Back to reality

[emilyB]

Smooth flight and greetings that were wet and sloppy - you guessed, it my dog came to the airport and almost ate me!  Luckily I thought to have dog treats in my carry on.

The day before I left my daughter drove me through a beautiful area of many new homes called "The Colonies".  It was a neighborhood that had been planned with walking paths and a man made lake - lots of trails to walk the dog or jog.  A lot of the houses were hacienda style and the landscaping throughout was really lovely.  It is also within walking distance of a big shopping area with every store imaginable.  I don't think we could be convinced to move back although I miss the family so much.  California is so expensive and it gets so hot in the summer in the south part, but it is so nice to visit, so I guess we will just have to keep going back and forth.

I took a some pictures of my daughter's garden.  It is built on levels and on the top level they have a sports court.  There are lizards everywhere and there was a bobcat on the front doorstep a couple of months ago.  It backs up on to the hills, so there is always a concern when the Santa Ana winds blow and fires start.

[emilyB]

I was being watched!

[emilyB]

The dogs are getting older and arthritic, except for the new corgi just one year old that my granddaughter has.  He can get away with stealing a bone from right under big Jim's nose, the shepherd.  I have never seen anything move so fast on such stubby little legs - he goes like a bullet.

[pacifica]

Hannah gave you a sloppy but passionate hello huh?lol. What sweet dogs in those pictures...& lush green lawns! aw cutie w/ the stubby little legs.: D

Love that adorable kitty you had posted about....... looking at you from the window, your new little buddy! Beautiful grounds and area, glad you had such a nice time with family, Emily.

[takncarabizniz]

Gorgeous...and thank you for sharing the pictures...
 
I trust your trip was good and yet, I sense you're glad to be home...

[sunshine]

Very pretty place....welcome home.

[luvtimes]

glad you made it back...

[emilyB]

Thank you and yes I do love Oregon - it is so much more a simple but full life.  Sometimes I think that California is shallow when I see all the indulgence but I am always torn with missing family although we all try to go back and forth.   My son would like to get out of Vegas but his job keeps him there and that is a town where the novelty wears off fast!

When I sit out on the front porch of our daughter's house I can always count on a little visitor.  I forgot to add this photo.

[pacifica]

That's right, we can't forget our lizard buddies doing push ups: )  Lots of blue bellies here in s.cal.

The only other lizard I've seen here:
I haven't seen it for a couple years now but about 5-6 years ago saw my first skink lizard...then saw a baby skink the next year. So must have had a pair here.  Not cute like the blue bellies; I thought it was a snake at first...but saw far-apart legs and arms ---and had a slithering tongue like a snake

[emilyB]

Yes, isn't it funny how those lizards do push-ups.  I don't think I like the sound of those skinks.  Our daughter gets rattlers come down from the hills, so we always have to be aware when we walk around the grounds.