Questions, questions, questions.

Hubby went to Bishop this week and with gas prices being over $4/gallon, we decided to save our gas budget this time. Instead, the kids and I picked up the house, went out to see a couple friends (before they leave on month-long trips), and are creating lots of crafts to send to family.

Hubby and I have been really debating to stay in crazy Bako or not. It does have its advantages and disadvantages. Hubby has a really good job here, friendly co-workers (most of the time), and we could easily add on/improve our property (1/3 acre).

It's been an easy-going week so far other than the kids decisive listening skills. Our dog, Frankie, may or may not have a second foxtail in one of his ears. However, no chickens have died recently! I'm debating whether or not we should get three more chicks this year since it seems 1-2 eggs per day are not quite enough for a family of four.

Another debatable question I have right now is should I home-school the kids? I love the second income idea (although my business right now has had absolutely zero income since it started), but isn't a child better prepared for the world if they are home-schooled? I could sparingly travel, not work for those unnecessary fundraisers, and give them a whole world for their classroom. L, 3 years old, wants to go to school and kindergarten is optional here in the great state of California. The classes are thirty children to one teacher with no aides. How is that really learning?

I am stuck here in the smog both mentally and physically.

Food...Fresh off the Tree

I use to live in the Midwest and unless you went to a farmer's market or had a garden yourself, it was hard to come by fresh food. Here in Bakersfield, you can easily get fresh fruits and veges year round-without a greenhouse.

Although most of California's farming and vegetation is mostly in the San Joaquin valley (carrots, corn, almonds, oranges, etc), its available year round.

My family doesn't have any fruit/citrus trees, but plenty of neighbors do. My family is different. We have chickens. So while they have an abundance of oranges and lemons in the winter right in their backyard, we can give fresh eggs. Plus, some farmers sell their juicy goodness right on busy street corners. Always wash before eating.

Bakersfield, being one of the hottest places in the state (compared to the mountains), has a longer growing season for your summer garden. Remember to keep watering it though!

I know I've been pro-Bakersfield and the valley with this post, but even along the coast you'll find avocadoes fresh off the tree and strawberry stands almost everywhere.

Vegas

Casinos. Gambling. Adult shows. Drinking. The Strip.

When was the last time you drove to Vegas? At first I thought the drive from Bakersfield was a never-ending strip of concrete with the kids in the backseat. Yes, kids in Vegas. Hubby had to work and I detest smoke-filled anything.

Have you ever been to Vegas and stayed away from the strip? Okay, our hotel was maybe a mile from the strip next to the airport, but I had no intentions to go to the strip-other than to take pictures for my business.
We went to Ethel's Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden. I love cactus plants. I'm quirky. What can I say? It wasn't huge, but neat to see.

McDonald's

Then there's a very nice McDonald's on Rainbow and 215. Very upscale and a great play area for the little ones.

My kids went around and asked every adult and kid to come watch her show at the little theatre in the Town Square Park. Little did I know everyone came, watched, and applauded. I'm thinking she will go into a marketing, advertising, or publishing profession when older. The park there was fantastic. Gates surround it as a guard stands entrance. If you heard little dinosaurs, those were my two.

Giraffe at Bass Pro from bridge above

And let's not forget Bass Pro. Attached to Silverton Hotel and Casino, its freakishly huge! If you have kids or love going to outdoor stores, this simply is a must! A giraffe, lions, and of course their aquarium will have you searching all over their ceilings and displays for more creatures. Go to the back of the Bass Pro and you'll see another large aquarium along with some nice Mermaid portraits. I believe real mermaids swim in that aquarium on special days. How cool is that?




So yes, Vegas is extremely kid friendly and it seems that most sit-down restaurants will go out of their way to entertain kids (very awesome)!

This weekend we will visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum and get out of Vegas to see what lies in the mountains. My friends, Athena and Jane, has given us so much advice of where to eat and what to see- a BIG thank you to them!