Fact: 005

Bristlecone pines located in California's White Mountains are the oldest known trees in the world; one has an age of 4,700 years.

Pet Picture of the Day

Orthodyne is raising a bunch of spoiled engineers.

Orthodyne announced that all of its employees will receive the entire week of Christmas off as extra paid vacation time. Not only did Matt receive an extra 5 days off, but Friday, he received a Christmas bonus check!

'Tis The Season

Oooh! Ahhh!

Yes, it was this perfect when we got it. No, it's no longer this perfect, now that the cats have got it.

The Anderson/Blaney Christmas Tree would not be complete without the Abominable Snowman.

Fact: 004

The tallest living things on Earth, ancient Redwood trees, dot the Northern California coastline.

Pet Picture of the Day

The Snowman

It snowed this past weekend on Mount Baldy.




We decided to build a snowman.


Although the snowman would have survived much longer on the mountain, we thought it would be better, if it was next to our front door.

Sadly, he was nearly dead the next morning.

LA Auto Show

On the 3rd we went to the LA auto show. Some of the cars there were pretty sweet, some . . . not so much.

This was definitely one of the sweeter ones.

This is a Pontiac G5, and it is apparently not built for anyone over 6'.

This is supposedly the next Generation Mustang, not too shabby.


This is a Maybach (don't know the model), and it was much nicer than it looks in this picture.

The 2008 Dodge Challenger, retro done right.

Overall, the auto show was pretty fun. We got to see some nice cars, and Matt got to sit in his next car . . . the Sky Redline.

Let it Snow!

Last night Mount Baldy (the mountain 10 minutes from our house) got 5" of snow.

Parrots in a Tree

Recently there has been a large flock of parrots residing in the trees at our apartment complex.

This is only a small amount of the birds because it is very difficult to get an entire flock to pose for you.

Pet Picture of the Day

Fact: 003

Death Valley in southern California is the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level.

Big Bear

This past Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to take a day trip up to Big Bear Lake. Big Bear is located in the San Bernardino National Forest at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet.

While driving up, the temperature dropped at least 30 degrees!

Definitely cold enough to make snow.

Big Bear Lake is off in the distance.

In case you wanted to see our mugs!

The views on the drive up to Big Bear were absolutely amazing!


Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear, Part 2

Big Bear Lake, again.

We went horseback riding. It was pretty tame (notice the guide walking her horse).

Matt looking like quite the cowboy.

The Mojave Desert in the distance, as seen on our horseback ride.

We wanted to take a walk to see one of the largest lodgepoles, but the "road" to get there was too much for the car. We took a picture of these trees where we turned around instead.

Big Bear Lake, once more.

The fog rolling in.

The fog was pretty thick here. Brittany managed to save a dog from getting hit on the road.

What we saw of San Bernardino National Forest was really nice.

Thanksgiving Feast

Matt had a Thanksgiving potluck at work on Tuesday, Nov. 21st. Most of the food there was pretty bad, but Matt saved the day with this delicious salad.

Fact: 002

California contains the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney at elevation 14,505 feet.

Pet Picture of the Day

Smeleanor Failed in the Clutch

Friday morning Smeleanor decided to take a break from the usual morning commute.

The clutch disk blew apart!

Fortunately for Matt, he had AAA, and was able to get the car back home within an hour of leaving.

The new clutch.

The newly resurfaced flywheel.

After minimal frustration, Smeleanor was feeling better than ever, and ready for more commuting action Tuesday morning.

Fact: 001

The First Trader Joe's opened in Pasadena, California in 1966.

Pet Picture of the Day

Zip Trip to Mt. Baldy

We took a trip up to Mt. Baldy (AKA Mt. San Antonio) Sunday afternoon.

View of Mt. Baldy near the park entrance.


From the ski area parking lot: A view of the top, which is an elevation of about 10,000 ft.


There should be snow here pretty soon!


Looking out towards the city.


Yeah, It's pretty nice.

Happy Halloween!

Pet Picture of the Day

Pumpkipalooza

Today, we went to a pumpkin carving party at one of Matt's co-worker's house.

Don't miss Alice Cooper. Brittany's is the one with all the bats on it.

Matt's is the larger angrier looking one.