Where the Heart Is

082010: The sun setting on another day at Topaz Lake. Seemingly an average day, but not really.

Customers all day long preparing to go home. Packing, cleaning, squeezing in the last of fun, and saying goodbyes. The summer is winding down and as our friends check out, making new reservations for next year, they are already looking forward next year's vacation.

They are going home to where their heart is, but many are leaving a bit of their heart here.

It will wait for them until next time, until next year. And when they come back it will feel like coming home.

Until next year, folks......

Start to Finish

072510: Today. It was a good day. Not only did I start out the day by wanting to and then finding the time to pick up my camera for a quick moment, but it was my birthday. I celebrated today.

The day started with the oncoming storm clouds that stayed all day long. Today I went and played bingo at the Lodge with the girls. (I lost!) Today I had a panick attack as I watched a midday storm unleash its' wind and rain upon our little Park, whilst I played bingo. Today I relaxed with family and friends. Laughed and drank (water, of course....) and ate dinner in the cool evening air. Visited more, drank more (okay, wine after dinner) and laughed more. Today we watched the day's storms turn into a glorious pink sunset accented by a beautiful bright rainbow.

Today I worked little, played a lot and enjoyed my time with family and friends. Today I took the day off (mostly) and it was a good day.

I enjoyed today, and now I'm more tired than when I work a full day. (I don't know how you vacationers here at the Park manage all this fun...) So now that today is nearly over I thank you all for a great birthday ~ including all the wishes, the hugs, the food, the wine and the laughs. From start to finish it was a perfect day.

It's All About the Families

071210: Throughout each season here, there are many family reunions. My own family not excluded....

This week is our Stevens/Johnson/Gross/Purmalis family reunion. There are Grandmas, Grandpas, Moms & Dads, Brothers & Sisters, Uncles & Aunts, Cousins, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins & 3rd cousins, and more kids than I can think of...

I believe we have 59 people, 5 boats, & 14 sites all told.

Photo is evidence of the daily gathering on the boats at the dock.

If you tune into the LakeCam everyday this week between 2pm - 6pm you can watch the live version of "Stevens Nation."

God's Eye

070610: I took this photo about a week ago. Maybe longer. Not sure as I've been so busy lately. None-the-less, I remember how pretty the darkened blue morning clouds were with the rising sun behind. The clouds were lined in slivers of gold as the rays of light reached towards the rippling waters below.

I wanted to share this with you. And just as I chose this photo to post, I noticed something new in the photo.

Can you see it? Upper left hand corner. A tiny little rainbow.

Sometimes we get caught up in the obvious splendor and overlook the minute beauty around us.

234 Years Ago

070410: It is not uncommon to see the American flag flying somewhere in the Park. Numerous customers through the season will fly their flag, attaching the poles to their RV's in some manner.

I try to take the time to thank them and usually find that regardless if it is a holiday or not they fly the American flag when they set up their RV.

Today, there are flags flying throughout the Park. Independence Day is a special day for Americans. It's not an opportunity for a long summer weekend. It is a day set aside to remember why we free in this beautiful country of ours. It is the day that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence written on July 4th, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain. But we all should remember that everyday is independence day.

Whether you are vacationing, picnicking, or watching fireworks, enjoy today everyone. Have a safe holiday.

Somebody Call Webster, I've Got a New Word for Them!

062410: Fishermen. Fisherwomen. Or if you want to be "PC": Fisherpeople.

Whatever. They like to fish. And I write this post as a dedication to all the fisher...men.wo.ple who have been beyond thrilled this last week with the fishing. The weather finally turned and the fishing turned with it.

You know what? The fishing as been so good that they have been complainin' because the fish have been practically jumping in their boats & they are back by 8:00 am. So they come back to camp, smoke/eat their fish and stare at each other for the rest of the day.

It's feast or famine in the fishing world. Hence, there is no pleasin' those fishermenwoples!

(Don't be jealous, Chris. There's always next year.... We miss you, too.)

