SLEEC Photos

Sway

2012-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease...

Garden Delights

2012-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney

The Way We Were

2012-01-11T23:07:00.000-08:00

Memories,
like the corners of my mind
misty water-colored memories
of the way we were...

Thoughts for the Day

2012-01-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

A friendly look,

a kindly smile,

one good act,

and life's worthwhile.

Wake Up...

2011-12-30T22:41:00.000-08:00

to a new day,
to a new year,
to new opportunity
to be the best yet.

2011-12-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Snowmen fall from heaven... unassembled.

2011-12-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

A merry Christmas to everybody!
A happy New Year to all the world!

Home Sweet Home

2011-12-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke

A Magical Thing

2011-12-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
~ Oliver Herford

2011-12-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

The one red leaf, the last of its clan,

That dances as often as dance it can,

Hanging so light, and hanging so high,

On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky.

~ Samuel Taylor Coeridge

A Walk Around Juniper Point

2009-08-17T11:46:00.001-07:00

Juniper Point, on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, California, is a lovely area with picnic grounds and is a favorite for fishing along the shore. A paved bike trail runs through the area and there's also a nice dirt path right along the shore. A lovely place to spend a summer afternoon.

The paved bike trail turns into a slightly raised wooden path along a strip of land that can become can be prone to flash floods after a heavy rain.

Good Morning Sushine

2009-08-02T15:22:00.001-07:00

Saturday morning in Huntington Beach...forecast upper 70sF and mostly sunny. The windows are all open and I can hear the neighborhood sounds of power tools, kids crying, dogs barking, Ninja motorcycle tuning up and low flying aircraft heading for Long Beach Airport. Ah, that's life in the superbs of southern California.

Looking out the kitchen window I notice the blooms on my Double Delight rose bush getting drenched by the sprinklers. Grabbing my Nikon and turning off the sprinklers, I proceed to shoot several dozen images of the roses, the leaves, and a rather extensive spider web...sans spider. Here are some of the images I made from that shooting.

The spider web was covered by so much water that it is barely recognizable.I like to think one can see whatever their imagination creates.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2009-07-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

My parents were married on this date in 1933. This photo was taken on their eleventh anniversary.
I miss you so much and think of you every day.
You will remain in my heart forever.
XOXOXOXO
Suzie

The Golden Hour

2009-07-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

The period of one hour before sunrise or sunset is often referred to as "the golden hour." This description is very appropriate for the Big Bear valley in the mountains of southern California. Whether there are clouds in the sky or not, there is invariably a lovely golden glow to the atmosphere.

Hiking in the forest north of Big Bear Lake,
late in the afternoon, that glow is filtered by the trees.

At Captain John's Marina in Fawnskin, the late day sunlight glitters on the water.

At 6,700+ feet above sea level the low clouds roll up the mountain and across the lake.

The tiny island of boulders for which Boulder Bay is named,
is little more than a dark shadow in the late day light.

Pink Knot Marina has a great view as the sun sets on the opposite shore.

The park at the end of Pink Knot in Big Bear village is a perfect place to watch the sun go down.

The view from the south end of Stanfield Cutoff at the east end of the lake.

Walking along the north shore trail, the setting sun faintly
illuminates the fields of tall grass and wildflowers.

Summer Flowers in Big Bear

2009-07-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

June in Big Bear, California means thirty days of beautiful weather. Plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the 70s and low 80s and frequent spectacular cloud formations. A mountain paradise just 100 miles from Los Angeles. Beautiful flowers can be found in the forest and in many yards of local residents. Here are a few of my favorites. I've been experimenting with applying textures to many of my images. I love the effect...especially with florals.

This gorgeous Columbine was growing in a neighbor's front yard. While walking through the forest, I came across some more growing wild. The wild ones were much smaller and less spectacular in color but the identical flower just the same.

Don't know what these are, but I loved how the sunlight hit them.

This is a wild rose I came across in the forest. Tiny flowers, not much more than an inch across, they are probably the ancestor of all the spectacular beauties we buy in the nurseries today.

I found these Sweet Peas growing on the fence of a cabin that doesn't appear to have been occupied in years.
Despite neglect, they've managed to thrive on their own.

Another Columbine...it makes me think of some exotic sea creature.

