High Trestle Bridge, in Winter

There is an amazing trestle bridge just north of the Des Moines area in Central Iowa. The town is called Madrid, but it isn’t pronounced like the Madrid you and I know – they pronounce it Maadrid, which is a little odd but okay. I’ve been up to this trestle bridge a few times in the past, but with my new equipment I am able to get into tight spots from great distances, which I can appreciate in a shoot like this. There’s nowhere to park, for miles. I’ve never actually walked the bridge, but I hope to some day, once the snow melts. Anyway, here’s a quick video of my time up there the other day. I’ll post a few pictures here as well.

New Years, 2016

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year. Make 2016 your best year yet! What are your new years resolutions? I usually don’t make them, so I’m not let down when I don’t meet them. It’s time to eat better, exercise more, lose some weight, and focus on my mental well being. These are goals that I will make happen in the first quarter of the year.

We had a great time last night. Our neighbors are so awesome – we really lucked out moving to a neighborhood like this. We would never find this kind of “family” connection in Southern California, that we’ve found here in Iowa. They really are like one big second family to us, and we love it here.

Here’s a link to some of our pictures from last night’s party

https://goo.gl/photos/WbDhbgMg3ECZJ1ZG6

 

Gray’s Lake Walk – Des Moines, IA

We drove to Gray’s Lake Park today, to try the two mile walk around the frozen lake. It was 50 degrees, sunny and warm for winter in late January. We’ll definitely be back, as it looks like a great place to explore any time of year.

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First Snow of 2015!

Central Iowa is being hit hard by the first snow storm of 2015, currently rolling through. I’m going to have to break out the snow thrower on this one, glad I recently upgraded to a 2 stage 4 stroke. I have a feeling we’ll be up to a foot by the time we wake up tomorrow morning. It’s really coming down!

Snowfall, Front yard

Snowfall, backyard

Bruno and the Snow! Thanksgiving in Des Moines, 2014

We got about 3″ of snow overnight. This is our second “real” snow this year and I’ve learned that I need a better snow blower. I found one on Craigslist that is two stage, and that’s what I need to really throw the snow out of here and clear the driveway quickly. Bruno is out having fun in it. Here are a few pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable extended weekend…

Chilly Dog! Bruno and his sweaters …

We’ve seen these dog sweaters online for years, and I’ve always had a hard time finding neat dog sweaters that fit our 80 lb Staffy mix. Turns out he’s an XL and the two sweaters that we found from “Chilly Dog” are spot on! We got him the “Boyfriend” and the “Monkey” and they are too cool… We got them at Amazon, of course!

Winter in San Diego

San Diego weather in February (2014)