Fall Into Winter

Here in the Sierra foothills

we experience an explosion of color this time of year.

It always seems to catch me off guard.

The trees start to change slowly and just when I think

it may not be a stellar year for color,

It happens.

And each year,

it takes my breath away.

These photos were taken

on our morning walk a week or so ago.

The following photos were taken

right outside our window.

Jamie snapped the fall colors

Saturday morning.

Saturday night while we slept,

winter crept in.

Our Slice of Heaven

My wife and I have been looking for a piece of property

to build our retirement home on for awhile now.

We finally found just the right spot, in the country

but only a mile and a half from town.

We are very excited.

I will post periodically about

the trials and tribulations

of building a home.

(we know there will be plenty).

Having never built from the ground up,

it feels a little daunting but we are up for the challenge.

We hope to incorporate many green features and use

recycled and repurposed materials whenever possible.

I won't bore you with daily details, we'll just hit the highs and lows.
Our celebratory dinner. The weather was perfect.

Stay tuned....

Table Mountain

Today was perfect weather for a hike so we decided to trek to Table Mountain. Our local paper had an article on the wild flowers in the area and Table Mountain was mentioned. We were not disappointed. The trail head is on Shell Road in Jamestown. (about a 5 minute drive from downtown Sonora) The trail is a bit treacherous at the very top but otherwise not a difficult hike. We met several families with young children on the trail. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a blanket of wild flowers and gorgeous vistas. I would definitely recommend this hike and now is the perfect time. Catch it soon before the wild flowers are gone.

From the trail head looking up at Table Mountain.

View from the top. Well worth the hike, wouldn't you say?

New Melones Lake

Like I said, the top of the trail is a little tricky.

To the top and back down again.

Sonora Celtic Fair

Sonora Celtic Faire

Friday my son Will and I went to the Celtic Fair at the Sonora Fairgrounds. We had a great time in spite of the weather. Even in the rain, the action was fierce during the jousting competition. This was the day that was geared for kids so the cost was only $5.00 for kids and $10.00 for adults. The participants in the fair have great costumes and really get into their characters. The fair is always held close to Saint Patrick's Day so check it out if you enjoy this sort of thing. Saturday (3/20/10) Murphys will be holding their Irish Day Celebration. Check it out if you can. Luck of the Irish to you!

The Daffodils Have Arrived

Jamie and I spent the afternoon in Murphys on Sunday . We had lunch at our favorite spot, Alchemy, then headed out to Ironstone to see the daffodils. If you are in the area but have never been to Ironstone Vineyard this time of year, you should definitely check it out. After the daffodils have performed, the tulips take over for the second act. We also checked out the art show at Ironstone. Aside from lunch, it was a free afternoon. In this economy, we are always looking for entertainment that won't cost us a pocketful. And....lucky for us, there's lots to do and see in our own back yard.

Columbia State Park

The sun made an appearance yesterday

in honor of Valentines Day.

We took advantage of the spring like weather

and paid a visit to our local State Park in Columbia.

It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and smell the new grass.

The birds had the same idea.

The Columbia Firehouse.

The St. Charles Saloon is still in operation.

Girls in period clothing having fun on the wagon.

The Chinese Herbalist.

Established in 1856, the City Hotel was restored in 1975 by the state of California,

the nonprofit City Hotel Corporation, and Columbia College.

For many years the City Hotel was part of the

Columbia College culinary program.

Heading over to Columbia Candy Kitchen with my Valentine.

She worked at the candy store during her college years.

It is still owned and operated by the same family.

Their hand dipped chocolates are incredible.

Our kids loved riding the stagecoach when they were young.

Their favorite part was when we were held up by bandits on horseback.

It was a little frightening for our youngest son who was two at the time.

The Fallon House Theatre. Visit their website here.

Dial M For Murder starts March 26.