These roses can be found in front yards all over the area.

No idea what these are. Their "petals" seem more like beans.

Fancy Poppies catching the sun.

A field of wildflowers overlooking Big Bear Lake. Isn't this a beautiful scene?
Well, truth be told, there is a large shopping mall right behind where I was standing when I took this photo.

I'm Back!

2009-06-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
In case any of you have been wondering why I haven't posted in more than two months, I have no specific excuse...just been really busy with other things. I do not consider myself a writer in any way. I feel I can say all I'd like to say with my images. I hope you get my message.

Summer has begun with marvelous weather here in Southern California. Flowers are everywhere and I've been photographing them with a passion. There are Bougainvillea everywhere in our yard and they make very convenient subject matter. Here are a few examples.

This is the Barbara Karst wariety but I prefer to call it Cherry Red. The flowers are
actually the tiny white blooms; the red surrounding them are called bracts.

I call this image Scarlet Hearts.

I love how these bracts catch the morning sunlight so beautifully.

My neighbors gate makes a heart shaped background for this San Diego
variety, so I call this image Hearts and Flowers.

A Day at the Races

2009-04-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

Monday, last week, was a beautiful, warm, sunny day...a perfect time to take our boat out for the first time this year.
This Great Blue Heron watched over us as we launched in Huntington Harbour.

The temperature was a balmy 80 degrees and yet
we could see a bit of snow still up in the mountains.

After a short cruise around the harbor, we decided to head out to
Long Beach Shoreline Village for lunch.

This nest of Herons can be found just across from the Naval dock.

Nearing Long Beach we came upon a lot of sailing activity.

I set my camera on continuous and proceeded to snap nearly 300 photos.
It turned out that was none too many, thanks to the
rocking of our boat, as half of them showed nothing but sky or water.

These sea lions slept through all the action going on around them.

I noticed that the referees' boats said Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and with a little googling,
I later learned that this is what we were watching:

CISA Advanced Racing Clinic
Long Beach, California
www.cisasailing.org/content/view/18/11/

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born.
~Alice Freeman Palmer

Daily Walks

2009-04-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Since I started this blog a few months ago I have become increasingly addicted to photo blogs. It absolutely amazes and humbles me how many extremely talented, mostly amateur, photographers there are out there...and many of them have blogs of one sort or another. One of my favorites is called Daily Walks by Diane Varner. She lives somewhere on the northern California coast and tells us that she does most of her photographing while walking her dog. All I can say is that she lives in an incredibly beautiful area but she also has a terrific eye for seeing the beauty in all things.

Now I live near the southern California coast which has a very different landscape than our northern neighbors. First of all, SoCal, as it is popularly nicknamed, has a much greater population. As I understand it, the three southernmost coastal counties, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties have a population of about 17,000,000 people. Finding subject matter for creating grand landscapes is a bit of a challenge. Therefore, one must look much more closely to find photo ops. My neighborhood consists of typical middle class homes built during the last 50 years. Lots of stucco, big driveways occupied by too many cars, RVs and boats (the Huntington Harbour marina is only a mile away)...and more often than not, poorly tended landscaping. So, it's a challenge, but I'm determined to find the beautiful things and photograph them. Here are a few of my first attempts...all taken withing one mile of where I live.

I came across this lovely vine in an alley.

These gorgeous roses are growing in the front yard
of a home that's been for sale for well over a year.
Maybe potential buyers just aren't looking for high maintenance yards.

Whether digital or film, I still love black and white.
Golden sepia tones are fun too.

But when a rose is this intensely yellow...only color will do.

Playing around some more with Photoshop,
I applied a vintage wash effect to this flowering tree.

I confess, this wasn't dew. The sprinklers were on in this yard.

Well, as you can see, I've so far only photographed flowers.
Hopefully someday I will find inspiration in other subject matter.

A Few Sage Moments

2009-03-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

About three weeks ago, on my last day spent in Big Bear, the clouds in the sky were spectacular. I drove to my favorite spot on the east end of the lake and set up my tripod in wait of the hoped for gorgeous sunset. It was a little early still so I put my new macro lens on my D80 and walked around the area snapping pictures of the brush that grew all along the shore in this area. Now I am terribly ignorant when it comes to plant life and I haven't been able to identify this stuff from books or the internet. So if anyone should look at these photos and recognize it for what it is, please let me know. It's like sage brush but has a decidedly rusty red color. What I do know is that this very simple weeds catches the sun beautifully and is a delight to photograph.
This photo was taken at the northeast end of the Big Bear Valley near Baldwin Lake.

