River Wind

Time???? and Thoughts

2011-09-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Usually the members sit Timberline Gallery once a month, but I will also be in the Gallery, on Sept. 27th.

The exciting part is we now have Internet connection for the artists that want to participate. So if it is quiet I can get some other work done. The above photo is of my "Day of the Dead" piece, other art pieces are by Julie Mitchell and Valery Runningwolf.

I have been very busy completing projects, jewelry, fiber pieces, and gourds for Sierra Art Trails.

Since I have 2 blogs and "Riverwind" is not getting much attention, probably because I have not paid it much attention and my thoughts about keeping it more for local announcements does not seem to be working to well.. I am going to refer you to my
http://vivianhelena-creates.blogspot.com/ , and close this blog down at least for the time being.

I hope you will pop in and follow at the vivianhelena-creates location. Keeping up with Facebook, Twitter, learning the Iphone,
and trying to update with entries to shows, is a challenge all the artists seem to be having.

So to use the term "busy", is not right.. or not effective.. we are all busy,, hopefully, doing things we love..
I have been pulling out the dried sunflowers and getting ready for Fall and working in the studio. Now that it is cooling off, I am feeling energized.
See you at
Vivian Helena Creates..make it a great day!

River Knolls is back to a white fence.

2011-09-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

We are back to a white fence and colorful little American Flags for Sept. 11.

Thank you to some industrious neighbors, painting in 100 degree weather. Our entry to The Knolls is back to an inviting country lane..

Not a Llama, but a cow.

2011-09-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you have suddenly walked though the looking glass with Alice.? We have 4 llamas, and one is black and white.. I came down to feed, and had a very odd feeling that what I was seeing was very strange... it has 2 horns, round ears and a tail, and is not my black and white llama! No llama's in sight.

I turned and ran to the house for my camera, because no one will believe me, and in the process called my next door neighbor, since he was a cowboy! I had no idea where my llamas were, or where this animal came from.. Monty and his son arrived and tried to get it into the next field, I found the llamas screaming at the other end of this field, as this cow went to the far end the llama's ran toward my neighbors fenced area, where we sometimes let them graze.. at least they were safe.. I thought I could help shoo this guy out, but when he lowered his head at me,,, I thought twice about that.. Finally he ran though our fence and out to the river.

It took me two days to get the llama's to even come home, had to bribe them with grain. Don't things always happen when your husband is out of town? This is the first time we have had a cow in our field, and I hope it is the last... The llama's were not to keen on this guy!

Neighbors, Cows

2011-08-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a photo that made me think of slowing down.. What do cows have to do all day... Eat, moo, and enjoy the open fields. I always laugh at them and their sweet faces. Do I look as funny to them as they sometimes do to me. And then I saw this saying on the Daily Om.

The universe is always offering us signs to help us, we just need to slow down and pay attention.

I guess I need to slow down, this is a reminder.

Flash Mob Sierra Arts and Friends

2011-08-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, Come to a fun gathering.. meet artists, art lovers, musicians, dancers and your neighbors.

We will have food, by the Produce Place for sale and fun. Wear a funny hat if you wish and a smile to share.... If you would like to paint, there will be a chance to experiment, and everyone is asked, if they have any tube of acyclic paint to share, the balance of it will go to the local schools..

If you have a fun idea, come and do it.. musical instrument, bring it, bright colored scarf, wear it.
.

Sunflowers, the beauty of Summer

2011-08-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

We have bright sunflowers at this time of year... Soon they will bloom out, the seeds will drop and there will be dozens of sunflowers next year. Little birds flit from flower to flower enjoying the expanse of flowers on tall stalks.. Some are 10 ft. high, it is a forest of tall stems and leaves.

Positive thinking dramatically increases your chances of success in any endeavor. ( from the Daily Om)

When I look at the flowers I can't help but have positive thoughts.

Block Printing with Celeste

2011-07-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Celeste is one of our members who lives some of the time in Alaska. That in itself is amazing to me, because I think of snow, wind, ice and tundra.. She visits her sis during the summer. I think I might come to Ca, in the winter if I lived in Alaska, and spent summers there.

This time she showed us her beautiful art work, done with Block Printing, each piece is printed at a time. AFTER you think of a design, after you carve out the block. It used to be harder to carve the blocks but now it is a bit easier with new products and softer materials to work with..

I have just shown you a small piece, she brought us amazing large framed pieces to see, depicting life in Alaska. Very amazing and fun to see each step that she takes to finish this beautiful art work. Thank you Celeste for sharing your passion with Block Printing.

Benches, repeat design, color

2011-07-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you have read my other blog, you know I have a fascination regarding benches... Are they for relaxing, viewing, color or just wonderful lines.. Like these at a restaurant in Fresno.. Thankfully, my friends understand when I fall behind and take out my camera, they wait for me. As I took out my camera, I heard " Now what is she looking at"... here is one shot of this grouping.

I love the lines, designs and color! The softness of the bushes, behind the steel tubs, the broken footings, and the wonderful red. What an inviting place to sit and wait one's turn to eat! Oh, yes, my Chicken Salad was delicious. You can see other Benches on my Vivian Creates Blog.

Veggie Garden & Tomatoes 2011

2011-07-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

We had to redo our veggie Garden, move it because I goofed and it was over the septic, and then the wood had rotted.. I planted one zucchini, 2 beans some peppers, tomatoes and marigolds.

Two weeks later, after we got back from a trip, they were doing wonderfully. I do have another area that is 6 ft. X 6ft, and in the direct sun.. This one is under an old oak tree.. and the sun flowers are finding this a wonderful area also.. I think it is going to be over run and a bit wild.. I am closely watching a couple of zucchini develop. Love munching raw right out of the garden.. Most never make it to the kitchen... My English Peas are almost done, with all the heat. I think I picked 10 lbs this year... Have to start them earlier next year!!!

Below is a view down the hill with the tree in the distance that fell in the storm, closer are the wonderful wild sunflowers, this is just a partial view of them..

Ralph and a friend have been cutting up the tree for the last 2 days. We can not leave it there, because it will catch everything coming down river in the winter.. It is amazing what they are finding stuck in the branches. Not all nice, some old tires, some one elses cut wood and anything else that was bobbing by..

