One interesting thing we learned about the numerous mineral pools in Yellowstone was that, even in the very hot acidic water, there are living organisms called thermoacidophiles. They are what gave color to many of the pools with shades of yellow, red, orange, and green. It was quite remarkable that anything could live in such pools, but thermoacidophiles thrive there. What a lesson for me: With God's strength, I can not only survive in the midst of problems, I can thrive there and even add color and enjoyment to the lives of those around me.
Thermoacidophiles
One interesting thing we learned about the numerous mineral pools in Yellowstone was that, even in the very hot acidic water, there are living organisms called thermoacidophiles. They are what gave color to many of the pools with shades of yellow, red, orange, and green. It was quite remarkable that anything could live in such pools, but thermoacidophiles thrive there. What a lesson for me: With God's strength, I can not only survive in the midst of problems, I can thrive there and even add color and enjoyment to the lives of those around me.
To Follow
To Follow
In the way that He leads me,
In sunlight and shadow,
'Cross mountain and valley,
My choice to follow.
In the way that He leads me,
His steps my way show,
With grace for the journey,
My joy to follow.
copyright 1/25/08
I wrote this poem a while back. I've been thinking of journeys lately. Much of my life journey is the result of my choosing, and some of my choices have not turned out the way I expected. Some of the most difficult parts of my journey were not my choice at all, but even in those areas I can still trust my way to Jesus. While the problems don't disappear, He still gives me the opportunity to have peace and joy. It's my choice.
In the way that He leads me,
In sunlight and shadow,
'Cross mountain and valley,
My choice to follow.
In the way that He leads me,
His steps my way show,
With grace for the journey,
My joy to follow.
copyright 1/25/08
I wrote this poem a while back. I've been thinking of journeys lately. Much of my life journey is the result of my choosing, and some of my choices have not turned out the way I expected. Some of the most difficult parts of my journey were not my choice at all, but even in those areas I can still trust my way to Jesus. While the problems don't disappear, He still gives me the opportunity to have peace and joy. It's my choice.
Yellowstone Trip Part II - Wildlife
While on our trip, a major highlight of our travels was all the wildlife we saw. Everywhere we went we were able to see some animals Alyssa and Jonathan had never seen before. Here are a few pictures: 
Bison, deer, and elk were everywhere, of course. 
We also saw two grizzly bears, but they were so far away it was difficult to get good pictures. 
And we saw several black bears. 
We visited a wolf and grizzly preserve where we saw bears and wolves up close. The bears were massive, and we got to hear the wolves howl. 
Bison, deer, and elk were everywhere, of course. 
We also saw two grizzly bears, but they were so far away it was difficult to get good pictures. And we saw several black bears. 
We visited a wolf and grizzly preserve where we saw bears and wolves up close. The bears were massive, and we got to hear the wolves howl. On our way out of Yellowstone in a neighboring National Forest we got to see our only moose. It was a cow with her calf.
We were really hoping to see some beavers and some bighorn sheep, but I guess that will have to wait until another time.
Yellowstone Trip
We just returned from a week-long trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was a long drive, but we had a wonderful time. We met some family and friends there and ended up with quite a large group which made it even more fun, and a bit challenging at times. 
We stayed one night in Jackson, WY, and the next day Alyssa and Colonel Vincent took a rafting trip down part of the Snake River where they saw bald eagles, osprey, deer, white pelicans, beaver lodges, and frogs.
While they were gone, Jonathan and I napped and walked around the quaint town. Here we are standing by one of four huge arches made entirely of elk antlers they shed each year.
Then we drove through the Grand Tetons and up to Yellowstone. The flowers were at their peak and were just gorgeous! 
We stayed one night in Jackson, WY, and the next day Alyssa and Colonel Vincent took a rafting trip down part of the Snake River where they saw bald eagles, osprey, deer, white pelicans, beaver lodges, and frogs. While they were gone, Jonathan and I napped and walked around the quaint town. Here we are standing by one of four huge arches made entirely of elk antlers they shed each year.Then we drove through the Grand Tetons and up to Yellowstone. The flowers were at their peak and were just gorgeous! The kids enjoyed playing in the water, playing on the rocks, watching fish in the water... and did I mention playing in the water? Of course, no one got wet.
While in Yellowstone, we stayed in a cabin in Canyon Village and made day trips from there to see sights around the park. Over the next few days, I will post some pictures of our excursions.
Goodbye to an old friend and hello to a new one
Two weeks ago, a tragic accident took the life of our big guard dog Zack. We are missing him. Well, most of us are. I think Posy, our cat, has not spent too much time mourning his absence, but the rest of us have. We got him when we were in Canada eight years ago. While he had his faults, he was a very smart watch dog who alerted us by different barks to various situations.