Welcome Home, Summer

062210: Well, summer is here finally. Probably. I think. I hope. The weather this year has been temperamental at best. In May the wind prevailed and the temperature never reached 80 degrees the entire month. That apparently was a record. It's June 22nd, folks, and today it going be the hottest day yet of 2010. That's just wacky!

With the Summer Solstice now past I hope we continue to see days like the last two days: A sunny day, with no wind, and ridiculously calm waters. This kind of weather translates to water fun, good fishing (GOOD FISHING!) and lots of laughter.

This is a view from the LakeCam taken only moments ago. The lake is practically full, but you can probably see that by the lack of beach! Many of the fishermen have already left for a day of "work." Later today you will see the kids playing in the water along with their moms floating nearby....

Where's your fishing pole? Where's your floaty? Where are you are? Don't you wish you were here now?

AnOtHeR SuNrIsE.......& yeah, it was windy

061810: Our summer season starts tomorrow for us. And our routine will change from our spring preparation to the weekly turnover we will experience until nearly the end of August.

During this busy summer I'll try to remember that we have a lake right out our back door. (Literally out our back door right now!) Believe it or not there are days that I don't appreciate that fact. And I'll keep my camera handy. It's been awhile since I posted a sunrise. I'll work on capturing more during the summer.

Right Under Your Feet

061710: I enjoy taking photos of the docks when they are being prepped to be moved. The dock level is sunk to it's lowest point so that it can be pulled further out of the water and then re leveled. Between the symmetry of the pipes, the reflection of the water and the sign laying on the dock adding the touch of interest for your eye, I find it all very pleasing.

For me, personally, I hold further regard for the docks as they hold a history of all the owners of the Park. Parts of the dock date back to the Thompson era. The docks as you see them were built by my dad during the Stevens era. He engineered the original concept and they have withstood the test of time. In our last ten years, we have rebuilt nearly everything but generally maintained the original concept.

Additionally, they are big, expensive, and require more maintenance year 'round then most people realize. We are diligent about the use of the docks in all aspects, but for good reason. We want to make sure they last for the next generation.

A Girl, A Grandma and Their Golf Car

061410: If you are a girl and you drive around your golf car more than your car, shouldn't it be adorned with flowers? I think so.

About 8 years ago, my grandma downsized her home and moved to a retirement community. I was the lucky recipient of her golf car. Of course I paid for it, gladly. And I desparately wanted her golf car as I had fond memories of riding with her around her mobilehome park community. She would always say, "Come on... Let's go for a ride, Julie."

Not long after I acquired her little red "cart" she corrected me: "It's not a cart. A cart has three wheels. A car has four wheels. So it's a golf CAR." I don't even care if she is right or not. If grandma says it's a golf car, then it's a golf car.

This little beauty is a G-16, 36-volt Yamaha and I love it. Our other golf cars are faster, but they are not P.O.B.M.G. (Previously Owned by my.... well, you get the picture...)

Now a few years back, my beloved grandma passed away, but nearly everytime I jump on my golf car I think of her. And if you hear me say aloud, "Come on Grandma, let's go for a ride...." well, now you know why.

If the Shoe Fits, Describe It!

061410: So, yeah, the Walker River, the West Walker River to be specific. It's a running. High. Wide. Fast. Heavy. I personally have never seen it running so swiftly. (Oops, there's another adjective!) We went on a little tour the other day to check it out.

Down we went to Topaz Lane and passed over the bridge. The river was at it's capacity, which was at floodstages. It was brown, mirky, & cold. (Adjective, adjective, adjective!) For some reason there were MANY cliff swallows flying around. Funny, since there weren't any nearby cliffs....

We ended up at the Day Use rest area about half way down the Walker River Canyon. Ummm, yeah, lots of water. I was kickin' myself because I forgot my video camera. I was amazed at the water flow and couldn't help but think of all the other times I had seen the river look like nothing more than a large babblin' brook. Check out this photo for a comparison: Click here!

On the way back to the Park we stop near high point as I wanted to capture the river inlet to the lake. Yes, I agree. Wow! And muddy, too. Yuck.

Oh, and did I mention that we stopped to coo at the little bebe goatlets on Topaz Lane? Well, David cooed, I took photos. Okay, I cooed a little, too. Will you look at those little bitty horns? So adorable. Yes, I know they are just baby goats, but "bebe goatlets" fits their adorableness. Yeah, I know, that's not a word either.

I know. Too many adjectives. But how can I describe the beauty around us without adjectives?

My Patience vs. Mother Nature

061110:

Dear Mother Nature,

With all due respect to your awesome powers and the abundant waters that you have bestowed upon us, could you and your winter team pack your bags of winter weather and go back to your Northern home?

Seriously, we welcome you and your team ~specifically Mr. Stormy Clouds, Mr. Blustery Winds, Mr. & Mrs. Rain-Snow, and Mr. Jet Stream ~ in the winter time, but check your calendar, ma'am, it's spring! The word 'Spring' means that life is trying to spring up! Flowers are trying to spring, birds are trying to spring, trees are trying to spring, and, well, we're trying to get some work done! (And we know you are busy managing weather all over the world, so should you need proof to our current conditions I have enclosed a photo taken at 6:19 this morning.)

And further more, have you been keeping up on the economy? It's bad enough that consumers are tightening their belts, so must you give them yet another reason not to go on a vacation?

Please go wake up Mr. Sunshine, Mr. Calm Breezes and Mr. Pleasant Evenings. Enough of this fickle work effort. It's time to show up to work permanently for the season. Come this November, we will put out our welcome mat for you and your winter team once again.

Thank you in advance for your efforts and consideration to this dire situation.

Respectfully,

Julie & All the Customers & Fishermen at Topaz Lake RV Park

*******

Anyone out there have Mother Nature's address?

7 Feet in 7 Days

060710: We've been a bit busy of late preparing for the incoming summer customers. In the meanwhile, our normal routine for June has been amped up a bit by the rising lake level. Mother Nature has turned on the faucet and left it running for the last week. The majority of water has been crusin' in the last three days and the lake level has been rising one inch per hour. That's ONE INCH VERTICALLY, people! Here's what that translates to visually....

At 6pm last evening, David raised the docks way out of the water! This is the North dock.

This morning at 6am, they are flat in the water.

A side view of the South dock at 6pm last evening.

And this morning at 6am.

Not since 2006 have the docks had to be raised twice a day due to the rising lake level. And the lake was full, full, full in 2006. The West Walker River, which is the inlet to the lake, is raging right now and it's maximum flow (called discharge, cubic feet per second) is second only to the flood of 1997. I'm going to try to get down to the river today to take photos.

The Gift

060310:

I've watched them stare for hours as they scope the land.

I've seen them soar the skies for their next meal.

I've listened to them call to each other and it has sent chills down my spine.

I've smiled as they have taught their young to hunt the waters.

I've marveled at their patience.
I've been in awe of their fierceness.

I've stared into the eyes of one and felt I had been given a gift rarely given.

I've been amazed by their beauty and grace, and it never gets old.

The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird. It is our national bird. It is a protected bird under the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918. It owns the land, the air and waters of Topaz.

I've watched these birds up close every winter. They have captured my attention, been the subject of my photos, and even after 10 years I am thrilled when I spy one in the skies above.

Today, I learned that one of the adult Bald Eagles was found dead beneath it's nest near the lake. Because of their status, there will be an investigation to determine it's cause of death. I pray that it was natural. Because I do not want to feel the anger I will feel should I learn otherwise.

Today, I mourned the loss of a skyward friend.

Science & Nature, (& a smidge of sarcasm)

060210:

Question: "Is the lake up?" or "Is the lake coming up?" or "Will the lake be full this year?"

Answer: "Yes", "Yes", & "I'm pretty sure it will be."

This a graph of the water level at Topaz Lake for the past week. The downward trend was the result of the cooling off period we experienced before Memorial weekend. On May 29th & 30th the weather turned warmer and as a result on May 31st the lake leveled off and started coming up yesterday. And since last night the rate of storage has increased more than compared to yesterday. If the warm weather continues as predicted the lake level will continue to rise until such time that it is full. This should occur sometime between the 3rd week of June and the 1st of July.

