Monday, December 19, 2011

cold cold river and my rose


thank you very much for the kind comments on snowy mountains, this then is part two (and last of our adventure)...
mt. whitney is the largest summit in the contiguous united states, with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m). this time though, we didn't come to inyo county to visit the mountain. our plans were going to take place at the base instead. but with a mountain range this spectacular, it was nearly impossible to keep those granite peaks out of my cameras viewfinder. it is always changing, and always astonishing.





















the purpose of this trip was to get photos of standup paddleboarding on the owens river. the kids were asked to do this in their swim suits. i don't know if it's easily visible, but parts of this river were frozen. luckily, the weather cooperated and the day was sunny and still, no wind. here are chuck's models, smiling when they were done, even with frozen toes. thanks so much kyle & vanessa. i took the sort of safer route and went out in the kayak instead (my feet still turning to ice). photos of chuck and i paddling by my son kyle. good job dear son. and thank you honey for another epic adventure   :)


*  *  *
and...my youngest, the last of my five, turned twenty one today. i found a bakery that lives near her in brooklyn, nyc. and they awesomely delivered this darling cake in the morning, which surprised her and made her laugh. and prevented me from crying (too much) about not being with her. well, and also, she'll be home in only three days. oh my girl. happy happy birthday dear hannah rose. love mama.

(cell phone photo of yummy cake, sent by happy birthday girl)

43 comments:

  1. Happy, happy birthday, Hannah Rose, now 21, oh what a memorable date, and even starting with a cake! The Blogland Fairies are wishing you a wonderful new year to come, love and friendship, (reasonable) adventures, success in all you do, and most of all, joy! Soon you will hug the rest of your beautiful family, and won`t they be happy to see you!
    Mom, and YOU deserve all the praise for having such a family. We all know it takes a lot of work and unselfishness and time and worries, but isn`t it worth it a hundred times?!
    Much love to you! May this Christmas be a wonderful one for all of you (your mom will be there, too). Hugs from here!

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  2. Wow, breathtaking photos. I was trying to reconcile those mountains with the swimsuits until I read further and realised what you guys were up to. Crazy! Are your entire family supermodels, by the way? ;)

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  3. Firstly happy birthday to your daughter. I bet you cn't wait to see her. These photos are so beautiful. You do live in a wonderful place :) xxxx

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  4. Happy Birthday to Hannah Rose, what a wonderful idea to send a cake!
    Such beautiful photographs Lori, they look 3-D on my computer screen. I also feel like I'm watching the stills from a movie, set in an other-worldly place. Peopled by beautiful folks! You and your family are just so beautiful.What an adventure you're having! Vanessa xxx

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  5. Dear Hannah Rose, Happy Birthday !
    Lori, what an astonishing view of the mountains!
    I was just imagining how cold it was , you were a clever girl going out in the kayak!
    And also, the picture of you and Chuck, I would put in a picture frame !
    And if we don´t talk before Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS , HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your entire family!

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  6. Happy Birthday Hannah Rose! My youngest of four just turned 21 in November, I know you feel.

    And yes I spotted the ice in the river pics and did a double take at the boarders attire! Brave souls!!

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  7. What a beautiful adventure you took Lori. Looking at your photot's has me missing the mountains so much, living here in the Lowcountry is a challenge sometimes :) It looks like the models did a great job and you can't even tell it's so cold there.
    Once again, I adore the photo of you and Chuck together; you were made for each other!
    You must be over the top knowing that your birthday girl will be home soon and then you can give her a big hug! This life is really all about family and friends isn't it? I am so blessed to call you my friend and I hope you have the best of days.

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  8. Happy Birthday to Hannah Rose, and what a very special idea to send a surprise cake, that is so lovely!
    Your photos in this post are quite breathtaking....really amazing, beautiful mountain views and beautiful people too!!
    Have a wonderful week, Lori, and a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones.
    Helen x

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  9. Happy birthday to the baby of the family :) Love the photos, and boy I shivered when I saw the river pics.....It must have been cold..brr..... Have fun with your family!!

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  10. The photos in both this and the last post are incredible Lori, and what a wonderful adventure you had with your family!!! That area is absolutely breathtaking, and I am glad there was no wind that day--I got a chill just wondering if they were cold or not! And you are such a sweet mama, what a wonderful surprise for your daughter!!
    xo

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  11. Happy Birthday, Hannah Rose and happy birthing day to you, Lori!

    What beautiful pictures. I love the one of you and Chuck. Gorgeous!

    Very brave to bare most for the photos. It looks chilly. I have thought about trying my hand at stand up paddling. My husband is getting a new kayak for the holidays, so I think it may be in my future.

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  12. I have always been more of an ocean person than a mountain person, but wow... these photos are stunning. I love the light on the snow and rocks!

    How brave your models were!

    Happy birthday to your sweet daughter! I hope you have a joyful reunion when she arrives home!

