Hiking in Ramona

It has been raining a lot lately here in Southern California. In between two days of almost an inch of rain each was one bright, sunny and warm day. The rain combined with Suzanne being out of town had Django bouncing off the walls. When Suzanne is traveling he usually hangs with me at the office during the day, which is a departure from the daily walks he takes with her.

Hiking in Ramona, 2008-02-23Rather than our usual walk around the horse trails near our house, we decided to drive a couple miles down the road and hike into the Cleveland National Forest, which we hadn’t done in quite a while. There is a seasonal waterfall that is pretty unique for this area, referred to as the desert mountains, that is reachable with a moderate hike. With all the rain lately, that felt like a good goal.

Continue reading Hiking in Ramona

Roget’s Playground and Musical Memories

Roget's Playground - Periodic Table MannersIn 1996, Roget’s Playground formed in San Diego with yours truly on guitar. We were one of those hard to classify bands — kind of adult alternative with a bit of a jazz influence at times. I just discovered the one CD we recorded, Periodic Table Manners, is available on iTunes in iTunes Plus format. The CD was recorded within the first year of us getting together. I have a lot of fond memories of this time in my life, and I still have the band website archived here. “Quiet” was always my favorite track on that CD.

Continue reading Roget’s Playground and Musical Memories

Waiting for Water

We have decided to hang out in Mira Mesa for at least another day, waiting for the water service to be restored. It might take most of the weekend to get service working in all areas of Ramona.

Try to imagine a high energy 75 pound dog that is used to daily multiple mile hikes in the trails and canyons, and coop him up in a house for a week. Ready to go home? It’s been almost a week. Yeah, we’re ready.

Ramona Residents May Return

The road blocks to Ramona are being removed and residents may return home. However, all those connected to the Ramona Municipal Water District cannot use any municipal water. No showers, no flushing toilets, no water from the sink, no washing houses or cars with a hose. Residents must use the 300 portable toilets being delivered to the area, and must drink bottled water.

I’m sure the decision to let residents return is in part fueled by the frustrated many who have their own wells. They were being kept out of the area because of the those who ignored the mandatory evacuation and continue to use municipal water as the water system is being brought back online.

I’m am off to pick up Suzanne from the airport momentarily. We will wait until tomorrow to return home.