It is so sad to see a beautiful oak come crashing down. But we will have wood for next years winter... each piece will have to be hand carried across the sand and up the hill... Not a fun job!

First Fire of the Season

2011-06-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

First Fire of the Season, Coarsegold Ca,, just off of 415.. We have had lots of rain, but suddenly it is hot and the grasses are drying out fast... Scary, but no houses were involved and everyone safe.. Thanks to our local Fired department, and lots of drops by the wonderful Flying crews.. Because our area is so hilly and inaccessible the best way is to fly retardant and water in...

Thankfully, the lakes and waterways are full of water from the snow melt...

Ronald McDonald House Madera Ca.

2011-06-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Years ago one of my P.E.O. Sisters started saving pop tops off of soda cans, and now soup cans have pop tops also.. Our group added a few each time to her collection and she delivered them periodically to the Orange Co. Children's Hospital..

She was a dear friend that passed on from Cancer. This is my way of continuing the work she started and remembering the good deed she shared. It does not seem like much but you are looking at 3 1/2 lbs of pop tops that have been gathered recently by my Sisters and friends in P.E.O. Madera County.

I save up about 3-5 lbs. and when we go to Fresno, we stop in and give them to Ronald.. As you can see he is just sitting there waiting to comfort the kids and collect pop tops!

These are the summer months, friends visit, and pop tops are around to share.. I put a little pot above my sink and save them there.. Ronald has some cute little houses you can pick up to put your collection in.. Join the fun, save and share some kindness.. ( P.S. you can also collect the empty cans, stop the littering, two good deeds all in one!)

Point Bonita California

2011-04-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Once a year I go to Point Bonita for a quilting retreat. It is a very special time with friends that quilt.. The beauty of the area is both stimulating as well as calming and inspirational.

Every year I take photos, mostly from the same vantage points. I never tire of the view of the Golden Gate bridge. Thinking of the cars, trucks and people that pass that way every day.. Some taking it for granted others in aw seeing it for the first time.

On the other side are the old Bunkers, with their rusty locks and weathered sides. There are little smudges of graffiti showing through the white wash.. On week days & week-ends there are visitors of all sorts. The young and older, walking, and riding.

Visitors also enjoy the Light house. Although I think this year they are redoing the bridge that connects it to the land.

Blogger and Frustration...

2011-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have not been on my blogs... For some reason,, my photos disappeared from my Draft. So now I am trying my other blog site.. Hey, Blogger and Picasa,, are you listening.. Hope this gets fixed soon!!! And I could be calmly in my studio creating.. but this monster, the computer has my attention and hopefully yours also.

I am a visual person, I love to see photos, my inspirations come from nature, photos, texture, and life around me.. not being able to post photos is traumatic to me..

Guess I will go back to the studio and hope that some magic wand is waved and Blogger and Picasa get it together..

Robert's Frosty- Coarsegold, Ca.

2011-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dinner at the local "watering Hole",,, or is that statement just for when people drink, the hard stuff.. Robert makes the best Mexican food in Coarsegold, great hamburgers, and I love his fries.

My husband, Ralph had Eggs Rancheros, and I had the Hamburger with fries.. yes, there are a lot of calories.. but it will be soup this evening,, or maybe tomorrow, or for the next few days.. but we had fun and saw neighbors at the same time. Great Family Neighborhood Restaurant...

Great in the summer, also for out side dining, and the old car shows. Meet the locals!

March Rains 2011

2011-03-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

The rains started slowly and then built up, to being consistent and hard.. and as the story goes, the river rose.. It is amazing the force of water, compared with Japan this is nothing. California Rivers usually don't have much water, but this year is like the every 10 year flood. Our town is lucky we did not lose electricity, but our neighbor city Oakhurst, in the mountains lost theirs and many of my friends are still in the dark. One of the grocery stores used their generator for checking out, and handed out flash lights to see what was on the shelves.

The road up there was closed due to landslides and also snow..

One end of our property where all the tree branches and debris gathered to pull down the fence.

The geese are loving it and we saw a beaver for the first time since we built here. The end of our "island" used to be a 4 ft. step up, is now gravel and a gentle rise.

The view from our house.. the river parts and makes an island, usually the water stays on the other side all year and we can cross over with lawn mowing equipment to keep the grasses down.

Not sure what it will look like when the water recedes.. We lost one Oak in the river and several more are tipping. Some of our fencing is down and had to have some neighbors help set it up, so the llama's would not get out. Our other neighbor had already put his fence back from the river an additional 10 ft. and now will have to do that again. Water spread out about 40 feet in to this side, while the river grew to about 100 ft. plus.

This is such a infinitesimal amount when we see the damage on T.V., but it is a reminder to us the power of nature. It is beautiful, magnificent and there is certainly some thing way greater than us.. What a gift to share this beauty. We truly are blessed.

Today is sunny, but rain is predicted for the next 3 days.. Hope the weather man is wrong!

Sunsets and Gratitude

2011-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

It is great fun to travel, visit friends, quilt with other quilters, and just thoroughly enjoy the moments away..

Being grateful is a subject that many of my friends write about.. Each day I am grateful when I get up and see the weather, hug my honey. Be it sunny, raining, or hail, as it did yesterday in Fresno.

I must tell the truth,, I want to be home when it snows,, not up in town trying to get home..
Where I live is not like the snow on the East Coast that I marvel at on the T.V. but enough to make driving the pass home, a bit dicey.

Being grateful is a big part of my daily life.. we are so blessed to have been able to make the choice to live here in the mountains. The friendships we have gathered around us. As a Mixed Media Artist I try to observe and use what is near me with my art...Become involved with nature, the passing of the seasons, the screeching of the hawks at this time of the year.. Even the cats that tend to prowl at night,,, after all Spring is coming...All this plays a part in my daily life.. and I am grateful..

Many of my friends are artist, and all are artists in some way.. the art of living, caring, and enjoying.. The positive and loving in life. We can become side tracked with the news, it can bring us down.. but then I get to thinking about history and the eons ago, where man kind wanted that little piece of land that the other man had,,, and the human ego goes on chasing that dream..

Not much has changed,, so I do my part, I know that living a happy productive life is how I can help,,, We must be grateful, loving, caring and enjoying our family and friends.