I took this shot a couple days after the big snow storm in February.

These are the images I shot while waiting for the sun to go down.
Believe me, this plant is not actually pink. It's just the sun playing it's light tricks.
The blue in the background is snow.

It's the same plants is each of these photos.
Just the background or the direction I'm shooting has changed.

Okay, so once I'd had enough of pink, I decided to play a little with Photoshop.
This tone was an accident but I liked what I saw, so I left it.
Now if only I could remember what I did, in case I want to try it again.

And, of course, I always have to see what it looks like in monochrome.
The soft sepia tint adds a little pizazz...Don't you think?

Mickey & Wiley

2009-03-20T13:33:00.001-07:00

Wanna play?

I got it...I got it!!

Throw it again?

Now I've got two!

Where did he come from?

No you don't!

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah...

Watch out, here I come!

HA HA, I got it!

I know you want it!

You don't scare me!

Forget the balls, let's just play.

I've got big teeth too!

Are we still friends?

Is it dinner time yet?

A Winter to Remember

2009-03-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted on this blog. Believe me, my intentions were never to be this neglectful. Computer problems and uncooperative quirks on this blog have kept me from posting as I would have liked. So now, home again in Huntington Beach and typing on my IMac, I'm playing catch up.

On February 14th, the weather prediction for the next day, was to be the "storm of the season." As a native Southern Californian, I never want to miss the chance to enjoy a few days of REAL winter. So my husband and I packed up both our cars, loaded up the dogs, and headed for the mountains...our cabin in Big Bear Lake, to be exact.

During the twenty years we're owned this cabin, such predictions are oftentimes disappointing but this was certainly NOT one of them, as the following images will show. This will be a long post as I am including images from nearly everyday I was up there.

We're here...well almost.
The driveway will need a bit of plowing before we can get the cars in.
I didn't realize the area had gotten so much snow since the last time we were here, in December.
Also, time to take down the Christmas lights.

The next morning, this was the view from the front door.

Driving to town for breakfast. We were so glad our Suburban has 4-wheel drive.

Breakfast at the Lumberjack Cafe.

This is the view of the lake from Stanfield Cutoff. Well, it's there...somewhere.

I had to take these photos through the car window to keep the snow off the camera.

Nothing is more beautiful than
a fresh coat of new snow.

Somebody's not going anywhere for quite a while.

This is what big Bear Lake looks like after a big snow storm.

First thing the next morning, we found these footprints by the front porch. They are much larger than Wiley's, our Bouvier, who weighs 130 pounds. Hmmm...what do you suppose?

Driveway and street are plowed.
It's time to check out the neighborhood.

This is why I love to come to the mountains in the winter...when there's snow.

As the days warm up, the ice on the lake breaks up.

My last evening at the lake was, for a photographer, like being a kid in a candy store.

Time to say so long...until Spring.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2009-02-13T23:27:00.001-08:00

Blessings are the things we take for granted.
Each holiday we notice what we see.
Most know the Earth is utterly enchanted
Yet walk through life and love mechanically.
Valuing one's gifts takes resolution
After days and nights of fantasy.
Love brings the sweet relief of absolution,
Enveloping our hesitance in need.
No touch inspires so swift a revolution,
Transforming all the hieroglyphs we read.
In your love is the charity of spring,
Nor self-obsessed nor blinded by some creed,
Embracing the grey dawns that blessings bring.

Mickey watched it...Did you?

2009-02-11T17:38:00.001-08:00

Did you watch the Westminster Dog show last night? Mickey and I were rooting for the Scottie. Mickey's a Tibetan Terrier which is not a real terrier. TTs are shown in the non-sporting group and the Poodles invariably win in that class. So, Mickey and I were rooting for the Scottie; but we weren't sorry when "Old Dog" Stump, the Sussex Spaniel won. He's so cute...kind of reminds me of one of my Dad's old brown shoes.

Hey Mom, do you have anything for an itchy nose?

