View From Castle Peak

We'd spent the summer training for this hike. It would be over twelve miles linear and 3,600 feet vertical before we were done. The hike begins at Donner Pass in the Tahoe National Forest. It starts with a gentle rise through beautiful forest and flowers. The slope becomes steep as you emerge onto the volcanic rock-strewn path. The scenery and view changes every half mile. We didn't know if we'd make it. We just kept looking a bit ahead and telling ourselves we could make it that far. Half mile by half mile we climbed Castle Peak. The view from the top? Yep, it was worth it.

Danish Kringle

Try a kringle from Solving Bakery the next time you are in California"s Central Coast area. This traditional Danish pastry may look like a giant pretzel, but bite into a piece for a lovely surprise. The filling is a mix of almond paste and custard. The pastry is lightly sprinkled with sugar an generously covered with sliced almonds. This kringle will easily satisfy 10-12 people.

Asian Lettuce Wrap Tacos

If you like Cheesecake Factory's Lettuce Wraps you'll love the Asian Tacos. They have the crisp, fresh vegetables with no carb lettuce in place of the tortillas and a light serving of peanut sauce. It is tasty but messy as a finger food. To enjoy the taste without the mess, tip the tray over onto your plate and. enjoy with a fork.

There's No Place Like Home

My favorite time of year is when my flowers bloom. I love Breck's of Holland. Normally tulips get weaker each year. A few years ago I ordered Breck's tulip collection. A few months ago I dug up twice as many as I bought. I split them into two flower boxes and replanted them. Free tulips, and so beautiful.

Because I live in deer country, I have to protect my beauties with anti-deer netting. The voracious deer will happily graze any unprotected tulips.

Mules Ears in the Forest

The Soup Springs Campground in the Modoc National Forest provided grand vistas and beautiful flowers. A surprise was Mule's Ears, named for the long, ear-shaped leaves. The flowers are a cross between a giant daisy or a very small sunf lower. They are bright, cheerful, and very common along the hiking trail. On our hike home, the flowers provided a welcome food source or resting place for a wide variety of insects. I was happy to see the insects on the flowers, and not around our hiking party.

Conquest Sacramento: Travels of a Military Sort

Military miniatures gaming offers the intellectual challenge of chess with the added challenge of maneuvering units against one or more opponents. The miniatures and landscapes are a tangible artistic accomplishment. More photos to follow.

Inca Rose in Buenos Aires

Inca Rose
The name evokes romance and mystery. This beautiful stone is said to have the power to draw love to the wearer and help in the development of inner freedom by helping to resolve inner conflict.
This beautiful necklace was on display in the luxurious Marriott Plaza Hotel near the restaraunt.

The geological name for Inca Rose is Rhodochrosite  Mark this down in your trivia books. Rhodochrosite became the official state mineral for Colorado in 2002.

Classic Cars in South America

I'm not much of a fan of modern aerodynamic cars. They just look like bubbles to me. But I love classic cars from the 1950's and 1960's. An unexpected pleasure in Buenos Aires was the number of classic cars we saw while walking around the Miraflores area.