I love this time of the year with the fantastic sunsets that nature shares with any one that looks up!

A New Year 2011, but it is now February

2011-01-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Packing up my Christmas decorations, or at least the few that I put up.. The small quilt is Poinsettia, a class I took in 1997 with Monica Calvert. Many of the fabrics are ones that I hand dyed, and mixed with commercial fabrics. It was a fun class and I enjoy seeing it during the holidays. My Christmas Cactus was kind enough to flower at the holiday season also.

The Fresno River brought many trees down during the storm. This is just one log that is stuck, but too far too reach at this time.. We will try later to get across this section and see if we can haul it to a safe place to dry out and cut it up for fire wood.. Many went flying by that we could not reach.

I love these little river rocks, they have such energy. What stops me from taking them to the house, is it is a long up hill walk , but periodically I do bring a small bucket and then I put them around my plants. One of these days I will try drilling little holes in them and making some jewelry. Just the smaller ones!

New Years 2011

2011-01-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

Will this be a year of looking at the details, or examining the whole picture.. We have started this 2011 with lots of rain, the creeks and streams are full of water. Is prosperity coming this year,, what will the year bring? What ever it will be, will be and we have to adjust.
Happy New Years...

Christmas, a special time of year

2010-12-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a special time of year. You hear it on all the radio's, T.V. and what ever electronic devise you have.. Last minute shopping, new products, anything your heart desires.. you just have to have the funds to buy it..

The least expensive gift to give is your friendship, and caring for one another.. This is the time of year to say Thank you, to Help, to Share feelings, ideas, and for Giving.. Some times the hardest is giving of ones self.. Looking at the years past,, I can say I have been blessed to have many friends.

It is a precious gift, the sharing of oneself.. I have a card file for the Christmas cards sent & received .. some go back to the 1960's. Also I keep the file cards of friends that have passed on.

Might seem strange, but I feel this is a special time to remember them. The fun or the serious moment we shared.

What new friends will the New Year bring? Will I call them friends or acquaintances. Will they be like ships in the night, just passing by..

There are so many wonderful poems and sayings about friendships.. Each one must be held close to the heart..

From my heart to yours, Have a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful, healthy, Happy New Year.

Turkeys, near a Pear Tree

2010-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

We were driving home, and a gaggle of ( I know geese) or a herd of Turkeys were on a neighbors front yard.. Sorry if they are a bit blurred, but they were starting to run.. Further down the road the old pear tree, that must have been planted in the days of the prospectors and large ranchers had lost it's leaves and the pears are showing up..

Is this anything like "a Partridge in a Pear Tree". There used to be an old wagon road down the valley where we live. The road winds down till it's dead end.. The local Indians used to camp along this part of the river and the Prospectors used to pan for gold.. and still do in some areas.

No, we have not found any gold.. Our part of the river is like an ocean beach all sand, and we don't have the equipment/knowledge to look for it. Maybe some day!

Rio, the Search and Rescue Dog and Ralph

2010-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, they have a permit.. Time to gather wood... I am not a brave person when it comes to driving the roads in the mountains with truck and trailer.. Ralph and Jean were up doing the hard work.. Rio is watching the work from a safe distance.. They were tired at the end of the day..
Ralph and I did gather another trailer load later in the month.. Now, it is hard, because of all the rain and some snow at the higher elevations, but our house is warm.

Windows in Austria

2010-12-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

No, we have not been there lately. But many years ago Ralph and I traveled in Austria. I was making a fabric postcard for an exchange and thought of the window series I photographed while we traveled.. It does bring to mind some thoughts.. about life. Are we leading a closed life with our windows closed, do we shut people out like the shutters on this wonderfully textured building.

Or, do we open our windows, let the breezes blow through clearing out the cobwebs of our minds. Being open to new thoughts, beautiful creations, wonderful new friendships, and open to new opportunities.. The New Year is coming, what do we want to make of it?

Sierra Mountain Rose

2010-11-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

Opportunity Tickets are on sale now.. and through May. Mark you Calendars NOW for the Sierra Mountain Quilt Show. May 14 & 15 in Oakhurst. This beautiful Quilt is Hand-made, pieced and hand appliqued ( 90" X 90"). You need not be present to win. Contact one of the SMQA members or watch for the sales of tickets in town. Check out the SMQA web site for more details.. This quilt will be shown at Road to California.

Blessings on Thanksgiving.

2010-11-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

I guess the most popular photo is of the Turkey whole. But I carved it before I thought of the photo op.. and even clean plates at this time.. Hope everyone is where they wish to be on this the beginning of the Season of family and friends.. Gratitude is what we need to think of at a time when the news is a bit too scary to even contemplate.. We must look closer at hand, and be thankful for each day, and the family and friendships that we share with each other.. We are rich, when we look at it from that perspective. I hope each of you are with the person you care about and those that are not enjoy wonderful memories and love.

Water -Source of Life- Exhibition

2010-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Come join the fun at the Water Source of Life Exhibition of wonderful Juried art showing in Oakhurst.. You will be surprised by the variety of art represented.. Some has been sent from the far sides of the U.S.A. in all directions. Reception will feature many of the artists, so if you have a question about technique or inspiration they will probably be there to chat with you. Munchies and music, enjoy an evening of fun and laughter.

Fall in the Mountains

2010-11-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

When we built our house, we wanted some trees that showed color in the Fall. This Liquid Amber is one that we planted when we first settled here.. I have several others, but this made the best photo. The rock is from the time they dynamited the area for the house.. This is only one of many rocks. Love clear skies and cool days...

Asilomar, California- Back Porch Fabrics.

2010-10-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Back Porch Fabric, Look they have "1000 Artisan Textiles" My quilt is featured in this inspirational book. If you have a chance be sure to take a look or purchase.

Asilomar is a wonderful State owned Conference Center. Perfect for our group of 9 quilters to meet, annually. Some come from Northern Ca., So. Cal, one from Kentucky, and me, from Yosemite area.. The smell of the sea, and the thunder of the waves, absolutely fantastic! Hope you are enjoying your self. Yes, getting a little quilting done, wonderful walks on the sand...and munching too much..

