So Cal RU 2010 Pictures

I'm here in the cheering section! Looks like everyone had a wonderful time, and the weather cooperated, too!

I was thinking of you, ima, among others, but especially you when I was showing off all my cannas. : - )
No blooms yet, but they are sending up shoots like crazy. : - )
Now I know you like these guys and I know I keep forgetting their name, but this plant exploded in size this year. It's grown almost to the top of the lattice and is sending out stems with flowers. See below. When it goes to seed, ima, do you want me to collect some for you?
WIB!
SW

Black Vest....I've been wanting a black vest....er...probably wouldn't fit me any how!! Jo

I think that's verbena bonarensis, Jules, and I appreciate the offer, but I have one. Actually, it's reseeded here, and I have WAY more than one!
I think this is the same plant?

Yup, that was the name, that I keep forgetting. I think you are the most patient person in the world when it comes to my lousy memory. I'm getting a lot of growth and think I'll have seeds to share next year. Lovely, if larger than expected.
So if anyone wants seeds, let me know and I'll bundle you up some. : - )
WIB!
SW

It's a butterfly magnet, and I've even stood quietly while a hummingbird 3 feet away daintily sipped from each and every tiny flower on a "head". It can get a little weedy at the end of the season, but I just whack it back to the ground a few weeks before frost hits, and for the past few years it's been coming back nicely. The original plant died in an unusually cold winter, but it "re-planted itself" in a spot where we're both happy.

It is also a butterfly host plant....love them. They bloom for a long period. I start out by cutting them back when they first pop up so they will get fuller.

Loved all of the pictures you all shared. It is so great to see all of your faces. Looks like a great time was had by all.

This message was edited Apr 28, 2010 12:58 PM

Great shot Ima!

Thanks---couldn't believe I got it, but that's how much the b'flies love that plant!

Jules, I would love some seed.

You guys will not believe this. DH is home from hospital, never did find source of bleeding. Maybe polyp that was removed. But last night I was taking out the male dog in the back to go potty and with the high wind and my balance, I stumbled over a large piece of slate and fell backward, I always fall backward and my shoulder landed on a cement ornament torch candle.. Needless to say, I am hurting today but not as bad as last night. Vern's daughter is coming today and will probably have us both locked up.

Just what you needed Sharon. Take care of both of you. No one will lock you up! We all do crazy things...me for instance sliding on the wet cement and falling, thought I broke my leg! Too bad dh was standing right there and saw the whole thing! He wants to lock me up!

Thank you Jules & Jack for providing us with such a great time. I truly enjoyed every second I was there. All of the pictures are so great and thanks everyone for sharing them.

Sharon please be careful, I'm always worrying about falling. I don't want to end up with some broken bones. Sometimes I feel like I have two left feet. I don't live too far from the Norwalk State Hospital so I can walk over there when I think the time is right.

LOL, Pegi!!

Jules so would I love seed. What are the florescent purple things that are growing in your garden in the front yard circle to the far left when standing there, looking from your house? That is not them is it? I made people go look at it, because the color was so pretty.

I am glad your h is home now. Goodness when it rains it pours. Prayers being sent up for you and h.

hellnzn, If they kind of looked liked freesia and were growing in the front yard raised planter, I forgot their name, but Rodica knows it! : - )
She told me that they were South African bulbs. I am hoping that they are spreading and I can save some of them to share with others.
The one ima and Sheila are talking about (verbena bonarensis) is growing next to that beefsteak tomato that bloomed and fruited out of season. You know, the one the size of a cherry tomato? LOL!
Remind me, but I'll save seeds for anyone who wants them. I think they will spread easily given the right conditions.
Great B.fly Sheila. Was thinking of you today, when I spotted a caterpillar hiding in the bark of a tree. Will post on H.bird/B.fly forum for ID.
Will post other photos of my yard in So CA forum.
Some I don't remember who gave them to me or where to plant them or even what they are. Too much stimuli, all at once I guess. But I had a lot of fun! : - )
WIB!
SW

Oh what fun! Now I am jealous, we need one up here too!

Jules they are babianas :o)

Thanks Marie, I appreciate the help. Were you the one who told me what they are called? I really don't remember names well. Unless it's your cat or dog or pet bird, I almost always forget the names. Sigh.
Then I wonder why I can remember your pet's name but not yours? The mind is a mysterious thing.
I've found since the accident repetition and visualization is what really helps me to remember.
Thanks friends, for helping me to retrain mine. : - )
WIB!
SW

Dawn, Go to search plants here on DG. Type in aflatunense. I'm sure this is the plant you saw in SW"s circle in the front yard. I had some of these many, many years ago
Sylvia

Ok, will check. Marie told me that too, Babiana. So I won't know until I see both names and plants. Loved those though.

