I am now in the Imperial Valley of California where the hot mineral water flows to soothe the bones of arthritis, aches and pains of the craziness of our youthful adventures-remember all those crazy skiing hills and warm us all up before we head on after the holidays. Jerry and I usually spend at least a month here getting our fix of sulfur and bike riding. We occassionally get to enjoy gleaning some fresh lettuce from the fields after the tractors have decimated it for the grocers. The workers are happy to share what is left over and we enjoy nice large fresh salads. Last year we rockhounded a lot and will probably do so again this year. We have found some interesting agates and chalcedony and occassionally come across petrified wood. I am on a quest for the dried remains of the Desert Primrose. It is a lovely dried plant that when inverted looks like a birdcage-honestly looks like a birdcage! I already have my basil seeds planted and my pot bought for my future cacti I return home with to add to my own high desert cactus garden. The previous owners of our home even got brave and planted a couple of Cholla that seem to like Oregons cold winters. 

On our way here we stopped at Joshua Tree National Park and enjoyed the beauty of a wonderful scenic park despite almost being blown away. It was downright cold and windy and shortened our stay by a couple of days. We were anxious to move on but did get to visit with some Prineville folks down that way for the winter.