Tony Redhouse, Native American Flute Festival

2010-09-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic celebration at the Native American Flute Festival in Oakhurst, Calif.. Tony Redhouse preformed music from one of his CD's, Journey to the Four Winds, ( yes, I bought that one )on Fri. night, and he was just one amongst a group of talented flute artists. The festivities were Fri, Sat & Sun in the Oakhurst Park.. with concerts on Fri and Sat. night at the high school auditorium. I will call them concerts, because of the variety of musical instruments demonstrated.. All the musicians played pieces that are on their CD's. I purchased more then I ever had, and was overwhelmed again with variety of flutes, and sounds.

A dear friend of mine was a vender again this year.. Nash makes a unique ceramic flute.. Next year I want to purchase one..actually there is a long wish list of flutes I would love to have..

There is a monthly flute circle at the Positive Living Center in the 3rd Thurs. evening. I have another commitment that evening,, or would love to attend. I hear about all the fun that they have..

I bought a CD called Comanche Peak by Tim Blueflint, and two by a beautiful young women named Rona Yellow Robe, she sang and played her multitude of flutes.. I love it when they tell the story about each flute and explain the differences.
"Voices of the Trees", and "Create your World" are the 2 that Rona brought.

Each artist has a table or stand next to them with an array of flutes, each flute made by different craftsman. They tell their history of how they came to this destination in life, what the flute means to them, a little about their family. Each has a special journey to share, maybe this is what I enjoy as much as the music, the total sharing.

This is an annual event, if you love the Native American Flute or would just like to learn about it, save the week-end in Sept. Next year it will be a Word Music event with many more types of instruments..
This is a wonderful opportunity for our younger citizens to be inspired by beautiful music in the mountains.

Coarsegold, New Lights- MALCO

2010-09-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is the Intersection of 415 and 41 with the new directional signals. Well, not so new now. We moved to Coarsegold about 10 years ago and the County was talking about installing lights then. There were the political woes to over come, and the feeling that our country atmosphere would be in jeopardy. Not so.. In the last year it has improved the flow and made entrance onto the highway safer. A good thing after all the discussion.

Now let me side step that issue to talk about a group I had never heard about. MALCO. We had speakers Mr. Jim Weiss and Howard Cavil, at our P.E.O. Chapter meeting tell us all about their volunteer group. They assist and tutor English to non English speaking people that really want to learn to read our language.. They told some very interesting stories about the perseverance and how these people feel privileged to be in our country and have the opportunities that go with living here. The people that seek out the teachers at MALCO are determined to become better citizens and understand that they must be able to speak, read and write be understood and to have better paying jobs.. There are many Americans that have trouble reading and want to improve their skills also.

This is why I chose the photo that I took at the corner of highway 41 & 415.. If you wanted to go to Raymond and could not read the sign to turn right, where would you be? Seems easy for those of us, that don't have that problem. If you would like to help tutor, contact malcotutor@gmail.com . This is a free program for people of all ages in Eastern Madera County.

Yosemite Flute Festival- Sept. 24-26

2010-08-21T18:30:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year again.. Native American Flute Festival, aka Yosemite Flute Festival is coming to Oakhurst September 24-26. Linda and Rick are our wonderful organizers. I have never heard such beautiful music before, and the variety of flutes, wonderful booths, and friendly people.

I had my notes all ready, but can not seem to find them, to tell you all about the drums that Rick makes.. Come early or they will be sold out. Besides organizing this great Festival, Linda crochets all the purses, and flute carriers. If you want to find out more go to their web site, or to buy tickets contact Rick/ Linda Dunlap, 559-641-5980, or just come and buy the tickets on Fri. If they are not all sold out.

Aging in Place - Jamie

2010-08-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

This week at our P.E.O. Meeting, Jamie Blair, one of our members gave a wonderful talk on "Aging in Place'. Something Ralph and I had given some thought to 10 years ago, when we moved to and built our home in Coarsegold.. Just did not know that there was a title to what we were doing.

For instance, when you sought out a place to live in later in life, did you give some consideration to: Natural , and Social environment. Yes, we all look for a wonderful house to live in, a great view, but consideration of a simple thing like stairs for our later years..

Most of us here, did think about the weather, snow, rain, heat.. but no place is perfect, and then how close do you want to be to your family, kids, grand kids etc.. So this is how the general discussion went with Jamie. She told us all about the studies she made of families that have lived in this area for over 30 years.. It was fascinating. Thank you Jamie.

Bear in the Woods

2010-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

We had a delightful family visit us for a few days.. They went off to visit Yosemite, and had a wonderful time.. Before they left I suggested that they make sure they did not have any food in their car.. Because the bears just love tearing cars apart for the treats left behind, even in a cooler. "Are there really Bears?".... This is the photo they sent me after returning home.. Thankfully, the Bear is walking away, and they did not have any car damage. Come visit and enjoy it is a wonderful experience sharing with nature.. just don't leave any food in your vehicle.

Southern Ca. Cactus, Dana Point, & Laguna

2010-06-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

We visited family in So. Calif. Grand kids graduations. Had a little time to run to Laguna Beach, and Dana Point. I fell in love with this cactus. Probably only lives at the ocean, because I have not seen that type here in the mountain garden shops.

I fell in love with this brick wall in Laguna, the patterns, texture and color.

It is such fun looking at all the types of "boats", some I might even categorize as ships. Gentle breeze, sea gulls, and blue sky.

Coarsegold Historic Museum Fund Raiser

2010-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

We were pleased and delighted to have the Cadets from the Yosemite High School present the colors for the opening of our 7th annual Fund Raiser, Art Music, Dinner in the Meadow. We had several venders, showing a variety, plants, buttons, yarns from Unraveled in Oakhurst, Crafts, Children's area and Photography. The barbecued chicken dinner was delicious, thanks to our great cooks and servers.

The Sierra Mountain Quilts displayed their Cuddle Quilts on the outside of the Picayune School House. Chuckchansi Yokut Indians and other children from the area attended classes here from 1913-1956. Our newest Opportunity Quilt was inside having the binding finished. It is beautiful combination of piecing and applique, the tickets are now on sale.. Drawing will be May 2011. When I get a full photo of it I will post it.
Busy day tomorrow, Hanging a show at the Positive Living Center Book Store.

