Decorated

Decorated, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

This lovely leaf looked like it was wearing jewelery, or a crown of pretty Fall berries.

Taken in Amador County California

Welcome Fall!!!

Welcome Fall!!!, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

This is the beautiful Japanese Maple Tree in our back yard. I love tree Bokeh! These are a type of flower or seed pod on the tree right now. It is still warm, warm in California. So there is not too much Fall colors yet. But, I love the warm reds of this tree.
Taken for the Pioneer Woman Photography Assignment.

Grasses of Summer

Grasses of Summer, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

As we welcome Fall, I am recalling moments of summer. Like this one, watching these grasses blow in the summer wind, pond side. It was a lovely day...

My Moon My Man

My Moon My Man, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

I put my camera on the tripod the other night. I tried very hard to get a good shot of The Moon, with the strongest lens I have. I have always been fascinated by The Moon. I liked this shot.

View the song "My Moon My Man" By Feist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ9-jPofC-4

A visit to a lovely mountain town...

The Old Barn on Highway 89 Sierra County California



With the visit of my sister and nephew over the past weekend came a drive to a beloved mountain town. The town of Graeagle California was our destination. Our family has a long history there. Dating back to my Great Grandparents. My parents both spent the summers of their youth there, and met each other in the area. Both of their parents had cabins to enjoy.So, quite frankly, the area is special. It is why I even exist!

It was a long and lovely summer day. We drove to familiar spots, soaked up the pine air and just relaxed by the Mill Pond. We visited the Mohawk Cemetery and the graves of my Maternal Grandfather and Paternal Grandmother. And the grave of my Aunt on my mothers side. That was very emotional.

It is this mountain air that we crave, and wish we could bottle up, and take home with us. We do not have family cabins to go to anymore. But, will continue to go there, and make memories with our children, in our beloved mountain town.

We found out that our treasured State Park there might be closing!!
http://www.plumas-eureka.org

Picked today...7-14-09..

Picked today...7-14-09.., originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Today I picked..and picked...and picked. Here is today's count::
Tomatoes: 35
Red Bell Pepper: 1
Japanese Eggplant: 1
Hot Red Peppers: 4
Zucchini:1
And Patsy Cline on Pandora...
Lovin' Summer!

Yellow Coneflower

Yellow Coneflower, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

I explored the beautiful gardens at The French Laundry Restaurant in Yountville California. They grow much of their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers for the restaurant. It was very inspirational! We did not eat there. Some day...
www.frenchlaundry.com/

Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon

We took a little trip to San Francisco on Sunday/Monday. My daughters and I happened to find this little gem. Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon.
http://www.crownandcrumpet.com/ We are going to go there again...and again...wanna go? Just tell us WHEN!!! It was such a great experience. We were giddy with excitment to have such a special treat. It was delicious, and every drop of tea was amazing. I had Marie Antoinette Tea. Here is what their website said about it:

"MARIE ANTOINETTE
Rumour has it this was Marie Antoinette’s favorite. Let this relaxing blend of bergamot, blue mallow and roses be the perfect tea for eating cake!" It was so wonderful. I want to try their "Paris" tea next time!






I had Tea for One, which included
Selection of six tea sandwiches
Two warm house-made scones with clotted cream, jam & lemon curd
Toasted crumpet with butter
Six house-made sweets & treats
Large pot of tea
The Girls Shared a "Nursery Tea"
For 12 years and younger - Presented on a Mini-Three-Tiered Stand
Three tea sandwiches
Warm, house-made scone with butter & jam
Four house-made sweets & treats
Pot of fruit tea or hot chocolate
They had Decaf English Breakfast tea. We all drank cups and cups of their wonderful tea!

We made wonderful memories together that afternoon! And now have ideas to make our tea time at home more special.

Vintage Apron Giveaway

Recently I bought Evin her first Vintage Apron in Pink. She absolutely loves it. And wants to put it on and help me cook everyday. Here on a blog I read there is a giveaway for a mother and child vintage apron set. I hope I win!

http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a01156f7e3eba970c0115713bb7e0970b

New York Schmap Photo!

New York, originally uploaded by Random Things (jereca74).

Entry number 2 about the Schmap usage of this photo.

My Photo is Published!!!

I am so excited to have my photo of the Brooklyn Bridge included on this site. If my photo is clicked on, it takes the person directly to my flickr page. It is pretty cool! :)


Here is the email from the Company. I knew they were considering it, and they had to get my permission. But, today I found out it was going to be included!

Schmap New York Seventh Edition: Photo Inclusion
Hi Jennifer,

I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo has been selected for inclusion in the newly released seventh edition of our Schmap New York Guide:

Brooklyn Bridge
www.schmap.com/newyork/introduction_history/p=5442/i=5442_106.jpg

If you use an iPhone or iPod touch, then this same link will take you directly to your photo in the iPhone version of our guide. On a desktop computer, you can still see exactly how your photo is displayed and credited in the iPhone version of our guide at:

Brooklyn Bridge
www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=newyork&sid=introduction_history&p=5442&i=5442_106

Finally, if you have a blog, you might also like to check out the customizable widgetized version of our Schmap New York Guide, complete with your published photo:

www.schmap.com/guidewidgets/p=49362482N00/c=SK20021140

Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide!

Best regards,

Emma Williams,
Managing Editor, Schmap Guides
www.schmap.me/emma.williams

Picking and Growing

I am seeing the beginning of Summer here at our home. The garden is starting to give the early vegetables, like Japanese Eggplant, Eight Ball and Italian Stripe Zucchini, Purple Queen Bush Beans, Sweet Yellow Banana Peppers, blueberries and one tomato so far. We need HEAT to get the loads of tomatoes to ripen. We have one tomato "tree" that is over 6 feet tall!!! The patio is tropical and inviting. We have eaten dinner out there several times already. The water fountain is always making it's lovely sounds to soothe and calm the garden.

And Old Jail

On a recent visit to the Gold Country of California, I discovered this old jail site. It sat in silence, but it spoke volumes. The rusty jail bars, and metal hooks on the ground to perhaps chain up a prisoner were there, and strong still. Even though the rock building was crumbling around the metal cages. I wondered about the criminals that were held there, and innocent victims of circumstance. I took the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite things, rust!

A Tropical stop in Santa Cruz..

We had a nice little weekend trip to Santa Cruz over the Holiday. We stopped one afternoon at a cute shop called Island Home and Garden. http://islandhomegarden.com/ She has such a nice store. And even though we were not there long, I did get some pictures of her shop I like a lot! She had so many gorgeous tropical flowers to purchase. She told us they last a long time as a cut flower. She also had so many tropical items for home and garden and even great little gift items. I hope to stop in again next time we are in town. If you are in Santa Cruz anytime over the summer, stop by and see the shop I liked so much.