just maybe

my roomate from california has been trying to convince me for a long time that i want to go at least visit california. i used to adamatly refuse to go to the state. but, upon further research, i might end up visiting the state, if i ever had a summer to go visit it. and, because i'm a fan of the national park service, i decided that is what i would mostly go visit. there have been a few places inspired by others that have actually made me want to go visit the state, inspite of myself. so, i've layed out a plan. kinda. more like, a list of places i want to go if i ever make it to california. it would have to all be done in one trip, which is why it would take a whole summer. but it would be a trip well worth the time and money it would take. i would be visiting some wonderful national treaures, and helping to preserve the area so that others can go and visit them. some of these will take just a day, or a half a day, but others of these will take many days, so that i can try and see as much of it as possible, go on hikes, and such. because the list is so long, and the ammount of time needed is so variable, i'll have to plan for one whole summer, or at least most of a summer. meaning it wont be able to be done until i'm all graduated, an have saved lots and lots so that i can make the trip, and pay any and all entrance fees/overnight fees. as well as providing food stuffs for myself. anyhow, all that being said, if i were to ever take a trip, here's the order of things, and what things i want to see while there.

Redwood Forest
Lava Beds
Lassen Volcanic National Park
John Muir National Historic Site
Black Diamond Mines Park
Round Valley
Yosemite National Park
Devils Postpile National Monument
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Pinnacles National Monument
Death Valley National Park
Manzanar National Historic Site
Mojave National Preserve
Santa Monica Mountians National Recreation Area
Hidden Valley
Rachael's House
Joshua Tree National Park

today's lost arts

one of the problems with many of today's people is that they dont know how to do some of the really cool things that people like the pioneers did. people dont know how to can/bottle things, make applesauce, make bread, things like that. its rather sad cause honestly, those are awesome things to be able to do. even people in the church who are supposed to know how to do those types of things, it doesnt happen. its an art that has been lost on today's society. on the other hand, those of us who do know how to do them, dont share. a lot of that comes from a lack of interested people, but it also comes because we just plain dont offer our services, unless its to our familes. but families are drafted into helping with the work, so it only makes sense. its a family tradition in our house to can pears, peaches, and make applesauce and jams every single year possible. we were making applescause today, and when rachel's newest set of grandparents came to take rachel for the day, and they saw that we were making applesauce, they were impressed and said something like "oh, i had homeade applesauce once... it was really good." only once?! again, sorry, but i cant live off of the store bought stuff. it just doesnt taste right. its the same with the store bought canned fruits. they just dont taste right. too...metaly, aluminmy (huzzah for made up words!). maybe one day i'll jsut have to start a campaign and teach people how to make applesauce, can fruits, and make jam. at least, my own family (if i ever have the pleasure of having a family) will have the pleasure of making jams/applesauce/canned fruit. its an art that really just shouldnt be lost. so why start with my family?

oh what do you do in the summertime?

People ask me, "min, what is it your doing in the summers, now that you arent in school?" i try to tell them, but they want pictures. so, here are a few pictures. not many, but some. for more (again, not many more) you can go here