Summer in the mountains- tourists

2010-06-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Tourist season in the mountains... The buses are arriving.. This is just a few of the buses that stop at our grocery stores in Oakhurst. Giving the people a moment to stretch their legs and purchase something to eat, drink etc.. I think it is fun to hear the different languages spoken, and sometimes I chat with people from Holland.. My parents were born there and I miss hearing Dutch spoken.. Not many relatives left in that beautiful country. I would love to visit there again and see the tulips. Ralph and I had a short stay eons ago, with my aunt in Amersfoort.. I understand they built a new train station there..The old one was lovely, with small tables covered with small carpets. You could sit and eat a snack or have something to drink while you waited for some one to pick you up.. I saw a picture in a magazine of the new one. It is beautiful with lots of glass and brick..

Red Hot Poker and Iris

2010-05-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love the Spring when all the flowers start to bloom, the trees get shiny new leaves, and the sky is a wonderful blue.. Down side, the weeds are growing twice as tall in all the rain.. and we have had to clear twice instead of waiting and doing it once.. Joys of the country living. A friend gave me a few of her Red Hot Poker plants,, and they are spreading, So this year, there must have been at least 10
of them.. The birds hang on, peck away, and swing in the wind . It is delightful to watch.

Iris are all around in various colors.. I think my husbands favorite is a chocolate Iris,, probably because it reminds him of ice cream.. We purchased a new one called Blue Suede Shoes... Have to decide where to plant it..

June 5th, Coarsegold Historical Museum Fund Raiser

2010-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

"As We Were Told" is a wonderful history of Eastern Madera County as told by the people and families that are living here. The second volume is hot off the presses. Both books will be available to purchase at our Annual Fund Raiser on June 5th, Art, Music, Dinner in the Meadow.

We will have Quilts, Knitting displays, Plants, Rusty Farm Equipment, Docent led tours, Raffles, and Prizes. Tickets are available locally and are only $15.00 for hours of fun. Don't forget this includes your dinner and music by the String Bandits. We will be raffling off our Patriotic Red, White and Blue Quilt, be sure you have your tickets.. We will also be at the Peddlers Fair in Coarsegold, over the holiday week-end, come by the booth and say hi... and purchase your tickets.

Believe it or not, this is a washing machine,, I am so glad I am living now.. that really looks dangerous.. Come see this and so much more at our museum, docents will be happy to show you around.. If any questions call 559-642-4448

Litter, no one reads?

2010-05-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

We have our beautiful country side, and we have to remind people not to throw things out the windows. We had our community litter clean up a few weeks ago. It is truly amazing what you find on the road side.. Last year we found a $10.00 bill, wish that would happen more often, we could get more volunteers. Usually it is lots of cigarette butts, cans, paper, and I will not go into the gruesome stuff.

This monitor was thrown out about 10 ft. from the sign about Litter, and next to our mail boxes..
Remember, some one has to pick it up, if it falls on the ground, and with the $$ cut backs it falls to the citizens to keep the county picked up..

Red Bud Trees at Boot Tree Ranch

2010-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

We have had some wonderful rain, but today it is blue sky's and flowering trees. Just perfect for the Easter week-end. We have 4 Red Bud trees on our property and I love them. They flower after the Flowering Plum Tree. Spring is popping out all over.. Green fields and water in the river! Hope it continues to rain off and on till May.. we need the water. Have a wonderful Easter week-end and for those that are out of school, enjoy the family moments.

Poppies at the Japanese Center in Hanford

2010-03-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

This serene corner of the Japanese Garden with the raked sand and brilliant poppies was just the perfect setting for the morning. We lunched at the Irwin Street Inn in Hanford after our tour.. Everyone should take some time to play.. We even found an Iris Farm on the way home and purchased 4 containers with Iris bulbs.. the surprise will be when they bloom... I asked for yellows, and then what ever. Last time my husband bought Irises all the plants that had ice cream names.. One of the new purchases is named Blue Suede Shoes... bet it is blue!

Japanese Art & Culture Center

2010-03-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time we had an opportunity to run away. My P.E.O. group took a trip to Hanford to see the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture. They have a beautiful exhibit on Japanese screens. We had some delightful docents that are studying here from Australia. There was a bonsai exhibit, and I fell in love with this beautiful tree.. They were all so amazing with their textured trunks and soft looking leaves.. There was also a bonsai pomegranate tree that bears full size fruit.

Grape Vineyards

2010-03-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

No, not like elephant trunks.. We walked out into the vineyard and looked at the beautiful formations of the plants. The variety of color, design and texture.. Natures quilt. And the plus is that this gnarled trunk sends out green vines with beautiful leaves and wonderful fruit.. Isn't life amazing!

Madera Wine Trail

2010-03-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

In February 14th, Valentines, my husband and I decided to take the self guided Madera Wine and Chocolate Weekend Tour. We had a wonderful time.. even though we don't drink wine, but we have visiting friends that do.. There was chocolate! And Artists! Several Artist friends were showing their wonderful pieces of art at different wineries. It started out foggy, but soon the sun was shining and the sky was blue. Each winery had it's own special flavor... I am sorry I did not buy some of the flavored olive oils for cooking and salads.. Next time! There was music and lunches at each location. We went by Birdstone, Ficklin, Quady, and Chateau Lasgoity.

Rain, Fresno River

2010-03-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

You might remember my photo in the summer regarding the lack of a drop of water in the Fresno River.. Well with the rain it is finally running and bringing water to all the wild animals, trees and all that depend on it. It is beautiful to see and hear.. Smells wonderfully fresh, with all the green grass around.. It is a shame that water from the mountains gets diverted by old arrangements and that this will be bone dry in the summer because they Turn It Off.. Politically called diverting to other areas.. I think they are selling it.. and can not find out who.... hope they use it sparingly, because fish, animals and plants die when there is no water...So do our fruits, veggies, and Calif. Farms. Remember what the farms can't grow you can not eat.

Manzanita with white flowers

2010-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

I noticed how beautiful my Manzanita bush is growing.. This one has white flowers while the ones in the neighborhood have pink flowers.. We bought this plant when it was just a little baby when we first moved into our home.. Manzanita usually can not be transplanted and I am delighted with the little white bell shaped flowers and the red branches.. Spring is here..

Snow in Oakhurst - close up

2010-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

This is the winter wonderland that everyone reads about.. Love it, I think winter here is too short.

