Our Location:
BLM Ogilby Rd, Winterhaven, California
The dust is obscuring pretty much everything here even though we have no wind advisories. We cannot see the Dunes, the Ogilby Hills or the Cargo Muchacho mountains which normally surrounds us with their magically ever changing views. The air closer to the ground is a different hue of grey/brown that changes gradually as one raises the eye upwards to the beautiful blue sky that seems to rest atop of the wall of grey/brown. The air smells of dust, and tastes of dust if one is outside at all. In fact just looking out the window makes me think I can almost taste it anyway. The wind is relentless, seeking to make every little moveable thing on a rig squeak, whistle, groan or flap. It finds crevices that the eye can’t see, it pushes dust through the slightest hint of any opening, it blows dust past our windows much like Old Man Winter batters the snow back home in Ontario. Much like back home the bushes and trees here are leafless right now but they too add to the music, creaking and rubbing against each other and the ground. The sun high above us is a constant and we are thankful for its cheerful presence. Winter in the desert is as varied as winter in Ontario, it is never boring!
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| Riley and I had breakfast at Cracker Barrel |
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| Lots of picking going on near Yuma. |
So a quick catchup, no pictures to prove what I say but you will have to take my word for it. When last I posted, friends Kim and Ken had left, they have since returned, following the arrival first of friends Deb and Tom, and new to us friends, Joan and Dave, from our home province of Ontario. Joan and Dave have just left for a week but promise to return. Deb, Tom, Riley and I have ventured to Los Algodones and once just Deb, Tom and I made the trip to Los Algodones, Riley opted out due to recovering from the dreaded Crud Cold! She is much better. No, I didn’t leave her here all by herself while I was away, Joan and Dave were parked across the yard on the off chance she needed something, which she didn’t.
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| This would be Ken and Kim returning to the yard. |
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| Sunset Jan 25. |
Calls to dad nightly keeps me informed of all the goings on up there. Snow, wind, snow, wind, 5 minutes of what they think might be sunshine, but as yet no confirmation on that, followed by snow and wind. I think you must be getting the idea by now, it’s definitely winter in Northern Ontario. Chats with my sister, both her and her other half have the Crud Cold as well. It seems to be everywhere. Brother Rick and SIL Barb are doing well, and keeping busy.
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| Can you see the 3 aircraft? |
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| The Ocotillos have a smidge of green. |
A few things of note:
Belated birthday wishes to Robert, celebrated on the 7th. I have no doubt you had a great day.
Birthday wishes to Hudson, as today is the actual day, but the party was this past Saturday! I know everyone had a grand time skating, sledding, roasting things over the pit bonfire and the afternoon festivities were followed by a huge spaghetti dinner! Happy Birthday Buddy!
Condolences to Lori, Tim, Steve and Paul on the passing of their sister Audrey just two days ago. Audrey and I were pretty close for a some years but sadly we drifted apart as the years passed. Her smile and laughter were infectious, a huge heart and wicked sense of humour will forever be my memories of her. Taken too soon at 62 years of age. RIP Cuz!
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| A festive courtyard in Los Algodones. |
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| Two casserole dishes I purchased. |
I have chatted with SIL Janet here in California, and due to her health it appears we may not get to visit this winter. We had trouble contacting her due to the theft of her phone while on the way to a doctors appointment. We have managed to connect via round about methods. It is amazing how crippled our communication gets when we no longer actually know the phone numbers of those important people we need to contact.
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| A fountain in the courtyard near the dentist office. |
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| Looking the opposite way as the fountain. |
So I suppose that is enough catching up for today. I must apologize to all of you but I am truly struggling to read, write and comment on blogs. I just can’t seem to get back into that groove. In fact I take very few photos anymore. I just don’t seem to have any interest. I anticipate very few posts from me in the future.
Take care, stay safe,
Deb
