Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The making of the man...

In California, the 4th grade social science the is California history. Several months ago, Katya did a California mission project on Mission Santa Clara de Asis. In two weeks, she is to present the life and significance of prominent Californian Mark Hopkins Jr., one of the Central Pacific RR magnates. She is required to make a puppet of MH Jr. and present the information in a first person speech. Katya and I worked together, only purchasing a few supplies, and using many items we had a home. Never underestimate the power of a glue gun!









Easter Party

Every year, Phil and Sandy host an Easter party and invite everyone; this year we attended. Peg, Ross, Katya, and I were the first to arrive, followed by Cedric (we stole his parking space!), next Amanda, Mike, and the boys arrived, then Rebecca and Max showed up, finally little Scotty woke up. We colored many dozens of eggs, every artist demonstrated a unique dyeing technique (Kark employed the splash-crack technique to great success and acclaim).

While some continued to color eggs in the garage, a few select adults hid eggs in the back yard. At one point, Kurt and Katya ran out of patience waiting for the egg hunt--see below!








Hunting...


Hunting...



Still hunting....




Playing with the spoils of the hunt.



Showing off Easter booty.


Eating the spoils of the hunt.



Just cute.


After the egg hunt, bubble blowing, etc... it was time for the Easter potluck. Sandy made a home-made/home-grown lemon meringue pie and a great bunny cake (the bunny cake is at the top of the page). After lunch, we all relaxed, except for Ross who rode his bike up Mt. Diablo and then down Mt. Diablo. No cyclist passed him on the way up, and on the way down no one (car or cyclist) passed him until some crazy guy popped out of the bushes 100 yards before the park exit! Ross is still our hero!!!




I hope you enjoy this short egg hunt video.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Annual Table Mountain Pilgrimage




Yes, it's wildflower season again. This year, Peg joined us for tiptoeing through the lupine and flower gazing at lovely Table Mountain. We saw all of the usual suspects. The dark stained pretty face was our new ID for the season.
Katya in a field of lupine and goldfields.

White tipped clover among goldfields.


Douglas violet and lupine.





Sunday, we drove up into Butte Creek Canyon and to explore the interesting rock formations of Butte Island.

A view of Butte Creek from high above.


Butte Island close up and from below.


Katya at the top of that rock formation you see above.