Snow in Oakhurst

2010-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Doesn't look like much on the mountains, but there was snow on the sides of the road from Coarsegold to Oakhurst. It is melting fast with the sun shining today, first time in almost a week. We stopped at the local grocery store, and it took us longer then usual. We were chatting with friends in almost every aisle.. The highways to Yosemite are now open, and lots of people are stopping on the side of the road to throw snow balls and let their kids and dogs play. My husband volunteers with Search and Rescue, and is in the process of getting his gear loaded into his jeep, just in case they have a call out tonight. Stay safe out there. It will be very cold tonight!!!

The sun is out

2010-01-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

"Ok, Now that the sun is out, I still don't see any gophers. So I want dinner."

3 cats

2010-01-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

It's raining out, what do you expect from me.. Let us in!!

Gratitude,

2010-01-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Gratitude for so much! A beautiful sun set, brings us back to basics, of love, and friendship. Take the moment, take a deep breath, let it out slowly and enjoy the moment.

Red Sky at Sunset

2010-01-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

A break in a stormy night.. More rain coming, time to work in the studio

Bull Pine Root,

2009-12-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

Great neighbor with a tractor.. Thank you Monty. We cleared and planted before a gentle rain fell. Our lower field is where we keep 4 llama's. Every winter our dear neighbor comes over and helps my husband Ralph, plow this field, and we throw grass seed. If we could we would keep the llamas out while the seed spouted, but it is not possible, so they think it is time to roll all over. I am waiting for the day that we have grass seed sprouting from their fur. It will not be "Green Eggs and Ham", but "Green Grass Llama's in Hay". This year Monty pulled out a Bull Pine root that was in the middle of the field.. It was covered with ants.... made us itch to look at it.. Enjoy your New Years!!!

Snow Beauty, Oakhurst

2009-12-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

My friend Janna woke up to a world of snowy beauty.. however, they forgot to leave the faucet dripping.. and the pipes were frozen. A reminder to us also.. They get more snow then we do and they are only about 10 miles away. Looks like a winter wonderland. Enjoy the holiday season where ever you are.

Hoover vacuum

2009-11-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again, when company comes and the house needs a once or more over.
We have concrete floors through out our house. When we designed and had our house built, we decided since we live on 8 + acres, we did not want carpeted floors.. I did not want to be the "old" lady that kept saying "take off your boots". Truth be told, I am lazy and did not want to take mine off either..

And we also felt we could use that money to build more space. I was suppose to do the grouting, ah well, that is another story! I love my concrete floors, but many ask how I take care of them.. First thought is ignore them, but truthfully, I clean it with a Hoover wet & dry Vacuum my son gave me.. I must say, I mix the Hoover Mate Floor to Floor cleaner with water in my Tupperware bowl and pour it on the floor, then apply the Electronics to scrub and suck up the water.. I started out spritzing from the machine, but it did not hold enough to do 1,000ft, let alone the 2,500 ft. that we have.. So splash it on, scrub and suck it up! Tomorrow is windows, then the turkey. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Service Organziation of the Sierra, S.O.S.

2009-11-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

Every year the Service Organization of the Sierra's, has their fantastic winter fund raiser. They have a marvelous boutique. The ladies line up hours before it opens to get the first items, and the room is cleaned out in minutes. Then a wonderful luncheon prepared this year by the Spinelli's and is served by the high school students. About 200 are in attendance, the hall was filled to the brim with excited ladies, all hoping to win one of the donated gifts in return for their purchased tickets.. Magnificent donations from our local businesses and friends. Our Yoyo Quilters Circle attended and enjoyed our selves. The decorations were also sold toward the end of the celebration. The stage was set with these delightful Angels, theme: Everyday Angels.. This group works all year on making items, and giving back to the community. Oakhurst is a small mountain city near Yosemite Nat. Park. Monies raised go for Scholarships, Teacher mini Grants, Heartland, Hospice, the Local Library and many more. We are all grateful for the wonderful work this Service Organization of the Sierras does for the area. Thank you ladies!

Blue Skys over Oakhurst

2009-11-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

I was rushing out of the store, on to the next errand. But I did take a moment to look at a fabulous blue sky.. No snow yet.

Ever look at those jet trailings and wonder what all those people are thinking, where are they going, what do they do for a living, are they happy, sad, over worked. Or going to some fantastic party with family.

Flying is not what it used to be in my mothers day. And I have always been thankful for that.. I would not like to get on a plane in, high heels, stockings, dress, hat and gloves. I prefer jeans, tennis shoes, and comfy clothes.. But things have changed since I last flew also.. Now, people wear Flip Flops because they have to take their shoes off.

And I will not tell the last time I wore stockings... One of the reasons we live in the mountains.. jeans are accepted wear.. dressing up to me, is a clean pair of new jeans..

Coarsegold Tepee

2009-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

You can not miss the Coarsegold Historic Village, if you watch for the Tepee. This is the type of home that the Plains Indians used, not the type that our local Coarsegold Chukchansi's lived in.. The Coarsegold Historical Museum on Hy 41, near the Casino has a sample of the Nobe or the Cedar Bark homes of our local tribes. Cedar bark was used at the higher elevations and Willow trees and grasses were used at the lower elevations where it did not snow.

Pumpkins-Halloween

2009-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins and Halloween, they go together.. I love to look at the plants with their wonderful colors of orange and green. One of these days we will grow them in our yard.. hummm, I am lucky I still have parsley.

Tarantual Festival - Coarsegold

2009-10-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

No, they really are not that big! This one is made by one of our local artists, Wayne Boring. It sits high up in a tree that was trimmed last year. Coarsegold has an annual Tarantula Festival in October, there are lots of surprises, scream contests, foods to munch on etc. We start seeing those crawly things after the first rain in Oct. but I heard they eat the rattlesnake eggs. . So, I love these little creatures, just have to be careful not to drive over them on the road when they cross over to find their mate..

Happy Burger Diner- Mariposa Ca.

2009-10-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

After the Luffa Farm, Ralph and I went to the Happy Burger Diner in "downtown" Mariposa. They have great hamburgers and a ton of choices. A very popular place to go! Afterward we walked and peeked into stores, and the art galleries. A beautiful day to be out and visiting a town that is only about 25 miles from home.