It's all very scientific, yet can be very unpredictable at times. And, just when we think we got the pattern dialed in, mother nature will throw a monkey wrench into the pattern. Why do we care enough to pay so much attention to all this data? Well, in addition to predicting the placement of our docks in the water, it helps us answer questions about the lake level more accurately. Because after spending hours and hours studying all this data, formulating the pattern and predicting the future lake level, we can crunch all the scientific jargon into layman terms and simply say: "Yes, the lake is coming up."

Aren't you impressed?

Our Bountiful Joy

051810: Tomatoes. Lettuce, peppers, homemade salsa, picante sauce & guacamole. More lemons than you can ever imagine. Loaves and loaves of hip-lovin' Schat's Bread. Wine, beer, champagne, soda, Saturday-water, apple martini's, BBQ'S (& BBQ'd food.) Strawberries, cherries, oranges & nectarines. Oh hell, all kinds of fresh fruit. Two boat trailers, fork lifts, buoys, and a catamaran. Homemade cakes & pies (from the blackberries in our own hills!) Parties, celebrations, dinner out, dinner in, meals-to-go, just a hair more than a few hangovers, compliments & gift certificates. Launching boats, cleaning sites, cleaning our bathrooms, watchful eyes & helping hands. Fish. Lots & lots of fish ~ canned & fillets. Tools, tool chests, rolls of electrical wire & propane bottles. Washable tattoos, T-shirts, hats, & polished stones. An old boat for a garden, orchids, daisies, irises, petunias, pansies, roses & just last week: hybrid geraniums. The other day: 12 glorious jars of an annual jam supply. Today: Candies (for moi!) & one dozen fresh brown eggs. Laughter, love, hugs, smiles, support, advice, encouragement, shoulders, sounding boards, security and truck loads of memories. Good stories, sad stories and the kind of stories that make you say, "Are you kidding me?"

And one day when I'm old n' gray I can sit back, smile and fondly remember all of these odd, delicious and generous gifts bestowed on us while we lived at Topaz Lake.

Springtime = Birdtime

051410: I was out in the Park today and upon walking back to my office I heard a bird up in the trees by the office. I had never heard this bird before, so I stood there and looked for it amongst the tangled branches. When I finally spied the bird, I knew I was looking at a Bullock's Oriole. Usually these little beauties live on the South end of the Park and build little hanging nests that look like sacks of woven hair and fishing line. I have never seen them on the North end of the Park, let alone heard them. I'm posting a link here so you can hear their call. This little male was chasing his mate through the canopies.

He was flittin' around so much I was lucky to catch a few poses in focus. This one cracked me up as he was perched on two different branches.

He is a pretty little guy and soon he and his mate will bring more little Bullock's Orioles to our Park.

A Mom Story. Kinda.

050910: Yesterday, a relative of one our customers came into say "Hi" and ask about guest charges. I know her but not well so we engaged in a little small talk for a few moments.

She was staying through the weekend and wanted to know if there were any guest charges. And she wanted me to know that Max came with her, too. I told her definitely there would be a guest charge for her and asked her how old Max was? She said he had just turned 4. It was then that I replied that guest charges apply at 5 years or older. She paused and then said "Okaaaay."

Later that day I was speaking to her mother-in-law (who I know much better.) The topic of her visiting family came up and I asked about Max. I hadn't seen this little child named Max, but her daughter-in-law had told me Max came with her. It was then I learned that Max was a dog, not the child I thought he was! I laughed out loud at the thought of my Abbott & Costello conversation with Max's mom. Later I ran into her and revealed my misunderstanding of Max's species. She laughed, too, admitting that she thought our age policy for dogs was a little strange, but she assumed I knew that Max was a dog because he had been here before. Admittedly, we can do a lot of strange things, but I have never considered charging only for dogs 5 years and older!

Re: Photo. I haven't posted a sunrise photo in quite awhile. I captured this one the other day. Sometime today, David & I are going to go out exploring and I plan to tote my camera along to catch the beauty of our surrounding areas. I wish all you ladies out there and beautiful Mother's Day.

Woman + Me = We

050710: It's Friday and it's a gorgeous day outside. I'm having trouble concentrating because I want to be outside soaking up the sun. But I have work to do. Hey, I wonder if David will move my desk outside?

