Day 121-December 30, 2012

     Most of the morning I was down the computer rabbit hole not doing much.  I did order the work bowl for my Cuisinart.  The blade unit for our blender broke this morning as Fred was trying to make a smoothie for Scott before he hit the road for home.  No time for me to make him crepes.  
     We had a brisk seven mile ride at Empire with Mark and Mike.  I only wanted to stop if we were in the sun, it was cold.  Lots of people were enjoying the beautiful trails in this special historic gem.  

     I was planning to make nut burgers with leftover brown rice, but the rice had turned...  oh well.  I defrosted some tasty homemade lasagne and made a nice green salad.  I began putting Christmas away after I cleaned up the kitchen.  I thought about my grandgirls all day long.

Day 119 and 120-December 28 and 29, 2012

     This two day journey was over 400 miles.  E'lora woke us about 6.  I wanted to be on the road by 8.  Fred helped by feeding her breakfast and loading stuff in the car.  I still didn't get on the road until 8:23.  I thought of Jen getting up in the morn and to work by 8.  Goodness!  
     Our first stop was Cuzzy's house for an unwrap fest.  Alexa was defending her turf keeping her hands full with the command, "Mine."  She is two.  I've always thought they need to know it is their's before they can truly share.  And sometimes they need to be forced to share.  Another, "Goodness!"  It was fun and cute though.  They always want to stop and play with the one thing they've opened.  Perhaps one gift is enough.  Maybe that's why Jewish families have one gift each night of Hanukah.  We played for almost an hour then headed to Sacramento to pick up grand niece Reese.  This was her special adventure since she missed the Kerksieck Kampout in the summer due to a softball commitment.  E'lora was first a little scared of the twenty something kids roaming about Cokie's, but she soon was playing with the throng and really didn't want to leave.  I was grateful for good travel weather, and I did want to arrive at Irwin Den with some time to spare before "Mommy" went to work.  I could tell the separation was getting more difficult for E'lora, this was her longest ever.  We had a delightful hour to chat and play before Cora headed off to work.  
     Papa Bear, Reese, Elora, and I headed to the park off of Darla to play at her second favorite place, the playground.  The library is her favorite place.  The cold was biting, but the sand pancakes were delicious.  We walked to the Griswold Christmas light house, however the lights never came on for us.  It still was festive to see.  I made Trevor's favorite green bean casserole, and after dinner we took him some as he was closing up at Holy Roast.  Papa Bear and E'lora hit the hay, then Reese and I had fun playing Boggle before turning in ourselves.
     Saturday morning we headed off on our grand adventure at 9.  First stop, Wild Flour Bakery to visit Papa Bear and walk in the garden.  We drove out Coleman Valley Road to the coast then watched the huge surf at Duncan's Landing.  I kept my eyes peeled for any rouge waves.  It was thrilling to watch the waves crash and spray against the rocks.  Next stop, the taco truck in the Safeway parking lot in Guernville, except it's not there on the weekend.  We had a tasty lunch in the little Mexican spot across the street.  Armstrong Redwoods was crowded this day, we walked in the picnic area and checked out some new trails.  Last stop, downtown Santa Rosa.  Reese commented that she likes walking the streets in downtown Sacramento, so I thought this would be fun for her.  Sweettooth had yummy frozen yogurt.  We wandered over to Holy Roast and got another hug from Trev.  GrandMuM's hips hurt from carrying E'lora on my shoulders.
     We arrived back at Irwin Den with E'lora ready for a nap.  Reese read her a book while I packed up the car.  We stopped at the Jelly Belly store on the way home and stocked her up with sour jellybeans for their New Year's party.  I stopped at Trader Joe's on my last leg, so it was about 8:30 when I got home.  I was rummy tired and hungry.  I ate a tasty spinach salad, then watched a movie about the gray whales trapped in the Alaska ice back in 1988.  Almost six days of GrandMuMMing came to a close, what precious moments they were, what infinite blessing to count.
     

