Z is for Zephyr; the Western Wind

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind didn't blow her away, she adjusted her sails ~Elizabeth Edwards

Okay, maybe the wind doesn’t always blow through here toward the west, but I thought it was clever for “Z”. Most people who live around here will tell you the same thing; that while the KRV is well known for being windy, it blows the most when people come to visit. I’m not saying that the wind is never blowing but it is definitely the worst during tourist season.

This is, of course, caused by seasonal changes in atmospheric pressure, but it’s funny to tell visitors that they brought the wind with them. It can be a real inconvenience, sometimes we just want to hang out at the lake, without being windblown, but we’ve grown accustomed to it for the most part.

When the lake is at higher levels, people take advantage of the powerful gusts for windsurfing, and on the shore the kids do love to fly kites.  

The almost constant wind has also caused trees to grow in interesting directions, usually they lean over. I found them fascinating when we first moved up here, that these trees could not only survive and endure in the wind, but also be flexible. It’s almost metaphoric for life; it’s better to be flexible and blow in the wind than stand against the wind and get blown over or broken.

I can’t believe that I am finally finishing Z for the A-Z Blogging Challenge. The month seemed to go by so fast! I didn’t manage to keep up with it every day, or post the correct letters on the assigned days each time, but that’s life. Sometimes things don’t get posted in time, but they did get posted. If I’m at least able to do that, and still take care of my family and my home, then I feel like I succeeded and I am so proud of myself!

Photo Credits: dandwiki.com

meted.ucar.edu

wordy.photos.com

deutsch.istockphoto.com

Ikitesurf.com

Y is for You Can Prevent Wildfires

I’m sure most of you have probably seen California wild fires on the news. In the summer they seem to be constantly going. And maybe it’s scary to see it on the TV or maybe you don’t really feel anything, one way or the other. But let me tell you, to us California residents, specifically those in mountain areas, where wild fires are an annual event and we all have evacuation plans, it’s a very scary thing.

It’s especially scary with the drought situation currently going on in our state. No rain + mountainsides of dry grass+ dry lightning and thunder storms = a nerve wracking season. My husband and I have a plan to get our family and possessions to safety in case of a wildfire.

Now, for those of you not living in fire prone areas can still exercise caution and use common sense when visiting areas that can catch fire. For instance, you could be aware of burn days, learn how to maintain and extinguish a campfire, use an ashtray, (don’t throw cigarette butts out the window) and make sure there are no sparks coming from your car.

It may sound kind of public service announcement, but for people living in our area, a carelessly thrown match can ruin people’s lives, destroy their homes and possessions and even cause the loss of life.  

     






   Here is a link to educational resources and printable coloring pages for kids. 

W is for Weekend Activities

"Weekend is the best day of the week" ~Archana.nl

On weekends (when the weather is so inclined) there are usually many activities going on around here! In the summer there are many fishing and water related activities for families and individuals, but even in the winter months, there is always something going on.

           

One of my family’s most favorite weekend activities is going to the local swap meets. There is a smaller one here in our little South Lake, and a larger one in Lake Isabella. We have found some truly amazing deals at the swap meets.

           

Our other most favorite weekend activity is going to the lake. Either swimming (in the summer), fishing or just hanging out in the sunshine, enjoying the magnificent view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

           

Even if we don’t go anywhere or do anything, weekends are definitely our favorite, because daddy is home and there are no lessons to do. It’s a time for fun, family and maybe projects. And I love it!

         

What are your favorite weekend activities? Do you spend time together as a family? Do you like to go out and do things on the weekends or do you like to stay at home?

X is for Xtreme Riding

My sons are the ones who came up with “Xtreme Riding” for my ‘X’ post. I had them write a tiny blog post of their own, explaining what Xtreme Riding means to them and why they enjoy it.

           

For me, extreme riding is watching my kids on their quad, dirt bike or jet ski. I don’t like to go on boats (I’m afraid of water) and I am not coordinated enough for the off road vehicles lol. My husband really wants me to be brave and learn how to ride, which I’m sure I will do, once Lovebug is bigger. For now, while the men are doing any sort of “xtreme” riding, I am usually on the sidelines, keeping the baby out of the way and taking pictures or video.






Nay:

My favorite vehicle to go Xtreme Riding on is my quad. A quad is fun when you go fast, but you have to be safe. One time, I was riding my quad when it was not a lucky day. I tried to go one way, but the quad tried to go the other. Then all I saw were trees and branches and leaves. Then I heard a big crash! But I was okay and so was the quad. It was so much fun! I love going fast on my quad!

D:

My favorite form of Xtreme Riding is on a quad. They are small, fast mobiles that can be very fun and go really fast. Sometimes they can almost go as fast as a car but you can also do jumps. You need gas, like a car, but you can go wherever you want (dirt is better!).

One time, my dad and I were going up a hill. I thought I could follow him, so I tried and tried but it was too steep. I tried to go maximum but pushed the quad too far and then went head over heels (me and the quad) rolling back down the steep hill. The quad was fine and I was too so in the end it was so much fun!

V is for Valleys Galore!

              The word ‘valleys’ brings to mind images of Julie Andrews spinning around in the valleys and mountains outside her Swedish convent. So picturesque, so serene. And truly, under the right circumstances, the valleys are majestic and glorious.

Here in the Kern River Valley, we basically live in a giant bowl. Mountains surround us on every side, as well as hills and mesas running throughout the area, turning a short distance into a 15-minute drive.

Everywhere you look, there are mountains and valleys. Sometimes they are wonderful, when you’re hiking or taking photos, or just admiring the colorful foliage. Other times, they can be horrible, like when you’re driving over treacherous mountains tops or trying to get a signal on your phone or satellite.

I suppose it must be the same for everyone living in mountain communities, a love/hate relationship with the scenery and wild animals and woodland creatures living alongside your children and pets. 

I know I don’t want to leave. I like it here. Except for the lack of convenience, which has long since become a normal part of every day life, this setting is perfect for our family.

What do you love about where you live? Do you wish you were somewhere else or are you happy where you're at?