First-timer

So a few posts ago I mentioned that I entered photos in the Humboldt County Fair for the 1st time. I was excited, but knew to not get my hopes up. I figured there would be a tremendous amount of "much better" photos entered, and I didn't stand a chance in hell of placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
My mom and I anxiously (well maybe just me) entered the fairgrounds and headed straight for the photography room. (after a quick trip to the ladies room that is.....) I started looking for my photos, was surprised at the photos that were awarded ribbons. Some friends of mine on Facebook also mentioned they were puzzled by the judging criteria. I have to add that I was only paritally biased.. There were definitely some that were better than mine, and they did not place!
How does one find out about the criteria? Do they give "scorecards" to you when you pick up your photos? I did not walk away empty handed though.....Here is my 3rd place photo:

Not too shabby for a first-timer, right?

I can't wait to work on photos for next year....

Another month down.....

Holy crap! How did it get to be another month since my last post?! Talk about being a horrible blogger! The last month has been filled with plenty of busy time!

I went to a picnic for CASA, taking my 3 year old cousin with me since my CASA kid was out of town. Here's a pic of us hanging out eatin' some grub:

And no, we did not coordinate on our colors for the day! After the picnic, we headed off to an All Star Softball game for my cousin Bailey. It was a great sunny day!

The following weekend I spent an afternoon with my CASA Kid. We decided to head down to Fortuna and walk down Main Street, since it was AutoExpo weekend. I have to mention the fact that I've never been to Autorama or AutoExpo! How horrible is that?? Once I was old enough to "go on my own", I worked on Fridays from 4p-10p and Saturdays from 8a-5p, so it seems like I always missed the "fun stuff" Anywho...here are some of our favorite pics from the day:



The weather was beautiful on both of these days. It was a little windy, but it wasn't too much!

Getting the point across

My friend Sarah, over at Learning Something New Everyday posted something today that has been on my mind since the beginning of June.

WHERE IS OUR SUMMER?

How irritating is this weather? Last weekend, I spent plenty of time outside, attending a picnic for CASA.....All Star softball game that my little cousin was playing in....... visited the zoo....... did a little grocery shopping...... served beer at the annual Fortuna Rodeo BBQ with my momma...... and even watched the cowboys play in the dirt. The weather was absolutely beautiful, there was a breeze when we needed it.

Then comes Monday, and we are sucked back into this wonderful "Humboldt" weather that us natives know all too well. Does anyone really enjoy using their windshield wipers while driving to work in the morning? And what is it with it being so damn cold at night? I was talking with my cousin yesterday, and she mentioned that their heater came on the other night. When I woke up this morning, I noticed the the hubby had turned ours on when he got out of bed this morning. No wonder I woke up late!!

All this depressing weather leads me to believe that a camping trip is finally needed. Normally, we've already been at least once by now.....scheduling conflicts have kept us at home though. I'll tell ya what though....there is nothing like the peace and quiet of our little camping spot. With the exception of the occasional rug-rat running around the campground, it really is a great place for some r&r. I have this great new chair to sit in now, and I can't wait to set it up at the campsite and RECLINE! No more putting my feet on the table or the fire pit!

Time to leave for work, I have a big to-do list to tackle this week!

What are your thoughts on this "summer weather" here in Humboldt?

Being Fair

Ha! Got you with the title didn't I???
I've got to come up with more things to blog about....going 2 or 3 weeks in between posts just isn't cutting it!
And by the way, I am still looking for your ugly house photos, folks!! Email your photos, with city / state to beancounterincali@sbcglobal.net.
Now on to "fair".....
I finally got my ass in gear and decided to enter some photos in the Humboldt County Fair this year. While they are not my "best", I am still very proud of them. I look forward to someday catching those perfect moments!

Lookin for something....

How about a little sunshine in Humboldt??? It's June 16th already, and this weather blows! I have these things called flower pots with seeds planted....and I'd really like stuff to grow! But with the lack of warm sunny days, I am losing the battle.



One thing that does not require sun is my brand spankin new BBQ!! I love love love it, and try to cook everything on there!! Next up will be "beer can chicken"



One thing I am looking forward too is more days at the beach to take photos.....


And some photos in the redwoods....


All in all, I am looking to capture every moment possible for the remainder of the year.

I will also be scouting "ugly houses" for my 2nd blog...www.casablahnca.blogspot.com
Special credit goes to my grade school and high school classmate Sean E =)

Fred...I am here again!

I can't wait for summer to finally get here. I am really anxious to go camping, even though it involves some work (to shop, pack, load up, etc). I dream of the days that we will have a camp trailer of some sort. I look forward to having the majority of the camping necessities always ready to go. Throw in my clothes, the perishable items and some firewood and we're ready to go!
I’m over the days of partying at Ruth Lake. Besides that, the last few times I was there it was windy and not very enjoyable. I don’t have a houseboat, so Trinity Lake is out of the question unless I go up there with my family.
My little piece of heaven is located in the 6 Rivers National Forest between Weitchpec and Orleans. With only about 20 campsites, this place has all the peace and quiet a woman in her mid 30’s can enjoy. I’m talking about Fish Lake. Overall the trip is about 2 hours from my house, so it is not too far out of the way. However, there is no electricity up there so you could consider this place semi “roughing it”. Most of the campsites are tent only. Running water (for showers, washing dishes, etc.) is available at the entrance to the campground. Better than porta-potty toilets are available in 4 locations.
Fish Lake does not allow motor-boats, so you could call it a do-it-yourself type of lake. It’s not the size of Ruth, Trinity, or Shasta, so it won’t take you all day to row to your favorite spot and back to camp!

Bad Blogger

Wow...it has been a little over 2 weeks since my last post. Too much time spent on Facebook. Oh well. I also spent plenty of time getting my taxes finished, updating files for 2009 expenses, and taking some well deserved time off to be myself. A break from all of the activities is nice every once in a while.