View from Big Pine Canyon trail

I guess this is winter here in the Owens Valley.  The mountains have had several  snow storms so hiking in the high country is no longer an option, though they're even more beautiful to look at from down here in the valley.

We've had a little rain and some below freezing temperatures at night, but most days get up into the 50's or 60's and if it isn't windy, it's great golf weather.  We are loving playing in short sleeves and not dripping in sweat.  We play a few times a week and I take occasional lessons.  Fall was gorgeous on the course. 

Revision! More fronts passing through in the past couple of weeks.  We now have to choose the sunniest days to be warm enough for golf.



 We bought a 2002 Ford Ranger truck a few weeks ago.  There are so many more places you can get to in a 4 wheel drive, or just high clearance vehicle in the foothills.

Warren Bench in Big Pine

Unnamed hike on Warren Bench

Now I can sprain my ankle in even more remote places!  We aren't used to being on tight, bumpy roads so it will take some getting used to.  We are now a 2 vehicle family again.  Great for when we have visitors!

I have been making slow progress with water color painting but enjoying the process.  Mostly I like the way it makes me look at things differently.  Chuck is constantly being required to admire skies, clouds, tree shapes, colors, textures while I try to commit it to memory or photo.  Yeah smart phone!  My file of painting studies could already keep me busy for years. 

We're getting lots more birds in our back yard since we added some brush piles. There are NO bushes out there.  The most spectacular to see up close are the flickers.  They're kind of skittish and our kitchen window is just a few feet from the action so it's possible, but tricky to get a photo.

We are preparing a few Festivus cards and cookies today.  (Fortunately, we decided years ago not to be held to normal people standards.)  Happy Holidays to family and friends!