Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Central Valley Gloom



I can unequivocally say this has not been my favorite Central Valley winter.  There have been so many gloomy days that I've lost count.  It began with unusually high percentages of rain and now it's gray all day long.  I've started dreaming that I moved to Oregon, but no, I'm still a California Girl - minus the sun.  I stepped outside today to take a photo of hope.  Hope in the form of a fig tree bud that will bring forth new growth this spring.  I must say, I really cannot wait.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

It's Raining Oranges



Throughout the Central Valley, orange trees are colored with ready-to-pick fruit and after nine months of waiting, this California native is a happy girl.  There is nothing like a glass of orange juice, fresh from the tree, so I am always a bit giddy to see this fruit come into season.  Each year, the risk of freezing conditions in the Central Valley put oranges at risk of frost damage.  Fortunately, due to a strange winter season in which water has actually fallen from the sky (or rain if you prefer), frost has been minimal.  This is great news for orange lovers near and far.  Cheers! 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Huntington Boulevard



Huntington Boulevard, located in Fresno, California has a rich history in the valley.  In the early 1900’s, Albert GravesWishon and Henry E. Huntington developed a plan to use electricity, a newly available luxury available to homeowners, and streetcars to enhance the lifestyle of Fresno’s prominent residents.  Henry E. Huntington, a streetcar tycoon, developed the boulevard with wide streets that allowed for streetcar travel to several destinations in downtown Fresno.  Today, the beautiful tree-lined boulevard is meticulously maintained and still carries the original air of regality.