Oh Boy, Do I Love A Big Boy

2009-02-02T11:50:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Superbowl Sunday so we figured the traffic on the freeways would be light and it's a great day to drive to Toluca Lake for the best hamburger on earth at Bob's Big Boy. I grew up on these burgers. My parents took me to one in Glendale that was more of a diner with counter service only. Later, when I was in high school, Bob's drive-in in Van Nuys was THE Saturday night place to be. Then in the 80s, Bob's sold out to Coco's Restaurants and I thought they were all gone. It was only a few years ago that I discovered that one of the original coffee shops still existed...in the Toluca Lake area of Burbank. Since then Big Boy franchises have been popping all over but, in my opinion, this old one is the best.

Are we ordering the usual?

The menu looks different, there's a lot more to choose from and, of course, the prices are higher...okay, a lot higher, but the "Original Double Deck Hamburger" still tastes just the same as it did when I was a little girl. It's their unique red relish that makes it different and better, in my opinion, than any other burger.

Hey, look what booth we're sitting in!

Ah...now that's what I'm talking about!!

This place is usually packed. It must be the Superbowl.

There are all sorts of souvenirs to choose from at check out. We have one of those Big Boys sitting on the kitchen counter.

Hey, car service tonight. We need to come for dinner next time.

In Search of Sailboats

2009-02-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

You go first. No...you go.

It was such a beautiful, warm day yesterday my husband promised that we would go out boating today. I was hoping I might get some photos of sailboats. I LOVE sailboats. Well, you all know what happens to best laid plans. Oh well, instead I took my dog for a walk in the park. He loves to try to chase the ducks and I'm always trying to get him to cool it so I can take some photos. Not much in the way of birds to photograph...mostly just a bunch of coots. Ah, but lookie there...my sailboat!

Sisters and Misters in Quartzsite

2009-01-24T19:23:00.001-08:00

Driving along Interstate 10, just a few miles east of the California border, lies the community of Quartzsite, Arizona. First impression, you might think there are no permanent buildings in the entire town. Actually there are a few...mostly trucks stops and fast food places. The rest are almost entirely portable. A number of permanently placed mobile homes but mostly RVs of every size and type imaginable...and not just in town but scattered all around in the desert. But most of all this town is one giant flea market, selling everything from gems and minerals to RVs and just plain junk.

Earlier this month, twenty plus Sisters on the Fly, driving their vintage trailers and accompanied by their husbands, boyfriends, dogs and kids came together for a kickback weekend of socializing and shopping till they drop. Perfect desert style winter weather and good friends made for unpretentious good times had by all.

The Time Has Come

2009-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

“The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” ~ President Obama

Squirt & Jonathan Livingston Seagull

2009-01-14T13:21:00.001-08:00

Jonathan: Hey Squirt, would you please blow away, you're blocking my view of the ocean.

Squirt: What for Jon, how could you possibly see the fish from this distance?

Jonathan: I've got telescopic vision!

An Unfortunate Ending to a Beautiful Day

2009-01-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

It was such a gorgeous day yesterday...80 degrees and the Santa Ana winds were merely mild breezes along the coast. My husband and I decided to go the San Pedro's Point Fermin to take in the sunset. Unfortunately our visit took a sad turn as we were to discover when, with the blaze of sirens seemingly coming from everywhere, the fire department, police, four rescue boats and eventually 2 rescue helicopters arrived at the park.

We learned that a woman fell down the cliff and was seriously injured. We watched as numerous firemen made their way down the cliff to rescue this woman, strap her into a carrier and hoist her up into the helicopter. Rumors were flying about as how horribly injured she was and that her boyfriend had proposed to her shortly before she fell. As I was taking photos, tears were welling up in my eyes. This was a very emotional experience and I just couldn't help thinking of what pain she must be in. A very brief article in today's Long Beach Press-Telegram states that she was 50 years old and although in serious condition, her injuries are not life threatening.

What was so very rewarding was watching the outstanding teamwork that went into this rescue. Something I've never witnessed before. There must have been nearly 50 people from the various departments involved in this effort. It's reassuring to know that they are there for us when we really need them.

