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Jun | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
On the 1st, Jef started a couple of projects at Big Rock, did some shopping, and drove Kathy to MD. Jackfruit is the biggest tree-born fruit in the world. This is at the cool Asian store near Kathy's MD Kathy at our early anniversary dinner Kathy & Jef - Kathy got this dessert on the house for our anniversary On the 2nd, Jef finished some projects & Kathy cleaned the Big Rock house before we packed an went back to Borrego. Project nearly completed at left is shelf for TV, and partly completed - new ceiling fan top right to be completed next visit On the 3rd, Kathy started late this day, so Jef drove to PO to pick up new bed pump and fixed up Kathy's air bed, which was causing her back pain by going flat when she slept. Called J&T and they came and picked up car, later identifying problem as a failed starter. On the 4th, a very busy day at the office. Jef took off and drove to MD appointment. Had a blow-out 15 minutes shy of MD office. Had no jack in car, so had to call AAA. Managed to get to MD before he left for the day, got x-rays, and fracture was essentially healed. On way back, on Montezuma Valley Rd, saw car stopped in middle of road, and noticed a cow had gotten loose and was walking along road. Then, halfway down the grade, saw a van being loaded on a tow truck. That not being enuff, noted a bumper along road near bottom of grade, followed by blinking red & blue of cop who was attending to the rest of a car(a car had probably taken curve too fast). Jef made it to work, and worked another 4 hours. After AAA swapped the shredded tire with the spare On the 5th, another long day at the office. On the 6th, yet another long day at the office. Meter still heading south Kathy smiling as she's leaving work with a beautiful sunset Panorama of sunset On the 7th, after a very hectic, long day at the office, dined at El Borrego with David. Dining at El Borrego David had tacos, which he said were similar to those he sampled in Mexico City, Jef had steak rancheros, and Kathy had a carne asado burrito On the 8th, Kym & Sharon drove to Slab City. Jef, David and Kathy did some work at the office. The Morgans came over for dinner and to learn how to do streaming. Jef playing with Roku control for first time ever. Liked the lineup on Amazon On the 9th, mostly took it easy in bed most of the day, but then made a batch of posole for dinner. Kathy hearding doggies away from smells on the shoulder of the road, after lap with doggies, Jef & Kathy continued - 4 miles was the longest Jef walked since breaking ankle On the 10th, Kathy was out sick, so cancelled a full day at the office, Jef caught up on paperwork. On the 11th, Kathy was still out sick, so cancelled another full day at the office. Jef worked at office all day to try to catch up. Kathy felt well enough for a home care patient. Later that night, she noticed a leak in washing machine. She took drain off to find clog and found a way to drain it without getting too much water on floor, but apparently didn't close drain sufficiently, as when she did next load, Jef walked into kitchen and stepped in water. About 500 square feet of house was buried in a giant puddle. We worked til midnite getting rid of the water. The new shop vac Jef just got on Amazon sucked up most of the water. On the 12th, Kathy was well enuff to do a full day at the office. That night, Kathy accidentally broke her favourite crystal glass. She shouted for Jef to help her, but he was sound asleep & woke up 15 minutes later after Kathy cut her feet up walking barefoot while cleaning it up. Jef woke up and helped with clean-up, but was still pretty tired. Paloverdes started blooming again at the office We dined at El Borrego this evening at the first 2 for 1 special this week - we all got tacos Sunset at El Borrego On the 13th, Jef drove Kathy to Escondido for MD appointment. Afterwards we shopped & washed the car. We got back to Borrego before dark, and went for a walk, but Jef was too tired to do a 2nd lap with Kathy. At the Asian store by Kathy's MD, they sell garlic in big packages. Kathy wanted Stacey to see this, as Stacey cooks with a lot of garlic We returned home with this clean car On the 14th, back to work a very long day at the office. El Borrego had a 2 for 1 deal on the last day before closing for the summe Carlos dancing with customer - last day coincided with a graduation fiesta David's parents dancing behind David Graduation partiers in background On the 15th, Jef, Kathy & David went to the office to work. Jef found the main computer didn't work, so took computer & spare home. After resting a bit, started swapping power supplies with spare, but after getting half way with this, noticed a loose wire. Tightened it up with wire nut and tried main computer. It worked, so took computer back to the office and did a little more work. Jef took it easy the rest of the day, as he was zonked. On the 16th, took it easy until Mary called. She was to come to our house, but got lost, so Jef picked her up and brought her to Weststar so that Kathy could show her the virtues of streaming entertainment & using an Ooma. Afterwards, Jef & Kathy went to David's birthday party. |