Zack (right) with Buster
Zack (right) with BusterColonel Strong Vincent wanted to get another puppy right away, while I was more hesitant. A puppy can be a LOT of work to train properly, and an intelligent dog, such as we wanted, needs a lot of attention and work daily. It's like having a two-year-old in the household, and I already have a human one to care for. I wasn't sure I wanted something more to take my time. But yesterday, after looking at a litter of border collie puppies and a litter of Australian Shepherd puppies, I was easily persuaded to get one. We settled on a 12-week-old male Aussie which we have named Cody. He seems like a very intelligent and eager-to-please little puppy, and we are looking forward to working and playing with him. Here are some pictures of our new little charge. 
We've only had Cody a day, but he is already learning how to sit, come, and fetch a rope.
Cody exploring the yard.
Buster, our other dog, has taken to him quite nicely and will enjoy the companionship I believe. We all (except Posy again) are glad to have a new little furry friend.
A Very Hoppy Birthday
Jonathan celebrated his second birthday over the weekend. He is just starting to really talk, and "froggie" is one word he can say - although it sounds more like "foggy". Any time he sees a frog, he points to it excitedly and says, "foggie!'" So I decided to put on a frog party for him. After consulting my sisters, my mom, and the internet for good ideas, I decided to make a cake depicting the life cycle of a frog. Everything is edible except the two plastic frogs, the toothpicks, and candles. You can see the pictures enlarged by clicking on them.
Also, various food items on the menu got renamed to be "froggy friendly." Among other things, we served "lily pads" (sliced cucumbers) and "toadstools" (fresh mushrooms) with dip from a bell pepper frog.
Colonel Strong Vincent got into the action by blowing up 360 balloons to create a "frog pond" for the little froggie guests to hop around in. He got to use his compresser which made it even more fun. To complete the pond atmosphere, he put on a tape of pond and water sounds while the little frogs played in the balloons.
Jonathan really seemed to enjoy his birthday and so did Alyssa and the guests. Here are a few more pictures of the fun. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Blowing out the candles.
Alyssa covered her eyes to count to 20 while the guests hid in the balloons. Then Jonathan copied her and said, "Two, five, eight, nine."
Also, various food items on the menu got renamed to be "froggy friendly." Among other things, we served "lily pads" (sliced cucumbers) and "toadstools" (fresh mushrooms) with dip from a bell pepper frog.
We also served "flies" (raisins) and "frogie tongues" (fruit roll-ups) with "pond water" to drink (lime-ade and 7-up with lime sherbet on top to make it "scummy."
Colonel Strong Vincent got into the action by blowing up 360 balloons to create a "frog pond" for the little froggie guests to hop around in. He got to use his compresser which made it even more fun. To complete the pond atmosphere, he put on a tape of pond and water sounds while the little frogs played in the balloons. Jonathan really seemed to enjoy his birthday and so did Alyssa and the guests. Here are a few more pictures of the fun. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Blowing out the candles. 
Alyssa covered her eyes to count to 20 while the guests hid in the balloons. Then Jonathan copied her and said, "Two, five, eight, nine."
Kitchen Transformation
A few weeks ago, I decided to paint my kitchen blue. I've been itching to do it for a long time and finally decided to go ahead. I have a lot of blue and white pieces that already decorate my kitchen, and I thought dark blue walls would really show them off nicely. I love the results. Here are the before and after photos.
Camping at El Capitan State Beach
This past weekend we went camping at El Capitan State Beach about 17 miles west of Santa Barbara. We had a lovely weekend with perfect weather to enjoy the beach and surrounding area. Alyssa's favorite activity was riding the tag-along bike behind her daddy on the numerous bike paths. Jonathan rode in a little bike trailer behind me. He really enjoyed riding, too. On Sunday we found a wonderful little trail that meandered through an old sycamore forest with HUGE old trees. The trees were so large that many big branches draped on or near the ground and spread out over 70 or more feet. Beneath the branches were periwinkles and nasturtium in profusion. It was like walking in a fairyland forest. The end of the trail came out in a grassy area right next to a rocky and sandy beach. The kids had fun playing on the shore for a while before heading home.
Santa Rosa Plateau - Part 2
A week ago, we had the privilege of meeting my friend Elizabeth Joy (from Wildflower Morning) and her family at the Santa Rosa Plateau for an enjoyable day hiking and picnicking together. I had not seen her for quite a long time nor met her family. We were blessed with perfect weather and it was so much fun to catch up and do a bit of reminiscing. The flowers were still beautiful, but we only saw a couple of fairy shrimp left in the vernal pools. There were lots of small garter snakes swimming around hunting for food.
It was so much fun to see you again, Elizabeth Joy. Let's get together again!
It was so much fun to see you again, Elizabeth Joy. Let's get together again!Alyssa turns 5
I can't believe that my little Alyssa has turned five already! We celebrated her birthday last week. She wanted a ladybug party, so we invited some of her friends to join us. We decorated little bug boxes and learned about the life cycle of the ladybug. We had a cake decoraged with little m&m's I had painted with dark chocolate to look like ladybugs. Then at the end, all the kids got live ladybugs to take home in their decorated bug boxes. The kids really seemed to enjoy it, and several parents said how much they liked it, too. 
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