Things that make a gardener go hmmm.....

That is a tomato plant.

That's right...that's a tomato plant growing on a sign out of what looks like pure concrete on the side of the road!  There were actually little green tomatoes starting to grow on it.   Just one of many "we're not in Texas anymore" moments I've had since coming back to California.

After how much I've struggled to keep plants alive stuff like this blows my mind.  

Texifornia Stats

Found this interesting tid-bit doing research on California Ballot measures today:

From 2000 to 2015, the state lost nearly 800,000 residents with incomes near or below the poverty line. Nearly three-quarters of those who left California since 2007 made less than $50,000 annually. The leading destination for California’s poor? Texas.
From CalMatters Article "Californians, ere's why your housing prices are so high."

So, for those here who have moved from California to Texas, was finances part of the reason?

Downtown Mural

I'm not even sure where we were when we saw this on the side of a building (just somewhere in Southern California stopping for a bite to eat in a down-town area on the way back from somewhere else).  Loved this artwork and had to take a picture.   It's not a grainy pic...it was painted on a textured stone back-drop, with 3D butterflies scattered about, as well as painted ones. 

Do more virtual sight-seeing at....

Sharon's Souvenir Photo Blog Hop

My World Tuesday

Primrose Surprise

I was so surprised and happy to see these beauties in our local park.   Mexican Evening Primrose, a little taste of the best part of Texas Spring, right here in California!

San Diego Seals

So, this Christmas I had planned to take our kids on a day trip to the mountains to play in the snow....but there was no snow in nearby mountains, so we did some things closer to home in stead.

My favorite was visiting the Seals at Children's Pool right here in San Diego (no pool...it's just a beach that's called that where seals come when they are pupping).

Here's some pics we got while we were down there....

Yes, yes that is a football next to that seal...

And here's a video of all the cute stuff we caught the seals doing...
(with commentary by my three boys)

These seals are Pacific Harbor Seals.   They are just one of the many seals and sea lions that can be found in California (as a kid when I was living on the boat I remember the sea lions always used to hang out on the bouys) .  

So, someone I know argued with me over whether these were sea lions or seals. Well, if you've ever wondered  how to tell seals from sea-lions, there's a good guide here:  How to Tell Sea Lions from Seals.

So, my oldest son also took this pic of a seagull.  He hasn't been in California long enough for sea-gulls to be no big deal.  Though it came out nice.

(Taken by my eldest)


Shared on

 

So, I heard Texas got snow...

So...this happened...

That picture (and the humor) was from a friend of mine in Houston...not from me, cause as you know if you read my last post, I'm not in Texas anymore.

And NOW it decides to snow.

You remember around 2008 - 2011 or so Texas got some pretty good snow? (And, for any northerners dropping by,  by "pretty good"  I mean enough snow to scrape a snowman off your yard if you try really, really hard).  

Well, you may not but my kids sure do...and EVERY SINGLE YEAR SINCE any time the temperature would drop, they would look to the sky for white stuff, and get mad when none would come.  

So now I'm in a place with mountains in short driving distance...but even the mountains aren't getting snow (least not any that sticks long enough for us to get there.)  Meanwhile, TEXAS is having tons of it (and by tons, I mean...ah, well, um....SOME).   It's like the state is blowing snowy zerberts at us!

Seriously, though I can't complain...it's like 75 degrees here.  

Enjoy the snow ya'll!

I'm Back in California!

So, I'm back in California now....and not just for a Vacation!  This summer we packed up and moved to San Diego, my hubby's hometown, thanks to a new job. 

I can not tell you how good it feels to be back.   When my husband, who came earlier than us, picked us up at the airport and we got in the car and drove through the city with all the palm trees, stucco buildings, murals, HILLS, marinas, etc....I just wanted to scream for joy.  I was HOME!

Don't get me wrong...I had grown to love where I lived, and I still dearly miss so many of the people there.  So many people who had become like family.  But the place itself, the geography, weather, etc.....it's never felt like home the way California does.

I'm even sleeping better.    The whole time I've been in Texas I've struggled with insomnia (and in summer, when I can go to bed when I want, a creeping sleep schedule).   I haven't had that trouble since I came back.

So, anyways, I'll be writing more soon about how I'm seeing California now after being away so long, and fun outings we've been doing, etc....but I just wanted to let you all know I'm back.

Sale at the Texifornia Souvenir Shop

Through August 6th use coupon code STUDYINSTYLE for up to 50% OFF the following items with my photos and designs...

An InLinkz Link-up

Texas/California Giveaways

Of Texan/California Interest (but open to anyone)...

(1/9) BOOK: State of Treason (What if Texas did secede?)

(1/24)  Santa Barbara Bars

(1/27) $25 Texas Roadhouse GC

(1/29) Del Taco Giftcard (I've HEARD that Del Taco is now in TX too)

(2/6) See's Candies (oh MAN how I miss these)


Local Texas Giveaways

(1/16)  2 Tickets to The Marvel Experience (Dallas, TX)

(1/17) Wonder Lab Session (Austin, TX)

Local California Giveaways

(1/24) Los Angelos Travel and Adventure Show  (Los Angelos, CA)

And Now Texas has Earthquakes...