Water balloons started flying at David's party Josue tossing a fastball(oon) at this person's back A defense is to catch balloon and throw it back... doesn't always work Oh, the humanity! Watch out for David's dad - he's pissed it's also father's day! After pink balloon is released A blue balloon in flight over the girls David's mom apparently hit his dad, as explosion of water can be seen behind his back (at right) Looks like a geyser erupting from his pants! Out comes the water guns! Kathy brings out the big gun - a hose! Lupita's husband pulls another weapon out of the ice chest - a big bucket of water Hey, look! Another hose! Josue & David's dad turned off water after Kathy demonstrated how to be a pain David attacking with a pitcher of water Water war recess as it's time for birthday cake David's dad demonstrates how to use a top David & his cake Feliz cumpleanos? Oh. Happy Birthday for us gringos. Mom & pop with 3 sons Photo ops by the cake Forget about the candles - dive into the cake! What cake? Lupita's family with David Josue became a cake in the face victim Interesting contrails seen on our walk this evening Clouds to the southeast On the 17th, back to work a long day at the office. Moon rising over library Kym & Kathy lit Tiki lamps as we had drinks in back this evening |
On the 18th, another long day at the office. On the 19th, after a shortened day at the office, Jef & Kathy went on their usual 4 mile walk. Some plants are still blooming - even this creosote which is also heavily loaded with seeds We spotted a fire not far from Fonts Point this evening Kathy had to herd Mia away from smells by the side of the road - here she is going back for the doggie Light is dim, but many smoke trees like this one are in full bloom Several emergency vehicles went to the fire, like the light to the left here Fire (of still unknown origin - but high skool just got out) continued into the night On the 20th, a fairly long day at the office. The library this afternoon On the 21st, after a long day at the office, Jef & Kathy went to dine at the Fox Den at La Casa. Kathy with Fox Den mural in background Jef & Kathy taken by bartender On the 22nd, after getting a little rest, we went to Morgans, showed them how to stream, dined on Calicos pizza, and checked out the jacuzzi - windstorms earlier in the week had made the pool too dirty, and Pam & Kathy had to throw a dead mouse out of the jacuzzi before we got in. On the 23rd, after mostly sleeping thru the day, Kathy took out her bike while Jef walked their usual 4 mile course. Peanut & Kathy heading up WestStar Kathy's new trike Bob & Bernie's yucca bloom On the 24th, back to work another long day at the office with new PT aide, Karen. On the 25th, another long day at the office. On the 26th, too long of a day at the office, so Kathy didn't get her desired walk in. This threw her off for the rest of the week. Jef's fault, of course. On the 27th, another fairly long day at the office. On the 28th, Jef took off for dentist, and then made 7 more stops (mostly at stores) before returning to Borrego. Rest of crew was still finishing up when arrived back. Jef unpacked and then went to Arches with Kathy, as we haven't went there for a long time. We both had negative reviews, but Jef thot food was okay. Kathy pruning canna lily Cool sunset this evening by Carlee's Dining at the Arches On the 29th, tried catching up on paperwork at the office. Sunset this evening Who is that masked doggie? It's Black Bark! Whatcha doin' Black Bark? Oh! Done with her laps - she's a big lap dog Jef & Kathy Sunset colours lasted quit a long time this evening, so must be clear to the coast Light is fading, but not the colours On the 30th, mostly zoned out all day. Fixed a picture frame, Kathy's trike tail-light, and tried/failed to fix tile. Made burrito fixings for dinner in coming week. Picked grapes and then went on usual 4 mile walk (first lap with doggies). Had 2nd round of fish tacos for dinner. Kathy picking grapes on top of the veranda Repairing flood damage around midnite - Kym forgot to turn off water to pool | |||||||||||||||||||||
May | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
