Summer has arrived in Escondido. Lots of beautiful plants in bloom all over town. I love the jacaranda trees this time of year. I'm enjoying some great tomatoes (only have three plants, but that's enough for the two of us). My favorite at my house right now is shown above--clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine). Bob hates it because it's dormant all winter on the patio and doesn't look great, but to me the summer showing makes it all worthwhile!

Bentley is now eight months old. He's graduated from Puppy and Beginner 1 class (8 weeks each) and will start Beginner 2 in a couple of weeks.

Bill's planning to visit us for a few days later this month and we're really looking forward to it. We hope to take a nice bike ride down by the harbor and whatever else he might want to do.

 
We had a wonderful time at Newport in May. Weather was almost perfect; one morning of rain, and we used the opportunity to see Water for Elephants at the movies. (By the way, the book was much better in my mind . . .) When you look at these pictures, what's not to like here! This is the view at Newport and a storefront in Laguna Beach. The week goes by fast, but always fun.

 
And, this was the first time we boarded Bentley! So, he had a ball--lots more freedom than we give him, I'm sure. And he got his first haircut! He actually looks like an English Setter now. He graduated from Puppy Class last month, and we've started him in Beginner Class. He treed his first cat in our yard this week; he was so proud of himself he could hardly stand it!

 
I introduced Bentley to you in January, and here it is nearly May! He is now almost 6 months old and FINALLY getting some manners . . . it's been a struggle but now seems worth it. Last night he graduated from puppy class (he earned his "Star Puppy" medal), the first in a chain of classes he'll take through Hidden Valley Obedience Club. It helps socialize him and teaches US how to teach him. Besides, it's fun!
 
Spring has long arrived and summer is almost approaching as the temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s this whole week. Two days ago we had a light rain and the morning was absolutely gorgeous. I used the opportunity to photograph a rose bush in our yard that is in full bloom and looked wonderful sprinkled with raindrops. It's called a Disneyland Rose, and I was drawn to the multicolor flowers on one bush.

Bob and I will be in Newport Beach next month at our annual timeshare visit on the beach. Last year we had to cancel because of Bob's heart surgery--can you believe that was a year ago April! He's doing very well and we continue to be thankful.

Let me introduce our new family member. This is Bentley, our English Setter who right now is 12 weeks old. He is a sweetheart, but it's been almost 20 years since we raised a puppy, and Bob and I had forgotten just how much work it is! He's doing very well in the housebreaking department, but his puppy teeth are REALLY SHARP and he approaches everything mouth first. Bob says it's a good thing he's off the coumadin now or he might be bleeding to death from puppy nicks! Actually that's getting better too, but the first several days we were in big trouble.

Our holidays were very nice and we have settled happily into the new year. Bob and I celebrated our 36th Wedding Anniversary earlier this month.

And here it is almost the end of January . . . I can see 2011 will tick along at record pace! Best wishes to friends and family for the new year.

Spent the week of Thanksgiving with Julie and Jarrod and the two grandkids, Ian and Jack, in Phoenix. Was a fun visit. They have the sweetest Bloodhound, named Otis, who is just about one year old. What a gentle giant he is. I could do without the slobber, but everything has its pros and cons . . . he's definitely worth it.

Ian is a lovely boy and very cuddly. Jack is all boy and a lot of fun. They're good kids. Wish they lived closer, but at least it's a reasonable drive from San Diego.

Anyway, we had a nice Thanksgiving, and I hope my friends around the country did also.