The Backseat Driver

The definition of a backseat driver that I like the most is Merriam-Webster’s: someone who gives unwanted advice or who tries to control something that is supposed to be controlled by another person. If you know me and cars, you know that describes me as a passenger. On a recent Lyft ride, I was telling the driver quite an entertaining story... read more

My Battle with a Door

I recently had a fight with a door and when it was over, the song called “I Fought the Law and the Law Won” got stuck in my head. It’s an oldie but goodie written by Sonny Curtis in the 60’s and covered by many bands. My two favorites are the versions by The Clash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Okay, back to my fight. I decided to... read more

The Winter Garden

“The earth laughs in flowers.” When I read this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson on a tea bag, it motivated me to capture some of the beauty in my garden right now. One of the benefits of living in Southern California is we have more time each year to enjoy the earth laughing. I am always surprised each winter to see the succulents bloom. In... read more

Valsroad 2018 Book Club Ideas

I’ve been a book club member for over 20 years. The gals in my book club may come and go, but one thing stays constant, the love a good book. Looking back to those early years, I remember reading books like “The Pilot’s Wife” by Anita Shreve and “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden. Hundreds of books later, my... read more

Babbitt Road on Val’s Road

My daughter has been working for The Wilderness Society and knows I am always looking for great nature photos of roads for my blog. She found this gorgeous one of Babbitt Road for me. (Click on photo to enlarge.) The location for this shot is Tahoe National Forest which is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada (California). The dirt road is... read more