On the 1st, back to work a full day at the office. Jef limped around, bearing weight on L ankle for first time in over a week. On the 2nd, a very long day at the office. On the 3rd, after seeing a few patients at the office, we packed and drove to Santee with doggies. Kathy had Thai food and Jef Mexican food, as they did take out at 2 nearby eateries. On the 4th, Jef drove Kathy to MD and we did some shopping on the way home to Borrego. On the 5th, Kathy was out of sorts, but we did go over to OW and bought a used trike. Testing out Kathy's new trike in OW Kathy drove out into the desert, even tho it was way out of adjustment for her After the 2nd expedition, Walt & Jef got her off the trike and loaded it in the Jeep On the 6th, Kathy was not feeling well, so cancelled out a very full day at the office. Paloverdes still blooming strong On the 7th, a short day at the office for Kathy, who saw the dentist this afternoon. Miller time These aloe-like plants were blooming good for first time in years The DEVIL DOG Kathy testing out trike at home On the 8th, a long day at the office. Panorama at the circle BAI Kathy got her flowers based on seeing them at the BAI Looking down Borrego's main street Jef's L leg much more swollen than R On the 9th, a very long day at the office. The "Sun Gold Monster" Sunset this evening On the 10th, a particularly long and brutal day at the office. Mexican Mother's Day celebration occurred near our office at the end of our day. Kathy was not feeling well, so we skipped going out this evening. Mexican Mother's Day celebration near our office this afternoon On the 11th, Kathy still not feeling well. Jef did some catch-up at the office. On the 12th, Kym got back from wedding in WA. Linked up with Pam & her sister at El Borrego Mother's Day buffet - Chicken Rancheros, crab & shrimp enchiladas, etc. Jef drove Kathy's new trike around circle while Kathy & doggies walked Fields of gilia blooms abounded in our neighborhood as the hike/trike extended all the way to the old country club Kathy approaching old country club Arriving home - note stormy weather in mountains Pool needs draining & cleaning after the winter On the 13th, a long day at the office. Sunset panorama at the office On the 14th, a difficult very long day at the office with Jef & Kathy, as Kym was out sick. On the 15th, a tough medium long day at the office with just Jef & Kathy. Lenticular cloud Chief Rain in Face is smokin' as Kathy walks (Jef still on trike) Clouds got some colour by the end of our walk Arriving home |
On the 16th, another long day for Jef & Kathy at the office, with Kym sick and David doing a parent/teacher thing at his college. Rain in mountains has been common of late On the 17th, Jef went to dermotologist for 1st time & had wart burned off with liquid nitrogen. Then packed and drove Kathy & doggies to Scripps to see ortho for her hip, did some shopping & stopped by Sid - who just happened to have returned from 2 weeks in Australia. He said he'd come to poker next day, if he wasn't sick. Jef walked 1st mile with David & Kathy who completed the Mesa loop. We had take-out Estradas Mexican fare for dinner this evening. Poppy blooming in raised garden Nopal cactus flower Meter still heading south Weed flower Unknown yellow flower Note grapes at top left and Texas rangers in full bloom Kathy & David starting their Mesa loop hike going thru field of blooming mustard Jef turned around at this point Chamois flowers Black sage flowers Lotus flowers Unknown little yellow flowers Red variety of bush monkey flowers Wild buckwheat is last flower that will be blooming Close up of mustard bloom A couple types of mustard back lighted by sun Arriving home On the 18th, Jef mowed lawns & weeded. Then he & David re-did floor of bedroom by garage while Daniel(David's cousin) & Kathy did further weeding & trimming in front yard. Kathy made caneloni for poker group - also had salad & corn-on-cob. Jef won 3. After ripping out old floor, this is midway thru re-assembly Chair behind Craig broke and collapsed - he's an invalid here But he miraculously got better The poker gang On the 19th, packed up and left Santee, arriving home in Borrego with a big load of supplies & doggies. It rained this morning - this is panorama of cleaned up front yard Back in Borrego, time for another walk - this time Jef walked Rain on other side of mountains was just nice clouds over Borrego On the 20th, back to work a long day at the office. Rainbow this morning - we did get a little rain Enuff rain for a few puddles On the 21st, a medium day at the office with 4 cancellations. Sad state of pool Raised garden features a gladiolus coming up Sunset this evening |
