tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8282572164207112362024-03-13T10:57:38.755-07:00 Paso Robles in PhotosDaily photos of the Paso Robles / Templeton area of the California Central Coast BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-17324972840200438282021-06-17T11:20:00.002-07:002021-06-30T23:47:15.905-07:00Visiting the Dentist is Much More Pleasant Than It Used to Be <p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyjyDEXPmLY/YMuBTTzHd6I/AAAAAAAAMTg/_s5DBMqU-zE1TuxBwGlCxvPSMWoDc_CWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1203/20210607_102509-old-drill-sq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Old dental drill setup found in front of hygienist's office" border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyjyDEXPmLY/YMuBTTzHd6I/AAAAAAAAMTg/_s5DBMqU-zE1TuxBwGlCxvPSMWoDc_CWgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210607_102509-old-drill-sq.jpg" title="Relic from Dentistry Past, Found in Front of Hygienist's Office" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relic from Dentistry Past, Found in Front of Hygienist's Office, © B. Radisavljevic<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm old enough to remember seeing what's in the picture above while sitting in a dentist chair. A couple of weeks ago I saw it standing outside a hygienist's office as décor. <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-revolution-in-dentistry.html" target="_blank">Here's my personal history of how dentistry has improved since those days.</a> Dr. Casper has now retired, and Dr. Rylie is now serving his patients. I'm glad she retained his office staff. They are the best!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And just for fun, here are some funny decorative items and buttons those who work inside a dentist office today can use to make their patients laugh while reminding them to practice good oral hygiene. </span></p><p></p><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/funny_tooth_gratitude_poster-228623877494371145?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Funny Tooth Gratitude Poster"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Funny Tooth Gratitude Poster" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/funny_tooth_gratitude_poster-r70f1332233864243ae136ce576ba0961_txm_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Funny Tooth Gratitude Poster</span><img alt="Funny Tooth Gratitude Poster" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/funny_dentist_dental_hygienist_pinback_button-145040057451718388?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Funny Dentist Dental Hygienist Pinback Button"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Funny Dentist Dental Hygienist Pinback Button" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/funny_dentist_dental_hygienist_pinback_button-r820be862d7854090b46d142a133394b6_k94r8_500.jpg?rlvnet=1" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Funny Dentist Dental Hygienist Pinback Button</span><img alt="Funny Dentist Dental Hygienist Pinback Button" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/dentist_funny_vintage_dentistry_poster-228654960349866610?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Dentist: Funny Vintage Dentistry Poster"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Dentist: Funny Vintage Dentistry Poster" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/dentist_funny_vintage_dentistry_poster-ra3d0c4cdf80d46db802c87d75cffc164_ad74_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Dentist: Funny Vintage Dentistry Poster</span><img alt="Dentist: Funny Vintage Dentistry Poster" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/you_dont_have_to_brush_all_your_teeth_magnet-147715776595343883?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="You Don't Have To Brush All Your Teeth Magnet"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="You Don't Have To Brush All Your Teeth Magnet" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/you_dont_have_to_brush_all_your_teeth_magnet-r6b084dcd6a1a47a6aaf29f22102f4848_x7j3u_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">You Don't Have To Brush All Your Teeth Magnet</span><img alt="You Don't Have To Brush All Your Teeth Magnet" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/dental_hygiene_lying_through_teeth_not_flossing_magnet-147229153556928299?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Dental Hygiene Lying Through Teeth Not Flossing Magnet"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Dental Hygiene Lying Through Teeth Not Flossing Magnet" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/dental_hygiene_lying_through_teeth_not_flossing_magnet-r347c22b436d5435f919d6091238126a2_x7j3u_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Dental Hygiene Lying Through Teeth Not Flossing Magnet</span><img alt="Dental Hygiene Lying Through Teeth Not Flossing Magnet" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px;"> </p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Although my visits to my dentist aren't my favorite engagements, I don't dread them as much as I used to when I was a teenager. Kudos to my favorite dental team at <a href="https://www.kkrdds.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Rylie's office</a> in Paso Robles for always doing their best to make me feel as comfortable as possible. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love the poster I see from the dentist chair every time I visit Dr. Rylie. It's in the window, which is why the light is funny in this photo. It's a reminder to keep dental appointments even when I might prefer not to. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRLgHZC2jZA/YMuMXmUoYCI/AAAAAAAAMTw/Qov97Bb7btoZtyRyl0mlIxMKPbF380AbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1385/funny-sign-%2Bdr-rileys-office-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Funny sign, "Ignore your teeth and they'll go away."" border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1227" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRLgHZC2jZA/YMuMXmUoYCI/AAAAAAAAMTw/Qov97Bb7btoZtyRyl0mlIxMKPbF380AbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w354-h400/funny-sign-%2Bdr-rileys-office-window.jpg" title="Sign in Window of Dr. Rylie's Treatment Room" width="354" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign in Window of Dr. Rylie's Treatment Room, © B. Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I love the location of Dr. Rylie's office, too. Those trees comfort me. </span><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3SiFy54gS8/YMuHJpr1TSI/AAAAAAAAMTo/68lgH_fx1oQL-ySzfRNxxdDGCLZQ3ssgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1493/20210520_151727-dr-riley-office.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Exterior of Dr. Riley's Office in Paso Robles" border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1493" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3SiFy54gS8/YMuHJpr1TSI/AAAAAAAAMTo/68lgH_fx1oQL-ySzfRNxxdDGCLZQ3ssgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h476/20210520_151727-dr-riley-office.jpg" title="Dr. Riley's Office in Paso Robles" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Riley's Office in Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's to keeping all your teeth and keeping them happy. </span></p><p>Note: Dr. Rylie and her staff had no idea I was going to publish this and had nothing to do with my writing it, except doing their jobs well. They have not seen it before publication. It will be a surprise to them, and, I hope, a happy one. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6368759 -120.65450227.3266420638211542 -155.8107522 63.947109736178845 -85.4982522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-81026450177405832322021-06-16T12:13:00.000-07:002021-06-16T12:13:59.142-07:00Red Roses Brighten Our Neighborhood<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS3_nLYQzms/YMo4jhwICHI/AAAAAAAAMTE/d9NRvI-QPCAGzVChlYvPN2m0h_-BukjCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/june15-red-roses-with-juniper-1000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Roses with Juniper in Neighbors Yard" border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1000" height="407" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XS3_nLYQzms/YMo4jhwICHI/AAAAAAAAMTE/d9NRvI-QPCAGzVChlYvPN2m0h_-BukjCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h407/june15-red-roses-with-juniper-1000.jpg" title="Red Roses with Juniper in Neighbors Yard" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Roses with Juniper in Neighbors Yard, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many of my neighbors' and my own roses have stopped blooming now. But as I took my photo walk yesterday, I found these red roses still thriving. I think the green of the juniper helps to really show them off. I also thought about what a great Christmas card photo these roses would make. Does anyone still send Christmas cards? </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now we will draw closer to the big picture. First, a single bush.</span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqI5leQ3u0/YMo-jfZAHeI/AAAAAAAAMTM/3IALRqGg3dsCsJ8ZAWt3t74jfkAFh9H5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5152/june15-4187-Red-roses-uned.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Red Rose Bush in Neighbors Yard" border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqI5leQ3u0/YMo-jfZAHeI/AAAAAAAAMTM/3IALRqGg3dsCsJ8ZAWt3t74jfkAFh9H5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/june15-4187-Red-roses-uned.JPG" title="A Red Rose Bush in Neighbors Yard" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red Rose Bush in Neighbors Yard, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now <span style="text-align: center;">a single group of red roses from one of the bushes. </span></span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYAbrb0Jjp8/YMo_iI6l9DI/AAAAAAAAMTU/EOGHmL9O-247QFAPd1tvLkG9GCcX75zpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5152/june15-4188-single-red-rose-1200.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A Single Group of Red Roses from the Same Bush" border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYAbrb0Jjp8/YMo_iI6l9DI/AAAAAAAAMTU/EOGHmL9O-247QFAPd1tvLkG9GCcX75zpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/june15-4188-single-red-rose-1200.JPG" title="A Single Group of Red Roses from the Same Bush" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Single Group of Red Roses from the Same Bush, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">All that's missing here is the fragrance. </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: large;">"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." (William Shakespeare) </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some ideas for bringing lasting red roses into your home to brighten it up. One of these red rose pillows would also make a great wedding, shower, or housewarming gift.</span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/god_is_my_provider_throw_pillow-189309258971358762?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="God Is My Provider Throw Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="God Is My Provider Throw Pillow" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/god_is_my_provider_throw_pillow-rbc2794007c3f46f58b1ef7b2df80d5d4_6s309_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">God Is My Provider Throw Pillow</span><img alt="God Is My Provider Throw Pillow" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/red_roses_design_1059_round_pillow-256531360509892892?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Red Roses Design 1059 Round Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Red Roses Design 1059 Round Pillow" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/red_roses_design_1059_round_pillow-ra5c2bf9849ff4daf8a5d7ef54c3be3f5_z6i0e_500.jpg?rlvnet=1" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Red Roses Design 1059 Round Pillow</span><img alt="Red Roses Design 1059 Round Pillow" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/elegant_red_roses_floral_flowers_pattern_throw_pillow-189782447859578837?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Elegant Red Roses Floral Flowers Pattern | Throw Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Elegant Red Roses Floral Flowers Pattern | Throw Pillow" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/elegant_red_roses_floral_flowers_pattern_throw_pillow-r407661aed7604a10b7f95e3762f49eb0_6s309_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Elegant Red Roses Floral Flowers Pattern | Throw Pillow</span><img alt="Elegant Red Roses Floral Flowers Pattern | Throw Pillow" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/nice_bunch_of_red_roses_lumbar_pillow-189231806241675800?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Nice Bunch Of Red Roses Lumbar Pillow"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Nice Bunch Of Red Roses Lumbar Pillow" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/nice_bunch_of_red_roses_lumbar_pillow-r74e55be60e3b451e887dfe5da32fe922_6s3tk_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; 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Have a Rosy Day!</span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6368759 -120.65450227.3266420638211542 -155.8107522 63.947109736178845 -85.4982522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-467009406117715392021-05-20T12:02:00.002-07:002021-05-20T12:02:20.193-07:00Elderberry Is Blooming All Around Larry Moore Park<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXS3eHsfgTo/YKafng0XjwI/AAAAAAAAMRw/A9q1RC-4Yz4Xx9HTYoZgH7MVzPxJfW12wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1307/20210519_112450-row-of-elderberry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1307" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXS3eHsfgTo/YKafng0XjwI/AAAAAAAAMRw/A9q1RC-4Yz4Xx9HTYoZgH7MVzPxJfW12wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h390/20210519_112450-row-of-elderberry.jpg" title="Elderberry at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">I finally got a chance to walk in Larry Moore Park yesterday. I discovered elderberry was blooming almost everywhere I looked. (Please click photos to enlarge photos). </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkIPB6ygxUU/YKahPjtzIhI/AAAAAAAAMR4/zCZI2Hdjad0ACBGxfZjOqDtk6KOZSrw9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1185/20210519_110831-elderberry-lmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1185" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QkIPB6ygxUU/YKahPjtzIhI/AAAAAAAAMR4/zCZI2Hdjad0ACBGxfZjOqDtk6KOZSrw9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20210519_110831-elderberry-lmp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry near Beginning of Trail at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This is near the memorial tree I discovered a year ago on another walk. Both that tree and this elderberry tree have grown larger since then. You can see the difference <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2019/06/two-tree-surprises-larry-moore-park.html">if you look back at that post</a> and at <a href="https://medium.com/snap-shots/one-can-always-make-new-discoveries-through-a-cameras-lens-c2fdaa2f99bd?sk=6c53f76111c611a3ea4301f1b2a10daf" target="_blank">this one on Medium</a>.</span><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P7ZMjMl6zo/YKaknmpijYI/AAAAAAAAMSA/DDHD-ERaU7A1_wThuSvVdiD4C-biGdbfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1240/20210519_111429-elderberry-lmp-and-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1240" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P7ZMjMl6zo/YKaknmpijYI/AAAAAAAAMSA/DDHD-ERaU7A1_wThuSvVdiD4C-biGdbfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/20210519_111429-elderberry-lmp-and-friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry on the Other Side of Trail at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I've discovered on my Paso Robles property, elderberry grows like a weed. The birds eat the berries and spread the seeds. That must be how my own tree got started. </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">There used to be an elderberry marking the junction of this trail and the one leading westward to the river. It was still there last time I walked the park, but it was gone yesterday. Here's where it used to be. You probably won't notice the tree below because that photo was taken in January when the branches are bare. This year they've been cutting a lot of trees from this area. The tree they removed may have been the mother of many of these other trees. </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwUSZPqs0_c/YKaoSAzLxwI/AAAAAAAAMSI/elYySOoVRG4uLcPBysYGt1GwuaTUCRtIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/jan9-elderberry-tree-intersection-of-paths-1763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="800" height="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwUSZPqs0_c/YKaoSAzLxwI/AAAAAAAAMSI/elYySOoVRG4uLcPBysYGt1GwuaTUCRtIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h560/jan9-elderberry-tree-intersection-of-paths-1763.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberry Removed This Year at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">Below you can get a closer look at the elderberry flowers and some baby berries. </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gINfzRVi0TE/YKapnH6bP4I/AAAAAAAAMSQ/gi545oeobp4N64Zil-6I7VSXXz1DomaHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1066/20210519_112918-elderberry-close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gINfzRVi0TE/YKapnH6bP4I/AAAAAAAAMSQ/gi545oeobp4N64Zil-6I7VSXXz1DomaHACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/20210519_112918-elderberry-close.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of Elderberry in Bloom at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">Below is an expanded view of the scene in the first photo. I have shown you just some of the trees I found on limited parts of intersecting trails near the north end of Larry Moore Park. If I'd shared photos of all the elderberry trees in bloom at the park right now, this post would fill several more screens. </span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wonder who will eat all those berries when they get ripe? Do you think the birds will be able to handle it? Or do you think the homeless who camp in the riverbed below will have a handy medicinal food source if they can can cook the berries. <a href="https://www.elderberryedgefarm.com/pages/are-elderberries-toxic-a-personal-experience" target="_blank">They are toxic if eaten raw</a>.</span></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjzqgT3kvoY/YKaq3I-CUHI/AAAAAAAAMSY/Iw0PGSi8X4Qj5uOHMe2u4KfvGufFY62dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/20210519_111813-elderberry-lmp-clumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjzqgT3kvoY/YKaq3I-CUHI/AAAAAAAAMSY/Iw0PGSi8X4Qj5uOHMe2u4KfvGufFY62dQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20210519_111813-elderberry-lmp-clumps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elderberries in Bloom at Larry Moore Park, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><a href="https://lighting-candles.blogspot.com/2016/04/e-is-for-elderberry.