Tiffany Newberry

Guatemala Oct/Nov 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:08:00 +0000

Had a Wonderful trip to Guatemala with niece Kate Estlin, and her twins, Meredin and Rowan. Kate was volunteering as the doctor at the local rural hospital, I was the child care provider. We spent 4 weeks on the trip. The house was lovely, but there was a lot of mildew in the bedding, creating health problems for us all.

It was great to spend so much time in one place, and get to know the area. We met a lot of wonderful people. Lake Atitlan is at 5,000ft elevation, surrounded by volcanoes. It is truly a beautiful place. Most of the people who live in Santiago, the town we were in, are native Mayan people, living in a very traditional way.

Garden pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:35:00 +0000

I love my garden.

Palin Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Here is a real eyeopener. The sound is not well synced, but understandable. Something you won't see on American media.

Big Sur, in the Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 02:10:00 +0000

Had a long weekend trip to the Norcal Renaissance Faire on Saturday, and on to Big Sur. Stayed in our little tent trailer for 3 nights, by the Big Sur River. Jim and I, Phyllis and Barry with their 2 dogs made the festive group. Had some great trips to the beach, lots of great food, and a relaxing time by the river.

Check Pattern Dance Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:17:00 +0000

For Kitchen Remodel News.

Election Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:41:00 +0000

Too much spin? No concise reporting on issues? Wonder what the candidates positions are?

BBC News has the answers.

Telegraph Fire Slide Show

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Telegraph Fire Incident Fact Sheet ( CAL FIRE)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 Morning Update
Unified Command –CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service
Fire Information - Phone (209) 966-4784 - Will close 8/7/08 at 4 pm
Media Information – Phone (209) 742-7964 - Will close 8/8/08 at 5 pm
Yosemite National Park Information: (209) 372-0200

Fire Status
Fire Name: Telegraph
Geographic Location: Mariposa, Mt. Bullion, Bear Valley,
Midpines, Briceburg, and Greeley Hill
Acres Burned: 34,091 acres (53 square miles)
Start Date and Time: 7/25/2008 @ 3:10 pm
Percent Contained: 100 percent
Estimated Containment Date: 08/06/2008
Cause: Target Shooting
Injuries: 0 reported yesterday, 38 total (all minor injuries)
Structures Destroyed: 30
Outbuildings Destroyed: 100
Structures Threatened: 0
Resources
Crews: 22
Engines: 61
Helicopters: 2
Air Tankers: 0
Dozers: 5
Water Tenders: 18

Total Personnel Assigned: 1,143

Cost to Date: $37,620,588
Current Situation:
Minimal fire behavior observed. Strengthening and improving fire lines continues. Fire suppression repair is ongoing. Demobilization of resources is in progress. Yosemite valley should be operating on normal transmission line power. While the transition takes place there could be intermittent power in Yosemite Valley and El Portal.

Current Threats: None

Current Road Closures: None

Evacuations: All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of 2200 on 08/02/2008.

Evacuation Center: The evacuations centers and Distribution Center are now closed. Residents with needs can call the Red Cross Fresno-Madera Chapter at (559) 455-1000.

Cooperating Agencies: Cal Fire, USFS, Mariposa County Fire, CHP, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa and SPCA.

Telegraph Fire day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:40:00 +0000

Good photo gallery from LA Times, HERE.

The best picture of the 22, of the town of Mariposa, is THIS ONE.

Telegraph (aka Yosemite) Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:46:00 +0000

The fire is still actively burning, it is smoky here in the mornings and clears up some in the evening. I suppose it has to do with the smoke coming down at night and uphill winds during the day. Here is a picture across the driveway of the neighbors horses through the smoke, and the lilies are blooming madly.

Fire Update

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:50:00 +0000

Community Blog

Telegraph Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Here is a picture of the smoke clouds rolling in front of the sun, in Mariposa yesterday.

Many people in the Midpines area are being evacuated. The power supply for Yosemite has been cut. The communication towers on Mt. Bullion are threatened.

News Article, Modesto Bee

CAL FIRE info site

Metta (Loving-Kindness)

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:19:00 +0000

July 11 to 17, Jim and I were at a meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. The topic of the retreat was Metta, loving-kindness, in Pali. The Dharma Talks, and 2 guided meditations are available on-line for free, HERE. I recommend the talks on Mudita, Joy. Loving-kindness for myself was difficult, especially on the first retreat. The Metta retreats have been very healing for me.

May You Be Safe and Protected
(from inner and outer harm).
May You Be Peaceful and at Ease
(may you carry your duties lightly, unburdened by cares).
May you Be Fit and Healthy
(fitting you body joyfully, seeing your beauty).
May You Be Happy
(in your life).

May All Beings be Safe and Protected,
May We Be Peaceful and at Ease,
May We Be Fit and Healthy,
May We Be Ha-a-a-a-a-py

Metta is a practice in concentration, training the mind to be more focused, and inclining the heart to the sublime state of loving-kindness for all beings.

I love this stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Stumbled upon this great link. The Elegant Universe. Saw all or most of this show, and loved it. Now that I found the link, I think I'll watch it again.

Ann Arbor

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:53:00 +0000

Jim and I had a great trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to visit Wendy and Kayin. Went canoing on Huron River, visited Greenfield Village, went swimming at the lake. Enjoyed walking around Ann Arbor and relaxing.

Wolves of the Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:17:00 +0000

And on a lighter note... Wolves of the Sea

Larkspur

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:54:00 +0000

Larkspur are the most amazing color, and reseed profusely.

In memory Nader Khalili

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:30:00 +0000

I am very fortunate to have studied with Nader Khalili, even for the brief workshop I attended. My world is diminished by the loss of this great man who inspired me, and showed me possibilities of service and creativity.

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Vernal Equinox and Full Moon.

Time for a bonfire.

And jump over it and make a wish.

A Great Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:17:00 +0000

Check it out.

SHINZEN Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:59:00 +0000

More Photos

Jim choose a visit to the Japanese garden in Fresno for his birthday outing. A great time was had by all. Rounding out the trip was dinner at the nice pasta place and shopping at Trader Joe's.

Madam Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:39:00 +0000

Went to see Madam Butterfly at the Saroyan Theater in Fresno. It was a wonderful experience. First time I have ever been to the opera, and I want to go more, the music was fabulous. and the whole thing was fun.

Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Got a couple inches of snow last night. Celebrated 34th Wedding Anniversary by staying warm and dry in our Home Sweet Home.

And the chickens were comfy in the Chicken Fortress

Jim's Retirement Party

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:59:00 +0000

What a Great Event. It was great to see Jim appreciated, for all he does. As the Superintendent of Schools said, "Jim has done things for students and families that no one else could do."

Pictures!

Mug shot

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:41:00 +0000

Yosemite in the Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Pattern Dance) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:53:00 +0000

Jim and I took a drive over the Sierras Sunday with our dear friends, Phyllis and Barry. Also in attendance were their dogs, Little and Lucky.

We stopped near May Lake and brewed a pot a coffee in the meadow. Fresh coffee and scones, baked that morning by Phyllis, mmmm yum.

Arrived in Lee Vining for a late lunch and a visit to the bookstore. Mono Lake in the valley east of the Sierras it a glory of blue.

Then headed home again.