Re: photo. We put the North dock in the water the other day. Well, technically "we" didn't do it as hubby pointed out to me. But I tell him that I say "we" meant in the singular tense. Just like when he says "we" need to go grocery shopping or when are "we" going to do some laundry? You know what I mean?

Well, enough of that. There is more than enough to do keep busy all day long. So I think "we" will go finish the laundry and "we" will do some vacuuming. Then maybe "we" will take a little nap and then have him make we something something for dinner.

Work, Shmurk

050310: The last few days have felt like spring. Finally. The warmth of the sun, the gentle breezes, the calm of the lake are beckoning all to come outside. It's hard to concentrate on the work to be done on days like this....

Sometime during the day yesterday the feeling of joy overcame me. It happens many times of the year/our season, but it only happens the "first" time once a year. Yesterday was that day. Much like today, the Park was alive with our fishermen and our fisherwomen. The social level and pure friendliness of all were abundant. Every one's joy was evident. My realization of this was because Mother Nature smacked me upside the head and told me to put my work down and look around. Topaz Lake and our Park makes so many people so happy. This, undoubtedly, would bring myself joy, too.

This photo is of our new neighbors. They are working hard on projects in their new home, but they find the time to enjoy the reason why they moved here. Then again, I don't think they had a choice when the lake beckoned to them, too. Or maybe Mother Nature smacked them, too? I'll have to ask them when I see them next.

Post Water Devil

042710: It was a bit windy today. Okay, it was really, really windy today. Just before this photo, we saw a few water devils. Actually we don't know what they are called. As I write this, Dave and I are discussing what they might be called. Not quite a waterspout, not a water funnel (no such term) but it looked like a dirt devil over water. Hence, water devil.

I've posted two photos. The same photo actually but as I looked at the original I noticed how this color photo appeared so black and white. So I converted a copy of the photo to black and white. Can you discern the subtle difference?

The Meaning of Everyday

042410: I think a month is long enough between posts....Don't you? Thanks for your patience. I've been getting needled by readers about The Daily Topaz not being so "daily." So I thought I would write a post about semantics.

Yes, I would love to post everyday. But my other job has been keeping me busy. And that other job requires daily attention by me because, after all, it is the one that pays the bills.

Originally when I started this blog I had planned to post everyday with a new photo and story, but I found my time spread a little too thin so I needed to back off. Over the last 10 months The Daily Topaz has been redefined. It is not necessarily in reference to a daily post by me but the daily occurrence of the beauty at Topaz Lake. Whether I take a photo everyday and write a story, this is secondary to the beauty that we & our customers experience here everyday. With that said, I will try to post more often.

Go ahead, people, give me an orange and I will give you back an apple.

Looking forward to writing about Spring (it is Spring, right?) and all that it brings. The above photo was captured by our LakeCam last week. As I sit here in the morning and do some computer work, I will often view our LakeCam to see how it views the morning sunrise. I liked this particular sunrise. It looks like the North Dock was directing the sunrise as the nearby cottonwood waits for the warmth of the day to bring her COTTONPODS to life.

Go ahead, people, give me a sunrise and I will give you story. Oh, and pray for freezing whether now so that those bloomin' cottonpods will go away....

One More "Day"

031410: We have one more day until we officially open for the 2010 season. Which is great, 'cept for the fact that that day is only 23 hrs. long! When we are on countdown to opening, you could say that I'm not a big fan of the start of "Daylight Savings Time." This would fall under the higher category of "I'm not a big fan of anything that takes away from my sleep." People knocking on my door, barking dogs and the telephone ringing all at inappropriate hours also fall under this main category.

I know that there are other non-fans to the start of DLS out there, too. And they are easy to spot because they walk around for the first few days after saying things like: "I stayed up to watch the 11 o'clock new last night which is okay, because it was really 10 o'clock. But then I started watching Leno after and didn't fall asleep until after 12:30am, which is really 11:30am, and that is way past my bedtime." Or: "He wants me to meet him at 10am today. But we scheduled that appt. before DLS, so do I meet him at 10am or 11am?"