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Learn more about elderberries here. </span></a></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="0 1 []"><br /></div>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-49814756993579958182021-05-14T12:52:00.000-07:002021-05-14T12:52:04.148-07:00Finally I Can Eat My Power Breakfast Again after Oral Surgery<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYO0t44vi4/YJ6rzTaYnAI/AAAAAAAAMRM/OtmoNGKCL7AEgsIkIFqP1vLbbCRgCLaUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/20210514_094149-power-breakfast-1000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1000" height="538" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYO0t44vi4/YJ6rzTaYnAI/AAAAAAAAMRM/OtmoNGKCL7AEgsIkIFqP1vLbbCRgCLaUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h538/20210514_094149-power-breakfast-1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb's Power Breakfast, author photo</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back to My Normal Power Breakfast</span></h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I had an infected tooth extracted 13 days ago, and it wrecked my usual diet. Liquids and soft foods can get boring fast. For the past few days my breakfast consisted of mashed bananas mixed with smooth peanut butter and an Orgain Clean Protein Shake, my favorite. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc4su9yVJao/YJ6w56mOucI/AAAAAAAAMRU/S9PB3j2Y2yoa1nSm3kJ9SoN7TCzB2rOTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1007/2021-05-14T17_10_15.030Z-orgain-chocolate-shake.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc4su9yVJao/YJ6w56mOucI/AAAAAAAAMRU/S9PB3j2Y2yoa1nSm3kJ9SoN7TCzB2rOTACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021-05-14T17_10_15.030Z-orgain-chocolate-shake.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">I like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orgain-Protein-Creamy-Chocolate-Non-GMO/dp/B01CI57V2O?dchild=1&keywords=orgain+protein+drinks&qid=1621011868&s=grocery&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=prphoto-20&linkId=ce3d90501970df06ea547a75a6793fcc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orgain chocolate protein shake</a> because it tastes better than other brands I've tried. The milk comes from New Zealand cows that feast on grass. If I decide to have scrambled eggs for breakfast for variety, I save the protein shakes for later in the day when I want a quick nutritional boost. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I usually buy the shakes at Costco, but I see that Amazon also has them on the subscribe and save plan for those who enjoy them as much as I do. The price is almost as good getting them at Costco and I won't need to worry about running out. Costco is thirty miles away. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My power breakfast is super easy to fix</b>. Just combine about 1/2 to 3/4 cups of your favorite brand of uncooked oats (I use Quaker Old-Fashioned Oats), with about 1/4 cup chopped raw walnuts, half a small apple chopped, and about 1/3 cup fresh blueberries. Today I used bananas to sweeten because I'm not allowed to eat apples yet. The goat milk I add at the end also adds a bit of sweetness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Up until yesterday I wasn't cleared to eat oats or blueberries, either. Normally I sweeten with chopped dates or a combination of cinnamon and Xylitol. (<a href="https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2017/09/dental-health-xylitol-sweetener.html" target="_blank">See my review of Xylitol here.)</a> I'm not too fussy about the amounts of each ingredient I use. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You can also substitute other fruits or nuts, unless you are still on a soft diet like I am. I'm just gradually working back to normal food. I still have to be careful. I can have Brussels Sprouts, but not broccoli. I'm also allowed to add seedless grapes to my diet, but not anything citrus.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I still crave crunch and usually live on nuts for snacking. Now I may now eat cashews and walnuts, but not almonds or peanuts, unless in butters. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other Soft Foods I Enjoyed Eating</span></h2><p><span style="font-size: large;">Staples of my diet have been eggs, cheese, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, avocados, and yellow cling diced peaches in 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. This made a delicious lunch about three days after my tooth was pulled.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pra1KZgLOwA/YJ7EDUzsHdI/AAAAAAAAMRc/0JMh_4oaDQYl3kHOVZonsfOq-TK2bxZHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/20210505_134302soft-meal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pra1KZgLOwA/YJ7EDUzsHdI/AAAAAAAAMRc/0JMh_4oaDQYl3kHOVZonsfOq-TK2bxZHACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/20210505_134302soft-meal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs scrambled with plain yogurt, feta and cheddar cheeses; diced peaches; <br />and salted mashed avocado sprinkled with lemon juice. Author photo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> I usually eat my evening meal while watching TV, which is why this isn't on a plate at the table. I used a lap desk on my reclining chair. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sofia-Sam-Oversized-Supports-Laptops/dp/B013J7NI5Y?crid=28Q4M8C5EQG7S&cv_ct_cx=lap+desk+for+bed&dchild=1&keywords=lap+desk+for+bed&pd_rd_i=B013J7NI5Y&pd_rd_r=c5293819-6e76-410f-b833-e8643cd623da&pd_rd_w=QTI4p&pd_rd_wg=ComlL&pf_rd_p=9e83fe05-f489-4685-b4af-0db60cbe7c15&pf_rd_r=Z0HND4H25Z95FPKDKDD8&qid=1621017970&sprefix=lap+desk%2Cgrocery%2C264&sr=1-1-5519553e-2baa-451e-af83-b0156e5c6669&linkCode=ll1&tag=prphoto-20&linkId=89c6a95f981b1e9833aa91936876aa81&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This lap desk </a>was also a lifesaver after I had foot surgery and needed to do all my computer work with my feet up. Not only will a laptop fit securely here, but I can also write letters and pay bills the old-fashioned way in comfort.</span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking Forward to Eating Crunchy Foods Again</span></h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm glad I can eat mashed avocado from the shell with lemon juice and salt, but I like it better on toasted sourdough or a tortilla chip than on a spoon. I crave almonds in my dark dark chocolate. I crave trail mix. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KKAF0AifXU/YJ7KhsC5fgI/AAAAAAAAMRk/V7DRjcTtVtYIyOf4bNgXU8uKA3jurThNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1701/snacks-costco-20210303_191054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1701" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KKAF0AifXU/YJ7KhsC5fgI/AAAAAAAAMRk/V7DRjcTtVtYIyOf4bNgXU8uKA3jurThNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/snacks-costco-20210303_191054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite crunchy snacks from Costco. Author photo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What are your favorite soft food diet foods? What crunchy foods would you miss most?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-1382329651597727672021-01-02T15:56:00.000-08:002021-01-02T15:56:23.305-08:00My First Decluttering Project for This New Year <p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmTNstDuw4o/X_DeNOgTO9I/AAAAAAAAMNQ/6wSkuSPZRmQY73g5kQSygv8TXJ07YroEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/jan2-2021-my-messy-desk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1200" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmTNstDuw4o/X_DeNOgTO9I/AAAAAAAAMNQ/6wSkuSPZRmQY73g5kQSygv8TXJ07YroEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w634-h444/jan2-2021-my-messy-desk.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Decluttering Project of the New Year Awaits</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Yes, I have to deal with all that paper and a couple more stacks of it. Somewhere in this room sits the envelope with my husband's 2021 Medical ID card. I asked him to put it in his wallet when it first came a month ago, but he didn't want to do that. So he asked me to keep it until now. </p><p>Now is here and I can't remember if I filed it or if it's in one of my to-to-be-filed stacks. I need to start sorting for filing 2020 taxes anyway, so I guess I'd better stop procrastinating and start sorting. </p><p>I'm a bit bummed out that my favorite tax receipt organizer seems to be unavailable this year. The substitute I bought last year because it was cheaper didn't meet my needs very well. I found the one I liked on another site last week but I had to order a dozen at once to get them. So I did. I figured it was as cheap as buying three of the other options I've seen. This week the company notified me they were refunding my money. Guess even that package of a dozen was gone. </p><p> I want something I can keep on my desk organizer I bought last year. I put the folder with the open end up in the top of the organizer so I can just slip papers in as I sort them. You can see my organizer, along with some of the paper I need to file, below.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="My loaded desk organizer in use." border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfiWkfipFIM/X_DezDZg5mI/AAAAAAAAMNY/4rCafD449kcTR2a09kLDs9RmeBBTF0kUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/jan2-2021-loaded-desk-organizer.jpg" title="My Loaded Desk Organizer, © Barbara Radisavljevic" /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">My Loaded Desk Organizer in Use, © Barbara Radisavljevic</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Here's how it looked just after I assembled it and before I filled it up. Even I managed to assemble it without calling Hubby for help. Now it's one of the most useful items I own.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOEv6iDpAfM/X_DkK2eyDRI/
MNk/ZNRzCjo1UUE9dgaiANGiL-BcAKn3Anb8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s869/sept17-2019-desk-organizer-after-assembly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOEv6iDpAfM/X_DkK2eyDRI/AAAAAAAAMNk/ZNRzCjo1UUE9dgaiANGiL-BcAKn3Anb8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/sept17-2019-desk-organizer-after-assembly.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Newly-Assembled Desk Organizer, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I knew you'd want one, too, but I'm not sure if my exact model is still available. I got it at Costco in September of 2019. I don't see it on the Costco website now. I didn't see this exact model with the drawers anywhere on line. But you can find something very close at Amazon. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/DESIGNA-Organizer-Compartments-Non-Slip-Champagne/dp/B0792ZHBS2/ref=as_li_ss_il?crid=3OXMZEXKM89B&dchild=1&keywords=designa+stackable+mesh+desk+organizer&qid=1609623562&sprefix=designa%2Caps%2C426&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=barspeobui-20&linkId=a077f964dd19c151fb70b43e8e981665&language=en_US" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="250" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0792ZHBS2&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=barspeobui-20&language=en_US" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/389yA4U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to find this product on Amazon with photos of all its component parts.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=barspeobui-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0792ZHBS2" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </p><p>I can't find a tax deduction organizer that I like anywhere this year, either. Amazon is totally out of stock on anything similar. So I'm doing what I should have done in the first place. I just emptied out my Dome Tax Deductions File from 1998. That's well past the seven years I need to keep receipts. It's still sturdy and will do the job. I don't need anything but the pockets with categories. </p><p>Meanwhile I'd better finish this and post it. I still haven't looked for the ID Card as I'd planned and it's almost time for our family Zoom meeting. I'll have to look for the medical ID card after that. The Zoom meeting is one good thing that's come out of the pandemic. I wouldn't miss seeing how much my eight-month-old grandniece has grown since last week for anything. </p><p>Hope your new year is off to a more exciting start than mine. Hope you stay happy and healthy in 2021. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
aaBarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-9370703756882810312021-01-01T13:18:00.000-08:002021-01-01T13:18:20.310-08:00Best Photo of 2020 That Reflects the past as It Looks to the Future<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuYcjQ0NLSg/X-9wctg43uI/AAAAAAAAMM0/T6TM6ghN1aULeprU2HS4iXQ9Yex-b9bAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/20201228_153739-circle-of-life-sundown-thundercloud-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Circle of Life Sculpture, Charolais River Trail, © Barbara Radisavljevic" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuYcjQ0NLSg/X-9wctg43uI/AAAAAAAAMM0/T6TM6ghN1aULeprU2HS4iXQ9Yex-b9bAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201228_153739-circle-of-life-sundown-thundercloud-1200.jpg" title="Best Photo of 2020 that Reflects Past and Looks to Future" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle of Life Sculpture, Charolais Corridor Trail, © Barbara Radisavljevic, 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Is this the best photo I took in 2020? It's the best one to show the contrast between past and the future I hope for in 2021. It features Robert Roemisch's metal sculpture, "Circle of Life" which you can find at the beginning of the Charolais Corridor Trail in Paso Robles. That trail happens to be behind the tract where I live, so I walk it often, usually in the late afternoon or as the sun is setting. <p></p><p>You can see in the sculpture that life goes on. The dark cloud of 2020 with all its storms seems to be disappearing into the horizon and leaving the sky above it clear and blue. I hope this will be the case. I hope some of the conflict and death that marked 2020 will be replaced with <a href="https://medium.com/koinonia/the-one-thing-all-of-us-have-in-common-50098984ac97?sk=69061340d4a682c98f65df405748f210" target="_blank">seeing what we have in common</a>, the end of the pandemic, and a return to normal life. </p><p>That being said, those things aren't under our control. We control only our own thoughts and the actions that spring from them. Whatever is ahead, I will trust God to bring good out of it. I will pray my leaders will be wise in their decisions and seek divine wisdom. I will try to do what's right with what I have and in the way I treat people. All that God requires of me and others is to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:8) And that's what I want to do. </p><p>Let's all walk courageously into 2021 and see what awaits us. </p><p>In case you're wondering, the most popular post on this blog in 2020 of the six I wrote was this one: <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2020/03/spring-begins-with-rain.html" target="_blank">Spring Begins with Wet Sidewalks and Gray Clouds</a>. </p><p>This blog is part of the City Daily Photo Blogger Network. <a href="https://www.citydailyphoto.org/2020/12/23/january-gallery-photo-of-the-year/" target="_blank">See what other members considered their best photo of 2020</a>, the theme for this January. </p>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6368759 -120.65450227.3266420638211542 -155.8107522 63.947109736178845 -85.4982522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-11428277838332350882020-12-31T14:07:00.000-08:002020-12-31T14:07:58.337-08:00The Old Cottonwood, Like 2020, Is Almost Gone<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukpEF-0spoA/X-47aY1xb5I/AAAAAAAAMMQ/doSINaTOAfwUwl29gr8QcxyLyIWXsh5FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/dec30-dead-cottonwood-tree-light_3927-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dead Cottonwood Tree on December 30, 2020" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukpEF-0spoA/X-47aY1xb5I/AAAAAAAAMMQ/doSINaTOAfwUwl29gr8QcxyLyIWXsh5FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dec30-dead-cottonwood-tree-light_3927-1200.jpg" title="Dead Cottonwood Tree on December 30, 2020,© Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Cottonwood Tree on December 30, 2020,© Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div data-en-clipboard="true" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><br /><p>This cottonwood tree In Larry Moore Park was showing signs of ill health when I moved here and first photographed it in December 2004. At the time most of the green part of it was mistletoe hanging from the branches. It did still have a few branches with leaves, but not many. <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/10/will-this-cottonwood-tree-survive.html" target="_blank">You can see the tree's history from 2004 to 2017 here.</a> Now even the mistletoe has given up on it. </p><p>Soon this tree will be history, just as 2020 will be. The sun is setting on this year in a few hours. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWs1UT7Ou3s/X-5Gg0pgVbI/AAAAAAAAMMc/X-vPk5OANd0bf6c0zdz2Z8le2zDNXxVAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/20201228_161528-sundown-after-rain-1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset from Charolais RiverTrail on December 28, 2020" border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1800" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWs1UT7Ou3s/X-5Gg0pgVbI/AAAAAAAAMMc/X-vPk5OANd0bf6c0zdz2Z8le2zDNXxVAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/20201228_161528-sundown-after-rain-1800.jpg" title="Sunset from Charolais RiverTrail on December 28, 2020" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from Charolais RiverTrail on December 28, 2020,© Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Let's hope 2021 will be happier than this one has been, but that is in God's hands. I hope the pandemic will be over and we will have more, not less, freedom to move and do business again as usual. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVM1AZIYB3o/X-5IB1TLveI/AAAAAAAAMMo/DRy-t0JZTYQwJL5YKMMrWFeilNOE0kWfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/dec30-2020-dead-cottonwood-dark_3933-1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Old Cottonwood, Like 2020, Is Almost Gone" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVM1AZIYB3o/X-5IB1TLveI/AAAAAAAAMMo/DRy-t0JZTYQwJL5YKMMrWFeilNOE0kWfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dec30-2020-dead-cottonwood-dark_3933-1800.jpg" title="The Old Cottonwood, Like 2020, Is Almost Gone" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is This the Last Photo of This Tree I Will Be Able to Take? © Barbara Radisavljevic, 12/30/2020<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Happy New Year!</span></p></div>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Larry Moore Park, 155 Riverbank Ln, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6094202 -120.68828677.2991863638211569 -155.8445367 63.919654036178848 -85.5320367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-53737958454575148102020-12-20T16:27:00.000-08:002020-12-20T16:27:25.025-08:00How Well Do Your Yard Decorations Reflect What You Think about the Meaning Christmas?<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-OxlRDfJJg/X9mMRqB-2LI/AAAAAAAAMHw/B8P-y-4k5mk5ctPtmy8WSMOU4yvrO3NYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/dec22-vine-street-lighted-house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="House Decorated with Light, © Barbara Radisavljevic" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-OxlRDfJJg/X9mMRqB-2LI/AAAAAAAAMHw/B8P-y-4k5mk5ctPtmy8WSMOU4yvrO3NYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dec22-vine-street-lighted-house.jpg" title="House Decorated with Light, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Decorated with Light, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What Does Christmas Mean to you?</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Some think it's only a season filled with lights, a season when people try to treat each other more kindly, a season when they give more than usual to others. Some see it primarily as a time to celebrate the coming of Christ to show earth's people what God is like and to save them from their sins. