An Original

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If Jim and I have our facts straight, this barn is the only surviving structure from the ranch that covered the valley we will be living in. The property was purchased and developed in the early 1970's. I am eager to find time for research on the area.

Close to Home

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I can't resist "drive-by photography". Besides, sometimes it's the only way I can photograph a particular scene, and I lack the self-discipline to pass it by. This is just outside the town that is closest to our community. At this point, we were only ten-twenty minutes from our house.

January in Bear Valley

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Posting here has been sporadic, at best; but, I expect to do better within a few weeks. I am looking forward to having more time to spend on my websites and on photography, in general.

Yesterday,we spent the day in Bear Valley—signing papers and making it official. Early next week, we get the keys to our house and we will officially own two mortgages—we hope that doesn't last very long. It was lovely to spend some time there and remember why we are doing all this work.

The shot above was taken in one of the community campgrounds. I have a feeling I will be spending some time up there with the oak trees. The snow had fallen the night before—more snow fell during the day—and turned the entire valley into a wonderfully picturesque scene. I didn't want to be cooped in offices and busy with the final "walk-through". On the other hand, I wasn't eager to go for a long hike, since the warmest it got all day was about 34 degrees. Not the ideal weather for a southern californian and former central Texas gal. I was by far happiest when we had time for a drive around the valley and a little bit of shooting from outside the car window. It looks as though, I will have to get over being such a wimp about the weather.