~ Poinsettia Bowl ~

A few weeks ago I was surprised to receive an email that said "Your credential request has been approved for the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl." I've always wanted to shoot a bowl game, so I was really excited to have the opportunity to shoot one this year. The game was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, between Boise State and Texas Christian (TCU). Boise State was favored to win, but being one to side with the underdog, I was secretly hoping TCU would take it home, which they did by beating Boise State 17-16. Here are some images from the Poinsettia Bowl.

December 23, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs tailback Joseph Turner (24) avoids a tackle by Boise State Broncos linebacker Derrell Acrey (52) to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

December 23, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Vinny Perretta (19) is tackled by Texas Christian Horned Frogs safety Tejay Johnson (3) during the first quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl and Qualcomm Stadium.

December 23, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ian Johnson (41) and fullback Richie Brockel (40) celebrate a touchdown by Johnson against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in the first quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

December 23, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (61) waves the school flag after beating the Boise State Broncos 17-16 in the Poinsettia Bowl.

~ Tenaja Falls ~

Tenaja Falls is very close to our new house, so we decided on a spur of the moment hike up there. What a treat! I can't wait for the falls to flow. It's said that there are 10 feet deep ponds there. These images were all taken with my little point and shoot camera. I can't wait to get up there with my good gear. Click on the images to enlarge them.

~ Jody ~

~ New Digs ~

As if the holiday season isn't busy enough - we've added moving to the never ending list of things to do. We're moving up the hill to an area known as Tenaja. Tenaja is located on the Santa Rosa Plateau along with the communities of La Cresta, La Cresta Highlands, Meadow Oaks, Santa Rosa West, and the Trails. The average elevation of the plateau is 2,000 feet, and our house is about 2,250 feet. As a crow flies, it's 20 miles to the ocean, so the coastal influence keeps the temperature about ten degrees cooler than in the valley were we are moving from. Although it's only 9 miles from our current home, the plateau is a different world. For starters there is the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve whose 8,500 acres are the home to many endangered animal and plant species. Then there is the centuries old oak trees that run along a seasonal creek in my new front yard. We're about a mile from the Cleveland National Forest. Recently we decided to hike up to Tenaja Falls which is a 160 seasonal waterfall and about 15 minutes from our house. The best part is that I finally get to bring my horses home where they belong. I can't wait to share all the adventures of living the ranch life again. In the meantime, here are some photos of the new place and Tenaja Falls.

~ Jody ~

This is the walkway to our front door (which actually faces away from the road).

This is our front entryway.


The barn and small pasture.

The oak grove in the large pasture in the front (back) of the house.