During our two-or-so hour Salton Sea sojourn, there was much to be seen as light fell swiftly. Leaving Bombay Beach, our group trailed up the gravely roads on foot paralleling the Chocolate Mountains, which revealed their every crevice with the setting sun. This is a fleeting memento of the transient memories and of more to come.

Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm had been supplying the Guilford community and beyond with prized roses since 1929. Built by the founder, William Pinchbeck, Jr., the property’s main greenhouse spans an astonishing 1,200-feet long and 81-feet wide, while the second is half the length at 600-feet long, 81-feet wide. At one time, the farm housed 90,000 rose plants and annually produced three million roses that “performed, not arrived.”

The farm closed its doors in 2008, but was unpredictably revived in late-2009 by Roses for Autism, a vocational training program for high-functioning autistic adults. The retail business has maintained the true integrity of the farm – the buildings, the plants, the steam-powered heating that permeates through loose boardwalks – and returned jobs to those who lost with the addition of adults on the autism spectrum. The farm currently grows 32,000 plants and produces one million roses every year.

No rose goes to waste: roses not purchased are moved into the main greenhouse to dry for other projects. It is said that because the roses are grown on the premises, this is why they dry with the most vibrant color.

Locals might laugh at me for being in utter awe for the entirety of my first trip to the west side of the states, but all that ungodly heat, vast desert, and its undoubtedly bonkers residents had me all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. And shvitzing. Since we had no time to spare, these shots were taken in transit.

Instead of missing it, I’m just looking forward to our cross-country road trip, whenever that may be.

*Editors Note: Originally I illustrated the areas pictured above from Death Valley, but my handsome hunny from the West Coast has duly informed me otherwise, hence the correction of the two deserts. Still not someplace to be left behind.

Ahhh, the classic colors and harmonious sounds of Christmas are quite engulfing these days. If you’re a grinch, you might not appreciate it, but I find the spirit truly heartwarming. If you’re curious to hear and see the likes of a New England Christmas, you need not go very far:

East Haven High School’s Yellow Jacket Marching Band held their annual Winter Concert this week past. A greatly talented group that performs so well can only get there with the support of their peers. The pianist needed a little bit of a pick-me-up and what better choice than a phone book that no one or their mother ever uses anymore. At least someone made that waste of paper good for something!

The Deep River Theater is hidden to the average eye. In fact, I had no idea it even existed until a couple of weeks ago when I covered Jams for Cans, a benefit concert requiring three or more cans for admission that would be donated to the local food pantry. A lovely event, it was the first to utilize this hidden charm in quite some time. The structure is magnificent with its inlaid detailing, large half-round windows and a wonderful dome gracing the ceiling. Supposedly the theater is currently undergoing renovation, seeing there is some hope more groups and events will use this wonderful place.

In all honesty, I believe the kids just like the idea that they can run through a sprinkler on hot Summer-esque day.

And for those like me who are enamored by birds, but don’t know what the hell they are, give the WhatBird site a try – It will blow your mind!

East Rock stands at a staggering 366 feet and features a gargantuan 112-foot pillar known as the “Soldiers and Sailors Monument.” Atop on a clear day, one could see for miles supposedly stretching as far as four or five surrounding states. I have yet to bear witness.

The weather-beaten copper obelisk commemorates New Haven history by paying homage to courageous residents whose lives perished during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War. Attached are some older images taken of the monument up close.

High School Musical are at their all time high. This girl is playing the witch for the production of “Into the Woods.” She is calling out to the giant who keeps taking lives until Jack is delivered. In the smaller image, John Lampe directs his double cast in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”