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Some think it's simply a time to nurture family traditions.</span><span> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Those traditions often include decorating inside and out. It's when the family Christmas tree goes up inside and yard decorations go up outside. Those decorations may have secular or religious themes, mixed themes, or maybe no theme at all. Some families celebrate other holidays, such as </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Hanukkah,</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">during the season and their yards will reflect that. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I plan to explore some of these holiday decorating themes in photos I've taken over the years in my city of Paso Robles. </span></div><br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-religious Yard Decor</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Non-religious themes can be almost anything wintery or traditional with no religious overtones -- Santa, holly, candles, North Pole, snow, Christmas trees, snow people, reindeer, wreaths, and other such symbols. Light and color are the most important common ingredients. Here are some examples. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv8dA90BsP4/X9mSioV91fI/AAAAAAAAMH8/l2BQsSpkV_0qW356CujrdjydvItLQP_cACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/dec24-secular-decorations-trees-8852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Secular Christmas Decor" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rv8dA90BsP4/X9mSioV91fI/AAAAAAAAMH8/l2BQsSpkV_0qW356CujrdjydvItLQP_cACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dec24-secular-decorations-trees-8852.jpg" title="Secular Christmas Decor, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secular Christmas Decor, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The scene above has many of the traditional secular objects associated with Christmas: a snowman, presents, reindeer, Santa, and a Christmas tree. And, of course, there are lots of colorful lights. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWJezwDoOcw/X9mVxJqx5WI/AAAAAAAAMII/qHOOsuiHIdgw8DXLWeT4tyKq95Bar3bTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/north-pole-penguins-0561-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="North Pole Theme with Penguins on Snow Slide" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWJezwDoOcw/X9mVxJqx5WI/AAAAAAAAMII/qHOOsuiHIdgw8DXLWeT4tyKq95Bar3bTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/north-pole-penguins-0561-1200.jpg" title="North Pole Theme, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Pole Theme, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Everyone knows Santa lives at the North Pole, but penguins don't. They live in more southern regions. You are, however, as likely to find penguins at the North Pole as you are to find Santa living there. Imagination can put them anywhere. So it was with the rest of this yard's very creative decorations. The entire display was too large and intricate to capture here, but it was secular and colorful. Below is another part of the display. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob1y3hPwd2o/X9mY7ZMJ2-I/AAAAAAAAMIU/7NDXZW1pGSQeR7gzNZtqGjfsNCADF3P2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN0554.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snowman Toy Train," border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob1y3hPwd2o/X9mY7ZMJ2-I/AAAAAAAAMIU/7NDXZW1pGSQeR7gzNZtqGjfsNCADF3P2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/DSCN0554.JPG" title="Snowman Toy Train, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman Toy Train, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-happened-to-christmas-train.html" target="_blank">I showed more pictures of this decorated house after the 2015 showcase.</a> Most yards aren't as lavish as the one above. It is located on Vine Street and was part of the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, a long established Paso Robles tradition. The last time I walked past this house with my camera, the front of it was torn apart for what I assumed was a remodel. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The photos below are more typical of the secular displays I see. This one has a Disney theme. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubl7tPJ2T54/X904ax2wZ8I/AAAAAAAAMJM/w_mr8YDCO2w-b8drcpdijUzKBZeeb6I2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/dec-2020-disney-xmas-yard-decor-3889.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Disney Yard Decorations for Christmas" border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubl7tPJ2T54/X904ax2wZ8I/AAAAAAAAMJM/w_mr8YDCO2w-b8drcpdijUzKBZeeb6I2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h414/dec-2020-disney-xmas-yard-decor-3889.jpg" title="Disney Yard Decorations for Christmas" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney Yard Decor for Christmas, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The simple reindeer below will be lighted at night. Nothing fancy, but they show this minimalist family wants to participate in the festivity without overdoing it. </span></div><div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpBA0MSy-0w/X91KwepRVnI/AAAAAAAAMJY/xitgDlBuLaMVnDD_m4vx2MgN0B1FcIwbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/dec2020-simple-reindeer-4612-sq1080.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Reindeer Yard Decorations" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpBA0MSy-0w/X91KwepRVnI/AAAAAAAAMJY/xitgDlBuLaMVnDD_m4vx2MgN0B1FcIwbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/dec2020-simple-reindeer-4612-sq1080.jpg" title="Reindeer Yard Decorations" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer to Celebrate the Winter Season, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christian Yard Decor for Christmas</span></h2></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Most Christian yard decorations I saw were very simple, as is fitting. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I love this one all in white. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-aeChsmbC4/X9-3DTbn8KI/AAAAAAAAMLE/o1Glrmbi_J0PKEOoWd_cvrZt94mz1Z9MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/white-nativity-DSCN0549-1400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Outdoor White Nativity Scene" border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1200" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-aeChsmbC4/X9-3DTbn8KI/AAAAAAAAMLE/o1Glrmbi_J0PKEOoWd_cvrZt94mz1Z9MQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h382/white-nativity-DSCN0549-1400.jpg" title="Outdoor White Nativity Scene" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor White Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This one in front of another home is a bit more colorful at night. During the day, it may only be heap of colored plastic on the ground. Read more on that at <a href="https://barbsbooks.medium.com/its-beginning-to-look-like-christmas-at-least-at-night-788b86d8a5d3?sk=bf4ac8126a80fa68e19271931737b965" target="_blank">It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- at Least at Night</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61T9xZEigqA/X9-34z5Z5VI/AAAAAAAAMLM/qELvPR4kxYgCc_8x2h-L2jU3em511UbhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/simple-inflated-nativity-0478-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simple Inflated Nativity Scene" border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1200" height="514" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61T9xZEigqA/X9-34z5Z5VI/AAAAAAAAMLM/qELvPR4kxYgCc_8x2h-L2jU3em511UbhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h514/simple-inflated-nativity-0478-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple Inflated Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The photo below was taken during the Paso Robles Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase. It was displayed on the property of the North County Christian Fellowship Church on Vine Street on December 19, 2011. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This is an annual event. The houses and businesses on several blocks of Vine Street are decorated lavishly for the December showcase. Various organizations provide free food and drink or perform for those who are walking the street to see the decorated homes. There are even attractions such as snow slides, ice sculptors, dancers, bands, and choirs for those walking the street to see and hear. The biggest attraction is Scrooge's house. But he wasn't in it this year. Instead he was the parade along Vine Street in a vintage pickup, shouting at everyone. That part didn't change. <a href="https://pasoroblespress.com/news/thousands-cruise-vine-street-victorian-showcase-parade/" target="_blank">You can see pictures of this year's event here</a>. You will see Scrooge. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Everything changed because of the Covid pandemic. In years past, the street has been blocked off and motor vehicles weren't permitted. This year it's been a drive-through event. And for the first time, it ran on two different Saturday nights instead of just one. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But the spirit of Christmas hasn't hasn't changed. It is revealed in the scenes below. It's the news that God came to earth as a baby 2000 years ago. He didn't stay in the manger. He came to show us what God is like. He was born to die that we might live forever. Or as it says in the Gospel of John, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><b>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5, ESV</b></i></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you want to learn more, pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John.</span> If you don't have a Bible,<span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=ESV" target="_blank">you can read this chapter or the entire Bible free online</a>. </span></p><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80whW3ftHg4/X9-4v-NjcBI/AAAAAAAAMLY/oUxjH7Jra0kiWFs5pL1s2xH-CXp7NBXOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/church-outdoor-nativity-0600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Church Outdoor Nativity Scene" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80whW3ftHg4/X9-4v-NjcBI/AAAAAAAAMLY/oUxjH7Jra0kiWFs5pL1s2xH-CXp7NBXOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/church-outdoor-nativity-0600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church Outdoor Nativity Scene, North County Christian Fellowship, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Many churches and organizations have living nativity displays outside on special days during the Christmas season. The one below was peopled by friends of the <a href="https://www.morningstaryouthranch.org/" target="_blank">Morning Star Youth Ranch</a> which rescues horses and mentors at-risk young people and their families. In these displays, both people and animals are live.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQzrsqcPnMk/X9_AUwSJJJI/AAAAAAAAMLk/5KnXilSMz3kSASCDezLK3sHTakn6cD_9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/dec14-2013-morning-star-living-nativity-6424-1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Morning Star Youth Ranch Living Nativity Scene" border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1200" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQzrsqcPnMk/X9_AUwSJJJI/AAAAAAAAMLk/5KnXilSMz3kSASCDezLK3sHTakn6cD_9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h464/dec14-2013-morning-star-living-nativity-6424-1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Star Youth Ranch Living Nativity Scene, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Houses that mix up their decorating themes</h2><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Some houses I've walked by make it hard to tell what they think about Christmas. That is especially true on one block in my neighborhood. Is this secular? Christian? Or just confused? I'm not sure what to make of it. Is that a rabbit where Jesus ought to be or do I need my eyes checked again?</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnky2Ze6Ahs/X9_JwKIHJkI/AAAAAAAAMLw/h8FFOslgX2U3hDGfZCNPfh69i6wI329IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/pp-lighted-inflated-nativity-set-4417.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="800" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnky2Ze6Ahs/X9_JwKIHJkI/AAAAAAAAMLw/h8FFOslgX2U3hDGfZCNPfh69i6wI329IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h540/pp-lighted-inflated-nativity-set-4417.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanuts Christmas Yard Decoration, © Barbara Radisavljevic<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div> </div><span style="font-size: medium;">When I moved here six years ago and starting walking the neighborhood before Christmas, this corner house displayed only three decorations. The above was one of them. I think the others were a snowman and a Santa.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Since then the display has grown more each year. Today it's quite elaborate. There are so many decorations it's hard to focus on any of them. That's why I walked around it with my video camera this year. I wanted to show it from many different angles to get it all in. If you look really hard you may find the Peanuts decoration above at the back against the garage wall. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LM2JYm02zaA" width="320" youtube-src-id="LM2JYm02zaA"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you see a theme? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you decorate your yard for Christmas? Do you prefer simple or elaborate displays in your own yard? What do you want your yard to say about the meaning of Christmas or whatever December holiday you celebrate?</span></div></div></div>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6368759 -120.65450227.3266420638211542 -155.8107522 63.947109736178845 -85.4982522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-22484558780940662912020-12-17T13:23:00.000-08:002020-12-17T13:23:39.619-08:00Alpacas Demand Attention -- Even on Zazzle<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DimeatpB2oA/X9ph5YSGRSI/AAAAAAAAMJA/4yFT-0NEfeUXMACDYcIxEPuxrWKvdx74wCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/june22-alpacas-trimmed-6664.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alpacas in Summer" border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="700" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DimeatpB2oA/X9ph5YSGRSI/AAAAAAAAMJA/4yFT-0NEfeUXMACDYcIxEPuxrWKvdx74wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h534/june22-alpacas-trimmed-6664.jpg" title="Alpacas, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpacas, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Before our local alpaca farm in Templeton moved to a new home, I used to stop by on my way to and from the post office to photograph or just watch the alpacas. Even if the alpacas were lingering by the back fence, when they saw me they would head towards me. <div><br /></div><div>They wanted to make sure I paid attention to them. And I did. They were friendly and I enjoyed the little bit of interaction I was able to have with them from my side of the fence. What fun it would have been to actually play with them. This set of alpaca plush stuffed doll toys is the next best thing. </div><div><br /><script type="text/javascript">
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't resist using some of their photos to make Zazzle products. I just sold one of them, a bumper sticker, to a customer who evidently championed alpacas. </div><div><br /><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/alpacas_in_templeton_california_bumper_sticker-128861213423065899?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Alpacas in Templeton, California Bumper Sticker"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Alpacas in Templeton, California Bumper Sticker" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/alpacas_in_templeton_california_bumper_sticker-r87092219038b4b38be05b122e4284cd5_v9wht_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Alpacas in Templeton, California Bumper Sticker</span><br /></a></p><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px;"> </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This alpaca bumper sticker stands out in this month's sales so far amidst a lot of Ronald Reagan Presidential library products I sold. Although this customer chose postcards, most of these designs also come in a poster, magnet, or jigsaw puzzle. And you can also easily put the designs on any product you choose. To purchase or see online, please click links under photos. </div><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/fountain_in_courtyard_of_ronald_reagan_presidentia_postcard-239932363760881487?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Fountain in Courtyard of Ronald Reagan Presidentia Postcard"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Fountain in Courtyard of Ronald Reagan Presidentia Postcard" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/fountain_in_courtyard_of_ronald_reagan_presidentia_postcard-r567f1998f6a948cabcf80d73924feac8_vgbaq_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Fountain in Courtyard of Ronald Reagan Presidential Postcard</span><br /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/postcard_fragment_of_berlin_wall_postcard-239150907128808556?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/postcard_fragment_of_berlin_wall_postcard-r165d5addd7614fb3b1c24b1b862e0d6b_vgbaq_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard</span><br /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/postcard_fragment_of_berlin_wall_postcard-239111009825672889?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/postcard_fragment_of_berlin_wall_postcard-r2984a78de72a45a4ad8bd67c0e7e813f_vgbaq_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Postcard: Fragment of Berlin Wall Postcard</span><br /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/postcard_ronald_reagan_memorial_site_postcard-239021928828601147?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 400px;" target="_blank" title="Postcard: Ronald Reagan Memorial Site Postcard"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 400px;"><img alt="Postcard: Ronald Reagan Memorial Site Postcard" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/postcard_ronald_reagan_memorial_site_postcard-rcfa3c6bbaefb4a559a9eec6233134924_vgbaq_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0px;">Postcard: Ronald Reagan Memorial Site Postcard</span><br /></a></p><p style="clear: both; font-size: 0px;"> </p>
