JM Perez

501 posts

Poet, Writer and Published Author. Insatiably passionate about gardening, Health and Wellness. I enjoy collecting Vintage and Antique choice pieces.

Steampunk Apple Valley Vintage Home Decor Nature High Desert

“Vintage Gypsies” Shop

By JM PerezOctober 14, 20122 min read1.6K views

I get so excited every time I find a new Vintage Store and get to buy something from the past. Sometimes it’s not about the buying, but seeing all the beautiful furniture. That was exactly the case this Saturday.

After a quick stop at the post office to mail some gifts to my niece and goddaughter; we decided to take a drive to Apple Valley, CA in hopes of locating a Church. We found the Church and walked around the premises; however, we didn’t get the information we were seeking as the office is closed on the weekends.

On our way back I spotted a sign which said VINTAGE GYPSIES and we all agreed to stop by the shop and take a look. The shop is located in the Historic Roy Rogers Apple Valley Inn complex and the view is breathtaking. For those like me who are new to the area; we can only be amazed by its beauty and try to recreate, in our minds, the paradise this land once was. It is literally breathtaking.

The shop carries beautiful vintage furniture and gifts. You will find antique jewelry, restored furniture, books, some clothing, lamps, paintings, housewares, kitchenware, cameras, tools, some collectors’ cars in original packaging, bird cages, mirrors and so much more. Beckie, the shop owner is so friendly and always ready to help.

This is a place that has beautiful items that are worth seeing and buying. I will definitely be going back.

Vintage Gypsies
21880 Us Highway 18
Apple Valley, California 92307
1 (760) 953-5236
Email: vintagegypsi@aol.com
Facebook Page or here.

Shop hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Check out her Facebook Page for additional information as dates and times are subject to chance.

The Apple Valley Inn along with the restaurant was once leased by movie star Roy Rogers, when his wife Dale Evans and their family became residents of Apple Valley, in 1965. The Inn was then renamed Roy Rogers’ Apple Valley Inn. Click here to learn more about The Apple Valley Inn.

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By JM Perez

Plant Propagation Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Growing Trees from Branches

By JM PerezOctober 12, 20122 min read1.3K views

As we know, all trees grow from seeds. Some grow from stem cutting and others don’t. Success often depends on the timing, the type of tree and as well as the methods of propagation (Rooting, Seeding, Grafting, Cuttings, Layering, Separation, Division, etc).

Mulberry

I grew the Mulberry on the right using a branch from the main tree. It started by mistake, really. In December 2010, we cut off some branches from the main tree and decided to use them as decoration for the backyard. We placed them in pots and added dirt and water to hold them in place. After about two weeks, I spotted new buds at the base of one of the branches.

As surprised and amazed as I was; I cringed at the idea of having a second Mulberry tree as they shed all their leaves in the Fall and I do not look forward to raking and picking them up (though I always do). On the other hand, I told myself, why not? We could always use the shade it provides during Summer (and Summer here is really hot). So, we planted it somewhere in the backyard and it’s been almost two years now.

Navajo Globe Willow

Growing up in his parents home; Eduardo’s Dad got a hold of some willow Saplings which grew and grew and grew. On one of his visits he asked if it could grow from a branch and his Dad said” Yes they can and will”. Three branches about an arm’s length came from the San Joaquin Valley up to the High Desert and after sprouting roots and getting planted; only one branch survived. After a year or so, we cut a branch from that first one and after it grew roots; we set it down with plenty of water to drink. They are both doing well so far.

Happy Gardening!

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By JM Perez

Death Strength of The Small

Francois Xavier Etoundi {Memory of}

By JM PerezOctober 11, 20122 min read602 views

This year has been quite rough for some of us.
We have experienced Love and we have experienced extreme pain and anguish. Though the pain of death is universal; each one of us handles it differently. Less than 24 hours ago, I learned of the passing of a former classmate. The news came as a surprise to many of us as he was recovering from illness and was doing much better. He left behind a family and three children.

Join me in prayer, for the family of François Xavier Etoundi, as his loved ones prepare to lay him to rest. It’s especially in moments like these that we turn to God and ask Him to restore our inner peace.

Please donate. Nothing is too small or too big. We never know when our own time will come, but we can hope that when it comes to pass; our lives, in the end, will be remembered. In the Spirit of togetherness, love and kindness, let’s join our hands as one and celebrate his life.

May his gentle soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family during this hard time.

“We are nothing but die cut shapes flowing in the wind waiting to fall.” — Joan Ambu

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13 (ESV)

DONORS LIST:

Joan Ambu – $75 (+ Transfer Fee)
Yannick Nke – $30
Raoul Feukia – $50
Anonymous – $25
Jean Emmanuel Kwe – $50

Marie Liénou – $30
Miriam Obele – $60
Aurelie Tomo – $50
Guy Beke – $25
Herve Ombede – $20
Willy Jouontso – $70

Donations are now closed. Thank you all for your support.

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By JM Perez

Hobby Kids Craft DIY: Projects

DIY: LEGO Robot

By JM PerezOctober 9, 20121 min read1.4K views

I am so in love with my children; they are both very smart and creative. When they are not reading, drawing, sight seeing and sometimes helping me garden; they spend their time building LEGO figures.

After returning from school today, in very good spirit as usual, he surprised us with his creation, which he is very proud of. He’s built over figures in the past, which have evolved over time and which I will share as soon as I get a hold of the pictures.

Other Fun Creations:

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By JM Perez

Insects Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Helpful Garden Insects

By JM PerezOctober 7, 20122 min read1.9K views

Living in the High Desert and being passionate about gardening can be challenging at times. Regardless of the care I give my plants, Powdery Mildew, white dusty spots found on leaves and sometimes on stems of plants, have always been an issue in my Rose garden during Fall and Spring; possibly due to the cool weather. I have had a few dieback, and lots of Aphids (plant lice) early this year. I use fertilizers on my plants and I have used fungicide to eradicate them and it worked on and off.

My Roses bloom all year round. This Summer, however, I didn’t see a single bloom and I noticed that the plants were a lot healthier. A couple of days ago, I spotted a Praying Mantis on my Camelot Hybrid Tea Rose and I smiled at the fact that it was there primarily to feed, which in turn helped keep my plants disease free.

*Praying Mantis on ‘Camelot Hybrid Tea Rose.’*

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with Praying Mantises, especially with their strange shape. Though I have always known of their advantages in the garden; I had never witness the marvelous results they produce. The Praying Mantises are wonderful insect control in the garden, as they feed on Aphids, caterpillars as well as other harmful and beneficial insects. The Praying Mantis is an insect which does not discriminate.

Other Helpful Garden Insects: