This week’s Foto Friday Fun features images chosen by six readers including a little South Africa, a lesson in Ocotillo, and a lot of nostalgia.
TreDeuce chose #9796. A touch of fall among the pines looking down slope from Marble View, a place I camp at frequently on the Kaibab National Forest adjacent to the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park. Then I searched for #96 and came up with 12-year old me in 1966.
Diane and Nigel chose #301 and got a rather boring shot of my coffee cup—still drinking from it—taken in my previous 5th-wheel in 2008. The oldest unused #01 shows perfectly what 2 1/2-year old me thought of my first stinky hair permanent in 1956.
Yogi chose #4417. As we headed back to camp in Kruger National Park these Hippos were headed into the water. #17 went back to 1980 when I practiced stained glass and often made gifts like this wedding present for a cousin.
Rita chose #5931. Sunsets over the Indian Ocean, like anywhere, weren’t always colorful yet I also enjoyed the crashing waves at Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa. #31 caught me bathing in the kitchen sink and could have been for my birthday dated March 1955.
Melissa chose #71, which is what started the reminiscing for the other low numbers. I’m with my brother in 1956, before the permanent. 
Jo chose #4037. These crazy ice-cream swirls of rock are seen at White Pocket. Bill first took me there and then we shared with Pam and John. She will totally understand the excitement of sharing a place with friends like she did with me. #37, my first steps just over one-year old in 1955.
My choice, one of several Ocotillo in the current camp yard. It is not dead. This flower bud is all but done while one neighbor still has brilliant red blooms and another is covered with tiny leaves. This unusual plant with multiple spiny sticks grow like a fountain and can show leaf and bloom several times a year after rainfall. I’m still trying to get a decent shot of all these steps seen here in one photo.
Thank you for playing along with Foto Friday Fun which allows me to share these photographs and memories. Please join in next week by leaving a number between 0001 and 9999 in your comment below.
Do you have a favorite this week?
Hi Gaqelyn, I love the nostalgia in these photos. I can’t believe you had a perm at 2 1/2 ! Is your brother still alive? Near you? My number for next week is 2099. Hugs Jo
Thanks. Was fun as I hadn’t seen some of these for a while. My brother lives in Las Vegas. #2099 for next week.
Hallo again, Gaelyn. Meant to say my favourites are all the photos of you!
Thanks.
This entire post was exceptionally fun. Its fascinating seeing our 12 year old selves. We are in there, just as our 12 year old selves are still in us now.
Thanks, for me too. At 12 I had buck-teeth and now I have dentures. LOL That was a year of moving two suburbs west mid school year. Made new friends and got braces on said teeth.
WOW all fabulous photo’s of you Gaelyn. Your brother and you are certainly alike, as a matter of fact that is my favourite photo of you two. No 6666 for next week please. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks. My brother and I are totally opposite in likes and lifestyles as adults. #6666 for next week.
You’re so adorable! You still are! 🙂 #9126
Aw geez, thanks. #9126 for next week.
We love the ‘old’ pjotos and all the memories, but the othe photos as always are great as well even the coffee cup with its cactus on it. Our favourite is you as a 12 year old. Just wondering how you can love the desert and the countryside so much and your brother can live in Vegas, a place we just hated! Too busy, to many buildings and too hot! Oh well. 1001 for next week please. Gentle hugs, Diane and Nigel
Thanks. He and I really are opposites. #1001 for next week.
First, I can’t believe this was Photo Friday #345!!! I remember the FIRST!! <3 8*)
My favorite for this week has to be that fantastic ice cream swirl rock!! Mother Earth, The Original Artist!!
I looked at the clock and the time is 7:41:10 pm, so 7411 is my request for next week, please. <3 <3 <3 8*)
Dang lady, you’ve been around for a while. Thanks for that. Mother Nature is more than amazing. #7411 for next week.
Love all the darling pictures of you. You look a bit worried with your brother who seems to be laughing. He wouldn’t have been squeezing you would he? HA! So wonderful that you have these pictures. I have almost n one of my childhood. I don’t know what happened to them. #1847 for next time please.
Thanks. My brother the bully, hard to say. I am missing many photos from youth. #1847 for next week.
My favorites are the ones of your little cutie self from way back when. I also like the Hippo shot. What a thrill to see them in the wild.
1469 says random dot org for next week.
Gee, thanks. It’s a thrill to see any animal in their wild habitat. #1469 for next week.
Watching the hippos had to be an amazing experience, but White Pocket calls to me. For next week I’d like 257, the $257 SDG&E utility bill from hosting December guests and Christmas festivities.
White Pocket is a little easier to see than hippos, unless you go to the zoo. Ouch, that’s an expensive bill. #257 for next week.
Ocotillo has to be my favorite because for me it signifies the special beauty of the desert … hidden often but when you see it totally amazing. Love all the scenic beauty and all the nostalgic photos as well. Your folks did well documenting your childhood. Glad to be back and sort of caught up and I’ll take 1108 …part of a very old address (you’ve made me nostalgic).
All these desert plants are so unique.
My parents actually documented my older brother better. But fortunately I had my baby book when their basement flooded or they would be gone, like most of years between 9 and 27. #1108 for you this week.
How fun to see some pics of a little you! Love the ocotillo blooming. Ours are all naked in these cold temps.
#445 for next week please.
Thanks. I was surprised to see the Ocotillos naked, green, and flowering on different bushes. Nights are hovering around 40°. #445 for next week.
The ocotillo is such a neat plant! My favorites this week are the flashbacks. Seems like you’ve found a lovely spot to hunker down and enjoy all the desert has to offer. Number 243 for next week, please
Ocotillos remind me of water fountains. Thanks, it was fun to see those real oldies. I’m loving the desert. #243 for this week.