Flora of the LTVA: The Ocotillo

Ocotillo is not a true cactus. For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green. With rainfall, the plant quickly becomes lush with small (2–4 cm), ovate leaves, which may remain for weeks or even months. Individual stems may reach a diameter …

The Mayonnaise Jar–Jo (Rick’s Lady) Finch

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle; when 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty Mayo jar and started to …

Angels angles February 2018–Joyce (Angel) Casey

To say the last few months have been busy is an understatement! There’s so much to do, so much to think about, that you don’t even think about before someone you love passes. I have found out who my true friends are, and how much I love and appreciate them and my wonderful family. I had a wonderful Christmas at …

Mountain Biking the Wild Burro Trails–Ron Johnson

Are you an adventurous soul?  Do you love to explore?  Or perhaps you just enjoy riding a bike off the paved road?  If you answered yes to any of these questions then you’ll love riding the wild burro trials and BLM roads of Imperial Dam LTVA.  I’ve been here for only two months now, and I’ve discovered some favorite trails, …

KETCHUP–Bob (Slobberjaws) Dossett

Good morning” Ahh the mornings. Quiet, Bright, Fresh, Numb! I hate getting up but, happy that I made it. So much of the time the old noggen just don’t want to kick in. Turned the TV on this morning and couldn’t hear it. Then I realized I hadn’t put my hearing aids in, Presto! sound. Getting old ain’t easy but, …

Ketchup–Bob (Slobberjaws) Dossett

Hello out there, wazup? Well here we are, and there’d they go? Oh the days dwindle down to a precious few. It’s December here and today 72′ is predicted, maybe snow in 2 days! Now I know a lot of you are from Northern climes where winter is winter but here ya just never know. Crops are all in the …

Ketchup–Bob (Slobberjaws) Dossett

Hollo ow tare Setting here in my chair I ponder how to start this letter. No easy way I guess. So much water has passed under the bridge  no matter how hard I try I can’t find a way to say goodby. So I guess it must be, “continued in the next chapter”. What a wonderful 22 years I’ve had …

Thanks–Mary (Vixen) Dossett

A note of thanks for all the prayers and the numerous cards Slobberjaws/Bob has received. The doctors & I are very amazed at his rapid recovery from his many broken bones. We credit all the prayers, thank you. Staying here in Illinois is an adjustment for both of us. We both choose to look at all our blessings, so we …

Thanksgiving Day Potluck–Sue (Schoolteacher) Anderson

The Thanksgiving potluck will be held on Thursday Nov. 23 at the Ramada in the Gravel Pit starting at 1 pm.  The turkeys, mashed potatoes, dressing and gravy will be supplied as will water and coffee.  Please bring a side dish or dessert, your chairs, tableware, other drinks if you prefer, and maybe a table if you want.  There will be …