And while I'm at it, who decided that DLS should begin in March? That is just ridiculous. I'm going to start my own rule about DLS. Every morning DLS will end, and every afternoon, it will start again. That way I can sleep in and close my office early. I think I'm onto something here...

RE: Photo.... David & his cat, Ollie out for a morning walk. That cat follows us around, comes to us when we call him and he loves to walk out on the docks (whether in the water or not.) David was out early this day, inspecting the dock before we put it in the water.

Creatures of Habit

031310: The other day my errands called me to town. My list in hand, I set off for the day to check it off. As I drove through the country side I realized my list loomed on the seat next to me but nature was now calling for my attention.

Today I watched the stormy clouds kiss the snow covered mountaintops. Mr. Sunshine peaked through now and then again, reminding me to be patient as he was returning soon to stay with Springtime in tow. I laughed at all the little lambs prancing around their stoic mothers. Not a care in the world was upon those little lambs. I saw the newborn calves huddled in fields. Only their heads visible above the foot high alfalfa which lent them cover. I wished all the newborns warmth against the incoming storm.

And Target was having a sale.

It was a good day.

Mule Days; Topaz Version

012710: We had some visitors yesterday. They didn't have reservations but we let them stop for awhile because they just wanted to have lunch then be on their way. Turns out they wanted to lunch on our shrubbery. Do I have to make up yet another rule about not eating our shrubbery?

Nice pose, Buddy.

Mama following Baby. Rather than trudge through the snow, they all walked down the tractor trail we had created in the snow.

Do you hear something Buddy?

1st Baby photo

If they had an SUV, it would have decals showing a Papa deer, Mama deer, and three kid deers behind them.

When we start seeing the Mule Deer out in the open like this, we will see them more frequently everyday until the snow melts in the hills. These are just a few of our many winter visitors.

One Sunrise, Hold the Coffee

011910: Snow. Lots and lots of snow. Yeah, snow! 'Cuz that means more water this summer!

So, this morning I get up around 5am - normal time - and I can see that we have a lot of snow, and I'm already thinking that we are going to have a spectacular sunrise due to the cloud formation on the horizon. I start making coffee to prep for hubby needing "fuel" to clear the driveway of the overnight snow. Then the tragedy of all tragedies occurs. Our brand new coffeemaker bites the dust. OMG, people! How AM I supposed to start my day without coffee? How are we supposed to get the driveway clear without coffee? How are we going to survive?????

We are trapped.

So I get online, find the manufacturer, call them, and speak with some darling young lady named Midge in CT. I'm sure she's used to talking to coffeeless people, but she seemed extra bubbly. Probably this means SHE had coffee already. Anyways, Midge is sending me a brand new coffeemaker (for free!) because their warranty says: "1) Don't argue with coffeeless customers. Just send them a new coffeemaker. Or 2) if the coffeemaker breaks within 1 year, send them a new one. Whichever comes first." And while I'm talking to Midge and she is literally saving us from extinction, the sunrise begins to peak. I quickly step outside and snap a few photos while holding the phone to my ear. Geeze, apparently I can still multi-task even without coffee.

I managed to take three crooked photos of the lake. Beautiful colors - crooked lake. Sorry. I blame the coffeemaker tragedy. I will be better tomorrow.

:::EDIT::: People, I just took a look at that photo again. Seriously, I'm not taking credit for that shot. I just pointed the camera and took the photo as the colors this morning were just unbelieveably awe inspiring. Thank you, God. Nice show! *clapping*

Happy 2010 Everyone!

010610: Okay, folks...who stole my December, 'cuz I want it back!

The holiday season went by far too fast and now January, 2010 has arrived. January is month full of promises and hopes for the new year for many. For us, it also means the pending arrival of a new season and preparation for our awaiting customers. (And it also means lovely tasks such as doing our taxes! Fun times!)

We are also looking forward to a big vacation that we have had planned for some time now. We leave in February for 10 days and when we get back we will be ready to go, go, go for you all!

To play a little catch up....here are a few photos over the last 3 weeks:

Seriously, who can resist a sleeping dog with his tongue out?