Luffa Talk

2009-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Redwood Creek Botanicals, Linda Dahl, www.mariposaloofa.com, shows some of the larger sponges. They also sell gift baskets, lavender products, soaps and wonderful other creations, all natural.. We had a lovely visit with our Foothill Gardeners from Yosemite Lakes Park. Marie Touitou had planned a delightful day, and the weather was perfect..

Luffa Chart

2009-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Linda Dahl, linda@mariposaloofa.com, owner of the farm, had prepared this chart showing the steps on how the plant grows. I might try it next year, but then would not be able to grow my gourds.. If they cross bred I don't know what kind of a "fruit" I would get?

Luffa Sponge

2009-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

A basket of "skinned" luffa and the dried plant.. When the plant is dry, it is put in water to soften the skin, then the skin is rubbed off and out comes the sponge. The ones that come from local farms are wonderful to feel, soft but yet delightful to rub on your skin.

Green Luffa, Fruit or Veggie?

2009-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, this looks like a cucumber,,, not so. We had a beautiful drive through the mountains to see the Redwood Creek Botanical's. They are all grown naturally. They were preparing for the Mariposa Ag. Tour the following week-end.

Luffa Plant

2009-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Luffa sponges don't come from the ocean.. They grow on a plant that looks like a gourd plant, climbing all over the place with big leaves and lovely flowers. I have grown gourds and love them. The Redwood Creek Botanical's grow theirs in hot houses, because it gets cold in the mountains sooner then is healthy for the plants.

Metal Butterfly

2009-09-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

I would just love this beautiful blue butterfly, gracing my yard... However, glad that the real ones are not that big! Thank you to Western Sierra Nursery for letting me roam and have a fun hour taking photos, and of course, I did buy some plants. Now, to plant them and hope they look as great as they look here.

Wind Chimes

2009-09-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

Now here is repetition of a different kind.. Wonderful light colors floating in the breeze.

Clay Texture

2009-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Don't these pots just make you want to touch them? Such wonderful intricate designs. Repetition again of a different sort.

Bamboo sticks

2009-09-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Repetition of design, color, or texture some times makes for an interesting photo.. What do you think?

Happy Face

2009-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Doesn't he just make you laugh. He was tucked in with some wonderful plants, I think some elf was tickling him.

Western Sierra Nursery

2009-09-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love this beautiful quiet face.. Maybe some day I might tuck it into a quilt. Wonder if it would keep the deer out of the garden or invite them in. You could hide all sorts of things behind it.. I think it is about 5 feet tall..

Blue Skies in Nursery land

2009-09-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday after church we crossed the street and visited the Western Sierra Nursery in Oakhurst. I love these new fabric shades.. They look like sails of a ship. Then I noticed that they had some wonderful "art" for the garden. I am crazy about displaying art with plants and trees. I went a bit wild with the camera. I used to do photography eons ago, but then for some reason.. I guess it was quilting, that took up my time. Now, I am having great fun showing what is around our mountain area.

Bass Lake

2009-09-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hardly any one on Bass Lake, beautiful week-end.. We had the pleasure of having a barbecue with the Search and Rescue folks, great food, wonderful friends to chat with, a ride on a boat, and fantastic view. Sort of the end of one season and the beginning of another.. Winter will come one of these days soon.. Thankfully, this day there was a mild breeze that kept everyone cool,, water was cold.

Garage Sale

2009-09-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Once in a while we get the chance to go to Garage Sales.. I found this wonderful rake, and it looks perfect under the old tree at the Coarsegold Historic Museum.

Cows

2009-09-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

The cow looks friendly, but I am not getting out of the car! Country living!

Row Boat

2009-09-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

There was an opportunity to take photographs every where I looked. Oh ! thank goodness for digital camera's. Could this be a quilt?

Baker Ranch

2009-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of going to Baker Ranch. At every turn there are spectacular views, even though it was in the 100's, under the trees it was much cooler and the water in the lake was cooling to look at.

Sunflowers as high as corn

2009-09-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

I love Sunflowers, and let them grow where ever they want.. At this time of the year we can not see the llamas from the house because the Sunflowers have chosen to grow in this area. Some years we hardly have any but this year they are all over and not where I would plant them!

Painted Fabric Landscape

2009-09-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

This is a close up of the Painted Landscape. You can see the use of the hand dyed threads and stitching. Netting was also used in a variety of areas, included here is the beading. This piece was a thank you to a very special couple.

Quilted Landscape

2009-09-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Much of California at this time of the year is a golden color, with lots of blue sky... Yes, it is hot, but there is a beauty in that heat.. Even better if you are viewing from an Air Conditioned car.. I painted, and hand dyed the fabric and the threading. There is a sprinkling of beads.

Butterfly Bush

2009-09-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Our Butterfly Bush this year is soooo beautiful. Sometimes is gets caterpillars, not so nice, but this year just wonderful flowers!

Sunflowers all gone

2009-09-21T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Sunflowers this year were almost 12 ft. tall. I leave the seeds to the birds, no squirrels, we have toooo many cats. The end of Sept. and beginning of Oct. is clearing and cleaning up the field and yard before winter.. I like it better when it is cooler.

Wild Turkeys

2009-09-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving is coming soon,, and these wild Turkeys are on the run.. This photo was taken out of the car window about 1 mile from our house. Last year we had a turkey walking down the middle of the road on Thanksgiving,, guess he was feeling safe! Love living in the country!

Cowboy hats?

2009-09-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

It is sunny out, and a hat is necessary.

Hats, Hats, & more Hats

2009-09-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

This was one of the fun booths for me as a photographer at the Peddlers Fair. Pink, green, brown and tan hats, something for everyone! Smith's Collectibles (fmcvin@clearwire.net) from Merced brought a colorful assortment. I could have tried on hats all day and not touched the same one twice. Lots to chose from. He was very kind and I enjoyed taking photos of his racks and display.

Coarsegold Peddlers Fair-Labor Day 09

2009-09-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Labor Day and Memorial Day week-ends in Coarsegold are always a wild time. Four days of great antique booths, visiting with friends and neighbors, and good eats. This year Ralph and I helped with the Coarsegold Historical Society's booth. We sold Raffle tickets for the Red, White and Blue Quilt, T-shirts, hats, books and souvenirs. If you get a chance to visit along Highway 41 in Eastern Madera County, come visit the museum, we are near the Chukchansi Casino.