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</p><a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/02/alpaca-wool-at-farmers-market.html" target="_blank">See Alpaca Wool at Farmers Market</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2019/02/photos-reagan-presidential-library.html" target="_blank">See a photo review of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.</a></div>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-57316030257291947352020-12-14T20:33:00.000-08:002020-12-14T20:34:08.658-08:00It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas -- at Least at Night<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBu0WR68UYs/X9grtgzhzGI/AAAAAAAAMHM/EJTibyflYw8Tl9moOhk8gJMy8esecLqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/20201212_170618-yard-xmas-decor-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inflatable Christmas Yard Decorations" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBu0WR68UYs/X9grtgzhzGI/AAAAAAAAMHM/EJTibyflYw8Tl9moOhk8gJMy8esecLqtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20201212_170618-yard-xmas-decor-1.jpg" title="Inflatable Christmas Yard Decorations, © Barbara Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inflatable Christmas Yard Decorations, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My neighbors love inflatable Christmas yard decorations. They make quite a show at night, but that show falls flat by morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I take a walk at night the neighborhood is full of light, color, and movement.</span></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7oRrIocBfw" width="560"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I take that same walk in the daytime, it's just sad. It looks like there was a big party the night before and no one cleaned up afterward. </span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWRBCaDGSRg/X9g4B6Fe-dI/AAAAAAAAMHY/FBzwsJZXRJA_AFQ9t2IH5ufiviu2ekfqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1819/deflated-decor-20201130_160715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deflated Christmas Yard Decorations" border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1819" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWRBCaDGSRg/X9g4B6Fe-dI/AAAAAAAAMHY/FBzwsJZXRJA_AFQ9t2IH5ufiviu2ekfqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/deflated-decor-20201130_160715.jpg" title="Deflated Christmas Yard Decorations" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deflated Christmas Yard Decorations, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Is the view at night worth the view in the morning? What do you think?</span></p>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-65542275583086662722020-03-19T21:36:00.000-07:002020-03-19T21:36:02.971-07:00Spring Begins with Wet Sidewalks and Gray Clouds <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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On this first day of spring the sun preferred to hide behind the clouds most of the day. When I walked to the corner to get the mail, it was obvious that it had rained. The clouds, however, seemed to be in retreat and the sun did finally pay us a visit before it said goodbye for the night. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande; font-size: x-small;">Gray clouds retreating after the rain. © Barbara Radisavljevic</span></td></tr>
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The rain left evidence on these clary sage leaves that it had been there. Tomorrow should be partly sunny until evening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: x-small;">Raindrops on clary sage leaves © Barbara Radisavljevic</span></td></tr>
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How's your weather today?BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-19742815567976672962020-03-17T23:19:00.000-07:002020-03-17T23:19:02.675-07:00Garden on a Goldenrain Tree Branch in March<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden on a Goldenrain Tree Branch, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I'm over 65 and my government has decreed I should stay at home as long as the corona virus is spreading in California. The exception is that I may go outside as long as I stay at least six feet from anyone else. I'm also allowed to garden at home. I took full advantage of that today.<br />
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I went for a short walk to the mailbox and then took the same walk again with my camera. That's when I took all the photos. I took several shots of the plants in bloom along the way, but the shot I liked best was the one you see at the top. All the rain made this branch a garden of lichens and Spanish moss. I don't remember any other year it hosted so many other plants.<br />
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We had sunshine for the first time since the weekend. The clouds were like cotton in the blue sky. I didn't realize how serious a case of cabin fever I had until I spent time enjoying the outdoors today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White clouds in a blue sky, © Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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In two days it will be spring. My garden is filling with volunteer seedlings. In the photo below the borage seedlings are easy to spot, but the lacy nigella seedlings are hiding under the borage leaves and are barely visible. If you click on that large borage seedling in the middle to expand the photo you will see it's already preparing to bloom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">March seedlings among the weeds, </span>© Barbara Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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As you can also see above, the the weeds are beginning to grow tall enough to pull. I filled the composting bin with dead branches I pruned and weeds I pulled today.<br />
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Are you working in your garden yet this year?BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-11300679515138481982019-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:002019-07-01T14:24:48.301-07:00How Blue Is The Sky?<h2>
The Sky Turns Every Shade of Blue</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dying Cottonwood Tree at Larry Moore Park, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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City Daily Photo Bloggers are answering the challenge this month to show what the color blue represents to them. The first thing that comes to mind for me is the sky. It's always above me, I see it every day, and it's been every shade of blue I can imagine. For any regular reader of this blog, it's no secret I'm a sky watcher. The sky is what I photograph most often.<br />
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In the photo above we see a light blue transitioning into a darker blue. It provides a contrasting background to show off the dying cottonwood tree at Larry Moore Park in Paso Robles.<br />
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A Deeper Blue</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Sky Over My Rose Garden, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I often photograph the sky in from my own yard -- especially as sundown approaches. I took this shot from the rose garden in my backyard. I'm guessing I took it in late afternoon. I liked the way the clouds were making a horseshoe around that patch of sky.<br />
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The photo below was taken before a rainstorm. I also took this one in my backyard. It was taken after our late afternoon meal on a November day. The blues are lighter with tinges of gray in places. I consider clouds part of the sky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Just Before a Rainstorm, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I took this next shot while walking the Charolais Corridor Trail at Dusk. Together the clouds and sky provide many shades of blue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charolais Corridor Trail at Dusk in May, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Blue Sky in My Zazzle Wall Art</h2>
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/morro_rock_fishing_boats_and_the_embarcadero_canvas_print-192625275117869932?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 47%;" target="_blank" title="Morro Rock, Fishing Boats and the Embarcadero Canvas Print"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/morro_rock_fishing_boats_and_the_embarcadero_canvas_print-r491eb27b3fa1482da31f00a626116bed_wto_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Morro Rock, Fishing Boats and the Embarcadero Canvas Print</span><img alt="Morro Rock, Fishing Boats and the Embarcadero Canvas Print" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/poster_tree_against_cloudy_blue_sky_poster-228332744998811071?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 47%;" target="_blank" title="Poster: Tree against cloudy blue sky. Poster"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/poster_tree_against_cloudy_blue_sky_poster-rd4edb49ae0ba48769f7f69aa9d5f4ff5_w5r_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 1px; border: double 3px #2da35c; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Poster: Tree against cloudy blue sky. Poster</span><img alt="Poster: Tree against cloudy blue sky. Poster" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<br />Birds Love the Sky</h2>
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I find it hard to catch birds in flight. They are usually too quick for me. Here's one I did catch in a very blue sky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4fNLpmiL-I/XRb9y0EFfkI/AAAAAAAALIs/55MRJjOuE_cOLxDNcKe2pZgbOUwH16s1wCLcBGAs/s1600/june4-2012-bird-in-blue-sky5596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="750" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4fNLpmiL-I/XRb9y0EFfkI/AAAAAAAALIs/55MRJjOuE_cOLxDNcKe2pZgbOUwH16s1wCLcBGAs/s640/june4-2012-bird-in-blue-sky5596.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird in Sky Over Paso Robles Wine Country, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Here's a crow I caught in flight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uz_gp8sjtQ/WhOfZN35FVI/AAAAAAAAJyY/wrxhP9AZGdcbkJBAf3P5G2sHS53ct5D0gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/nov20-crow-in-flight-4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uz_gp8sjtQ/WhOfZN35FVI/AAAAAAAAJyY/wrxhP9AZGdcbkJBAf3P5G2sHS53ct5D0gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/nov20-crow-in-flight-4611.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/11/watching-crow-decide-whether-to-stay-or.html" target="_blank">See the full story behind this photo.</a> © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Usually I can catch birds high in a tree or on a wire. The shade of blue is a bit lighter in this photo of the bird at the top of this oak tree.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird at Top of Oak Tree, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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This one is on a high wire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8-9BYJQtYU/XRcUk36jNJI/AAAAAAAALJE/lWur2BgRUXEQeLcwL9Yv-GHihYnB_fWzQCLcBGAs/s1600/june28-2012-6904-bird-on-top-wire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8-9BYJQtYU/XRcUk36jNJI/AAAAAAAALJE/lWur2BgRUXEQeLcwL9Yv-GHihYnB_fWzQCLcBGAs/s640/june28-2012-6904-bird-on-top-wire.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird on High Wire, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
Kites Also Belong in the Sky</h2>
The sky was very blue when we found this family flying a stunt kite at Moonstone Beach. I'd never seen a dual-string kite before and loved watching this.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you've enjoyed our sky trek. There are more views of the blue sky in these related posts. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com/2019/06/july-gallery-blue.html" target="_blank">See how other City Daily Photo bloggers posted to this theme</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Related Posts</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/02/sky-journal-sporadic-showers.html" target="">Sky Journal with Day of Sporadic Showers</a>: This past post shows everything from deep blues to grayish blues in the sky.<br />
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/02/train-station-sky-journal.html">Down by the Station and Welcome Sunshine</a>: This shows how the sky changed from late morning until sundown in several spaced shots on the day after a rainstorm. Lots of deep blue in these shots.<br />
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2016/12/old-wives-tale-disproved-this-afternoon.html">Old Wives' Tale Disproved</a>: Have you bought into this folklore?<br />
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<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-56495417322362618522019-06-27T17:02:00.000-07:002019-06-27T23:08:10.053-07:00Two Surprises I Found at Larry Moore Park<h2>
A Short Walk in the Park</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzefVo7_E-8/XRVOL4h_cBI/AAAAAAAALHc/UKdCTwhtfGgI1js6Rmk8j3w42Moi8DxlACLcBGAs/s1600/june3-2019-lmp-fallen-free-near-north-entrance-021-1500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two Surprises I Found at Larry Moore Park: A Fallen Cottonwood Tree" border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzefVo7_E-8/XRVOL4h_cBI/AAAAAAAALHc/UKdCTwhtfGgI1js6Rmk8j3w42Moi8DxlACLcBGAs/s640/june3-2019-lmp-fallen-free-near-north-entrance-021-1500px.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen Part of Split Tree, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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The house was warm; the background television noise was stressing me. I needed to get out. The sun would soon be gone. So off I went the two blocks to the park. I actually had a mission. A couple of weeks ago I had reported to the park maintenance office that a tree had just split. I sent them a photo. I wanted to see if anyone had acted on my information and corrected the situation. When I checked last week, the fallen part of the tree was still on the ground. You can see it in the photo above.<br />
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I was pleasantly surprised on this walk to see they had cleared the fallen tree away. I was sad they had been unable to save the tree, but I guess the split had killed all of it -- not just the fallen part of it. I'll have to give credit to the maintenance people for getting the job down so quickly. That was my first surprise during my walk in the park.<br />
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The Sad Surprise</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Memorial Tree in Foreground, Stumps of Split Tree in Background, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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As I was walking over to take a photo of the tree stumps, I noticed what appeared to be a small decorated Christmas tree. It had not been there three weeks ago when I walked past that area. You can see it in the foreground on the left.<br />
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It looks like they chipped a lot of the split tree right there, since wood chips covered the area. You can also see some of the logs from the tree stacked not far from the stumps. After taking the photo I took a closer look at the little Christmas tree. I had to wonder who would decorate a tiny tree in a public park at the end of June. So I read the note under the tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGbOqtgT7sA/XRVRuSIna0I/AAAAAAAALHw/RapTZGxdtvECne5jkufCELWJTG1xBPRQwCLcBGAs/s1600/june26-memorial-tree-LMP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two Surprises I Found at Larry Moore Park: Small Decorated Memorial Tree" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGbOqtgT7sA/XRVRuSIna0I/AAAAAAAALHw/RapTZGxdtvECne5jkufCELWJTG1xBPRQwCLcBGAs/s1600/june26-memorial-tree-LMP.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorated Memorial Tree, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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When I read the note, it broke my heart. I'm a bereaved mom, too. I would like to know Ryan's story, but I probably never will. Was Ryan one of the homeless who camped in the Riverbed or the child of one of them? Did he drown? Or did his death have nothing to do with homelessness or the river? Perhaps his parents just wanted to put a monument in a public place for him that everyone in the neighborhood who walks the park will see.<br />
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Whoever Ryan was, however old he was, someone is grieving his death. They don't want it to be forgotten. I hope they leave this little tree here to grow up. Perhaps Ryan never had that chance. If anyone reading this knows Ryan's story, I hope they will comment below. I'd like to know. I won't tell the city maintenance people about this tree. But I'll keep an eye on it.<br />
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I reluctantly left to go home as the sun said goodbye.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sun Sets As I Grieve for Ryan and his Parents and a Fallen Tree, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
Other Posts You May Enjoy</h2>
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2018/08/kite-practice-larry-moore-park.html" target="_blank">Kite Practice at Larry Moore Park at Dusk</a>: My first experience watching a person use a parafoil kite.<br />
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/10/poison-oak-under-willow-tree.html" target="_blank">What's Lurking Under the Willow Tree?</a> Is that hollow a good place to hide?<br />
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<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/10/what-i-observed-from-larry-moore-park-bench.html" target="_blank">What I Observed from My Bench at Larry Moore Park</a>: You can see a lot from a park bench. Includes a video.<br />
<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0Larry Moore Park, 155 Riverbank Ln, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6094202 -120.688286699999999.6613272000000023 -161.9968807 61.5575132 -79.379692699999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-7986053961150728352019-06-19T23:13:00.000-07:002019-06-19T23:13:21.255-07:00Lost in the Elfin Forest in Los Osos in June<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">How Not to Get Lost in the Elfin Forest</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmr4X10YhIM/XQqL6osAdjI/AAAAAAAALFk/bHAFkwD2g-UcW9NxbTfvUEGHfsNtDr-yQCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-elfin-forest-june-053-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gmr4X10YhIM/XQqL6osAdjI/AAAAAAAALFk/bHAFkwD2g-UcW9NxbTfvUEGHfsNtDr-yQCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-elfin-forest-june-053-800.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Elfin Forest Boardwalk with Black Sage in the Foreground, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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A boardwalk loop is the only trail through the Elfin Forest. Once on the boardwalk, it's hard to get lost in the Elfin Forest. There are signs to lead you to every boardwalk destination. You can find the signs and maps to borrow at each entrance. More signs all along the boardwalk explain what you are seeing. Notice the map of the layout on the photo below. It marks all the entrances. On our first visit we entered on 16th Street, a fact I couldn't remember on this visit. Rather I had noted that a boardwalk trail led to the main boardwalk. So I assumed all the entrances were like this. <a href="https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2019/06/elfin-forest-photos-los-osos-california.html" target="_blank">You can read about that first visit in January 2014, here.</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitor Information Sign. Notice the Map on the Lower Right of the Layout of Trails, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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Look carefully at the map above. Each entrance is located at the end of a residential street. There are some designated handicapped parking spaces at the end of 16th Street and the boardwalk from the parking area to the main boardwalk makes the forest wheelchair accessible at this entrance. The many benches along the boardwalk offer those who can't walk long distances a place to rest frequently. Because we parked on 16th Street on our first visit we didn't realize that all the other paths leading to the main boardwalk were sand paths. Some, like this one, below, required a step up with no rail to grab.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u0ujigNHFU/XQqWRvXFlsI/AAAAAAAALF8/Y3CN0PHDQogJjOnnN4vWAx5uJ6kuXjIRACLcBGAs/s1600/high-step-elfin-forest_20190617_180207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="770" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7u0ujigNHFU/XQqWRvXFlsI/AAAAAAAALF8/Y3CN0PHDQogJjOnnN4vWAx5uJ6kuXjIRACLcBGAs/s1600/high-step-elfin-forest_20190617_180207.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Yarrow Hangs Over Root "Step" on Sand Path Leading to Main Boardwalk<br />
