Tulare County Historical Maps

Several weeks ago I traveled to the Mendota area of California's Central Valley to do research for an upcoming book I'm working on. While there, I had the good fortune to meet two gentlemen who worked at the Mendota Wild Life Hunter Check Station. Both had lived in the area for some time. My main purpose of the visit was to gather information on the terrain; basically, trees, marshes the names of the native plants in the area and where everything was in relation to nearby landmarks that a reader could identify with. They were gracious in offering their home-spun take on the surrounding area and "how is was."
One of the men said that his father collected old maps and he would be happy to share them with me. I gave him my address and thanked him profusely.
A few days ago those maps arrived in the mail. To say that I thought Santa Claus had popped in, would be an understatement. I was thrilled. The maps depicted everything I wondered about. The huge tule forests that I had read about. The names of the ferry crossing during the time period I was researching, which is the 1870's, the extent of Tulare Lake and how far north it went, stage routes and cattle ranches. On some of them I will have to get out my magnifying glass, but I think I'll be able to glean a wealth of information. I shall cherish them and keep them safe for future reference.
I offered to pay the man for the copying and postage, but he said no, just send him a copy of the book. I did one better, I sent him a copy of my Western, "Winds of Time," and will send him a copy of Cantua Crossing when I get it finished. Goes to show you never know what you'll find when you "go a-lookin'."

Spring in the air

With the days becoming warmer, I suddenly remembered the bulbs I purchased at Lowe's a few months ago. I'm hoping it's not too late to get them in the ground. Why is it that in the cold, winter months we dream of the wonderful gardens we will plant come the warmer months, and then we think of every excuse why we can't drag ourselves out to get the ground worked, the seeds, plants, bulbs, etc., planted.
I'm hoping it's a temporary mental block, and that my energy will surge with the warming weather. But maybe it's a battle of wills, my desire to be out digging and planting, versus my winter stiffened bones screaming, "noooooo."
Also arriving with the spring weather, are the birds. Birds intent on destroying my house to convert my attic into condos. I have two yellowhammers who are telepathic. They can sense when I pick up my pellet gun and ease the door open. Before I can even get out the door, I hear their large wings flapping, and their distinct skreeking, as they sail safely out of range. My large Lab encourages me to trek after them, assuring me we might be able to sneak up on one. I've got news for him. If they can hear me pick up my gun inside my house, and the stealthy turn of the door handle, we wouldn't stand a chance on catching one sitting in a tree and looking the other way.
So I resolve, today is the day I venture into the yard, shovel in hand, and start my yearly ritual of spading the good earth to prepare it for the plants that will  bring summer treats to my table and sharing with dear friends.