Boot Tree Ranch

2009-09-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Boot Tree Ranch !!! I know this looks funny, just think how we felt after we bought the property and found this. When the grandkids visit, they like to make up stories. "An old cowboy was running away from a mountain lion, and climbed in to the tree to get away, and lost his boot." Lots of fun and laughs along with some wild ideas. The Old Oak Tree has grown all the way around and encircled the boot.. When we were trying to think of names for our 8+ acres, we decided that no one would have a name like Boot Tree Ranch.

California Dry River

2009-09-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

Where did all the water go?? This is looking down river toward the rocks. We live on the Fresno River, it is really sad at this time of the year. And they say they will not open the flow till December.. I hope we have some good rain this year.

Fresno River

2009-09-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Where is the water? This is all that is left of the Fresno River, and less now. I call it "turned Off", the Powers that be, refer to it as Diverted.. We need our river water flowing for the wild animals and the plants.

Chukchansi Casino

2009-09-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning breakfast at the Casino. This is as close as I want to get to the Bears in the Yosemite area. We also have them in Coarsegold, but I have not seen one, thankfully. The weather is cooling down, but when this photo was taken, we were ready to dive in! Great place to play and yummy buffet. About once a month our Art group meets and we share tips and ideas regarding our projects. And of course we munch.

Domestic Witch Blog Award

2009-09-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you Julie Mitchell Spirit Figures for passing on this great award from Sue @ Barton Originals- Not sure about the domestic part, but the witch, I can be sure of.. just wished I could wiggle my nose and beam up the dust that is now in the house and my studio.
I just finished painting a rocking chair with purple and black stripes on the rocking part. Will show that at a later time. So stripes are in and being shared..

Coarsegold Market, California

2009-08-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

A little bit more about our town.. The Coarsegold Market was started in 1850 and is still in existence. Through the years due to fires, new owners and changes in the area, the market has been relocated and is now on Highway 41, bordering the Coarsegold Creek. This painting on the side of the store depicts the history of gold panning, and what the old original store looked like. When we first moved here about 10 years ago.. A bear was found to be rummaging through the trash can near the store. We are about 1 hour from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.

Antiques for the Adobe

2009-08-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

We are very grateful that the area families have donated antiques to the museum. We are hoping for additional grants to redo the Old Adobe. If you are traveling in this area, be sure to check out our little Museum. Additional information is available on www.coarsegoldhistoricmuseum.org. A Research book called "As We Were Told, is a collection of family histories and stories of the Eastern Madera County dating back to the 1800's and is available for purchase.

Yosemite Western Artists

2009-08-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Yosemite Western Artist group enjoyed a day at the museum. A period dressed model was the subject for many of the artists. Later they sat around having lunch under the shade of old oak trees. Many of the artists show at the local galleries on Gallery Row in Oakhurst.

The Adobe with the Sunflowers

2009-08-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

It takes many volunteers to improve the grounds and to work on keeping the museum open. Yes, this is the Adobe this summer with the Sunflowers in bloom. We did not expect them to grow so tall and it was exciting to see all the color and shade they gave from the hot sun.

The Adobe was used as a way-station for the horse and mule drawn freight wagons that needed blacksmith work and fresh animals. Several families have lived there and it was used as a building to store hay at one time. It dates back to the 1870's.

Picayune School

2009-08-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Picayune School was built especially for the Chukchansi Indians in 1913. Many of the ranch children also attend and the school was closed during the war years. It did not look like this in the beginning. Many buildings in this part of Eastern Madera County were built of wood and have burned down, only to be rebuilt with wood from other buildings. The school was moved from it's original location in Quartz Mountain Area for display at the Museum.
With a Grant from the Chukchansi Indian Casino, the school house has been refurbished and is available for use as a meeting room.

Coarsegold Historic Museum

2009-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ralph and I enjoy volunteering at the Coarsegold Historic Museum which is on Highway 41, below the Chukchansi Casino.
It is completely funded by donations from the public. The Historical Society was organized in 1980 at the home of Marjorie Jackson and after a few location changes, they purchased the Willow Glen Property with the barn and old Adobe. Items have been donated and stories collected regarding the history of this area. Much of the history of this area is tied in with the gold panning, mining and ranching. That is the reason for the name Coarsegold. There is gold in them thar hills.. or at least they say so..

Wayne Boring Sculpture

2009-08-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Neighbor! Wayne Boring is one of the fun people to meet in Coarsegold.. He is a Furniture builder, and Sculpture. For special occasions he dresses as a Pirate, and his wife Barbara plays along in costume also. They make all their own costumes and with their creative personalities the feathers must really fly. If you are lucky you will see them in their Model T driving on Highway 41.
I especially enjoy watching Wayne as Father Christmas handing toys out to the local kids during the holidays.
Wayne has a little store in the Historic Village and can also be found at his home studio. His listing is in the Sierra Art Trails catalogue.

Wayne's Pirate Ship

2009-08-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

My husband Ralph and I were checking out garage sales today and we stopped at Wayne Boring's home and saw the Pirate ship he is building. He told us he took it to Bass Lake for a test and it stayed a float.
After the first fall rain, usually in Sept. or Oct we have tarantulas crossing the street. No, not scary, just part of nature. We live in the country. Good reason to have a Tarantula Festival. If you have a chance to attend, look for Wayne's big big wooden Tarantula at the Historic Village in "down town" Coarsegold and enjoy the fun.

Llama -Cria - Patches

2009-08-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Llamas don't stay babies-crias for very long ! We were given 2 llamas, Indy and Freckles. Indy is a small black and white fixed male and Freckles was the Nanny in a large herd. Freckles was pregnant when she came to live with us. Patches is her baby and looks just like her, only bigger now. After many years Freckles will finally eat grain from both my hands, but will not allow any one to touch her. I know the most asked question is, do they spit. In all the years we have had them, I have never had them give me a real belly spit. I have had a few pieces of grain go over my head when all 4 are trying to get the grain in my hand. In addition to Patches, Freckles, and Indy, we have Misty. More llama photos after the rains and the fields green up a bit, and the llamas look a bit cleaner.