Old Pictures

Me and my mom went through some old pictures last night. My grandfather was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. He actually worked on a barge off the beach in Normandy on D-Day! I like these 2 military pictures, especially the one at the desk. He looks like he is doing some important and official work... I wonder what he was working on. Maybe he was just posing for a picture that would look really cool some 60+ years later to his granddaughter! This just got me thinking today... I had lunch with my dad this afternoon, and I was asking questions about granddad and how and when he met my grandmother. We figured out that he was 51 years old when I was born.

This seemed kind of weird to me, because I realized he lived this whole other life for all that time that I don't know too much about... So many experiences he had that helped to shape who he was. I only got in on the later part. Here is a picture of what I remember... Nanny and Granddad with me and Jennifer. My mom told me this was Christmas. I didn't remember that it was Christmas, but I do remember standing out here taking this picture. Me and my sister loved going over to their mobile home on Loma Solo, especially to spend the night! I remember these times clearly, and they were a big part of my childhood! My grandparents were always really good to us when we would come over. I can remember these times like yesterday. I hope that if I make it to 88, these memories are just as clear!

Perfect Peace

"You have made us for Yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless till they rest in thee." -Saint Augustine

My grandfather died yesterday. We called him Granddad. This kept coming to my mind during the day... I know that he now experiences this in greater ways than we do or can even understand... thinking of this makes me happy.

Dog Beach

All dogs smile when they are here. It is a VERY happy place!

But even here, dogs have boundaries... so sad!

Here is Tahoe being the guardian of my backpack after the incident. I have treats in here. Another dog came up and started rummaging through it, and Tahoe viciously fought him off. This is funny because normally he is really submissive and greats all people and dogs very sweetly. He would not have this stranger touching his stuff! The dog tried to come back several times and each time, he got chased with bared teeth. Tahoe is half Great Pyrenees. They are bred as guardians of sheep and other livestock. They chase off bears and lions. I was really proud of him today for being such a good guard boy!

Our footprints in the sand... I backtracked to take this picture. I think it's cute.

Yes!!! It was great!

Park Bench Cafe

After we went to the dog beach, we met my friend Jerome and his daughter Rebecca at this cafe in Huntington Park. It is only a couple of miles from the beach, and they have great food for dogs and people. I actually ordered chicken for Tahoe, as well as the peanut butter bone, but I forgot to document it . He deserved it because he was very patient waiting for a table!

Spring Forward

Spring is almost here! With the longer days, we will be able to spend more time at the park. Lots of people own dogs in my neighborhood, so Tahoe is always getting to meet new friends. There is usually someone to play with everyday. It is really a great place to let them run and play. Here we are today enjoying the weather. I don't know why Tahoe isn't smiling about Spring!

The dogs are so funny with the water fountain. When Tahoe is thirsty he will run over to the fountain and hop up and wait for me to come over and turn it on. It is really cute. I always remember to never drink out of the lower fountain. I'm sure all the mothers are horrified.

My friend Gail brought her dogs over this afternoon to go for a walk with us. She also brought her friend Katelyn. There were several attempts at a group photo, but trying to get 4 dogs and 2 people to all look at the camera at once was way beyond my photography skills! The challenge was to get a decent picture of She-Ra because Gail doesn't own any. This dog moves around way too much. Tahoe will sit still and pose where I place him. She-Ra can't sit still. I tried my best! She-Ra, Loki, Jack, and Gail...

In honor of the time change last weekend, I took some springy pictures this afternoon. I am so lucky to have this beautiful park that is literally up the street. Tahoe loves to go each day and is really anxious to go as soon as I get home from work.

Wisdom!

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and true religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
-John Adams

I heard this a couple of weeks ago and thought of how relevant it is today.

Advertisin' for Ralphs...

I like to shop at Ralphs. It can be kind of pricey if you don't stick to the club card items, but the store by my house is really safe and clean, so I always go there. Last week I discovered if you register your Ralphs Rewards Card online at Ralphs.com you can participate in the Community Contribution Program. Ralphs will donate up to 4% of your purchases, depending on how much you spend, to various organizations. I was happy to see that Riverside Life Services is on their list. This is a prolife center that provides free counseling and assistance to women who are facing a crisis pregnancy. I know that donations to places like this have to be way down this year, and it only took me a few minutes to register. So now when I spend 3 bucks for a pound of apples, at least I'll be helping out a very good charity!

Gran Torino

Well, it's a 1970 Chevy Malibu... This movie was really good! I love Clint Eastwood! My dad is like Clint Eastwood in this movie in a few ways, so it made me laugh. First of all, he owns lots of tools and is really handy at fixin' stuff! He fixes all kinds of stuff for me around my house... he is REALLY, the best dad! Second, he has this car that he completely restored himself ( I am so proud of him!) It is a car that has been in our family since it's inception. It was purchased new by my uncle, then owned by my grandparents, then given to my mom, then given to my sister... I even drove it to high school for a short time before all the work on it began. It used to be rusty, but now it's shiny and new! Like Clint Eastwood, he polishes it up and sits on his porch and stares at it... Last but not least, just like Clint Eastwood, he keeps a rifle by the door in case someone trys to steal it! I love my dad!