Month: February 2022

The hummingbird population in our backyard has grown again and Don purchased a 3rd feeder to add to the rotation to keep these little guys well nourished.

On the weekends sometimes Don and I will take a ride along the Pacific Coast Highway. We listen to podcasts and enjoy our beautiful coast.

As the days get longer I can get out for a quick hike before dinner with my good boy Sonic. This is the trail behind our house that has a beautiful sunset overlook. It was cold and windy this afternoon but always good to get out!

My friend Amy and I have been hiking every week. We went to Malibu where we thought it would be cooler but it was pretty warm. Although this trail is all uphill, it is one of my faves and has a such a beautiful view of the coast.

Another trail straight uphill. We went to the top of that butte/mountain in the first picture.

A weekend hike at Satwiwa National Park with Don and Sonic. The little bit of rain we’ve had has made the mountains and valleys so green.

A sunset hike with Don. The ‘crows of Simi Valley’ fly west toward the coast at sunrise every morning and then back east to Simi Valley at sunset.

I’ve also been hiking with Barb most weeks. This was a lovely hike at Chesebro Canyon. We even saw a coyote — who went about his business.

This day was an easier walk with llamas at the half way point. Barb brought some carrots for Larry and Bob (the brown one in the background) the llamas. The goats also get in on the action.

This kid is something else.

Yes we were proud that he was nominated for the Ventura County Honor Band. But, we are most proud of how he handled it once he was nominated. He really wanted to be selected and once he was selected he really did his best to learn the music. He practiced harder and put in the work.

He never complained about having to drive to Ventura several times for a 2 hour evening practice on a school night. And the weekend of the performance he had a long practice on Friday night.

And then practice from 9 am – 4 pm the Saturday before the performance. Quinn loved working with the guest conductor from California State University and said that he was happy for the full 8 hours. He liked that he was playing with the best of the best and the other musicians listened to instructions and took it seriously. He even proudly wore a short sleeve VCHB shirt (he really, really prefers long sleeve shirts at all times).

Saturday morning he put on his new black shirt and black pants and his father’s black dress shoes. He was so ready!

It’s show time!

We were lucky that he got seated in front on the right side of the stage.

He asked us to video all the songs. The first song, Heroes Triumphant, was his least favorite song.

Heroes Triumphant.

Don asked him if he had any special responsibilities as the First Chair. Quinn said that he acts as the leader and also gets any solos. We joked that it’s too bad the tuba doesn’t get solos and he piped up that ‘Yes, he has a tuba solo!’. It’s at about 53 seconds in.

Rhythm Machine

Kentucky 1800

Amparito Roca (Quinn’s fave)

Don and I marveled at how much personal growth we saw in Quinn over the last 4 – 6 weeks. And it’s great to see him really work hard and be proud of what he can accomplish. The sky is the limit!

We had a fun Sunday on the water near the Channel Islands looking for whales. We were lucky that it was a beautiful day without much wind. We went with the Conraths and took the grandmas, Barb and Margaret.

Masks were required for outside, but as Don says “Masks down for the (insta)Gram”. Quinn got himself a hot chocolate pronto.

The boys hanging out on the back of the boat. Don can be prone to seasickness so staying outside near the back of the boat is the best place for him and he had no problems.

The White Family.

We are in a bit of a shoulder season for whale watching so we were lucky to see three whales, although none too close. This was about as good as it got. And the whales heading north right now are not the type to breach and give the big tail splashes.

A little bit of a whale with Oxnard and Camarillo in the background.

Heading back to shore with the Channel Islands on the horizon.