Cool place for some artwork - on a dishwasher The imposing "Sun Gold Monster" this evening On the 22nd, a fairly short day at the office. Jef & his fractured ankle walked 2 laps with Kathy & dogs (Kym did 1 lap) for a total of about 2.5 miles. Yet another rainbow this morning Strong winds blew down this branch at the Mall Kym bribing doggies after our 3rd spur Cool clouds On the 23rd, a long, busy day at the office. Still have cool, blustery weather. Clouds hugging mountain tops signals strong winds down in Borrego Sunset this evening On the 24th, another long day at the office. Somebody takes way too many pix - somebody had 2 tacos & salad this evening at Carmelitas On the 25th, Jef worked at office & then we bar-b-qued some ribs & had the Morgans over for dinner. We also had baked taters & salad Peanut showing off prized rib bone - before ignoring it and letting other dog(s) steal it On the 26th, walked a lap with doggies around our circle before getting on trike and accompanying Kathy to old country club & back on this cool, windy day. 65°F at 2:45pm an May 26, 2019 in Borrego!!! coldest May ever Heading out on our hike Panorama halfway around the circle Cool clouds today Kathy changed gear after dropping off doggies - here is the turn-around point at the old country club Kathy zig-zagged to extend our hike today Gilias Kathy's Memorial weekend gear Meter still heading south Amarylis blooming On the 27th, took it easy on this cool windy day. On the 28th, back to work a very long day at the office. Wind had stopped and temperatures again started up. A cactus flower in our front yard Catclaw in back yard is blooming On the 29th, a very long day at the office. After dropping off patient, took pic of verbena still blooming on side of the road Lazy S is too dangerous, so didn't stop to take verbena pics Sunset this evening On the 30th, another very long day at the office with 3 new patients. On the 31st, after a very long day at the office, found car wouldn't start, so left there all weekend. Then packed up and drove to Santee, getting pick up at Sab-E-Lee's just before they closed. Walked to work (to reclaim car left day before at the office) - here is one of my shortcuts where gilia are still blooming Healthy gilia bush Walked thru new park & library on way to office | |||||||||||||||||||||
Apr | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
On the 1st, back to work a very long day at the office. On the 2nd, another long day at the office. Beavertail starting to bloom in front yard Traced strange sounds this afternoon to this guy playing a tuba by Carmelitas On the 3rd, despite trying to shorten the day at the office, it was pretty long. Did about an hour hike just before it got dark to/from the old country club. Beavertails starting to explode Unusual sight - multiple (at least 6) parallel contrails visible to east as we were 10 minutes from finishing our hike Kathy tried cutting Mia's claws & failed after she bit Kathy - even with Jef trying to hold her still On the 4th, another very long day at the office. Beavertails in front On the 5th, Kathy saw one patient in the office before we drove to Santee. We spent the night at Big Rock house after going out to Banbu Sushi. Jef picked one of the 2 giant beets in the raised garden. The beet appeared in salads over the next 2 weeks and we cooked up the greens 2 days later Meter still going south Actually did clean the solar panels the following weekend Kathy took pix of her front yard with beavertail blooms and texted them to Stacey this day Brittlebush blooming at Big Rock house before Jef weeded & mowed Back yard before mowing - Jef only mowed half, as this visit was only 18 hours long On the 6th, Jef mowed/weeded around Santee house before taking Kathy & doggies to Escodido for MD appointment. We stopped & shopped at a new oriental store and at Stater's on way to Borrego after that. We stopped & did some wine tasting at new Edwards Winery on hill overlooking camel ranch. After arriving in Borrego, we dressed up and attended the final (perhaps) banquet of the Borrego Tennis Club. Wine tasting - some of those dots in background are grazing camels Wine tasting room is just a patio in front of this small shack Stopped and took a few pix of flowers near lake Henshaw Speeding car ghosts in this panorama Close up of yellow flowers in these pix Panorama by old stage stop on Warner Ranch Brittlebush blooming by Crawford Overlook View from Crawford overlook Closeup showing where WestStar is located The QUimbys & Linda Barnet sat at our table at the banquet Outgoing president of the club was the emcee Looks like attendence was about 40 at the banquet at the Palm Canyon Resort On the 7th, stopped by to watch last matches at The Courts and say goodbye to some of the club, many of which I may never see again. Kathy & Jef hiked Glorietta Canyon this afternoon. Tony is one of the top tennis players residing in Borrego Al is difficult to play against, as he