010110! I so wanted to write a post on January 1st because of that date, but obviously didn't. I talk about "Where'd December go?".... How about: "Where'd the last decade go!!!?"

Just another winter sunrise on Topaz Lake. Can you tell that I never get tired of them?

So there were these three fishermen.....

I took down the Christmas decorations the other day and took a moment to decorate my cat, Max. That is Max's "I'm not amused" face.

Happy 2010 to everyone! May the new year bring you all the joy, happiness and fulfillment that you deserve!

Frrrrrrozen!

121009: Sooooo.....it's been a bit cold out the last few days. The temperature is not as cold here at the lake because of the lake, so that's good. But we have fog every morning lasting well past noon. Right now it is 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Woohoo....double digits! It's 0 (zero!) in Minden just to show you the temperature difference.

Now I know there are many areas across this great land of ours that get much colder than us, but this cold snap here is unseasonably cold. About 25 degrees colder than normal. So what do we do when the weather turns so cold? Stay inside with cocoa sitting by a crackling fireplace? Sounds good, right? Well, we don't a fireplace and I ran out of milk for cocoa so I went to town to do some shopping.

As I drove to town - looking quite like the (red) stay puff marshmallow man in my big down jacket, fleece scarf, hat, gloves and ugg boots - I marveled at the varying temperature difference as I headed North to Carson City. Seriously, I marveled. Topaz Lake 13, Holbrook 9, Leviathan Mine Road (peek elevation) 21!, Ruehenstroff 7, Waterloo Lane 4, Minden 0, Carson Valley -4! and Carson City 3. It was a first for me to be out in such cold weather and thank God the sun was out otherwise it would have been miserable. As it was, it was only slightly miserable. And I apologized repeatedly to my Jeep as I subjected her to the elements. So I come home and promptly put her in the garage were she melted the road ice all over the floor.

Photos of my cat(s) staring out of the kitchen window. They snuck out the other day and stayed out for about 2 seconds and ran right back in the house. Spoiled cats.

He *thinks* he wants to go outside again.

Bookends.

Change of focus.

Motivational Juice

120809: I've been walking around for awhile in a daze and saying things like, "I've lost my mojo." The good part about this is that I actually was aware that I lost my mojo and not floundering around wondering what the hexk was happening to me AND I also know why I lost my mojo. Those are some big hurdles to overcome if you want to ever want to find your mojo again.

Slowly but steadily my "bucket" is refilling and I'm getting the energy to tackle some winter projects. My mojo is returning. Yay for me! We have been closed for two months at this point in our off season and it's taken this long for my mojo to find it's way home.

Why all this talk? Well, frankly our personal life is put on hold during the peak season, which means things like appointments, trips, BLOGS, etc., are shelved until off season. Our main priority is running the Park. Afterall, this is our employment, source of income, and future. And during the off season, we take a break from the Park and catch up on our personal life. BUT, sometimes the two overlap when we have personal things to attend to during peak season. This equation will suck the mojo out of us everytime! That's what happened the later part of the season, but in recent weeks life has been returning to normal. (Of course, "normal" is a subjective term and worthy of it's own blog post on another day....)

Photos of recent winter weather. It is now 4 degrees out, foggy and very white outside. Hubby usually walks around lamenting about the snow and this morning was no exception. He asked me, "Don't you hate the snow?" Actually, I don't, so I said to him, "No, I don't hate the snow. Because the snow is the time of year that I get to enjoy only you, our home, our lakeside view and we're sitting here on a Wednesday morning in our sweats, not on our way to a job but enjoying our coffee together." His response, "I think you need to lay off the coffee, honey."

Before the snow.

The snow started over night and I awoke to these never-before-seen view... Those aren't white birds, but birds covered in white. The sleeping Canada Geese were covered in snow!

After the snow stopped. I like showing photos of the Park with snow as many customers are amazed to see the their summer vacation place with no leaves and covered in white.

The constant morning fog we've been experiencing for awhile now. And why? Well, meterologically speaking it involves terms such as condensation, radiation, saturation and dew point. My explanation?: Cold Air + Warm Water = Fog