Roots in path could trip people who don't see them in time. © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's Easier to Get Lost On the Way Back to Your Car</span></h2>
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We had forgotten which entrance was handicapped accessible on this second visit since we hadn't been here in over five years. I had planned to go directly to Siena's View that overlooks Morro Bay, so I chose the 12th Street entrance. Santa Ysabela, a main street, leads to all the entrances of the Elfin Forest. There are entrances from 17th, 16th, 15th, 14th, 13th, 12th, and 11th Streets. </div>
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We arrived at the forest at around 5:00 on a Monday evening in June. I quickly discovered that there was no place to park close to the 12th Street entrance. It was trash day, so all the street parking spaces were cut short by the trash containers. I had to back up until I could get to a driveway to turn around in. </div>
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Luckily traffic on Santa Ysabela wasn't too bad so I was able to go back to 14th Street without too much trouble. I did find a place to park there. The friendly person who lived in the house we parked in front of told us when we wanted to find our way back to just look for the telephone pole. He said it was the only one in the Elfin Forest. This is what that entrance looks like. I wish I had taken the picture when I entered instead of when I got back. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ztFMSwFQ8/XQqxqw8690I/AAAAAAAALGI/vy6RrmYaDbU4GxNsOF-c2pgF_apVq00UgCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-14th-entrance-elfin-forest-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ztFMSwFQ8/XQqxqw8690I/AAAAAAAALGI/vy6RrmYaDbU4GxNsOF-c2pgF_apVq00UgCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-14th-entrance-elfin-forest-111.jpg" /></a></div>
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On this visit my husband was suffering from a sore knee and when I saw that the entrance only had a sand trail leading to the boardwalk, I knew my husband would never make it. But the view from the car was good, the weather was cool, and Hubby opted to stay in the car with the windows open and just observe while I went onto the trail to take pictures. It turns out he saw more wildlife from the car than I saw on the trail. I only saw one cottontail. He saw several. I saw birds, a coyote, and several lizards like the one below. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXkOznzgYQY/XQq709z5kRI/AAAAAAAALGU/jnmDpLenKEwfz-hh57qw79M72fhVNflXwCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-Elfin-Forest-Lizard-025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXkOznzgYQY/XQq709z5kRI/AAAAAAAALGU/jnmDpLenKEwfz-hh57qw79M72fhVNflXwCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-Elfin-Forest-Lizard-025.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizard on Boardwalk, Elfin Forest, Los Osos, June, 2019, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I didn't dare get close enough to get a better photo without the shadow since the lizard was pretty fast. I was sure it would disappear if I got closer so I did the best I could with my zoom. The flower hanging into the boardwalk is one of the many black sage plants that seemed to be everywhere and buzzing with bumblebees. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Flowers</span></h2>
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The main reason we had made this visit was so that I could photograph some of the flowers in June. Very little was blooming on our January visit. I wouldn't exactly call it a garden on this visit, but at least there was more color. I was especially looking for this sticky monkey flower, and I wasn't disappointed. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8i-METM7qLc/XQq9cnMHF7I/AAAAAAAALGg/9HFA_GUkGPAvT8NZPhqAwuibdtL6LUanACLcBGAs/s1600/june17-sticky-monkey-flower-048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8i-METM7qLc/XQq9cnMHF7I/AAAAAAAALGg/9HFA_GUkGPAvT8NZPhqAwuibdtL6LUanACLcBGAs/s1600/june17-sticky-monkey-flower-048.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Monkey Flower in Elfin Forest, June 2019, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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As I showed you above, the white yarrow was also blooming, and there was black sage almost everywhere you looked. I was able to photograph the sage, but the bumblebees foraging were too quick to capture with my camera. I was hoping they wouldn't invade my space on the boardwalk. They were very loud, but I guess they were contented. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfu7cKkM6tA/XQrBAGnDkPI/AAAAAAAALGs/9Oc04QemIVMuCg4mCOkM0vRIBHvoO4q2gCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-black-sage-elfin-forest-031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfu7cKkM6tA/XQrBAGnDkPI/AAAAAAAALGs/9Oc04QemIVMuCg4mCOkM0vRIBHvoO4q2gCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-black-sage-elfin-forest-031.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Sage in the Elfin Forest in June, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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I took close to 200 photos, but the rest I'm saving for another blog. In this post I want to help you avoid what happened to me on the way back to the car. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How I Got Lost</span></h2>
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By the time I had walked for about an hour, I knew I should get back to the car in case my husband was getting tired of sitting there. I should have known better. When I finally did get back, he wasn't even there. </div>
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But getting back wasn't as easy as I expected. It's true there was only one telephone poll within the Elfin Forest, but there were many just outside of it close to the other streets. I had forgotten which street we were parked on. Had I remembered, getting back would have been much easier. The boardwalk marked most, but not all exits with signs like the one below. You can't read it, but it says that trail leads to exits on 11th, 12, and 13th Streets. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hM03xwMxJVQ/XQrIbH2b24I/AAAAAAAALG4/Q-RYirysRncNQ1SkeYx_CQbXPtAtAdU4ACLcBGAs/s1600/june17-street-sign-on-boardwalk-050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hM03xwMxJVQ/XQrIbH2b24I/AAAAAAAALG4/Q-RYirysRncNQ1SkeYx_CQbXPtAtAdU4ACLcBGAs/s1600/june17-street-sign-on-boardwalk-050.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since I seemed to remember parking on 13th Street, I took this exit. The car was not on the exit where I wound up. What looked like a continuation of the trail at the end was really someone's driveway. </div>
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I called my husband to see how he was doing and he was fine. I told him I was lost and asked him about the colors of the houses around him. I could see the end houses for almost all the streets from where I stood, but not any poles I was sure were in the forest. All the telephone poles I saw appeared to be in the forest until I got closer to them. I told Hubby I'd be back to the car as soon as I could find my way back. </div>
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After talking to a few people I met along the boardwalk, I finally took their advice and tried the 14th Street exit, which was clearly marked with a sign. It did lead me back to the car -- but the car was empty. I called my husband again, and he told me he was using a bathroom. Of course I knew there were no public bathrooms in the area so I was confused until I saw him walking toward me from a driveway. He'd gotten into a conversation with the neighbor who had told me to look for the pole. I also learned the man had gone looking for me. His wife called to tell him I had returned. She also invited me to use her bathroom, for which I was grateful. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How I Could Have Avoided Getting Lost</span></h2>
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As soon as I got to the boardwalk, I should have turned and used my phone to take a photo of the entrance to the path I'd used the way it would look to get back on it . Or I could have made a note of the street name where I had parked the car. Had I done that I would have been able to find my way back from a sign by the trail entrance or by the photo of how the entrance to the way back looks. I also could have noted the colors of the houses on the street closest to the trail access or taken photos of them. Knowing the name of the street would have been the most useful, since then when I asked the way back people would have known how to direct me. </div>
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Hindsight is great. I share this with you in case you are as impulsive as I am. If you do what I didn't, you probably will have no trouble getting back to your car after a walk in the Elfin Forest.</div>
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In spite of getting lost, I still enjoyed the walk and wish I'd stayed longer. "All's well that ends well," as the Bard said. By the time I found my way back, the sun had begun to hide in the clouds over Morro Bay. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iylm8nStp64/XQsavgbyyKI/AAAAAAAALHE/XP3yxOw41-0bS26asPW9XRx_bo2vs4ZZgCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-sundown-over-bay-elfin-forest-mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iylm8nStp64/XQsavgbyyKI/AAAAAAAALHE/XP3yxOw41-0bS26asPW9XRx_bo2vs4ZZgCLcBGAs/s1600/june17-sundown-over-bay-elfin-forest-mobile.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Toward Morro Bay from the Elfin Forest Boardwalk, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com2Elfin Forest, 1103 Santa Lucia Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA35.3324648 -120.825578100000039.3843757999999973 -162.13417210000003 61.280553799999993 -79.51698410000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-73997389378362819652019-01-03T21:40:00.002-08:002019-12-07T14:43:33.046-08:00Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remembering the Past at Studios on the Park</span></h2>
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This blog preserves what I find interesting in Paso Robles. Of course, I can't keep track of everything that interests me or I wouldn't have time to go enjoy it, but I try to make frequent visits to Studios on the Park. Much that is worthy to remember from there happened before this blog started. This "Lighten Up" exhibit had lamps designed by many of my favorite artists.<br />
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Many artists in residence back in January 2014 whose work I feature here are no longer there. Many artists not in residence also exhibit their work here. I featured Dale Evers' contribution to this exhibit on my Tidbits from Templeton blog which preceded this one. <a href="http://slo-north.info/tidbits-from-templeton/2014/01/04/dont-miss-art-after-dark-tonight-at-studios-on-the-park/" target="_blank">See his amazing lamp here</a>. Laure Carlisle was also in residence then. So was Joe Thomas. This post will show some of what I skipped when I wrote the first post on that event.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vL-2MPtFBPg/XC6ZQ5eTdsI/AAAAAAAAKto/LVRie9GbhvAFqW2QxOb-Ttr88cBaTkNKwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan3-2014atrium-sotp-7272-twit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vL-2MPtFBPg/XC6ZQ5eTdsI/AAAAAAAAKto/LVRie9GbhvAFqW2QxOb-Ttr88cBaTkNKwCLcBGAs/s640/jan3-2014atrium-sotp-7272-twit.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hanging Lights</span></h2>
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In the photo above you can see the display of lamps hanging in the atrium. The one in the foreground was painted by Anne Laddon. One of my favorites isn't visible in this shot, so I'll show it to you below. The title is "Smudge and Squiggle" -- the mascots of Studios on the Park. This lampshade was created by Joe Thomas.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcik0INOH-A/XC7ZASnOsEI/AAAAAAAAKt0/-jkX6Cc6QqgEWtyV-ef8IVCDmVV_kOQ0wCLcBGAs/s1600/jan3-2014-joe-thomas-lamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcik0INOH-A/XC7ZASnOsEI/AAAAAAAAKt0/-jkX6Cc6QqgEWtyV-ef8IVCDmVV_kOQ0wCLcBGAs/s640/jan3-2014-joe-thomas-lamp.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Table and Floor Lamps</span></h2>
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Most of the lamps on display were table lamps, with only a few floor lamps to be seen. Here is a typical display from this exhibit, and this one also has a floor lamp.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOxZSh8FP48/XC7dQCQDcgI/AAAAAAAAKuA/MATSPrJmL4U_YoTrqQNIGDyrRLFYYESrACLcBGAs/s1600/jan3-2014-table-lamps-7218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOxZSh8FP48/XC7dQCQDcgI/AAAAAAAAKuA/MATSPrJmL4U_YoTrqQNIGDyrRLFYYESrACLcBGAs/s1600/jan3-2014-table-lamps-7218.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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This mixed media lamp below is one of my favorites. I like it because I need a lot of inspiration and bright ideas myself. Although to the best of my knowledge Nancy Vest has not yet been an artist in residence at Studios on the Park, she usually is a participant in the Paso Robles Art Association exhibits.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNtMGYUM0JA/XC7dx-iTqXI/AAAAAAAAKuI/VVL3KQerwQkLg4wa4rLIK85PTyPHrfZ3gCLcBGAs/s1600/jan3-2014-idea-lamp-nancy-vest-7183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNtMGYUM0JA/XC7dx-iTqXI/AAAAAAAAKuI/VVL3KQerwQkLg4wa4rLIK85PTyPHrfZ3gCLcBGAs/s640/jan3-2014-idea-lamp-nancy-vest-7183.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever wondered what to do with your collection of old cameras? Laure Carlisle had a great idea. Make a lamp out of them. I'll bet you've never seen a floor lamp quite like this before. Displays were crowded close together and in odd places -- wherever they would fit, so it was hard to isolate this lamp from its surroundings. I blew up the cameras a bit so you could see them in more detail without the shade.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLPcDNDLgXI/XC7psR6uIzI/AAAAAAAAKuU/Nl0XB_bkyCckSHSkly7dRbjWjPpMTmtrACLcBGAs/s1600/camera-lamp%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Too Good to Forget: "Lighten Up" at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLPcDNDLgXI/XC7psR6uIzI/AAAAAAAAKuU/Nl0XB_bkyCckSHSkly7dRbjWjPpMTmtrACLcBGAs/s1600/camera-lamp%2B2.png" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Which lamp do you think is most inventive? Which would you rather have in your home?Have you ever made a lamp? Feel free to share in the comments. </span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com01130 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA35.6263774 -120.688505099999999.6782919000000014 -161.99709909999999 61.5744629 -79.379911099999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-85909459091296146572019-01-01T02:12:00.001-08:002021-01-01T11:11:49.279-08:00"The Circle of Life" on the Charolais Corridor Trail<h2>
Best or Favorite Photo of 2018?</h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;">This month's theme gives us a lot of leeway. But since we begin a new year today, I decided to chose Robert Roemisch's metal sculpture, "The Circle of Life," to feature. I've always liked this sculpture. It's the first thing</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;"> that people notice </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;">on the eastern entrance to the Charolais Corridor Trail in Paso Robles. The trail itself leads to the River Walk along the Salinas River as it runs through Paso Robles. Roemisch wanted people walking the trail to be aware of the river's environmental and educational value as well as just enjoying it as a place to exercise. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aswfYCJZOeg/XCsyo6xLkXI/AAAAAAAAKsI/7r7pjXsQLMYcVmp4VSJIVOzYTNzRETU-QCLcBGAs/s1600/feb7-2018-circle-of-life-725_6065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""The Circle of Life" on the Charolais Corridor Trail - A Sculpture by Robert Roemisch" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aswfYCJZOeg/XCsyo6xLkXI/AAAAAAAAKsI/7r7pjXsQLMYcVmp4VSJIVOzYTNzRETU-QCLcBGAs/s1600/feb7-2018-circle-of-life-725_6065.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Over the years I have taken many photos of this sculpture. I like this one, taken at dusk, because it emphasizes the silhouette animals in the circle. It also serves as a window to allow a look through the center at the plants on the other side. I've never yet seen a bear along this trail, but I have seen plenty of rabbits. Most of them detect me and run away before I can capture them with a camera. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com/2018/12/january-2019-gallery-your-best-or.html" target="_blank">See the favorite photos of other City Daily Photo Bloggers here. </a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "lyon" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-52243009724029828812018-11-12T02:46:00.001-08:002018-11-12T03:06:41.227-08:002019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar<h2>
A Calendar that Shows Off Paso Robles Wine Country</h2>
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It's been years since I created a Zazzle calendar to show off our Paso Robles and Templeton Gap wineries and vineyards. Finally, though, I've produced one for 2019. It includes shots of some of my favorite wine country scenes. I hope some are your favorites, too. In this post I'll show you the photos I've included with some information about each.<br />
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This may be just the gift for one of your friends this year. Those with gift shops can get lower prices on larger quantities for resale. Here's the cover. I took this shot looking out at the vineyard behind the Rotta Tasting Room in Templeton. It was taken in late March, 2014. <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1fnx3?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get your copy of the calendar here. </a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h91cV4FX5yo/W-fC_mapSII/AAAAAAAAKmY/F-Dmtj-UR-kwYLLisMdHvTuqsN6BPalVgCLcBGAs/s1600/march31-calender-cover-2019-0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar - Cover" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h91cV4FX5yo/W-fC_mapSII/AAAAAAAAKmY/F-Dmtj-UR-kwYLLisMdHvTuqsN6BPalVgCLcBGAs/s1600/march31-calender-cover-2019-0208.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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January: The Covered Bridge at Halter Ranch</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzrio55FeEU/W-fJGyM_aNI/AAAAAAAAKms/MsbD28zB7cEPaoIX6YTYnNB1z6aOeyu_wCLcBGAs/s1600/jan5-covered-bridge-halter-ranch-7326%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Halter Ranch Photo" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzrio55FeEU/W-fJGyM_aNI/AAAAAAAAKms/MsbD28zB7cEPaoIX6YTYnNB1z6aOeyu_wCLcBGAs/s1600/jan5-covered-bridge-halter-ranch-7326%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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I discovered this covered bridge in a roundabout way. In 2014 I was walking through Studios on the Park as I often do. I happened into the studio of Carol Timson Ball. She wasn’t there herself, but Katherine Moldauer whose turn it was to man the studio, was able to answer questions. As I looked at Carol’s paintings of local scenic places, I offhandedly said to Katherine, “That covered bridge isn’t in this county.” Katherine replied, “Yes it is.”<br />