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  13. WOW. That's all I can say, WOW.
    And Happy Birthday to Hannah Rose.
    xoxo
    P.S. Thank you for your sweet card.

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  14. Oh my gosh I love your pictures SO much Lori, as you know this is one of our favorite destinations too. So glad you had a wonderful trip.

    The shot of you and your husband is precious beyond words.

    Sending happy wishes to the birthday girl.

    xoxo

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  15. happy birthday to your beautiful punky brooklyn girl! what a great mama you are. i love these pictures from your adventure with chuck, kyle, and vanessa. you are all such gorgeous models. what a memory this trip will be for you all too paddling out in the cold weather!

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  16. Am LOVING reading your blog, your pictures are wonderful, truly stunning. My kids and I want to come and see these fabulous mountains. Thanks for sharing them :)

    Merry Christmas to you all.

    Claire xox

    PS) My oldest boy loves the latest hat you knitted form your grandson, so I think I know what is next on my needles :)

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  17. What breathtaking scenery and lovely cake...you'll be able to celebrate at the weekend...I hope it's a perfect one for you all.
    Debx

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  18. What truly awesome pictures! How amazing and wonderful nature is.
    Many birthday blessings to your little girls - and to you too, lovely Mama.
    xxx

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  19. i.
    am.
    speechless.

    WOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOOWOWOW!

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  20. oh my gosh — these photographs are completely awesome. lori, you are a spectacular photographer, that is for sure. i have never seen these peaks but really want to visit the next time i'm in california - amazing scenery!!

    happy birthday wishes to your hannah rose ~ you are such a good momma lori!!

    with love,

    amanda

    xoxo

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  21. wonderful photos
    wonderful models
    wonderful family
    wonderful lori

    xxx

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  22. Lori, you are so blest. Congratulations on your birth day and for dear Hannah Rose's 21st. Spectacular photos! I love the way you live and embrace your life. I'm left feeling very inspired. Love Katie xxx

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  23. The photography!!! I know you've heard it before, but it's just so wonderful! What a great adventure! I can smell it . . . love my armchair travel! That's what I call clean air. Thank you!!! Go more places!!!

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  24. Such breathtaking scenery! Oh Oh Oh! And congrats on your daughter's birthday. What a lovely surprise for her. Hope you're feeling encouraged!

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  25. This is my favorite part of the country to take our trailer. Where you in the Alabama HIlls? I can't imagine being in the river when it is freezing, your children are very brave!!!

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  26. thank you so much friends! i can't wait to show hannah (rose) all your sweet wishes when she gets home.
    susan, i hope you'll be back, we'll be in africa in only 138 more days (that's may,yes, i'm counting!!)

    lorrie, the first 7 photos are taken in the alabama hills, a very favorite place to go. the pic of chuck and i is taken in the arch.

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  27. Breathtaking as usual! I had to show my son these photos.

    Happy birthday, Hannah Rose!

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  28. All your photos Lori are simply spectacular!
    I love the idea of having a cake delivered & what an adorable cake it is! I can imagine how excited you are to have your daughter home in a few days :-)
    Happy Birthday Wishes to Hannah Rose ♥

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  29. Breathtaking, Lori! I am so utterly amazed by these images.

    Happy birthday to your daughter.

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  30. I feel like i'm looking at photos of a different planet..haha! It's so much different then where I am. Those photos of people ( sorry I don't know who anyone is:) standing up on the paddle boards..ROCK!! just so cool!

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  31. Gorgeous, gorgeous photos, as always! You are such a sweet mama to send a birthday cake! What a wonderful way to start the day!

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  32. Tomorrow is the 22nd. Now what is happening tomorrow, something special I think!

    Happyhappy for you
    xoxo

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  33. I love all the photos but especially the one that looks like giant elephant toes.

    and paddling on the river in bathing suits - man oh man I shivered just looking at them.

    Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl - glad she is coming home to her mama.

    happy holidays Lori - to you and everyone

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  34. Lori, your photographs are truly amazing ... from Bend Oregon, Joyeux Noël

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  35. Love you Lori
    Love your adventures too

    Merry Christmas xoxo

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  36. ps... a belated very happy birthday to your baby girl x

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  37. Wow! Your photos left me mesmerized! Merry Christmas!

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  38. Beautiful photo's Lori, you all look like such a happy healthy family!
    Merry Christmas.

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  39. Simply gorgeous pictures lori ann!

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  40. Lori, What an amazing trip! I hope you are having a great time with your children and family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  41. What an incredible life you lead...

    Happy New Year Lori.
    xo

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  42. OMG, superbly beautiful place superbly photographed.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Have a good year ahead Lori!

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  43. So much joy, beauty and love here.
    Happy birthday, Hannah Rose! You are SOOOO loved ;)

    Lori, the blue reflections in the water with the golden reeds...wow.

    You're beutiful, inside and out.
    Chuck too :)

    national geographic should be calling you.

    xoxo
    love,
    Lo♥

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xoxo lori