Do you guys get so many seeds that you just can't make enough tags so you just plant and see what pops up? I do often and sometimes I get nice surprises.

Ok definitely Babiana. Hardy here if I dig up bulbs or have in protected dry area on a low water winter, so that means, dig it up in layman's terms.

Well guys, DH is back in hospital. Have no idea what is wrong but a bunch of Doctors are trying to find out. His blood Pressure is high and he has a grasping way of breathing but his heart is OK. I am home now and I am going to ice my shoulder and go to bed. We had 68 mph gusts yesterday so when sun is up tomorrow, I will survey the damage. Low of 42 tonight. Crazy weather.

Sharon, I hope they find out what's going on with your dh. I'm thinking about you.
Take care of yourself.

Sharon, what a roller coaster you are riding. I hope they find what is wrong and they fix it.
Sending healing thoughts your way.

Sharon, I hope things are better for you two soon. Take care.

Ah, Sharon. When it rains it pours.
I'm so sorry to hear your DH was re admitted to the hospital. I hope and pray they will find out what is going on with him!
Sweetie, don't forget that ice reduces swelling, and heat helps to circulate the blood. You should probably be alternating between the two. With 20 minutes of ice and about the same of heat.
Take care of yourself, okay? Rest as much as you can. Don't worry about the wind damage, and don't lift anything!
We worry about you. Keeping you and your DH in our hearts and prayers.
WIB!
SW

My prayers for you both, and for the doctors, Sharon. DH Has gone through alot of medical procedures since we have been married the last 18 years. Guess he waited till he married me to try to breakdown, but I keep mending him back up! Relax.

Wow! Just catching up here; I missed a great day with you all! I am so jealous.

The majesty of Jack and Jules' 500-year-old California live oak was breathtaking.

You were missed, but most of us knew you were working hard. Maybe next time, TwinLakesChef? Or when you get some free time, give me a call and you can come visit. Of course not all of our DG friends will be here, but it's always beautiful to me.
Lovely photo of Grandmother Oak, surfcity! Honestly, didn't you feel like you were getting an embrace from your favorite Grandmother when you walked under her limbs?
To me, she is the heart of the farm.

Around here they have a historical forestry group that catalogs old trees, has anyone every researched and studied the old oak you have?

Actually, Grandmother Oak is on the Historic Registry of Trees. There is a newspaper article you can google. You might have to find it under my real name. Will dmail it to you. She is protected and since the members of our community love her so much she will never be cut down to put in houses.
There is only one CA Live Oak that I know of, that is larger than our friend Grandmother Oak. She is called The Great Oak and is protected on Pechanga tribal land. (The property was recently restored to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, but it used to belong to Earle Stanley Gardner, author of the Perry Mason books).
We are encouraging the oaks to grow even among the Monterey Pine Christmas trees. I have one planted in the creekside in Honor of Lori Piestewa, and one will planted to honor Robert Dokka, a DG member who has passed away.
Thanks Sheila, I wish you could have been here, to see her in person. If you ever come out this way again, I hope you make time to come visit. Same for me when I go to TX again.
WIB,
SW

I love the tree...and Thank you for remembering one of our states heros....Lori...and Robert our dear DG friend.

Did you see the show when they did the house for Lori's parents here in Arizona?...

Will there be a 1011 Grandmother Oak RU?

Jo

Jo,
When I was playing hooky with DH, he brought up the idea of having another RU but this time out by GMa oak. No bee hives though. At least not there. He can put them up by the old bee barn. We'll have to bring in a portapotty, but it was HIS IDEA. I'm good with it. : - )
I am very hopeful we will be able to host next year's RU. Just wish that more CA's would come. They live closer than you do, but can't make it? I guess it's a matter of priorities and health. I just want them to know that they are welcome to come.