Sailing Away

2009-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Photography is a strong tool, a propaganda device, and a weapon for the defense of the environment...and therefore for the fostering of a healthy human race and even very likely for its survival. -- Eliot Porter (Photographer)

For the Love of Pelicans

2009-01-08T20:49:00.001-08:00

There has been much in the news recently about Brown Pelicans growing sick and dying in large numbers. I sincerely hope that the experts can find the cause and put an end to this problem. There is nothing more beautiful to watch than a flock of Pelicans flying in perfect formation, low over the water and then that perfect dive. I took these photographs last September while on a boat ride in Huntington Harbour. I hope I have many more opportunities to photograph these grand birds. Let's all hope and pray that they survive and flourish.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend.
--Abba

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

May Peace be your gift at Christmas

and your blessing all year through!

Big Bear Snow Day Number 2

2008-12-18T17:05:00.001-08:00

The snow we got on Monday seemed like enough to last through Christmas but it snowed again yesterday...all day. I've been coming up here for 20 years and this is the most snow I've even seen. Any local skiers reading this take note...it's going to be a terrific weekend for playing in all this white stuff!

I got my Blazer dug out on Tuesday but along comes the

snow plow again yesterday and now it's buried deeper than ever.

A walk up and down our street reveals lots of icicles, drooping trees and cabins hiding behind massive snow berms.

Yea...Snow Day!!

2008-12-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Big Bear Lake, California. It snowed all day yesterday.

We got about two feet which is pretty good for this early in the season.

This is the view from our street...Willow Avenue in Big Bear Lake, California.

Just across the street from our cabin is the National Forest.

This is our little cabin. I have a big job ahead of me...digging my Blazer out of the snow.

Here are the views from inside the cabin.

I went for a walk in the forest but didn't get very far.
Even in snowshoes I sunk in up to my knees.
Hopefully, I will do better tomorrow.

"a date that will live in infamy"

2008-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the 67th anniversary of the day that President Franklin D. Roosevelt described as "a date which will live in infamy." The bombing of Pearl Harbor seems to be nearly forgotten by the younger generations...even here in the U. S. All but the "greatest generation" who lived and fought through one of the darkest times in American history. My brother, Walker, was a member of that generation and, although he is no longer living, I will not forget what he and others like him fought for. Will the human race EVER find a way to live in peace and harmony. We can only pray.

How many times must a man look up

Before he can see the sky

How many ears must one man have

Before he can hear people cry

How many deaths will it take till he knows

That too many people have died

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind

The answer is blowing in the wind

--Bob Dylan

A Walk in the Park

2008-12-04T18:03:00.001-08:00

Huntington Beach Central Park is a beautiful park where one can find the Central Library, Equistrian Center, Sports Center, the Shipley Nature Center, dog park and a lovely pond. Thanks to our never ending drought, the pond is rather low but that hasn't deterred a large number of birds from making themselves at home there. I take my dog Mickey there quite frequently for a walk and to play in the dog park. This afternoon, I decided to take along my camera and I found there are lots of photo opportunities there. It's really surprising how, when you have camera and look around wherever you go, you can see everyday things so differently, notice so much more and see so much beauty in common things and places. For example, the photo in my Thanksgiving post of the dolls was taken inside the local Walmart.

Thankfulness

2008-11-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

Is it literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for.

He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.

--W. J. Cameron

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty,

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off of your thighs!

The Family Car...or whatever

2008-11-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

Taken in 1934 on the move from Chicago to Los Angeles,
my brother, Walker, and my mother, Helen,

are standing in front of the family 1929 Nash Coupe.
My brother rode in the rumble seat for the entire trip.

Here are my dad and Walker somewhere along the highway.

The roads weren't always paved in those days.

This was my cousin, Richard Morgan, posing with his Harley. This photo was taken sometime during WWII. He was deaf in one ear and couldn't get into the military so he became a Merchant Marine with which he remained for the rest of his life.

Here is my dad posing with his 1937 Nash sedan in front of our old house in the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles.

Here is Daddy in front of the
Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

And here is Daddy with our 1951 Nash...AKA the yellow whale.
That's my dog, Deacon peeking out the window.

In the background, on the right, is our house in

Woodland Hills that we moved to when I was 13.

This was one of the very last photos of my dad, taken on his 94th birthday in September, 1987.

He passed away five months later. Standing in front of Carlos' 1974 Porsche IROC Carrera are:

My daughter Marlene, my future hubbie Carlos, my dad Leon, my son Eric, my daughter

Danielle and Carlos' daughter Lisa.

