A Fun Day at Scandia

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read738 views

We spent a wonderful time today with the family at Scandia Amusement Park in Ontario with my Son’s best friend and his Father. We made a wise choice by purchasing Unlimited Pass as the  kids enjoyed the miniature golf, arcade and most rides (Lapland Landslide, Copenhagen Carrousel, Skagarrak Zoo, Norway Flyer, Denmark Railway, Hagar’s Truck Co., Oslo Fire Department, Little Dipper Coaster, Stockholm Raceway).

Aboard the Oslo Fire Department.
Aboard the Oslo Fire Department.
Enjoying the Miniature Golf.
Enjoying the Miniature Golf.
Fun Day at Scandia aboard the Denmark Railway.
Aboard the Denmark Railway.
Fun Day at Scandia aboard the Norway Flyer.
Aboard the Norway Flyer.
Fun Day at Scandia (Lapland Landslide).
Lapland Landslide.
Scandia aboard the Hagar’s Truck Co.
Aboard the Hagar’s Truck Co.
Aboard the Little Dipper Coaster.
Aboard the Little Dipper Coaster.

We left Scandia early in the evening and drove to Pomona, CA where we had diner at Mix Bowl Cafe.

What a relaxing and fun day we had!

Many-spotted Hummingbird

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read443 views

Just last Friday, I had a personal encounter with a Dove. This morning I found a Many-spotted Hummingbird in my front yard. As I moved towards the little bird to take a picture, it started hopping and I realized it somehow injured its left-wing. Hummingbirds are small and extremely fast and I knew there had to be a catch for me to even get close to one. Not being able to see a nest up on the pine tree branches and unable to hear the sounds of other birds around, I couldn’t tell if this was a baby Hummingbird which fell out of its nest.

According to the website Defenders.org, the Hummingbird’s feet are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking. The argument is that Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop because of their small and short legs. Had I not witnessed it today, I would have still been amongst those who believe it to be true.

Many-spotted Hummingbird.
Many-spotted Hummingbird.

The little bird hopped its way out of my yard (through the chain linked fence) into my neighbor’s front yard. I had just a few seconds to capture it from its back. I hope it finds a safe place to rest and heal.

Many-spotted Hummingbird.
Many-spotted Hummingbird.

Take a moment to check out the video below, behind the Scenes of “Hummingbirds”.

Still Pictures: Pride Of Barbados

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read689 views

The amazing Pride Of Barbados is one beautiful flowering evergreen shrub that compliment every garden and I am so lucky to have four growing in my backyard. The highly showy flowers are a mixture of bright red, orange and yellow petals with long red stamens. The plant is a favorite to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Pride Of Barbados.
Pride Of Barbados Buds.
Pride Of Barbados.
Pride Of Barbados Flower.

Happy Gardening!

Kindness for Longevity

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read645 views

I love my neighbors. They are all wonderful, especially the original ones. I am so grateful to live here and be surrounded by beautiful individuals who constantly surprise us with their generosity. The older couple living across from our home are a blessing and such a joy to know. They are available and when needed, quick to help. They are inspiring and when not physically present, encouraging and advising.

My neighbors are a beautiful couple in their late seventies. They look so much younger (at least twenty years younger) all thanks to the choices they made on a daily basis and which they are making still. One doesn’t have to go all out to make someone else happy. Little things, acts of love and kindness have a way of making the heart flutter and leap for joy. This morning as I opened the mail box to collect yesterday’s mail, I found a nicely sealed gift. At that particular moment, I felt so loved and appreciated. I smiled as I knew who put it there since it wasn’t the first time. For a year and a half now, they have randomly filled our mail box with Greeting Cards for all occasions, Collectors Calendars, gift wraps and bags, coupon booklets for Power Tools, rare Vintage pieces and not too long ago, a large Bats fabric favor bag for the kids to go trick or treating.

Image Source: Comments.FunMunch.com.
Image Source: Comments.FunMunch.com.

I know the positive effects of this morning will be passed along to someone else in the form of another act of kindness or simply a genuine smile. As I sit here typing, I am thinking about returning their kindness and I know exactly what to give them. Kindness is one of the best feel good remedies which pays itself over and over again.

The following are some effects of Kindness (learn about other positive effects here):

  • Makes us feel good
  • Helps us become a better person
  • Promotes a feeling of well-being
  • Promotes compassion
  • A sense of achievement and belonging
  • Softens the heart and keeps it healthy
  • Helps us see the World through new lenses
  • Gives us an opportunity to know others
  • Being Kind makes you happier, thus, increases your longevity
  • Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” – Mother Teresa

Genuine Kindness is free. Choose to be kind and bless someone’s day to start a chain of endless positive actions.

A Project Complete

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read608 views

Today has been a productive day as we were blessed with good weather unlike what the Weather Channel predicted for the day. We finished  putting in the last of the Privacy Fence Slats and we dug up and disposed of the rest of the Oleanders (except for the only hybrid “Peach Blossom” I owned). As soon as my husband builds a large planter, I will dig up the toxic beauty and move it toward the end of the fence, where I can still admire it without it being at close proximity to our living area. We are proud of ourselves for the progress we’ve made and we are relieved that everything’s coming together, one project at a time.

While out and about in Downtown Pomona yesterday, we stopped at the Pomona Indoor Swap Meet and bought three 24 inch whitewall Classic Cruiser Bike Tires for my tree wheeler. My dear husband changed the tires only to find out that I have two flat tubes. We might get lucky and buy them at our local Walmart or Target stores tomorrow. It would be nice to ride around with the kids before the Winter sets in.

For the past three days a murder of crows has been gathering on a tall pine tree across from my home. On the first day which was Thursday, they made so much noise that the tenants came out to see what the commotion was all about. They were at least thirty crows. Today, while working in the backyard, I couldn’t help but take a picture after my children noticed the flock flying around in circles above that same pine tree.

Flock of Crows on A Pine Tree.
A Flock of Crows on a Pine Tree.

We had a wonderful time with the family as the kids enjoyed every single minute of their time outdoors. Tomorrow will be a new day with another opportunity to create memories.

May your weekend be bright and filled with cheer.