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“Where?”<br />
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She answered, “At Halter Ranch.” She explained it was a winery at the end of a country road I happen to live near the other end of. I couldn’t believe I had a covered bridge just a few miles away and I didn’t know it.<br />
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We simply don’t have covered bridges in this part of the county. What for? There’s hardly ever any rain and our rivers are dry by late spring. Of course, Katherine didn’t explain that the bridge has only lived here since 2009. Naturally I decided it was time I see the bridge for myself, so the next day we visited Halter Ranch, where I took the picture you see above.<br />
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February: Zenaida Tasting Room</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW2Vm0NXkGg/W-i_wuqi83I/AAAAAAAAKm4/HyRoyB_k0_AzNo5KjyP1gnO0t_36JpXKgCLcBGAs/s1600/feb25-zenaida-oak-calendar-6886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Zenaida Photo" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xW2Vm0NXkGg/W-i_wuqi83I/AAAAAAAAKm4/HyRoyB_k0_AzNo5KjyP1gnO0t_36JpXKgCLcBGAs/s1600/feb25-zenaida-oak-calendar-6886.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Although Zenaida has beautiful vineyards, I chose this photo because it also has gorgeous oak trees. It's hard to choose just one photo to represent a winery. <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-photo-walk-through-vineyards-of.html" target="_blank">See some other photos of the Zenaida vineyards here.</a><br />
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March: Maintenance in a Bethel Road Vineyard</h2>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxdFE1An9aE/W-jf39vMetI/AAAAAAAAKnE/P5_STq5OwZIhIeNrolPUlZr2_VE5zgUaQCLcBGAs/s1600/march5-veris-vineyard-worker-blog-9434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Spring Maintenance Photo" border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sxdFE1An9aE/W-jf39vMetI/AAAAAAAAKnE/P5_STq5OwZIhIeNrolPUlZr2_VE5zgUaQCLcBGAs/s1600/march5-veris-vineyard-worker-blog-9434.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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This vineyard has had more than one name in the past. It was once JanKris and later became known as Veris. Then Veris was sold and now, after a long time in transition, the vineyard appears to be part of <a href="http://bethelrddistillery.com/visit" target="_blank">Bethel Road Distillery</a>. I've been watching for the transition and usually see a closed parking lot when I drive by and no evidence this is open except <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bethelrd/" target="_blank">their Facebook page.</a> Meanwhile, I miss the old Veris Tasting Room with its majestic oak tree in front and its lovely gardens and vineyards. There are still vineyards on the property. See what it used to be in my<a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2015/11/remembering-veris-cellars-in-photos.html" target="_blank"> pictorial history of the Veris Cellars </a>. It's my tribute to what was once one of the loveliest settings for a tasting room in this area. It looks kind of sad now.<br />
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April: Tooth and Nail Castle and Tasting Room</h2>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeiYO5M9RpE/W-jsyCindhI/AAAAAAAAKnQ/hKI1tExZiUIgzqZEmvJ_roqLjSJPVFuAACLcBGAs/s1600/blog-march29-toothandnail-overview-2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Tooth and Nail Photo" border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeiYO5M9RpE/W-jsyCindhI/AAAAAAAAKnQ/hKI1tExZiUIgzqZEmvJ_roqLjSJPVFuAACLcBGAs/s1600/blog-march29-toothandnail-overview-2374.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Paso Robles Wine Country is constantly changing. The Tooth and Nail tasting room, pictured above, is another example of that.<br />
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Previously it was Eagle Castle, another winery that closed. The castle was vacant for a couple of years. I live near the castle and watched Eagle Castle go up. It was a bit like a museum and housed many antiques. The tasting room was lively on the occasions when I was there. I was sad when it closed. I saw it sit vacant for many months and then gradually transform into Tooth and Nail. The antiques are gone. Some say the Eagle Castle wine wasn't good enough and that's why it didn't survive. I don't drink wine, so I'm no judge of it. I know it won some awards. I loved the castle and that's why I wrote this<a href="http://slo-north.com/north-san-luis-obispo-countys-other-castle-a-pictorial-album/" target="_blank"> pictorial history of the castle</a> itself as I've watched it through the years.<br />
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May: Pomar Junction </h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hX4rX0OqKE/W-kRbG2Q6hI/AAAAAAAAKnc/rcinygpecQov-TecADVxc-WKoC-zJvWDQCLcBGAs/s1600/santa-fe-at-pomar-junction_5626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Pomar Junction Photo" border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hX4rX0OqKE/W-kRbG2Q6hI/AAAAAAAAKnc/rcinygpecQov-TecADVxc-WKoC-zJvWDQCLcBGAs/s1600/santa-fe-at-pomar-junction_5626.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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One thing that makes Pomar Junction is distinctive is its connection with the railroad. Part of the reason for its name is that the Merrill family who owns it have railroad engineers it its lineage. That's also part of the reason you will find an actual boxcar and caboose at the small "depot" beside the vineyard at Pomar Junction. The photo I used in the calendar is a cropped version of the photo above that focuses primarily on the railroad cars. <a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2017/10/-caboose-of-ultimate-blog-challenge.html" target="_blank">See some of my other shots of these railroad cars at Pomar Junction here.</a> </div>
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June: Peachy Canyon Gazebo and Picnic Area</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnM9q68A9g/W-kXTSfrzyI/AAAAAAAAKno/Afzi_vt76K8_IzdSdw1Ce8R5veUWVsVPwCLcBGAs/s1600/march20-peachy-canyon-gazebo-cal-9674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Peachy Canyon Gazebo Photo" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnM9q68A9g/W-kXTSfrzyI/AAAAAAAAKno/Afzi_vt76K8_IzdSdw1Ce8R5veUWVsVPwCLcBGAs/s1600/march20-peachy-canyon-gazebo-cal-9674.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Whenever I seek a serene environment, I head for Peachy Canyon tasting room and its beautiful park like grounds in Templeton. I love the oak trees, a couple of which are towering over the gazebo in the picture. Sometimes I see squirrels playing in them. The gift shop inside the tasting room always has something new to see, and I enjoy finding and saying hello to the Maine Coon cats. I found this one near the red valerian near the parking lot.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHPvHfabTZs/W-kaE2MJeVI/AAAAAAAAKn0/mf-4RAMNXb0gLMeF1LvVnlsb6hxATftngCLcBGAs/s1600/cat-peachy-canyon-aug10-1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Peachy Canyon Maine Coon Cat" border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uHPvHfabTZs/W-kaE2MJeVI/AAAAAAAAKn0/mf-4RAMNXb0gLMeF1LvVnlsb6hxATftngCLcBGAs/s1600/cat-peachy-canyon-aug10-1200.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1fnx3?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get the calendar here.</a></span></div>
<h2>
July: Classic Cars at Sculpterra Winery on Independence Day</h2>
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C<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWgcFwKKjUI/W-kem6D3ijI/AAAAAAAAKoA/JwTiEfGUAEEdd8jAfDuxfzf1bdekysGPgCLcBGAs/s1600/july4-classic-cars-sculpterra4456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Classic Cars at Sculpterra Photo on July 4 " border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="735" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWgcFwKKjUI/W-kem6D3ijI/AAAAAAAAKoA/JwTiEfGUAEEdd8jAfDuxfzf1bdekysGPgCLcBGAs/s1600/july4-classic-cars-sculpterra4456.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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The Independence Day Party hosted by Dr. Warren Frankel at his Sculpterra Winery is our go to place on the afternoon of July 4. So far it's always been free and family friendly. Those who attend learn why we celebrate the day and meet many of our local elected officials who usually say a few words. The photo above that appears in the calendar is one of the many classic cars that some people show off at the party. Those who drive the classic cars seem to get the best parking places, closest to the action. I took this photo at the 2013 party. <a href="http://acalifornialife.com/2016/07/04/independence-day-sculpterra-winery/" target="_blank">You can see my illustrated blog post on the 2014 party here. </a><br />
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August: A Templeton Vineyard with Sunflowers in the Foreground</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InEynd6IKOk/W-kjQq_p4uI/AAAAAAAAKoM/COokzCgTLbwybMe5zYJMEsCCFITPDfW7ACLcBGAs/s1600/bub-sunflowers-trees-vineyards-204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Vineyard and Sunflowers Photo" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InEynd6IKOk/W-kjQq_p4uI/AAAAAAAAKoM/COokzCgTLbwybMe5zYJMEsCCFITPDfW7ACLcBGAs/s1600/bub-sunflowers-trees-vineyards-204.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure who owns this vineyard. It may be one of the private ones, but I don't for sure. Those sunflowers caught my eye and I couldn't resist taking the photo. I believe I saw this scene on Las Tablas Road in Templeton. For the calendar I cropped off the lower fence rail. I couldn't do much about the wires.<br />
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September: Harvest Time at Doce Robles</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2m-p9cnYDw/W-k2G5HzL7I/AAAAAAAAKoY/k_QTjrYkxsk47PAkZZg-pdepAYJ0TBBlACLcBGAs/s1600/nov13-2014-doce-robles-tractor-oak-3749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Doce Robles at Harvest Time Photo" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2m-p9cnYDw/W-k2G5HzL7I/AAAAAAAAKoY/k_QTjrYkxsk47PAkZZg-pdepAYJ0TBBlACLcBGAs/s1600/nov13-2014-doce-robles-tractor-oak-3749.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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It's always hard to choose just one photo to represent Doce Robles. I probably take more pictures there than at any other vineyard because it's such a great place to photograph sunsets. It's also a safe place to park if you head west on Highway 46 West and the sun is in your eyes making you too blind to drive safely. If you visit Doce Robles, don't be surprised if German shepherds greet you before you get into the tasting room.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtpo0zE2esw/W-lJKN5ytwI/AAAAAAAAKpE/deNQGAvModUwHSXiFezl7lcCllaSgt50ACLcBGAs/s1600/doce-robles-dogs--marked-8945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Doce Robles German Shepherds" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtpo0zE2esw/W-lJKN5ytwI/AAAAAAAAKpE/deNQGAvModUwHSXiFezl7lcCllaSgt50ACLcBGAs/s1600/doce-robles-dogs--marked-8945.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Niner: Heart Hill in Autumn</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ZaEx7eZ-A/W-k39zop6KI/AAAAAAAAKok/a2Adem5o4U4ALTjNPA7Ca-aW_J4gglxiACLcBGAs/s1600/nov19-cal-hart-hill-autumn2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Heart Hill in Autumn" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="735" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_ZaEx7eZ-A/W-k39zop6KI/AAAAAAAAKok/a2Adem5o4U4ALTjNPA7Ca-aW_J4gglxiACLcBGAs/s1600/nov19-cal-hart-hill-autumn2249.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Heart Hill is a natural heart shaped oak grove. Niner Estates planted vineyards around it. In autumn it becomes a spectacular sight when the leaves put on their autumn colors. There's no way I could leave a photo of Heart Hill in autumn out of this calendar!<br />
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November: Harvest Display at Turley in Templeton</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OANcPZIeGuQ/W-k4gGpfmhI/AAAAAAAAKos/3JvgAGlnFcchsvCf77Qu3nMI-vCSDMizgCLcBGAs/s1600/nov21-turley-autumn-display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Turley Autumn Display Photo" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OANcPZIeGuQ/W-k4gGpfmhI/AAAAAAAAKos/3JvgAGlnFcchsvCf77Qu3nMI-vCSDMizgCLcBGAs/s1600/nov21-turley-autumn-display.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Turley always has an attractive seasonal display near its entrance during the autumn holidays. These displays, like this one, usually feature colorful pumpkins and squashes.<br />
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December: Castoro Windmill in the Sunset</h2>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDx-3Tzw79M/W-k5v-fss7I/AAAAAAAAKo4/Se1pkhTUHz8qXxMvDSsr8p8z4jAxiVhtgCLcBGAs/s1600/march9-castoro-windmill-golden-sunset-9007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2019 Paso Robles and Templeton Wine Country Calendar: Castoro Windmill in Sunset Photo" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDx-3Tzw79M/W-k5v-fss7I/AAAAAAAAKo4/Se1pkhTUHz8qXxMvDSsr8p8z4jAxiVhtgCLcBGAs/s1600/march9-castoro-windmill-golden-sunset-9007.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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December is the sunset of the old year, so I thought this was appropriate. Besides that, I love the way this windmill looks in the sunset. I cropped this photo a bit for the calendar page so it would fit the format.<br />
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More about the Calendar's Features</h2>
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The back cover of the calendar contains a list of all photo locations in case you want to identify them. There wasn't room to write everything on the photos themselves. If you decide to customize the calendar with some of your own photos, don't forget to change the descriptions on that back cover.<br />
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You can choose between many different sizes and wire binding colors. I made mine white. <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/z/1fnx3?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Order your copy of the calendar here.</a><br />
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Some of these scenes are also featured on posters, postcards, and other products in my <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/cawinecountry?rf=238426092320559705&CMPN=zBookmarklet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zazzle California Wine Country Memories and Gifts store</a>. Here's a sample, with some variations:<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/time_for_peace_wall_clock_with_windmill_in_sunset-256730034579465630?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Time For Peace Wall Clock with Windmill in Sunset"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/time_for_peace_wall_clock_with_windmill_in_sunset-r20853b4f8aa5442b82bf5f0f1ed8ff08_fup1y_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Time For Peace Wall Clock with Windmill in Sunset</span><img alt="Time For Peace Wall Clock with Windmill in Sunset" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/poster_i_left_my_heart_in_wine_country_poster-228199063682605306?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Poster: I left my heart in Wine Country Poster"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/poster_i_left_my_heart_in_wine_country_poster-r3e29ec26ea484db9926e4c14f5f40ed2_w5r_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Poster: I left my heart in Wine Country Poster</span><img alt="Poster: I left my heart in Wine Country Poster" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/poster_heart_hill_paso_robles_in_autumn_poster-228541522650711553?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Poster: Heart Hill, Paso Robles, in Autumn Poster"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/poster_heart_hill_paso_robles_in_autumn_poster-rd5937d33b86043c582c5a1c10818b30c_abp0_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Poster: Heart Hill, Paso Robles, in Autumn Poster</span><img alt="Poster: Heart Hill, Paso Robles, in Autumn Poster" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/windmill_silhouette_at_castoro_vineyard_at_sunset_canvas_print-192417418418775285?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Windmill Silhouette at Castoro Vineyard at Sunset Canvas Print"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/windmill_silhouette_at_castoro_vineyard_at_sunset_canvas_print-rd1ac12c5bec44947af7a68067b39a59d_8bjsx_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Windmill Silhouette Sunset Canvas Print</span><img alt="Windmill Silhouette at Castoro Vineyard at Sunset Canvas Print" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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It is easy to customize the options to get what you want on this calendar. I intended it to be only a twelve month calendar, so I have only included photos for twelve months. You can choose a one or two page layout and chose a different set of holidays to include than the default. Although some photos I have posted here have my name on them, that is not the case as the photos appear on the calendar itself.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/castle_cook_wine_country_adult_apron-154134103290509388?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Castle Cook, Wine Country Adult Apron"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/castle_cook_wine_country_adult_apron-rdc56ed8629224d389b837714ba3325b0_v9wh6_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Castle Cook, Wine Country Adult Apron</span><img alt="Castle Cook, Wine Country Adult Apron" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/covered_bridge_at_halter_ranch_paso_robles_jigsaw_puzzle-116279498309785211?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Covered Bridge at Halter Ranch, Paso Robles Jigsaw Puzzle"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/covered_bridge_at_halter_ranch_paso_robles_jigsaw_puzzle-rf5573d3ade874ace951a81474c31d477_amb0f_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Covered Bridge at Halter Ranch, Paso Robles Jigsaw Puzzle</span><img alt="Covered Bridge at Halter Ranch, Paso Robles Jigsaw Puzzle" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/postcard_santa_fe_train_cars_at_pomar_junction_postcard-239526107259973688?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Postcard: Santa Fe Train Cars at Pomar Junction Postcard"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/postcard_santa_fe_train_cars_at_pomar_junction_postcard-r73d6fce803174808a0e7a897947339ab_vgbaq_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Postcard: Santa Fe Train Cars at Pomar Junction Postcard</span><img alt="Postcard: Santa Fe Train Cars at Pomar Junction Postcard" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/heart_hill_at_niner_estates_in_autumn_metal_ornament-175720903173027441?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 22%;" target="_blank" title="Heart Hill at Niner Estates, in Autumn Metal Ornament"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; background-image: url("https://rlv.zcache.com/heart_hill_at_niner_estates_in_autumn_metal_ornament-rbbe4198f89e84936ada35829c0499e06_x7s2p_8byvr_500.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 100%; width: 100%;"> </span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Heart Hill at Niner Estates, in Autumn Metal Ornament</span><img alt="Heart Hill at Niner Estates, in Autumn Metal Ornament" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Which calendar month photo did you like best?</span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-74741330710524417032018-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:002018-11-01T00:00:06.646-07:00Feline Friends<h2>
