Baker, California...

Ever Been To Baker, California? I have.

Before today I didn't know where Baker, California was, or if it existed at all. I passed the place a couple of times in my life, but I never stopped there. Today as we drove home, we stopped for gasoline and a quick Arby's lunch.

Did you know that in Baker stands the world's tallest thermometer? Nor did I. Question...can a structure that doesn't act as a thermometer be considered a thermometer? As we drove by, for the life of me I couldn't see if the thing actually worked.

According to the literature picked up at the before-mentioned Arby's, Baker was established in 1907. It is 60 miles northeast of Barstow and 90 miles southwest of Las Vegas. And it's better known as the Gateway To Death Valley. These things I did not know.

Farewell, Baker with your closed Bun Boy restaurant and Mad Greek industry complex. Until we meet again. Take care.

Can't Wait To Tell Her About...Oh, Yeah

Currently, we're on vacation, which has been a blast so far, but there's one thing that's happened on this trip that I never would have anticipated.

It's been many years since our family embarked on a vacation of this length. It's been so long, in fact, that my mom was with us the last time we were on vacation. What I mean to say is, she didn't accompany us on the vacation, but she was there when we returned.

What's happened to me this week that I didn't expect is that when we have done something cool on the vacation or seen something interesting, I keep thinking that I need to tell my mom about those cool things we've done or the interesting things we've seen.

And then I catch myself and remember that my mom's no longer with us so I can't talk to her and she won't be there when we get home, like she always was before.

It's been over six years since my mom passed and had she not, she would have turned 82 today. It used to happen a lot--I'd catch myself missing my mom, and then it kind of went away. This trip brought some of that back again. Happy birthday mom. Miss you.

Kids On The Beach...

What is it about the beach, exactly, that captivates us? Why are we drawn to the sea, the rhythmic beat of water reaching land?

I certainly don't know, but I do know one thing. As much as we adults love the beach, kids love it even more. Today we were fortunate enough to reach the beach and my kids had a blast during the time we were there. My youngest had never before set foot on a beach or seen an ocean. He made the most of his first visit.

Here's a few pictures I took of my beautiful kids.

It was a great day.

Trolley Car!...A Short Video

Trolley Car!

I've seen them on TV and the movies all my life, nearly 50 years. Today I rode a San Francisco trolley car for the very first time.

Sure, it took a while for us to ride. That's fine to experience American history in person. Our family was the first to board so I got a seat in the front and took out the camera.

And thanks to Apple for updating iMovie (and adding several new movie trailer templates of which I cannot wait to try out...), I can bring you a new movie trailer. It's called Trolley Car! Enjoy!