Spring Break Recap: Day 1

Spring break has come and gone. We took off for the week to head up to Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierras just slightly southeast of Yosemite. The drive was gorgeous as huge, puffy clouds covered the sky and the once barren trees were beginning to green up.



Our first day was taken up by the drive to Bishop which took about 5 hours. Usually we drive straight through with the necessary stops for food, gas and bathroom breaks but this time we decided to stay one night (Saturday) in Bishop.



Bishop is a good sized town compared to the ones along Hwy 395. There are several fast food places, a Vons, JC Penney and maybe a Walmart type store. Schaat's Bakkery is the place to stop with their baked breads and pastries along with the sandwich station, not to forget the great turkey legs and split pea soup. :) Believe me, we take stock up on everything.

This time we tried a Japanese/Asian stye buffet restaurant which we don't recommend after eating there. Oh well, I should have checked Yelp before picking a new place to eat.

Here are some pics of Bishop and the areas along Hwy 395. Just note that I took all of the landscape pics from a moving car, some with the window up so reflections might be visible but overall, I'm pleased with my photos. More recaps later....

I love the mood of this photo. The clouds' shadows give the mountains in the back more depth and the light is almost perfect. No retouching here!

This ranch usually has these cowhides laying on the fence which makes for a great photo.

Haircuts and Ice cream

Friday was a fun day. The kids school had a picnic lunch and then the parents could see the Student Showcase. I signed them out of school around 1:30pm and its Spring Break.

But first, both needed haircuts. We found a good barber for both of them in Old Torrance and I promised Foster's as a treat.

It was a warm day so I had to hurry both of them to eat their cones fast. Of course, Josh had a chocolate dipped cone so he had an extra messy yummy time. :)

50 Steps: Master Bedroom/bath edition

Today I'm squeezing another blog post before we head on out for our snow trip.

Yellow Dice. A cheap toy item that Tyler bought years ago redeeming tickets at Chuck E Cheese or Boomers that Josh has taken a liking to now.

Another 50 step photo shoot but I limited myself to the master bedroom and bath. Not that hard since we have lots of clutter and the kids add their items too. Uff. :)

Pokey that is mine, surprisingly and not the kids. :)

I probably could limit my photos to this room and have plenty to share with the world for several months. Maybe I shouldn't post all of them at once but there is always something to shoot.

Greatest eyeliner EVER and it lasts a long time too.

I used my 100mm macro lens on these photos. So peruse at your leisure....

RSC 2011

RSC 2011, a photo by moodybq on Flickr.

Is bigger better?

RSC 2011

RSC 2011, a photo by moodybq on Flickr.

This is pretty close to the colors of my new sock yarn but it could be a tad more vibrant. Or as one Raveler said, "Clown barf." :)

Preparations

1. Today is the kids Special Someone Lunch at school. They requested KFC: 2 drumsticks, 1 biscuit for Tyler (potato wedges optional) and popcorn chicken for Josh. :)
2. So that means I need to clean off the utility wagon so I can haul 3 folding chairs, blanket, food and drinks to school because this year the lunch is school wide not just for certain grades so getting there early is a must.
3. School gates open at 11:30am so I need to get the chicken around 11am to be in prime time for a good picnic place.
4. Hats & sunscreen please. It's going to 78* today.
5. After lunch, it's time for Student Showcase aka Open House. The school is changing it up this year which is fine but Hector won't be able to make it.
6. After the showcase, I can sign the kids out of school early just in time for Spring Break!! Yeah!
7. The kids need haircuts, Tyler's hair is super thick and grows way too fast. Josh would need a trim while Tyler needs major mowing.
8. Gotta pack for our annual spring snow trip. Luckily, all our snow-related items are packed in a separate bag so all I need to do is gather some clothes for the kids and myself. We have a good system, Hector takes care of himself. I pack for myself and the kids plus necessary snacks and food for the car ride.
9. Birthdays...Hector on the 5th and mine is on the 9th. Nothing major, we agreed to no gifts and a nice dinner. :) Others are still welcome to give me gifts though!
10. Have fun and take lots of pictures. It looks like it'll be a gorgeous week and we always enjoy our snow trip. Have a great Spring Break!

Bike Rodeo 3-30-11

Bike Rodeo 3-30-11, a photo by moodybq on Flickr.

Testing this Flickr/Blogger link. :)