Friendship Takes More than One</h2>
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The City Daily Photo theme this month is "friend." But it's hard to be a friend in isolation. I have chosen today to feature some of the cats I have seen befriending each other and my own best feline friend.<br />
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<h2>
Peachy Canyon Tasting Room Feline Friends</h2>
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Peaches and Herbie hang out at the Peachy Canyon Tasting Room on Bethel Road and Highway 46 West in Templeton. I often see them separately, but on this day in March I saw them together, helping each other as friends do. They are Maine Coon cats and I always look forward to seeing them when I visit.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7vCQBh_1U/W9oLMvC_HpI/AAAAAAAAKi8/Ep4YynA2W3c_Ys2dV8FGapHE8z1bFBn5wCLcBGAs/s1600/march3-peachy-canyon-feline-friends-8722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_7vCQBh_1U/W9oLMvC_HpI/AAAAAAAAKi8/Ep4YynA2W3c_Ys2dV8FGapHE8z1bFBn5wCLcBGAs/s1600/march3-peachy-canyon-feline-friends-8722.jpg" /></a></div>
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This short video shows how they help each other and what good friends they are.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UEOeDoESz24" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I have featured Peaches and Herbie in my Zazzle Store, as well as my now departed and much missed feline friend. I'll tell you about her next.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/friendship_card_peach_canyon_winery_cats_card-137242844127308425?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Friendship Card, Peach Canyon Winery Cats Card"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Friendship Card, Peach Canyon Winery Cats Card" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/friendship_card_peach_canyon_winery_cats_card-r7196e0bad06c4871a5d80ad60abbf134_em0cx_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Friendship Card, Peach Canyon Winery Cats Card</span><img alt="Friendship Card, Peach Canyon Winery Cats Card" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/ornament_black_tuxedo_cat_sitting_metal_ornament-175075854632670785?rf=238426092320559705" rel="nofollow" style="color: inherit; display: inline-block; margin: 1.5%; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; width: 250px;" target="_blank" title="Ornament: Black Tuxedo Cat Sitting Metal Ornament"><span class="prthmb" style="-moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; border-radius: 3px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 250px; margin-bottom: 3px; overflow: hidden; width: 250px;"><img alt="Ornament: Black Tuxedo Cat Sitting Metal Ornament" height="500" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/ornament_black_tuxedo_cat_sitting_metal_ornament-rc73e3f6c129e4378abfec9f3fb06f1bd_x7s2p_8byvr_500.jpg" style="border: 0; height: auto; max-width: none; width: 100%;" width="500" /></span><span class="prnme" style="color: black; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 3px 0;">Ornament: Black Tuxedo Cat Sitting Metal Ornament</span><img alt="Ornament: Black Tuxedo Cat Sitting Metal Ornament" class="prbtn" src="https://easyproductdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/zazzlebutton.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Sarah the Tuxedo Cat and her Sidekick Garfield</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkhWfgmYjnM/W9oQzoKPN7I/AAAAAAAAKjI/MAeLN7okTKszxBIxbxRt8JuKO5YZr2nWgCLcBGAs/s1600/set12-2014-cat-friends-2468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="735" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkhWfgmYjnM/W9oQzoKPN7I/AAAAAAAAKjI/MAeLN7okTKszxBIxbxRt8JuKO5YZr2nWgCLcBGAs/s1600/set12-2014-cat-friends-2468.jpg" /></a></div>
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Sarah and Garfield belonged to my neighbors who live in a mobile home on the other side of our driveway, across from our house. They are two of the five cats my neighbors owned at the time. I like to make friends with neighbor cats on my property, and I set about trying to woo Sarah. I followed her into the oddest places with my camera, speaking calmly to her and not getting too close at first.<br />
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First I tried to befriend her when I found her on her porch. When I approached her she was resting, but as she saw me she got up, prepared to run away. I snapped her before she could.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nskFt62i1Rg/W9oX-Gj1eaI/AAAAAAAAKjU/wqOzZwkZYpwBOzzAqcDdoKnwE_FCp0_dwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan12-2014-sarah-standing-her-porch-6614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nskFt62i1Rg/W9oX-Gj1eaI/AAAAAAAAKjU/wqOzZwkZYpwBOzzAqcDdoKnwE_FCp0_dwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan12-2014-sarah-standing-her-porch-6614.jpg" /></a></div>
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There was a refrigerator the neighbors had ready to haul away, and she jumped to the top of that. I followed with my camera.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1FOPExAFM/W9oYhdC3yLI/AAAAAAAAKjc/5xiWp6ZGhEst4RP6nxrCShZS0-Qx6o7IwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan12-2014-sarah-top-fridge-7517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1FOPExAFM/W9oYhdC3yLI/AAAAAAAAKjc/5xiWp6ZGhEst4RP6nxrCShZS0-Qx6o7IwCLcBGAs/s1600/jan12-2014-sarah-top-fridge-7517.jpg" /></a></div>
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She would not let me get too close.<br />
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About three weeks later I snapped her photo as she rested on top of the water softener inside its cabinet. Someone had left the door open. She was making me work hard in this relationship.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSINxi5JyeU/W9oZE2aGLQI/AAAAAAAAKjk/fXpnxgA6iZoKbunBR9HXYA63_VpbBW-hACLcBGAs/s1600/jan30-2014-sarah-to-water-softner-8523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSINxi5JyeU/W9oZE2aGLQI/AAAAAAAAKjk/fXpnxgA6iZoKbunBR9HXYA63_VpbBW-hACLcBGAs/s1600/jan30-2014-sarah-to-water-softner-8523.jpg" /></a></div>
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After close to a month of wooing, cat treats in hand, she finally allowed me to get close and pet her. Then she began to hang out on an old chair on my porch almost every day. She was always there to greet me when I came home in the evenings. She actually was probably waiting just as much for the cat treat she knew she'd get. Whichever, I always looked forward to seeing her there, until she was no longer there. I heard coyotes howling the night before I didn't see her anymore. It hurt my heart. Her owners left their cats out at night, except for their kitten. I never felt quite the same way about coming home after that.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0KFYO6aTMI/W9oZ5Sqz6KI/AAAAAAAAKjs/9vPNt9auDtINswju22dUUwVRCfquSRSywCLcBGAs/s1600/pp-sarah-lying-on-chair-by-door-a-800x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0KFYO6aTMI/W9oZ5Sqz6KI/AAAAAAAAKjs/9vPNt9auDtINswju22dUUwVRCfquSRSywCLcBGAs/s640/pp-sarah-lying-on-chair-by-door-a-800x600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Garfield soon caught on that Sarah got cat treats when she hung around my porch, so he began to show up, too. You can read more about my history with them and <a href="http://www.personapaper.com/article/11769-our-home-grown-extortion-cats" target="_blank">see some more photos of the two of them here. </a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Thc37VT_MPM/W9ohEWKVstI/AAAAAAAAKj4/3apA4avPqtkNht5fZO5vh2xCKKd390HLgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct7-2014-sarah-garfield-guarding-porch-2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Thc37VT_MPM/W9ohEWKVstI/AAAAAAAAKj4/3apA4avPqtkNht5fZO5vh2xCKKd390HLgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct7-2014-sarah-garfield-guarding-porch-2700.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2016/01/neighbor-cats-i-will-be-missing-this.html" target="_blank">See my other feline friends from the past</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">See how other City Daily Photo Bloggers have interpreted this theme.</span></a>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-32443677257202171152018-10-31T00:57:00.001-07:002018-10-31T00:57:43.605-07:00Oak Street Decorates for Halloween<h2>
It Looks Like Halloween on Oak Street</h2>
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It seems the residents like to decorate with ghosts and gravestones and some bits of blood-like substances. Here's one example.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur6EvGxIC5Y/W9lX5AyFnfI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/knmofar6h_QvhEVDibCBjrxHtfrWat5UQCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24oak-st-graveyard-decorations_1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oak Street in Paso Robles Decorates for Halloween" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="735" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur6EvGxIC5Y/W9lX5AyFnfI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/knmofar6h_QvhEVDibCBjrxHtfrWat5UQCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24oak-st-graveyard-decorations_1793.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Those on the sidewalk get a hint of what they will find in this yard because it starts on the sidewalk. Of course, you have to look up before you look down. Little tricker or treaters better watch out. I'm wondering if they will also hear spooky music.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGwoEQhSMIU/W9lbB-hUUwI/AAAAAAAAKic/T32I1mBUw6QrXITFP77ZU06SIjlcocdpgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24-oak-st-decorates-halloween-pin_1791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oak Street in Paso Robles Decorates for Halloween" border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGwoEQhSMIU/W9lbB-hUUwI/AAAAAAAAKic/T32I1mBUw6QrXITFP77ZU06SIjlcocdpgCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24-oak-st-decorates-halloween-pin_1791.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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This yard is a bit tamer and exhibits a slightly friendlier looking cemetery. At least the jack o lanterns are smiling!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Af3-8bohUO8/W9lcJANm41I/AAAAAAAAKik/9oWn1U-ciRkqBEhSqnLqnCE9kwhsPwN5ACLcBGAs/s1600/oct14-halloween-graveyard-oakstreet_1818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oak Street Decorates for Halloween" border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="735" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Af3-8bohUO8/W9lcJANm41I/AAAAAAAAKik/9oWn1U-ciRkqBEhSqnLqnCE9kwhsPwN5ACLcBGAs/s1600/oct14-halloween-graveyard-oakstreet_1818.jpg" title="Oak Street Decorates for Halloween" /></a></div>
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Here's the friendliest house of all!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciV3ibqc4Go/W9leYTP8QqI/AAAAAAAAKiw/G7NWqhMNfo4IUBf4oKOxaSeyQiTSN7yiwCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24-oak-st-boo_1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oak Street Decorates for Halloween" border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciV3ibqc4Go/W9leYTP8QqI/AAAAAAAAKiw/G7NWqhMNfo4IUBf4oKOxaSeyQiTSN7yiwCLcBGAs/s1600/oct24-oak-st-boo_1847.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boo to all and Happy Halloween!</b></span>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-77251008440878329242018-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:002018-10-17T12:31:26.149-07:00 Discovery Trail Dangers<h2>
The Discovery Trail above the San Luis Obispo County Botanical Garden</h2>
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I had a date with a fellow nature lover last Tuesday at the San Luis Obispo County Botanical Garden, which I'd not yet visited. I was eager to see local plants with labels so I could identify some I've been wondering about. Unfortunately I was two weeks too early for our date. My calendar was wrong. Rather than waste the trip over the grade I decided to explore a bit on my own. I started with the Children's Garden.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--i_-WmoQsvM/W5IcKSe78uI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/K3V7WDlnWNUWE21UdW8qF2Z5560cIBHpwCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-kids-sept4-gnome-depot_0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--i_-WmoQsvM/W5IcKSe78uI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/K3V7WDlnWNUWE21UdW8qF2Z5560cIBHpwCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-kids-sept4-gnome-depot_0209.jpg" title="Gnome Depot in Children's Garden with Teepee on the Left, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnome Depot in Children's Garden with Teepee on the Left, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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<h2>
The Discovery Trail</h2>
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As I came to the edge of the Children's Garden, I saw a sign pointing to the Discovery Trail, which invited me to a walking adventure that would last about 3/4 mile. It instructed me to be on the lookout for birds and other animals, unique plants, and ancient volcanoes. It was too misty near the ocean for me to see the "awesome views to Morro Bay," though I did see the famous smoke stacks. On my hike I did see some unique plants, but I was unaware of how many of them were poisonous.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g405KexugUY/W5I44Oixv0I/AAAAAAAAKec/tT8rQ5ny2VoiM8l1RZIxDYFWHpWVYHHDACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-1_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g405KexugUY/W5I44Oixv0I/AAAAAAAAKec/tT8rQ5ny2VoiM8l1RZIxDYFWHpWVYHHDACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-1_0228.jpg" title="Beginning of Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of Discovery Trail goes through the shade of the trees on the right, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
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The sign failed to warn me of all the dangers I might encounter on the trail before it was too late to turn back. Although the trail was level at the beginning, it started climbing when I was not far along. By the time I realized what might endanger me personally, it would have been just as dangerous for me to turn back as to complete the hike.<br />
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I'm 75 years old and was alone. I never should have attempted to do this trail without a companion and without any idea of what was ahead. Fortunately it wasn't a hot day, but I was out of shape for an uphill climb. I had also forgotten it was summer and snake season. My knowledge of poisonous plants near the trail was limited to identifying poison oak.<br />
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<h2>
Dangers I Encountered on the Discovery Trail</h2>
<br />
The first bit of danger I encountered with no warning signs was this tree root in the trail that would have been easy to trip over. It was surrounded by dried leaves and other debris that helped hide it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWUkFz96HzE/W5I6YhNU7hI/AAAAAAAAKeo/6EsV2OK9ilM26UBe18yCFafcMj7GaU3aACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-2-root-to-trip-over-sept4_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWUkFz96HzE/W5I6YhNU7hI/AAAAAAAAKeo/6EsV2OK9ilM26UBe18yCFafcMj7GaU3aACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-2-root-to-trip-over-sept4_0231.jpg" title="Tree Root across the Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Root across the Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next was a warning sign telling me how to identify poison oak. I was already proficient at that. I had already posted a visual ID guide online which my city police department asked permission to use on their training website for search and rescue teams. You can find it here: <a href="https://dengarden.com/gardening/Oak-and-Poison-Oak-in-Photos-Can-You-Tell-the-Difference" target="_blank">Oak and Poison Oak in Photos: Can You Tell the Difference?</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2BIT7sgwf0/W5I853LM9UI/AAAAAAAAKe0/PyttdPD4jVsLVbZmpjPtdij2ANjtpDuNQCLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-3-sept4-poison-oak-sign_0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2BIT7sgwf0/W5I853LM9UI/AAAAAAAAKe0/PyttdPD4jVsLVbZmpjPtdij2ANjtpDuNQCLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-3-sept4-poison-oak-sign_0232.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poison Oak Warning Sign on Discovery Trail Surrounded by Poison Oak</td></tr>
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The abundant poison oak was not only close to the trail, but all too often intruding onto the trail itself. A bare branch on the trail side actually brushed me as I walked past and hit my shorts. The trail is narrow, and there's not a lot of room to get out of the way of obstacles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMC9aHiTEkM/W5I-sQCh8BI/AAAAAAAAKfA/ipHVF19rLoELAF5iV14RHluoseOHJ6rQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sept4-poison-oak-branches-in-trail_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMC9aHiTEkM/W5I-sQCh8BI/AAAAAAAAKfA/ipHVF19rLoELAF5iV14RHluoseOHJ6rQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sept4-poison-oak-branches-in-trail_0389.jpg" title="Poison oak bare branches extending onto Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poison oak bare branches extending onto Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fortunately no oil transferred to my skin. The oil that causes the itchy rash is present even on dead parts of the plant and dead leaves are often mixed with the oak leaves from the trees above the creeping poison oak. This can transfer onto shoes. So it's a good idea to be careful when removing clothes and shoes that might have picked up the oil and to clean the shoes with strong soap and launder any affected clothing quickly. You don't want it on your skin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Q0fJuJeM4/W5I_5z-__wI/AAAAAAAAKfM/Q3Omo9XpXy0MrXMUr9CuCo4QyiIhDyUSACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-6-sept4-poison-oak-vivid_0244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Q0fJuJeM4/W5I_5z-__wI/AAAAAAAAKfM/Q3Omo9XpXy0MrXMUr9CuCo4QyiIhDyUSACLcBGAs/s640/discovery-trail-6-sept4-poison-oak-vivid_0244.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red poison oak and coyote brush by edge of Discovery Trail, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If your skin does come in contact with poison oak, this may help if you use it as soon as possible.<br />
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<h2>
Steep Trail and Wild Fennel</h2>