Alright already, first there was snow in Southern Cal, and now there's earthquakes in Texas?  Of course, it was only a few little quakes...all under 3.0.  That would hardly be an event in California, but people out here are more used to blowing than shaking (meanwhile in California, they are crying "tornado" over a dust devil.)

But anyways, back to the quakes...guess theres's been a few of them now up in Irving, TX (yeah, there's an Irving in California too...so I have to specify, this is the one near Dallas).  And funny, in the various news reports I've seen, I haven't once seen this...

www.dropcoverholdon.org

Yeah, that's what you're supposed to do during an earthquake, just so you know.  Not that the little quakes in TX have been all that deadly, but still, I'm surprised, since there's been several of them now, not to see any safety warnings (sort of standard fair.).  Cause actually, if there ever was a larger earthquake in Texas it would be more deadly than one in California, since the buildings out here are build for tornadoes, not quakes.  DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE.  You do NOT want to be standing next to a brick building in a quake.  Or parking under an underpass, for that matter.  Or sitting under your Aunt's collections of heavy glass figurines.

But hopefully no one here in Texas will ever really need that info.  Cause while there's a lot in California I miss, I'm happy to let Cali  keep her earthquakes, thank you very much.

California's Got Snow

NPS Photo by Brad Sutton
While we're still waiting for the white stuff here in Central Texas, my friends in California are covered in it!    (And I don't just mean on the mountains...there is snow DOWN THE HILL!).  Well, I guess it's California's turn.  Enjoy it while you can Californians! Stay safe, dress warn, drive slow, etc. etc.!



Shared on Throwback Thursday

My Heart's Home

Someone did some beautiful time-lapse videos in the mountains where I grew up...I've stood in many of the places where these were shot.  I'd like to share this with you...

Mountain Skies Time-Lapse from Jason Bates on Vimeo. 
Click here to view larger (Larger is way better)

Dear Texas Drivers,

Thanks to Bill Abbot for use of the picture above. 

OK, Texans (well, some of you...you'll know who you are)...I want to share with you about a useful communication tool in your car.  It's called a BLINKER.   You use it to let other people know that you are turning into their lane  (really, that's what it's for).  When you see someone using their blinker, you are supposed to slow down to let that car into your lane.   If ya'll can't manage that, at least have the courtesy to maintain your speed in stead of speeding up to block the person from getting in.

Cause Texans, I know you all pride yourself in your Southern hospitality.  And honestly, it's true--ya'll are nice people, by and large.  That is, until you get into the car, and then all that hospitality gets thrown out the window.

Really, California has you beat on that.  And it's not just my own idealized memory.   My friend and her husband from New England were telling me about how they noticed that on their last trip to California:  "When people there put on their blinkers, they do it well ahead of when they are going to merge, and everyone, universally, just slows down to let them in."  My friend thought it was so polite.

And politeness is a good thing, right?  If we rewarded people by letting them in when they use their blinker, maybe more people would use them, and we'd have safer, friendlier roads.  Wouldn't that be great?

So, Texans, DRIVE FRIENDLY and PLEASE use your blinker or at least be nicer to those who do.  Thanks.

Sincerely,
A Texifornia Girl

(OK, rant finished).

Giveaways 4 Texifornians

The following giveaways have California and/or Texas appeal, for my Californian and Texan readers!  Lots of local stuff.  These are usually low entry too.

(2/28) Lishy Lou and Lucky Too Tickets (Los Angelos, CA)

(3/1) $50 Gift Card to California Delicious Online Store

(3/3)  $100 GC to House of Blues Restauarant (CA & TX Locations:  Anaheim, Los Angelos, San Diego, CA;  Dallas, Houston TX)

(3/21) Easter Extravaganza Tickets (Irving, CA)

Oh, and I found a blog with a whole section just for California Giveaways Here.  Cool huh?  You might want to buzz over there to see if there's any new CA giveaways I missed.

Giveaway 4 Texifornians

The following giveaways have California and/or Texas appeal:

(2/8) Knotts Berry Farm Tickets (in Southern California)

(2/11) Harlem Globe Trotter Tickets (Anaheim, CA)

(2/12) 4 Tickets to Gala of the Royal Horses (in Austin, TX)

Oh, and I found a blog with a whole section just for California Giveaways Here.  Cool huh?

Texas and California Giveaways

Ad Space on California and Texas Blogs, among others (2/28) - In Dallas, TX

Ad Space on a Texas Blog, and a Gift Card (2/28)

Texas Themed Starbucks Gift Card (3/1)

Family Pack Tickets to Laurie Berkner Band Concert (3/2) - In Dallas, TX

Ticket to Dallas Foam Fest/Mud Run (3/3) - In Dallas, TX

2 Books and Texas Souvenirs (3/4)

2 Tickets to Dinosaurs Unearthed at the Witte Museum (3/8) San Antonio, TX

4 Tickets to Escape From Planet Earth (3/8) - DFW, TX

4 packs of tickets to Scarborough Renaissance Festival and a Gift Card to Ol South Restaurant (3/8)  - Waxahachie and Fort Worth, TX

4 Tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba (3/10) - Houston, TX

If you know of another Texas or California giveaway, please let me know.

