Snow Coming?

The past several days have been rather hot, in the low 90's.  Now N.O.A.A. is predicting rain with high's in the upper 60's and snow in the High Sierra.  Let's see, this is early June.  The weather can be changeable, however, this does seem a bit odd.  Of course there is nothing to do except enjoy whatever it turns out to be.  The clouds are moving in.  Love California!


Finally back to RV hunting.  Being gone for a week and sick for two weeks and working steady for a week left little time to search.  I now have time to get on the internet and look at local dealers and private sellers to see what is currently available.  Continuing to sort and move things around.  The good news is the things in the to go pile have stayed there.  This is a big plus.  Still, lots to sort through and look at and decide about where it will go.  Things I haven't seen in a few years make me wonder why I still have it with me.  These things are definitely in the to go pile.  


The Catalpa tree continues to bloom and drop flowers.  Everyone who visits marvels at the shape and scent of these amazing little treasures.  I wonder if I could Bonsai one of these trees.  Needless to say taking plants with me will be tricky, but a Bonsai Catalpa sounds very awesome.  Something to look into as a possibility.   I have already decided on one of my bamboo plants as a to go with me on the adventure item.  I am fairly sure I will be able to keep it alive and it will take up little space.  Something alive inside my travel home sounds so right.


People ask me what I plan to take with me on my adventure.  Well, seems basic needs only.  That would be food, clothes, books and yarn.  If it is equipped with a TV/DVD player, maybe some DVD's.  This is not a necessity.  It is amazing how I have become used to using so many electronic things.  I almost feel sometimes as though I am taking a step back in time to when I was young and none of these things were even invented.  This will be interesting, to say the least.  I am excited to experience all that presents itself.  


Have a  Happy Birthday tomorrow, Jody.


Enjoy today's weather!

Blooming Catalpa Trees

I think some of the most striking trees are Catalpa Trees.  I have two on the property where I live and several more close by.  The leaves are heart shaped and some of them have been more than a foot long.  In the spring they grow clusters of small orchid shaped flowers that have a very delicate fragrance.  Some have a yellow center while others are purple.  Simply beautiful!

As they develop the flowers fall and when it is windy and a lot fall at the same time it can appear as though there are large hail stones on the ground.  Several years ago the front lawn was so covered with flowers it looked as though it had snowed.  The only drawback is as they wilt and dry they get stuck to the bottom of shoes and hence end up in the house.  

The leaves turn a nice yellow in the fall.  About four years ago a young man came to my door as the leaves were falling and asked me if his children could pick up some of them and take to school for show and tell.  I was very impressed at the example he provided his children by asking.  They, of course, tried to find the biggest leaves with the most color.  When they fall the leaves feel rather leathery.  These trees provide entertainment for most of the year.  Of course raking them in the fall is continual until the last leaf falls.  Good exercise.  For now, I am enjoying the flowers as they are falling from the clusters on the branches.  

Enjoy our trees!

Two Catalpa Flowers

Catalpa Flowers On The Ground

Catalpa Tree With Flowers

Shearing Alpacas

Once a year the local Alpaca owners need to have their animals sheared of their fiber as the weather here is too hot for their well being.   This year my schedule allowed me to be a part of this process.  I can't even begin to explain how wonderful these animals are and how incredible their fiber is to handle.  It is so soft it almost can't be felt.  Over the course of a year between shearing each animal, the fiber grows and they appear very full and almost stocky.  After shearing it is very clear how small these Alpacas truly are. They seem almost fragile with very long thin necks and sleek bodies.  Quite a transformation.

These animals come in a variety of colors, and as the shearer is trimming the fiber away from the body, it almost shimmers as the newest fiber closest to the body is revealed.  This particular herd consists of everything from white, to beige, to sable, to black and many colors in between.  Each animal has it's own unique coloring, as well as, quality and texture of their fiber.  A sample is sent to a lab that tests and grades the quality.  It all feels wonderful to me.

The owner of these animals recently gave me some yarn spun from one of the Alpacas fiber from last year and I am currently crocheting it into a scarf for her.  It is amazing to feel the energy of the animal in the yarn as I work.   Since the animals are so different, it makes me want to crochet a scarf from the fiber of each of them.    Preparing the fiber by cleaning, combing and spinning it into yarn is quite a process itself.  So, we'll see.

Enjoy anything made with Alpaca fiber!

After Alpaca Shearing