provided plenty of rodents and critters for food. Unfortunately, some of these rattlesnakes don't know that they aren't inside pets.

So, I decided it was time for me to buy myself a smaller handgun for when Paul isn't home to take care of things. I don't like shooting them, but if they don't stay on the 30 1/2 acres they have here--they aren't welcome on my porch or outside my back door.

Nick is my hero! (Warning--loud)

We rescued Nick on Christmas Eve. Paul wanted a pit mix female, but as things often happen, Nick came into our life instead. He is Paul's dog, but he is also my guardian. If Paul isn't home, he won't leave my side. Bathroom trips included.

Tonight, I was watching tv and Nick suddenly started barking wildly and when I got up to see what he was barking at, I saw his head looking right outside the sliding door and had a feeling it was a snake. It was. It wasn't leaving so Paul took it out with a big stick. Nick got a cookie as a reward and Bo got one too for being the backup barker.

Dear Daddy

So many memories came to me today. The Father’s Day card aisle is so bittersweet. I have so many memories. I remember as a young girl standing on the dock waiting for your ship to come home from a long cruise when you were in the Navy. I remember riding on the back of your motorcycle and the time we wrecked on El Monte when the dog ran out in front of us, and you laid the bike down and broke my fall to the pavement with your leg.

I remember you pulling us in the snow in Aurora on sleds you hooked up with chains behind the station wagon and how you laughed when you swung us off into snow banks.

I remember in high school getting called into the principal’s office and you were sitting there. I learned then never to write your name on absence notes because they knew immediately that I had skipped school--because all the other notes came from Mom. You took me home that day and taught me parallel parking so I could take my driver’s test.

I remember when I wrecked your old blue work car and parked it so the damaged door was not facing the house. (Yes, I also remember I had it fixed and they even matched the paint!) Then there was the time when I was going to beauty school, and you sat me down in the kitchen and asked me to tell you what I’d done. I didn’t confess until you put the bottle of vodka on the table. That’s when I found out you marked the bottles. I thought you’d be proud that I learned how to make a flask out of a hair spray can. I think you secretly were.

You helped me find my party trailer and hauled it to your house. You put a level on it and started making a list of everything I’d need to outfit it. It was our project and we had so much fun at the river in that thing and the inner tubes you gave me for float trips.

I remember the July 4th parade in ’92, when Gypsy took off in a dead run, spooked by the fire engines, and I flew by you--off into the desert—and when I asked you why you didn’t come running and you said you thought I was trick riding! I guess you missed the part where I lost my stirrup and went airborne and landed in the dirt, covered in stickers.

I remember what a wonderful dancer you were; that little step only you did. I cherish it all. I miss you Daddy.

Tesla's shooting her first movie scenes today!

Tesla & Papa

Tesla landed a part in the upcoming movie "BFF & Baby" where she will be playing the part of JJJ, one of baby's BFFs. It was her first audition! Good luck, Tesla!!

Victory! Hosking defeats Lemkau!

It started with a tragedy and a community rose up and decided to fight back! We knew it would be an uphill battle. Who defeats a sitting judge in the largest county in the continental United States?

Someone like James Hosking, who at great personal cost, stepped up to do what was right. With intregity and courage, James waged a campaign for the dignity the office deserved and was sorely lacking.

For those who criticize and say "it was only one case" "one bad decision" I ask: What value would you place on your 9 month old son or grandchild?

Lemkau took every opportunity to make excuses for himself, even blaming Katie and other law enforcement, never accepting his responsiblity for not protecting baby Wyatt.

The children of San Bernardino County are safer tonight. Thank you voters of San Bernardino County. Thank you to all the members of our community and FB community for all you did to remove this judge.

Thank you soon-to-be Judge James J. Hosking. Last, but certainly not least, thank you Katie for your courage and strength and love for Wyatt.

Happy Mother's Day (to me) ...

Yes, it was time. My old girl ('89 300E) is getting up there in years and miles. I found this sweet 2000 E320 this weekend and what a sweet ride!

Where did April go?

The girls and I went to Hollywood Park's Kentucky Derby Day and had a great time. I even wore my big hat! Bet on Calvin and he brought it home; what a great jockey!

I've been so busy, I don't know where time has gone. Work has been keeping me busy, busy (which I love) and I have a new granddaughter who is growing every day. She's a sweet baby.

We're all looking forward to next month's trip to Branson for my nephew's wedding and being with family.

Tesla Maye

Tesla Maye held out until almost 10pm Tuesday, March 23rd, before making her grand entrance into the world! She weighed in at 8lbs, 11oz and is 21 7/8" long. Blue eyes and light hair and looks just like her big sister Adeline as a baby.