doesn't show where he will hit the ball, doesn't look like he'll hit it hard... and hits it VERY HARD! Peg serving Small turnout at the awards ceremony Top division winners Lower division winners Mike won drawing for $100 for the 4 who participated in all tournaments 32 still around at end had these group photos taken by Kathy The "Loch Tomatillo Monster" Kathy behind some blooming cholla Brittlebush not quite at peak yet. Flying object in this pic is a Painted Lady flutterby - there are still many in the area Ocotillo, chuparosa, desert lavender & brittlebush blooming in this pic Kathy is way ahead of the dawdling photographer heading up to the first pass Beavertail is among the blooms Creosote blooms behind this blooming barrel cactus Getting close to the 2nd pass more brittlebush are near peak bloom Odd shape of century plant flower just before blooming Outside of many plants are accented by the sun behind them Hedgehog cactus blooms in a dense grouping of desert plants Kathy is in the background of this very colourful scene with Hedgehog cactus blooms in foreground Kathy ascending close to 2nd pass At 2nd pass looking into Tubb Canyon This is our usual turnaround point, but Kathy pushed us to a further viewpoint |
Looking to WestStar/EastStar, what appears to be 2 houses low in this pic, we found out to be illegal un-permitted structures - the left is made from 2 stacked shipping containers and the right is a shade for a trailer - we found this out on our next hike Panorama at 2nd pass Kathy cleaning out burrs from her socks Leading the way to the 3rd pass Beavertail blooming Top left is road that goes up mountain to Tubb Canyon middle spring View from this 3rd pass includes houses in Tubb Canyon - this view is blocked from 2nd pass Kathy is pleased to find such an all-encompassing view - from Tubb Canyon to Rams Hill On the way back. This 3+ hour hike only covered 2 miles according to Jef's GPS On the 8th, a long, but fairly easy day at the office with some cancellations. On the 9th, another very long day at the office. On the 10th, our shortened day allowed us a little hike this evening. Beavertail still going strong We hiked the circle with the doggies - skipping any further hiking, as Kathy's back was bothering her On the 11th, a very long day at the office. On the 12th, another long day at the office. We had 2 no shows at the end, so got off at a reasonable time, so we got to dine at El Borrego. Clouds building up this morning Wound up with a fairly cloudy day Beyond the gas station are ocotillos and paloverdes starting to bloom On the 13th, Jef & Kathy made a giant pot of veggie chile for a dinner at the Morgans with a 3rd couple. Before that, we went on an approximately 3 mile hike to the local ocotillo forest. Meter still heading south Kathy's recipe is quick and dirty with mostly canned ingredients. Her new stainless steel cooking pot was used for the first time The mesquite had recently lost all their leaves, but are starting to send out new ones Descending from our sand dune into the ocotillo forest Panorama from outskirts of forest Heading on in 3 blooming century plants in the forest We continue on, but look back towards Fonts Point Palm trees of the remote beavertail ranch are in the distance Kathy in the forest We stumbled on this newly created squatter's nest Something unexpected in the ocotillo forest Constuction is a shaded patio over a few shipping containers Another structure is a shaded patio covering a travel trailer View to the north Some cool artifacts lying about Interesting not-to-code staircase made with small steel steps welded onto steel beam, also note the license plates Looking at whole facility - note the elevated water tank Angel by motocycle with antlers for handlebars We backtracked to the main entrance - this is the fork to the place, but the main road is a locked barbed wire gate Without being connected to the grid, we don't believe what this sign says Back on Wagon, this indigo bush is blooming by another lot that is sometimes used as a campground by owners We came home from the rear - to see Jef's recent cleaning job of the solar panels We dined in the front patio of the Morgan residence Jim is in good spirits despite having a broken foot that he doesn't yet know to be broken On the 14th, Jef woke up on the Morgan sofa at 1:30 am, after drinking too much at the party. Kathy had been working on Jim's foot, which we later found out he had fractured earlier in the day. We took it easy most of the day, recovering. On the 15th, a long day at the office, compounded with 3 new patients. On the 16th, another very long day at the office. On the 17th, after a shortened, but long day at the office, we took doggies on walk around the circle and then continued on to old country club, going about 3.5 miles altogether. Kathy was hurting the whole way, but was determined to complete the hike. We rendezvoued with Kym at the Lapped Circle spur, completing rest of circle with her and Black Bark These helicopters flew in and made 2 wide circles above us Military choppers Flying in 2nd circle Kathy stopped to smell these indigo blooms On the 18th, another very long day at the office. Paloverdes are in full bloom. This is what we look out at from our office |
