Hiking Black Butte

I've always wanted to hike Black Butte, the cinder cone next to Mt. Shasta. With our friends, Gladys and Mike, visiting from Malibu we decided to go with the Wednesday hiking group. It was a rainy morning but cleared up just as we began our assault. Great feeling of being on top of the world as a reward.

At the top with great view of Mt. Shasta

Art Alive - and thriving . . .

A few days ago my good friend, Mary Lou LoPreste, and I drove 30 minutes up to Greensprings, a mountain village near Ashland to visit the renowned local artist, Harriett Rex Smith. She is 93 years old and still painting daily in her cozy studio retreat. Still living alone and driving back and forth to Ashland on mountain roads, she is an inspiration and role model. I bought the print below and will proudly hang it in our home.

Spring Dogwoods by Harriett Rex Smith

Money Matters

My son, Austin King, was recently featured on  a show that airs throughout Southern California and has a much wider reach via the internet. So great to hear his take on national and international investment strategies. Looks like MY investment has certainly paid off - he will be graduating this semester with a masters in Applied Economics! Here's the show: Alternative Lending for Today's Investor

Full Moon aRisin'

We are eking out a few more warm evenings on our deck before we say goodbye to summer. This full moon coming up over Grizzly Peak was spectacular! There was even a full eclipse in the middle of the night.

Peak Experience

Our Wednesday hiking group went on a 2 hour drive up to Crater Lake. Long drive, yes. Worth it? Oh yes! It was a beautiful early Fall day with crisp, cool morning air and glorious clear sunny skies as the day progressed.

At the top of Crater Peak