Merry Christmas

We hope that each and every one of you had a very Merry Christmas.  We celebrated Christmas with friends starting with Christmas Eve and an evening full of food and friendships.  Then there was Christmas Day - a repeat of the evening before.

We took a walk during the past week and love to go by a home which is large and unusual (for a desert landscape).  The owners were out and after chatting for a while, we were invited in.  Tucked in behind some shrubs was a nice sized swimming pool.  A fish pond was home for some sea turtles as well as some well-fed koi and wandering throughout the yard is a large desert turtle.
Throughout were various flowering shrubs - a definite treat to visit!

 

But one never knows what you might see on your walks.

Boxing day started with rain which at times was quite heavy.  There were flood warnings issued but it wasn't enough to create water levels high enough to stop traffic, but it did run over the roadway.

It was time to move to a different spot so off we went to Borrego Springs - a favourite spot.   On the way we pass the sand dunes which generally are teeming with various vehicles used for playing in the sand.  There were just a few vehicles out which was likely due to the rainfall from the day before.

Partway along the road, there were large numbers of bale stacks.  It must have been a great growing season.

We arrived at Borrego Springs and one of our plans is to attend a 4x4 rally.  Off we went to see the some of the folks who arrived early.  Lo and behold, one of the motorhomes found some very soft sand and managed get himself very stuck.  After a day of digging and towing (with vehicles), for some six or so hours, he was out.  While there are some really soft spots, the rain seemed to increase the problem.

We took a little drive to see how the oranges were and they have started to harvest them.  They gave us a few to sample but the trees are loaded.  As well, the palm trees have a fair number of dates on them.

A self serve fruit stand

The bags cover the dates to protect them

And this is the price of fuel - sure hope we don't need to buy any!!

This has been our past week - thanks for stopping by.  We hope you all have a great week and may you all have a Happy New Year!!

Week Before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas and it was full of preparation for the coming holidays.  Well, it was just kind of full of preparation - mostly just having fun.  The weather has been fairly nice although the nights have been quite cool.

We took a drive out around some of the  places where we used to camp, or could camp.  Mittry Lake was always a favourite spot so it was time to check it out as we have not been there for several years.  They have even put in a designated camping area down by the water which is just a gravel parking area with specific spots marked out.

This little drive also gave us a chance to see some vegetable harvesting.  As always we marvel at the field workers and the incredibly hard tasks they do each and every day.  These workers are mainly, and perhaps all, Mexican workers. 

Around some of the fields they have these interesting bird houses which we understand to be owl houses.  These are to attract the owls which will keep away some of the other birds such as the doves which tend to be somewhat troublesome.

Then we stopped at a date farm so we could enjoy a date shake.  If you have never had one, they are thick, sweet, and delicious.

The area where we are staying always has an annual light  parade.  While we were not able to get any quality photos, it was quite a parade.  Most of the vehicles were ATV's although there were also Jeeps, golf carts, old cars, trailers - you name it.  There were even a couple of electric bikes.  Each and every one of them had a variety of lights, and showed many unique ways to decorate their vehicle.  We estimated that there were a hundred or so vehicles as it really was quite long.  An enjoyable parade which was accompanied by good company with all of us enjoying pizza.

The week was an enjoyable week which, unfortunately, it ended on a sad note.  Our daughter's family pet very suddenly crossed the rainbow bridge leaving a very empty spot in everyone's heart.  Roman was a special dog who came into their home as a rescue and had a wonderful personality.  He will never be forgotten - RIP Roman.

Next week we will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of jolly old St. Nick.  Thanks for stopping by - may each and every one of you have a very Merry Christmas.

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