Whale Watching

It was the end of spring break and so we decided we would go out sailing. A bit late but why not go out and look for a Whale! We started out early Friday morning and started to head down to Newport Harbor. Danielle was prepared with ipod and specs.

Katey was very serious about it She got out the binocs and started looking.... On the way out our seal friends wave good bye


and wished us luck.
We saw this huge cruise ship boarding. Amateurs - they have to go on that big old thing that has a chef, dancing and a pool.

No whales yet but a lot of great beach homes.

Lots of people fishing off the pier. But no one was catching any whale.


Once we got to Newport Harbor we saw this great little group of sail boats. We weren't sure if it was a race or a class.

Kayaker's - no whale

US Coast Guard, Orange County Sheriff and Fire department were all on hand and ready if we should see a whale.

I think these people were looking for a whale too .....
Everyone was out looking these ladies were working especially hard. Why does this kind of rowing look so awesome and fun. I know it is incredibly hard work but when you see it you can't help but want to try it.

These two were my favorite. This is Ken and I in our future retirement. Click on the photo for a close up . They were whipping around the place. The lady would count then blow her whistle and they would tack at the same time.
Katey couldn't take it. She was exhausted from hours of looking for that whale. Finally she dozed off and wouldn't you know it we finally see......
A WHALE!

Learning

I have been learning about my camera. I hate reading manuals and how-to's. That is why I am so grateful to find others who are willing to share what they know. My fabulous friend Lori the Photographer has been teaching me the ins and outs of my camera. She says we are practicing and learning together. I say I am watching an expert in action and learning tons. We had the pleasure of having her adorable little niece (broken shoulder and all) as a model for us. The challenge was to take all the pictures in the manual mode. So first I had to be taught how to do that then we just took lots of pictures. Afraid of Manual mode --yes. Teacher Lori says you just have to stop being a wimp and just go for it. I have to admit it was fun. I should probably take some pictures tomorrow to make sure I remember to do everything right (retention is a struggle for me). These are a few of my favorites. It's a treat to watch someone work who has such a great eye for a good shot. Thanks Lori.

Masquerade Birthday

Last night we had a big birthday bash for Danielle. She wanted a masquerade theme. The day started off with rain, then the weather report said that we were going to have wind, then it changed to showers and freezing weather. After I prayed begged and pleaded the weather cleared up around 6:30 (party started at 7:30). It was a bit chilly but really quite nice. There were a ton of kids. We counted at one point and there were over 50 and more showed up I am guessing we had at least 75 at one point. They were a great group of kids and a lot of fun.



Here are Dani's gal pals looking fab.Oh no, I think the mask is making her act strange.

More friends.....
Big Sis....



Our DJ - Nancy
Dane sampling the Chocolate. We did a chocolate fountain with all the dipping goodies.


We made a board with pictures of Dani growing up. Her friends wrote her really sweet messages in a book. We had masques for the kids to wear. The ones that had glitter on them got all over everyones face. What a mess. Speaking of messes I was so happy we were able to have the food outside. Ken was washing chocolate off of the entire backyard in the morning.

16 years!

Today is my baby girls 16th birthday. I love being the mom to this crazy teenager. It's all been good since we got through the phase where she couldn't get around on her own. Once she could walk and talk she never stopped and has been happy as can be. Happy Birthday Dano's. Love you.

Music

New music that I love. This video reminds me of when I was a child and I thought for sure there must be little people inside my record player making the music and singing.

Some Tangerine

Ok, so we planted a tangerine tree in our backyard when we moved in 8 years ago. It has never had a stitch of fruit on it. As most of you know we live in a really windy place. Yes it is like a huge wind tunnel. The wind batters that little tree and it just can't handle it. Well imagine my surprise the other day when I went out in the yard and noticed this for the first time.Thats right, one strong little tangerine that has given it's all to hang on and make it through. I don't know if I can even bring myself to eat it. It's like in the story Charlottes Web when they go out to the barn and see the fabulous spider web proclaiming "Some Pig" and it was a miracle. Well, I was just as shocked when I saw this tangerine. I can almost imagine a little face on it scrunched up holding on with all it's might as the gentle breeze gusts at 70 mph.

Book Look

I just have to mention my newest book purchase-- Fancy Nancy Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O'Conner. Of course Robin Preiss Glasser is the fantastic illustrator of this book. I love all the Fancy Nancy books and this newest book is a delight. Learn the definition of Exquisite, RSVP, elegant and other fancy words. My favorite illustration is Nancy doing a beauty spa in the hotel bathroom with her doll Marabelle.

You have got to love these books. If you haven't seen them check them out, if you have seen them add Bonjour, Butterfly to your collection. And of course we all know the others in the collection are -- Fancy Nancy and Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy.