Merry Christmas

It's hard to believe yet another Christmas is here and will soon be gone. Take this time to reflect on the birth of Christ and what a gift He is to us all.  May each of you experience the Love of God and his Peace during this holiday season, enjoying the little things we take for granted everyday, especially the love of family and friends.

Merry Christmas ...to one and all

Saying Good-Bye to A Friend

Christmas 2000

My Sister emailed me this morning to let me know their Cocker Spaniel, Jake had gone to "Doggie-Heaven" yesterday.  He was a true friend to the end of his life.

On a Christmas Day sixteen years ago,  a little puppy was introduced to the family.  At that time the Shupp's lived in Huntington Beach.  Over the first two thirds of Jake's life he lived as a "beach dog".  Running, playing and growing with the family.  Big changes happened in 2004.  Jake moved with the family to Montana and the life of a "ranch dog" started for him.  What a change that must have been for Jake, but he didn't complain, just loved being with his family.  He will be missed.

Rainbow Bridge 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

Relaxing at the Ranch

An Old Tradition at Chief Joseph Ranch

Once again I have managed to find my way to the ranch for a much needed rest.  The daily routine here becomes non-existent for me.  Just relaxing, visiting, going for long walks to the river, lazy afternoons reading and photography, my favorite past time.  Best of all is the time with friends and family.

I rose early and made the trek to LAX, then taking a short two hour flight to Missoula, Montana.  Bob and Janet picked me up and off we went.  First stop was quick lunch, then driving a short hour and a half to Darby.  Finally through the well known gates onto the ranch property, home away from home.  It had been two years since I was here due to my Mom's health.  I was happy to be back again.

The second day on the ranch, I was asked to participate in a ritual that has been repeated every Spring and Fall since 1886.  We loaded up in a ranch truck and inched our way along a private dirt road back to a small series diversion dams that direct water from Tin Cup Creek to irrigation trenches feeding the ranch and many neighbors along the way.  The truck was about half again as wide as the road and it made for a precarious drive. 

Once arriving at the site for the final diversion dam, we made our way over to the creek and Bob put on his waders and went in the water.  Wading over to the dam that they had built in the Spring.  The dam consisted of large boulders and several logs with plastic tarps wrapped around them.  Bob proceeded to move the boulders and secure the logs from what will come the following spring as the snow melts further up in the mountains.  We were able to assist at times, but pretty much it was a one man show.

After spending several hours there we made our way back to truck and drove back down the trail, out on the highway and back to the familiar entrance of The Chief Joseph Ranch.  It was a nice day that while work for Bob and Janet, was as outing far away from the daily routine of Orange County and working in an office for myself.

Family Camping San Clemente State Park

One of my favorite past-times is camping with the family.  This past week we scheduled some time together to celebrate our family, life and nature.

Packed and ready to go - everything else is in the van

The first day was spent traveling to our camp site at San Clemente State Park in Southern California.  Since we live less than an hour away the trip was short, but the packing long.  It's amazing how much equipment it takes to support eight people for three days!  Once we were loaded, off we went...

"Marshmallow Roast"

After setting up our tents, canopy, toys, etc., it was almost dinner time.  Casey prepared a great camp meal while Nana tended to the little ones.  Later in the evening was of course the ritual of the "Marshmallow Roast" and smores feast.  It's fun to watch the expressions on the children, wondering what is going through their young imaginations. Justin and Caitlen made a guest appearance each night after they got off work, making it special.  

Jared with Aiden, Caleb and Seth

The second day was dedicated to exploring the park and the beach.  Playing in the waves and building sand creations.  Jared spent time with each of the boys, taking them out into the waves to experience the power of the ocean in the safety of his control.  Each of the boys came back with stories of huge waves crashing on them and how fun it was.

Caleb and Grace playing in the sand

Family Hike

Later in the day after some restful naps by some, the boys rode their skateboards and razor scooters up and down  our site, only running into my truck only once.  The scar produced (on the truck) will be cherished for years to come.  We also went on a hike exploring new trails to the beach below.


During the evening we had a surprise visit from Janessa who came down to spend the last night with us after finishing her day at the office.  Her boys were so excited to see her.  Then she got up early the next morning to make it back to work.

Aiden and Seth - Brothers Forever

The final day we had time for one more short walk around the campground before it was of course, time to pack out.  It was short, but worth all the memories and enjoying God's creation. 

What does it mean to be an American?

  

 Happy Fourth of July weekend to all.

I came across this news article in our paper today. What does it mean to be an American? | The Orange County Register

I was interested to see all the posts from our readers.  Most positive and some negative, rightly so for some of them in my opinion.

Personally  I am thankful for those that protect us and to our forefathers insight and their belief in God.  I pray that our nation will return to those principles that made us a great nation.  I also pray for God's direction for our leaders.

Seth's 4th Birthday

Another fun day at the park celebrating Seth's forth birthday. Good family times and a very busy month!

Grace's First Birthday Party

Big party at Dana Point Harbor for Gracie with family and friends there to celebrate.  The weather was perfect and so was the company.