After I had walked for a few minutes past the concentrations of poison oak under the trees, the trail started to climb rather steeply.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ez7Bnk2rENo/W5JC7ll8zCI/AAAAAAAAKfY/3w5UWDpnNvAHrX2QZI_-RbXKCqgA7VtFACLcBGAs/s1600/sept5-trail-going-up_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1200" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ez7Bnk2rENo/W5JC7ll8zCI/AAAAAAAAKfY/3w5UWDpnNvAHrX2QZI_-RbXKCqgA7VtFACLcBGAs/s640/sept5-trail-going-up_0315.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are two dangers in the photo above that may not be obvious. You can see places where the narrow trail is almost covered with the slippery straw-like dried grasses. In addition to that there are small loose rocks you may not see as clearly. Both are easy to slide on. That's dangerous on this sort of slope. It was difficult to get sure footing. I began to envy mountain goats here.<br />
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When I published this post, I believed those pretty yellow-top plants you see on the side of the trail were wild parsnip -- an invasive plant that can make you as miserable as poison oak. Wild parsnip has a toxic sap in the stem. If that sap gets on your skin, it will make it extremely sun sensitive -- so sensitive that some people have gotten second and third degree burns from it. <a href="http://therippleeffectmn.blogspot.com/2015/06/wild-parsnip-and-its-look-alike-golden.html" target="_blank">Check this illustrated article to see what it can do to you.</a> It also has information about a look-alike plant called Golden Alexander.<br />
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I have since found out from a volunteer at the botanical garden that the plant is wild fennel instead. That makes me feel better about this trail. The flowers are very similar to the wild parsley, but the leaves of the fennel are much frillier. They just don't show much in these photos. I think the leaves get smaller when the plant flowers and the stalks shoot up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv6dwGB7d2Q/W5JIEMKe3fI/AAAAAAAAKfk/_pM-4ahX0Y0IgbJnYZ6ZTUSrJ1Dwa8daACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-6-wild-parsnip-maybe-close_0298-750pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv6dwGB7d2Q/W5JIEMKe3fI/AAAAAAAAKfk/_pM-4ahX0Y0IgbJnYZ6ZTUSrJ1Dwa8daACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-6-wild-parsnip-maybe-close_0298-750pix.jpg" title="Closeup View of Poisonous Wild Parsnip, © B. Radisavljevic" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup View of Wild Fennel, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ej5E188aCE/W5JIqCMsL3I/AAAAAAAAKfs/M9EAx2CqFskTAvYHrR-hTntBZ7pTFbV3ACLcBGAs/s1600/discovery-trail-7-sept4-yellow-mystery-plant_0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers" border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1000" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ej5E188aCE/W5JIqCMsL3I/AAAAAAAAKfs/M9EAx2CqFskTAvYHrR-hTntBZ7pTFbV3ACLcBGAs/s640/discovery-trail-7-sept4-yellow-mystery-plant_0286.jpg" title="Poisonous Wild Parsnip on Hillside, © B. Radisavljevic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Fennel on Hillside, © B. Radisavljevic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The only other plant I know of that only slightly resembles this is common dill -- the kind they make pickles out of. It has similar yellow tops, but its leaves are much more fern-like. If in doubt about any plant with a yellow umbrella-shaped flower head, stay away from it or you may be very sorry later that you didn't.<br />
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Over all, I would not wanted to have missed this view from a high point on the trail. I wish there had been a bench to rest on before I got to the highest point on the trail. Those my age might appreciate it. At least I did not encounter any snakes -- especially rattlesnakes. I would not want to hike this trail in the rain because of its hazards, but in dry weather it offers lovely views. Just don't go by yourself as I did. I would not go alone again. You might want to pick up <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=trail+guides+san+luis+obispo&sprefix=trail+guides+San+Luis+Obispo,hpc,256&crid=L3UBKKPXY6H6&linkCode=ll2&tag=prphoto-20&linkId=8e3010a9e680aa7ca2e094c6006ad6e1&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one of these trail guides </a>so you can plan better than I did, though this trail is not mentioned in the Falcon Guide published in 2011 that I own. The Eagle Rock Trail above it is listed. There was no mention of the poisonous plants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7ws_DT9Ydo/W5JOoR-XvyI/AAAAAAAAKf4/_wuWmY9rNZwuHueaIrzhjjcA-JwtdQT1gCLcBGAs/s1600/sept4-discovery-trail-dangers-pin_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" Discovery Trail Dangers: Hiking above the San Luis Obispo County Botanical Gardens at El Chorro Regional Park and Campground" border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="700" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7ws_DT9Ydo/W5JOoR-XvyI/AAAAAAAAKf4/_wuWmY9rNZwuHueaIrzhjjcA-JwtdQT1gCLcBGAs/s1600/sept4-discovery-trail-dangers-pin_0400.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-24046946290648454402018-09-06T17:59:00.001-07:002018-09-06T21:56:56.524-07:00Little Free Library in the Botanical Garden<h2>
Free Books at the San Luis Obispo County Botanical Garden</h2>
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As I was exploring the botanical garden this week, I discovered a selection of books one can borrow in a Little Free Library some thoughtful person or group had put there. The way it works is that you can take a book out and later return a book of your choice. Here are some of the books I saw there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t09tf-nIGak/W5G8y7oQJ0I/AAAAAAAAKds/o9NGjQAJMvAlP1q_UPfTeGBFHG73pyhzQCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-sept4-little-library-books_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Little Free Library in the Botanical Garden" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t09tf-nIGak/W5G8y7oQJ0I/AAAAAAAAKds/o9NGjQAJMvAlP1q_UPfTeGBFHG73pyhzQCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-sept4-little-library-books_0532.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Free Library in San Luis Obispo County Botanical Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h2>
Reading in the Shade</h2>
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I didn't get to the botanical garden until after I had hiked the Discovery Trail above the gardens, so I was very tired when I discovered the library. I returned my camera to the car and got provisions before heading to the restroom right beside the parking lot to clean up. I had retrieved my Kindle, a purse-size water bottle, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/belVita-Cinnamon-Brown-Breakfast-Biscuits/dp/B01BNIN5ZO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1536280979&sr=1-6&keywords=belvita+breakfast+biscuits&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=prphoto-20&linkId=35eed5add20e08b509634e26feda02df&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a packet of delicious BelVita cookie biscuits</a> for energy. I was anxious to return to the shady section of benches I had passed on my way to the car. I had been hiking over an hour in the sun, so I sat and read as I rested and fed my body.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPN6AYZhAU/W5HAFPSv4II/AAAAAAAAKd4/maiXW5ui7V0Ee2A-_9Cnb5yAA27wZv_aQCLcBGAs/s1600/sept4-botanical-garden-shady-benches_0516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Little Free Library in the Botanical Garden" border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKPN6AYZhAU/W5HAFPSv4II/AAAAAAAAKd4/maiXW5ui7V0Ee2A-_9Cnb5yAA27wZv_aQCLcBGAs/s1600/sept4-botanical-garden-shady-benches_0516.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shady Reading Area in Botanical Garden in San Luis Obispo<br /></td></tr>
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<h2>
The Little Free Library</h2>
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I had heard of and seen Little Free Libraries in public places and in front of homes, but I had no idea there was one in the botanical garden in San Luis Obispo. If you're not familiar with them, this short video will explain.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIwh6TzYc70" width="560"></iframe><br />
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You can start your own Little Free Library and the above video tells you how.<br />
You will also find lots of information on the <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">Little Free Library Website</a>.<br />
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Had I known about the Little Free Library, I would not have needed my Kindle with me. I could have borrowed a book. As you can see, the day I took the photos there were many gardening books inside.<br />
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Do you have a Little Free Library near you? If not, why not get a group together and start one to help support literacy in your neighborhood or in your own front yard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA83DhveH8Y/W5HIXP2rdQI/AAAAAAAAKeE/n-Xv3ydDKDM5CnPJruBt05Jnx3cpNCNzQCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-sept4-little-free-library-pin_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little Free Library in the Botanical Garden in San Luis Obispo" border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA83DhveH8Y/W5HIXP2rdQI/AAAAAAAAKeE/n-Xv3ydDKDM5CnPJruBt05Jnx3cpNCNzQCLcBGAs/s1600/bg-sept4-little-free-library-pin_0533.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-60356303753351049942018-08-17T07:00:00.000-07:002018-08-17T07:00:07.538-07:00Kite Practice at Larry Moore Park at Dusk<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">A Parafoil Kite?</span></h2>
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I never know quite what I will see when I walk around my neighborhood. It's been almost too hot to walk these past few weeks, with temperatures ranging from high eighties to triple digits, and it's still hot as the sun is going down. Last night, though, it was a bit cooler and I finally walked past Larry Moore Park at dusk. I sure didn't expect to see a man learning to fly a parafoil kite.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8y9zJaKrA/W3Z4y90P09I/AAAAAAAAKdE/Yofa1XnpD1QmNTQk1j4uczYRV2-tSPN7QCLcBGAs/s1600/aug15-large-kite-lmp_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kite Practice at Larry Moore Park at Dusk" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc8y9zJaKrA/W3Z4y90P09I/AAAAAAAAKdE/Yofa1XnpD1QmNTQk1j4uczYRV2-tSPN7QCLcBGAs/s1600/aug15-large-kite-lmp_0015.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man Flying Parafoil Kite</td></tr>
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Frankly, I'm no expert on kites. I wasn't sure what I was seeing. I stood and watched for several minutes as this young man made several attempts to get his kite into the air as you see above -- and below in the video.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Flying the Kite</span></h2>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l62nfFQ1uxc" width="560"></iframe>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Understanding What I Was Seeing</span></h2>
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I'm no expert on kites. I wasn't sure if this was a stunt kite or a surfing kite or what made it special. I did figure out that it was a multi string kite, but I couldn't see in the dim light from a distance how many controls it had. I thought maybe this man was planning to go windsurfing, but my quick research shows he could have wanted to have the kite drag him along the ground or beach sand. It did appear to me that he was learning to fly the kite or practicing with it.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Kite Flying Has Come a Long Way Since I Was a Child</span></h2>
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The Chinese invented kites a few centuries before the birth of Christ. They were used mostly by the military at first, to measure distances. Most of them were shaped like birds. Marco Polo saw manned kites in the city of Weifang in 1282. When he returned to Italy, he brought along a kite, thus introducing kites to Europe. Now the <a href="https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/weifang-international-kite-festival.htm" target="_blank">Weifang International Kite Festival </a>is held in that city in April of each year. People come from all over the world to watch or participate in the kite competitions at the festival. Chinese kites today may be in the shapes of animals or Zodiac figures. Some, like this flying saucer kite below, may even have LED lights for night flying.<br />
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<br />
When I was young about sixty years ago, the only kites I knew about were simple ones with only one string. <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2018/07/spirit-wind-and-kite.html" target="_blank">I saw someone flying that kind not long ago in City Park in downtown Paso Robles</a>. That's the kind I and my friends attempted to get off the ground and into the air. My friends were more successful than I was.<br />
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I didn't know about stunt kites until <a href="http://paso-robles-daily-photos.blogspot.com/2016/02/its-kite-flying-day.html" target="_blank">I saw a family flying them at Moonstone Beach in Cambria</a>. I was fascinated as I saw my first kites with more than one string, chasing each other in the air. And yesterday I saw my first parafoil kite up close. One just never knows what one will find in the park.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's Your Experience with Kites?</span></h2>
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Have you flown a stunt or dual string kite? Have you any experience with parafoil kites? Have you ever been kitesurfing? I'd love to hear about your experience with kites of any kind. Feel free to share in the comments. Please pin this post so others can learn something new about kites.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7TlvtHLxrE/W3agH9V7aVI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/WXj9gdTZ4KQWkoRNVsPm9Jjfy-0Y2CoVgCLcBGAs/s1600/kite-practice-dusk-lmp-pin_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kite Practice at Larry Moore Park at Dusk" border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="600" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7TlvtHLxrE/W3agH9V7aVI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/WXj9gdTZ4KQWkoRNVsPm9Jjfy-0Y2CoVgCLcBGAs/s1600/kite-practice-dusk-lmp-pin_0014.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-91836292629465911502018-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:002018-08-01T00:00:16.253-07:00Making Music at Studios on the Park<h2>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The City Daily Photo Blogger Theme for August is Music. Paso Robles is full of free music all over town. My favorite place to get my music fix is at Studios on the Park. Every month at <a href="http://acalifornialife.com/2016/11/11/art-after-dark-paso-robles-california/" target="_blank">Art After Dark</a> a different musician is featured. I took this photo at Art After Dark in October, 2016. I loved listening to <a href="http://juliebmusic.com/">Julie Beaver</a> and <a href="https://wallybarnickmusic.com/">Wally Barnick</a> as they entertained us. I couldn't keep my toes from tapping. </span></h2>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oEWrDFhn8/W17WsiTibnI/AAAAAAAAKbk/dmrWKbGeWoEpnMayLxBQeYcflwDVFYN9gCLcBGAs/s1600/oct1-music-beaver-barnick-0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Making Music at Studios on the Park" border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="800" height="606" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1oEWrDFhn8/W17WsiTibnI/AAAAAAAAKbk/dmrWKbGeWoEpnMayLxBQeYcflwDVFYN9gCLcBGAs/s640/oct1-music-beaver-barnick-0868.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie Beaver and Wally Barnick Entertained Us</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com/2018/07/august-gallery-music.html" target="_blank">See what other City Daily Photo Bloggers have posted to this theme. </a></span></h2>
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<br />BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-828257216420711236.post-82496874945858721342018-07-26T23:03:00.001-07:002018-07-26T23:03:23.521-07:00Fair Weather Has a Unique Meaning in Paso Robles<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fair Weather In July</span></h2>
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The most common usage of the term "fair weather" is as the opposite of "foul weather." According to the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-American-Writers-Thesaurus-Auburn/dp/0199829926/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532666166&sr=1-1&keywords=Oxford+American+Writer%27s+Thesaurus&linkCode=ll1&tag=barspeobui-20&linkId=d9f15b61f15dd86a1b397c27cd3da1d5&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus</a>, fair weather is 'FINE, dry, bright, clear, sunny, cloudless, warm, balmy, clement, benign, pleasant.' Here in Paso Robles, though, locals have their own interpretation of "fair weather."<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVngF8oJTik/W1qhy_ont9I/AAAAAAAAKac/msUhtIBXJIMG_hLEttZtqj22my6UxlVnACLcBGAs/s1600/july26-layered-hot-sky_9988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fair Weather Has a Unique Meaning in Paso Robles" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVngF8oJTik/W1qhy_ont9I/AAAAAAAAKac/msUhtIBXJIMG_hLEttZtqj22my6UxlVnACLcBGAs/s1600/july26-layered-hot-sky_9988.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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It seems that very year in July when the California Mid-State Fair comes to Paso Robles it is very, very hot. This week, for example, with the fair in town, we've had triple digit temperatures that are expected to last most of the week before dropping to the nineties. That's what I call fair weather.<br />
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I took the photo tonight at 8:30. The temperature was still 85 degrees when I went to get the mail. As I walked back home and looked south, those clouds looked like layers of heat to me.<br />
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I can't handle hot weather, so I rarely get to the fair. I understand that the air conditioning went out in at least one of the buildings yesterday -- the one a friend of mine was working in. She said they had to depend on fans to fight the oppressive heat.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Murder at the Mid-State Fair</span></h2>
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Did you know that Earlene Fowler wrote a murder mystery set at the Mid-State Fair? She is one of my favorite authors because most of her Benni Harper mysteries are set here in San Luis Obispo County. I love her characters and I enjoy being able to visualize the places mentioned in the books -- even though the author disguises the place names a bit. For example, San Luis Obispo is referred to as San Celina. Any local will find it easy to figure out the settings, and some, like Paso Robles and Morro Bay aren't disguised. <a href="http://bookwormbuffet.com/state-fair-by-earlene-fowler/" rel="" target="_blank">Read my review of <i>State Fair</i> here. </a> Why not pick up a copy at the library while the fair is happening? Or pick it up at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/State-Fair-Benni-Harper-Mystery-ebook/dp/B003L7866E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532669801&sr=1-3&keywords=state+fair&linkCode=ll1&tag=prphoto-20&linkId=6c13b8a054597549519e9bd4ad3b08cc&language=en_US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>BarbRadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15899642277679265680noreply@blogger.com0