I am a an Auxilary Member of the American Indian Warrior's Association, which is composed of veterans of U. S. Wars of NAI heritage. Because of my association with AIWA, I was invited to a special gathering to Honor Lori Piestewa at the La Jolla VA Hospital. While I was at the ceremony, I met a few members of Lori Piestewa's family. (Bad with names, should be my name, sigh!) I promised them I would plant an Oak Tree in her Honor. The VA Hospital promised to give the oak a home, but have since changed their minds. So sad about that. Mainly, because they were doing away with the NAI prayer circle too.
Since the VA reneged, I planted it here. I always try really hard to keep promises. I don't make promises often. So I planted Lori Piestewa's tree in Sweetwater Creek instead.
I was also very sad, because I was talking to one of the Kumiyai (sp) Elders, who told me that she was happy to learn about the Oak Tree coming to the La Jolla VA Hospital. She told me that she remembered, as a little girl going to gather acorns at the huge oak grove that used to be on the site of the current VA Hospital in La Jolla. It was a very special and happy time in her childhood. I could tell it meant a lot to her to think of one growing there again. : - (
I was thrilled that your State of Arizona honored her by renaming Squaw Mountain after her, Jo.. Squaw is a derogatory term and is disrespectful of all women.
I was totally thrilled to see the episode you referred to on TV, where they built her family a new house. DH hates that show, but I made him watch it anyway.
You may have noticed how stoic her family was, as they are not accustomed to showing emotion the way that we do. They were overwhelmed with gratitude, and somewhat embarrassed by all the attention. I hope that the house shelters her family from all harm for all of time. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for those who made it all happen for them. : - )
In my eyes, Lori Piestewa is one of a long line of women warriors. Studying Native American History, and my own family history, I know that women are just as capable as men when it comes to fighting to protect what they love. History is full of women warriors.
I don't have their address, but I figure the Post Office will find her family, because I am going to be sending them a photo of her tree and a letter about why it wasn't planted where the VA said they'd plant it. I'm sure they'll be happy that she is remembered for her sacrifice for our country, and even happier to know she (the Oak) is planted on Sacred Ground. I'll also issue an open invite for them to come visit whenever they like.

On a totally different note, please give Amy my congratulations on her engagement. Have they set a date? It's something wonderful to celebrate. : - )

Been Googling all morning and can't find the article I referred to, although I know it's there somewhere. Did find other articles that mention it.
Our community loves that tree so much they put it on the City Seal. Nice of them to tell us in advance of the fact (being sarcastic here), but we found out by reading the paper. I'm kind of upset that she is brown on the Seal, but she never turns brown (except when she is in drought mode), she is always green, and they have her against a green background, when anyone who lives here can tell you that the ground is either brown or yellow for most of the year. Only green in the rainy season. It's already getting dry and crunchy outside.
I guess we're honored. Although, all we are trying to do is keep her alive, and safe from more vandalism. It's not like we planted her. I think of us as being caretakers of Grandmother Oak, or maybe I have that backwards. LOL!
Okay, enough said by me. Probably too much.
Walk In Beauty!
SingingWolf

First: Amy and Russ have been "engaged" for a while...and own a house together in San Diego...wedding will be Sept. 10th...FINALLY ...their ship is in at the time she wanted to have her wedding...

Lori: When She was killed, my Amy was a Trouble Shooter on the Flight Deck of the USS Abe Lincoln...she had access to bombs that were going to be dropped in Iraq...so I emailed her and asked her to dedicate one to Lorie...and she did....So...A warrior's revenge. Jo

That is all good news Jo.

That tree is awesome. There are some trees here in a nature preserve that are dated 800 years old, but not Oaks. They have pictures of some people who were original pioneers in this valley, taken by some of these trees, when the trees were 700 +years old. I love oaks, they don't grow here but do in Tehachapi, right by my house. I am sure SW is familiar with Tehachapi.

Thanks, Dawn....Jo

My Grandpa used to go hunting deer up in the Tehachapi's. DH has bee locations near there, and I have a friend who lives out there. Yup.
You can always come visit Gma Oak Hellnzn. : - )
Way cool photo, Jo. I love it! Is that your Amy in the photo next to the missile?
A warrior's revenge indeed. Some say your stature in the afterlife (in warrior cultures), is determined by how many of the enemy you take with you.
Okay, Now I GET IT! The good news is that the kids finally set a date to get married! Yippee!
WIB,
SW

Hi everyone. I also took pictures, but most of them seem to be duplicates of what has already been posted, so I'll just add a few different ones.

This is one of a plant we would like to ID. If it's a native, I would dearly love some seeds, SW.

Another photo of the mutual gift between our family and SW's. They wanted it gone and we were happy to have it. DH started cleaning it up and we have more ideas for it.