Here is the only photo I have of my 1983 Subaru.
This was taken the day after I rode in the 1988
Solvang Century, a one-day 100 mile bike ride.

And finally, this is Carlos with his cool 1939 Chevy hot rod
in front of Bob's Big Boy restaurant in Burbank, California.

When I was little my mother used to laugh that my dad always wanted photos of him by the family car. Unfortunately I bought into that and never cared about such pictures...until many years later.

Picture yourself today standing beside your new Toyota Camry or whatever it happens to be. Doesn't seem very interesting right now, does it? But 20-30 years from now it will really mean a lot. With Thanksgiving coming up next week, check over your camera to make sure the battery is charged and there's plenty of space on the memory card...or, if using film, that you have enough. Then, on that special day, get everyone together and take plenty of pictures...and don't forget to include your car...and your house...and even the street you live on. Before you know it you'll be looking back over the years at these images with fond memories.

A Sad Sky

2008-11-16T10:23:00.001-08:00

This photo was taken yesterday, from my backyard, in the very early afternoon.

The heavy smoke cover made for a spectacular sunset in Sunset Beach.

Autumn is not my favorite season in Southern California. It spells the end of our wonderful summer and the shortening of daylight. It's also our fire season bringing the infamous "Santa Ana" winds that are notorious for causing devastating fires in these parts and this year has been no exception. Hundreds of homes from Santa Barbara county to Riverside County have been destroyed. Fortunately, here in Huntington Beach, all we get is dirty air and smoky cloudy skies...and amazing sunsets. I must admit, I feel very fortunate to be miles away from any threat and also a little guilty since I didn't hesitate to take my camera to the beach for some photos.

Veterans Day AKA Armistice Day

2008-11-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day began with the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. It is "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

My father, Leon Cummings, served in the Army in World War I and an uncle (my mother's brother, Garnhart Younger) was in the Navy. Both saw action in France. When my uncle returned home after the war he was ill with Tuberculosis. Seeking treatment, he hitchhiked to an Army hospital in Fort Bayard, New Mexico where he died at the age of 24. My dad passed away in 1988 at the age of 94. I still have the American flags that covered their caskets at their funerals.

My half brother, Walker Gorham, served in the Navy in world War II. He died six years ago at age 81. When he passed away, it occurred to me that I was the only one living of the oldest generation of my immediate family. What remains are myself, my three children and four grandchildren.

There is much to remember and cherish of these three men. Although I never knew my uncle, I do have dozens of negatives of photos he took while serving in the Navy. When I have time and know how, I hope to post some of them on this blog.

My dad...well there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I was so fortunate to have such loving parents and so many wonderful memories.

Pictures to Remember Them By

2008-11-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Daddy and me, a long time ago!

My dad at about 85 years of age.

Taken shortly after enlisting in 1942, this is my half brother,
Walker Gorham with our mother, Helen.

Just Another Ride Along the Beach Trail

2008-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Ever since I got my recumbent trike, I've been taking my camera along on my daily rides. The great thing about a 3-wheeler is that, when I see a photo op, I just stop pedaling and take the picture. I also see so much more since I don't need to watch the road so closely. Here it is November already but our summerlike weather keeps hanging on...and on...

BIKE RIDE

2008-11-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Bike Ride

going on a bike ride

I can ride my bike just as far as I like

on my bike ride.

A couple old tires and a handle bar

a padded seat it'll take me real far

on my bike ride.

Ride my bike to the local beach

surf those peeling waves

just within my reach

on my bike ride.

Ride the trail thru a glowing sunset

the light is fading

but,

I'm not finished yet

on my bike ride.

Going on a bike ride

I can ride my bike

just as far as I like

on my bike ride.

...unknown

Los Alamitos Car & Air Show

2008-11-04T21:48:00.000-08:00

I'm a little bit late with this post since the show was on October 26. It's been a really busy past couple weeks what with Halloween and my husband going on a working trip to China. So, better late than never, is was a really fun day and worth remembering.

Bougainvillea

2008-11-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

Last Friday the gardener trimmed back the Bougainvillea on half of our backyard wall. Before he comes back next week I figured I'd better see if I can get some more photos before the color is all gone until next Spring. I like this one the best because of the little visitor.

