I know, this was two weeks ago, just got to posting pictures now. But first, the big blessing in my life.
I mentioned that we found a new congregation. Here in the middle is Todd, he’s the one who told us about this, He is reading from the Torah. Joel and I had the honor of an ‘Aliyah’ meaning we stand there and say a blessing and then follow along with the reader.
We are so comfortable spending Saturday mornings here. It fills a spiritual and community need.
We left the hot desert and drove up the mountain to Idyllwild. Less then 40 miles away, a whole different climate. The weather was changing in the valley as well, clouds coming in, it was simply colder the higher we got.
It was also windy.
One of the biggest surprises was a stop at Lake Hemet. It is not surprising to see a reservoir here, but the clouds and atmosphere make it feel very unlike Southern CA.
Amazing what a grey day and even some drops of rain will do to a landscape
On to Idyllwild itself. A cute little mountain town. Not as big as Big Bear, but cute. Notice the woman in the puffy jacket. Also, love the American flag.
Me and. a bear
, yes, I was cold.
Huge sculpture in the middle of town. Very impressive.
Remember the NYC cows from 20 years ago. I don’t remember why they chose cows, I’m pretty sure that is what it was and that is where the idea came from. Every city and town jumped onboard. Heck, even the San Fernando Valley tried to do it with horses – that didn’t go very far. Up here they did it with deer, and even have a whole family, not just one plexiglass image to paint.
Bears are big here.
Which leads to my kids who went up to Big Bear upon leaving the desert in order to ski. They had a fabulous time.
Then there is the bear I knit for my granddaughter. Of course she loves it. Luckily for me, her brother didn’t ask for one.
Leah