This is (NOT) Texas

There was a quote I once read by Canadian turned Texan blogger Busy Being Jennifer...

" I want a horse! Like really really badly want a horse! I mean come on!! I live in Texas... living in Texas should automatically come with a horse."

-- Quoted from another blog, Mommy Made, about Jennifer's old blog,  Finding My Way in Texas

Of course, that's a bit of stereotype.  But stereotypes are just exaggerated grains of truth.  Sure, not everyone in Texan owns a horse, but that doesn't mean  a  random group of horseback riders won't come riding through your local playground (just speaking from experience).  And not everyone in Texas wears cowboy boots...but I never saw a toddler wearing cowboy boots in California!

That goes for my home state's sterotypes too.  Not everyone in California surfs or knows a movie star, but...well, just using myself as a random sample,  my dad worked in the movie industry, so I met a few celebrities even if I wouldn't say I "knew them"....and my husband surfed even if I didn't.

All states have their stereotypes.  Here's a funny 2 minute run-down of stereotypes in all 50 states (yep, this post is brought to you by YouTube today!): 



So, what's some stereotypes about where you're from? Is there some grain of truth to them?

You Might Be a Texan If...

I stole some of these from Jeff Foxworthy...the green ones are my own, or at least significantly altered by me.  I'm NOT a Texan...just a Texifornian, so...well, just feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.  Feel free to suggest some of your own!

You might be a Texan if...

• If someone in a Lowe's store offers you assistance and they don't work there. 
• If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time.

(If you've ever worn shorts, a parka, and Sorels...you might be a California mountainer)

 <- sorels="sorels" span="span">

• If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend (DOES NOT apply to most Texifornians!)
• If you've ever gone "offroading" on the median to escape a traffic jam.
• If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once.
• If you keep a gun to protect your house...but leave it unlocked.
• If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph, you're going 85, and everybody's passing you (can I have an AMEN!)
• If you think more than 2 inches is "a lot of snow." 
  
• If you have no idea how to drive on snow or ice.
• If you find 60 degrees 'a little chilly,' 

(If you find 70 degrees 'a little chilly,' you might be a Texifornia)

• If you don't see the problem with eating breaded friend vegetables with your breaded fried chicken.
• If you're eating Black Eyed Peas today!  (Happy New Year!) 

If you actually understand these jokes, and share them with all your Texas friends, you definitely live in Texas .

I assumed by that last line that Jeff Foxworthy WANTED these passed on.  But if that's not the case, Mr. Foxworthy, just let me know I'll take them down.   

 

 

 

California ...through Texas eyes.

This Sunday at the park I met up with a mom about my age, and her 6 year old son and 18 month baby girl.  Her son talked about hunting with his dad, and "how he wanted to get a gun, at least a BB gun."   It was definately a "This is Texas" moment. 


Though I know it's not just a Texas moment, as I tell the boy how  my dad bought me a BB gun when I was little, but I was all into Bambi and wasn't interested at the time.  He had guns and wore a cowboy hat, but he was Californian born and raised.

Later we meet up with the boy again on the swings and somehow it comes up that I'm from California.

"California?  It's hot there isn't it" he asks.

"Yep, sometimes," I say, "But it can be cold too.  When we went out in August last year, it was cold at the beach." 

He was a little surprised about that...probably as surprised as I was to hear a Texan talk about how hot California is.  I mean, compared to Texas in summer, Califonria heat is nothing.  

A few minutes later he says, "I know they don't have a lot of cars out there, in California." 

"Sure they do," I answer.  "Just as many as here." 

"Do they ride horses?" he asked.

"Yes, but probably not as much as out here." 

"Oh, well I've never been to California.  I'm a Texan." 

I'm sure if you had asked me about Texas when I was 6, what I would have said something just as sketchy and far-fetched about it.  I probably wouldn't have said "I'm a Californian" though.  I don't think I even thought of myself as Californian until I left. 

There's a difference between saying, "I'm from California" and "I'm a Californian."  The first is just about where you live, the second takes ownership.  It says, this isn't just the place I occupy--it's who I am (or part of it anyways).  Its why I can still think of myself as "Californian" even though I've been out here over 10 years and don't have plans to move back.  It's why my mom still calls herself a New Englander, even though she hasn't lived in New England since her teens.  It's why I'll probably never be able to say, "I'm a Texan" no matter how long I live here.

But you don't have to be born someplace to have that kind of ownership.  Some people who move to Texas really do become Texans...they own it.  Like how we became "mountainers" when we moved to the California mountains.  We didn't move there because we had to...we FOUGHT to get there.  We had been longing for that place with every vacation trip we took there, and when we got there it was home.  It still is home.  And I still miss it.   

(And I miss my Dad.)

Gale Force Winds in California

A Californian friend just put a picture of knocked over tree up on facebook. That's how I found out there were Gale force winds hitting California (Would it be too cheesy to say me-force winds?  Um...yes, yes it would, Gale.).

Ok, now that I'm done having a little conversation with myself...wanted to let all of you in California know I'm thinking about you and hope you're staying safe.