Sunset Beach in the Morning

2008-10-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

The little community of Sunset Beach stretches less that two miles along the coast between Seal Beach on the north and Huntington Beach on the south. It primarily consists of two streets...Pacific Coast Highway and a frontage road with a greenbelt down the middle that is oddly called South Pacific on the southbound side and North Pacific on the northbound side. Houses along the southbound side are beach front properties and mostly consist of mcmansions with an elderly cottage here and there. The northbound side has a bigger mix of upscale multiple housing and some some charming and not so charming older bungalows. In the 20+ years I've lived in this area I've seen very little change and I do hope it remains that way for another 20 years.

*That classy red 3-wheeled carriage is my Kettweisel and my favorite mode of transportation around these parts.

Hike to St. Mary's Glacier

2008-10-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Situated in the Rocky Mountains near Idaho Springs, Colorado lies St. Mary's Glacier at an elevation of just under 11,000 feet. My youngest daughter, Danielle, and her two boys, Clay and Jared, hiked to it the other day and then sent me these photos. Danielle, a veteran hiker of 14,000 peaks, called this a "wimpy hike." Just my style.

Not much of a glacier but, of course, it's had a whole summer to melt away the ice. Just think what it must be like in the springtime.

Tiny Apples

2008-10-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

Aren't these little apples just the coolest? They're my favorite...Fujis. I know, these days we get apples year around but it seems that only in the fall do I find bags of these little guys. Wish I could just give then out to the kids for trick-r-treat but, nowadays, only packaged sweets will do.

View From my Kitchen Window

2008-10-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

It is the last half of October and here in Huntington Beach there is NO fall color. Even the non native liquid amber trees haven't started to turn. Ah, but look what I do get to see from the window over my kitchen sink. One can never have too much bougainvilla in these parts.

The Forgotten Corner

2008-10-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is not a before shot of the Secret Garden but, I must confess, it is my backyard. Someday I hope to change the color of my thumb from black and blue to green but I'm having too much fun playing in the sun to go digging in the dirt. HGTV...I need help!

Shrimp & Chips for Lunch With A Little Atmosphere

2008-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

King Harbor in Redondo Beach has great atmosphere and a lot of places to get good seafood. What a fun day my husband and I had taking in plenty of both. The tall ship Lynx was open for touring while the Californian moored quietly and elegantly in the harbor.

Click on the title above for a link to a cool video and information about the Lynx.

Endless Summer at Surf City

2008-10-17T16:37:00.003-07:00

Huntington Beach, California is also referred to as Surf City U.S.A....not because it has the biggest waves but because it is believed to have more surfers surfing here every day than just about anywhere else. Whether this is actually true or not I've no idea but I do know I ride my bike along the beach trail nearly every day and they're always out there...sunny and warm or cold and gloomy and today...well, it was just perfection.

Mello Yellow Mood

2008-10-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

I've always considered red to be my favorite color but when it comes to kitchen walls...well, they must be yellow. Sitting at the table for breakfast the sun pours through the window making the walls glow and always managing to put me in a good mood. I oftentimes find myself simply staring at the many shades of yellow created by the ever changing light. The sun is heading further south now as the days grow shorter and winter approaches...but it will always be summer to me by my kitchen window in the morning.

...and the Comfort of Yellow

2008-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Aside from my kitchen I realize I don't have much yellow elsewhere in my home. There's just this old quilt...faded from too many washings, thanks to Mickey...but still a favorite.

Are You Ready for Some Pumpkins?

2008-10-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

A pumpkin patch in Montara, California. Photos by Marlene Grooms.

Reflections of Huntington Harbour

2008-10-09T17:01:00.001-07:00

A beautiful and warm fall morning drew me to my kayak for a little paddling around the harbor...and hunting for a few photo ops.

What's a 14er?

2008-10-08T16:40:00.001-07:00

Colorado has more than 50 mountains that exceed 14,000 ft. elevation. Hiking to the summit of one of these mountains is known as a 14er. My two daughters, Marlene and Danielle who live in Colorado, have spent a number of their off days from work doing just that. Why do they do it? Well, of course, because they're there but also to get a lot of cool pictures. I thought I'd share a few with you.

Oh, and by the way girls, there're a dozen 14,000+ ft. peaks right here in California.