On the 19th, after a very long day at the office, we dined at Carmelita's. Note the drifts of yellow blossoms in the parking lot Sunset this evening Paloverde blooms Jef had "wet" super burrito for dinner at Carmelita's this evening On the 20th, we cooked our contribution to the Easter potluck in Oriflame Canyon the following day after Jef did some work at the office. Our back yard late this afternoon Remnants of 2 Tombstone rose blooms Tulip tree blooming behind our swing The outside living room On the 21st, got up early, met John's group at Xmas Circle, and drove in a 5 vehicle caravan to Oriflame Canyon. We picked the least windy spot to set up camp. Went on a few hikes around. Before going on a longer hike, Jef broke his ankle and the trip was cut short - Kathy drove home (with a couple of detours on the way stopping at a couple of our medical frients). Kathy helped Charles get a rattle snake from under his car, and he assessed it, suggesting coming in the next day for an xray. Lead cars in expedition to Oriflame Fallen tree created an arch over the creek at the campsite I would later slip on this boulder containing a mortero Lots of water Yet another invasive mustard - this is also doing well along Palm Canyon Drive by the Mall This area was chosen for the potluck due to less wind - it was a breezy day Doggies taking advantage of available grass John (L) - expedition leader John thought there looked like a trail in cliff in background These 3 girls are doing a re-take of pic of 3 of 'em 20+ years ago View from (perhaps man-made, perhaps animal) trail on cliff We saw indian paintbrush on "trail" from below - here is close up of them and a succulent Indian Paintbrush in full bloom Looking down at our "dining area" by the creek Patch of brittle bush making this hill very yellow John walking on the "trail" Looking back at our picnic site To give an idea of steepness of hillside, John is upright Kathy was not all there this day - she started this little excursion by tripping and falling in the creek Did Kathy choose wisely in navigating the menacing vegetation? Maybe not! These stairs are part of the WPA project to create this (now a ghost) camp Peanut, Mia and John Looking north our Easter buffet is behind slope at left John had found this geo-cache-like box 10 years ago, his note from then is still there, and we added to it We took the box (at John's foot) to camp to have everyone sign in Mia was most interested in Kathy's rejects of the ham The back of John's Jeep was the "bar" where we made red beers Easter feasters There are morteros? Kathy: "Yeah, I'll take you to see them... Jef take the doggies, but don't follow us with the doggies, or you'll slip and break your ankle... oops, didn't hear that last part! Jef broke his left ankle, so can still drive Jef's scraped up knee On the 22nd, went to the clinic, got an x-ray and found my ankle was indeed fractured. Kathy was too wiped out to work, so we cancelled all 12 patients for that day. On the 23rd, back to work a long day at the office with Jef coming in on crutches and going home with a walker. On the 24th, a moderate day at the office. Kathy equipped Jef with a wheelchair. A patient loaned us a wheelchair for home. Kathy walked with Kym and the doggies, but without "the gimp". Most of flowers were gone from our yard, but paloverde and ocotillo were still blooming Krameria erectus is purply bush in foreground - normally flowers aren't so pronounced. Paloverde in background On the 25th, another long day at the office. On the 26th, after a very long day at the office, we dined at El Borrego - outside for 1st time this year, as it was warm enuff. On the 27th, mostly took it easy at home. Jef's swollen, discoloured foot(L) beside R foot Jef had "brat dogs" for dinner this evening On the 28th, mostly took it easy at home. Kathy bar-b-qued some marinated chicken and carne asada. Kathy gave doggies bones this morning On the 29th, back to work a very long day at the office. On the 30th, after working half a day on a busy office day, Jef drove to SD to see ortho, who said "That's a nothing fracture... stop using walker and walk". Jef returned to finish out day after last patient left. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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