P. S. I can't take any credit for these photos since I live in California and

besides, I have arthritic feet. My daughters and their friends took these pictures.

2008-10-08T16:07:00.001-07:00

1. A tired but happy group poses at the summit of Mt. Democrat. Clockwise: Danielle, Marlene's boyfriend Mike, Jared (Danielle & Kenny's son), Kenny (Danielle's husband), two friends ?, Marlene, Marissa (Mike's daughter) and Titan.

2. Marlene atop Mt. Belford. Another reward for reaching the summit is the breathtaking view.

3. And at the summit of Mt. Massive

4. Danielle & Marlene at the top of Mt. Sherman.

5. Marlene's boyfriend Mike with Titan. You call this a trail?

6 & 7. Beautiful scenery surrounds you.

The Kern River...how lovely!

2008-10-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

Sisters on the Fly

2008-10-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

I belong to a group of women called Sisters on the Fly. We love to get together in various places, all over the country, for fly fishing, horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Most of the Sisters own vintage travel trailers which they decorate and customize, inside and out. A caravan of these trailers traveling to and from an event is quite a sight. Last month about 30 California Sisters got together in Kernville, California at a beautiful RV park called Camp James. What do I like best about these women? Maybe you only see some of them once a year but we still feel like the best of friends. There's absolutely no cliquishness. You can go to an event where you don't know a soul and immediately fit right in. I never had a sister until I joined this group. Now I have over a thousand.

A Great Day to go Boating

2008-10-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

The first day of October was one of those beautiful coastal days where the air is warm and pleasing to the senses. A perfect day to go boating. There was very little wind and the water was unusually calm for early afternoon. It was the first time we had ever taken our dogs out on the ocean and Mickey, our Tibetan Terrier, and Wiley, the Bouvier, seemed to enjoy the ride as much as we did. Ah, it's been such a wonderful summer and a day like this is a perfect swan song for the season.

What am I writing about?

2008-10-03T11:19:00.001-07:00

For several months now I've been in the process of creating this blog but stage fright or something has prevented me from going public until now. While researching "how-tos" in blog making I noticed that the first thing one must do is decide on what the blog is about. Now, that's my problem. I am interested in so many things that I would have to have many, many blogs if I want to write about all those things. Nah...too much work and maybe just a bit boring. So here goes. My blog will be a like a tossed salad...the subject of which will have many ingredients. Even so, I've titled my blog SLEEC PHOTOS because I am much better at communicating with pictures than I am with words. I've listed many of my interests in the column on the right but I may not even limit myself to just those things. I hope you'll stop by from time to time to see what I come up with.

*SLEEC Photos*

Sway

Garden Delights

The Way We Were

Thoughts for the Day

Wake Up...

Home Sweet Home

A Magical Thing

A Walk Around Juniper Point

Good Morning Sushine

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

The Golden Hour

Summer Flowers in Big Bear

I'm Back!

A Day at the Races

HAPPY EASTER!

Daily Walks

A Few Sage Moments

Mickey & Wiley

A Winter to Remember

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Mickey watched it...Did you?

Oh Boy, Do I Love A Big Boy

In Search of Sailboats

Sisters and Misters in Quartzsite

The Time Has Come

Squirt & Jonathan Livingston Seagull

An Unfortunate Ending to a Beautiful Day

Sailing Away

For the Love of Pelicans

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas!

Big Bear Snow Day Number 2

Yea...Snow Day!!

"a date that will live in infamy"

A Walk in the Park

Thankfulness

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Family Car...or whatever

A Sad Sky

Veterans Day AKA Armistice Day

Pictures to Remember Them By

Just Another Ride Along the Beach Trail

BIKE RIDE

Los Alamitos Car & Air Show

Bougainvillea

Sunset Beach in the Morning

Hike to St. Mary's Glacier

Tiny Apples

View From my Kitchen Window

The Forgotten Corner

Shrimp & Chips for Lunch With A Little Atmosphere

Endless Summer at Surf City

Mello Yellow Mood

...and the Comfort of Yellow

Are You Ready for Some Pumpkins?

Reflections of Huntington Harbour

What's a 14er?

The Kern River...how lovely!

Sisters on the Fly

A Great Day to go Boating

What am I writing about?

SLEEC Photos