Day 118-December 27, 2012

     Scott and Savannah arrived at 2 this morning.  I thought someone was breaking into our garage.  They slipped in quietly and E'lora didn't wake up.  She slept until 6 then crawled in bed with us for 20 minutes or so.  We dressed her in her snowsuit for the frosty cold in the morning and Grampa took her to the playground at Western Gateway in Penn Valley.  I baked a lemon pie for Scott and made them breakfast.  We had a present opening fest before they left for the day.  The family gathered with the DeMartinis at Tom and Serene's for a lovely dinner.  By 9 I'm pooped and ready for bed, like most days.

Day 117-December 26, 2012

     It was wonderful to wake up with four more hungry tummies, although Trevor's was sick all through the night.  I fried up some bacon and whipped up crepes, the longstanding favorite.  E'lora and I had our morning walk after Grampa went to work and before everyone else woke up.  Clouds and drizzle continued through the day.  E'lora and I waved goodbye to Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Uncle Rainbow Salad, and Raj about noon.  They're headed back to Santa Rosa for work.  E'lora stayed with Grampa and GrandMuM to have a present fest with Cuzzy.  She loves to peel and eat mandarins, look for sheep, cows, and deer, and  watch "Animal Alphabet."    

Day 116-December 25, 2012

     Christmas!  I squealed with delight when I found an ultrasound pic and a bow on the fridg.  E'lora will be a big sister in July.  

We had a lovely rainy day here at home, Colin, Cora, Trev, E'lora, Grampa, and I.  Grampa and I took E'lora for a swing and morning walk during an early morning break in the rain.  After our strata brunch and opening fest, Colin and Trev went for a round of disc golf, a favorite hobby of their's.  Cora and I rolled out two trays of cherry winks, Tutu's traditional cookie at Christmas.  

I got Fred a toy BMW RS for ALL of his grandkids, present and yet to come.  It put a smile on his face.  

E'lora loves her magna doodle and Trevor his computer keyboard input.  I have cozy fur slippers from Fred.  Colin picked out a beautiful beaded necklace for me too.  I read aloud "A Christmas Carol" while Trev and Colin were playing a round of Wii golf.  The prime rib roast turned out great, as did the smashed potatoes made following Martha Stewart's directions using a ricer.  

Joy to the World was my decorating theme of our table, this was a simple Christmas reminding us all of the gift of God's Son, Jesus.

Day 115-Christmas Eve, 2012

      As I listened to music while working in the kitchen, I had many memories of Christmas with my grandfolks when I was young.  Joy was the feeling I had with them, both my Grampa Orv and Gramma T, and Gramma Holly.  I remember being in Dooley's Hardware Store, an early day Walmart.  They had everything.  I remember the decorations and the smells so unique to the holidays.  I remember driving Daisy Avenue in Long Beach.  The median in this residential neighborhood was decorated by the city.  The drilling islands  just offshore also were decked with festive lights.  Pop decorated our home each year too.  He made a wooden Santa display that went up on the roof.  The arm even waved.  My mom kept the magic of Santa alive in my heart to this very day.  Children were cherished in my family, and I feel so blessed to have that heritage.  I will always give my all to pass that on.
     We had a lovely snowshoe up at White Cloud in the morning.  The sun shined all day.

Day 114-December 23, 2012

     Today is Alexa's 2nd birthday, another stormy day.  I had a ball decorating her Elmo cake and cupcakes.  Her party was at 2.  Her favorite present was the Breyer horses and barn from her Granny, Jen's mom.  Her little friend, Alana, really wanted her presents.  Fred witnessed a quick left jab to the face that got Alexa crying and cleared the way for Alana.  It was kind of funny, those two two year olds know how to hold their own.  We drove by some Christmas lights in town on the way home.  My squash soup with my acorn and butternut bounty was delicious, fresh thyme and nutmeg are key.  Bounty?  Well, not this year, but I saved seeds and maybe I can have real squash bounty next year.

Day 113-December 22, 2012

     Another rainy stormy day.  I headed right for Iron Man in the morn, just after some Saturday morning "This Old House."  Fred and I had a jaunt to town to get some licorice root.  I was inspired to look online for a recipe for Aveda tea, another little something for Jen and Cora.  I picked some mint from the garden to dry for the tea.  We walked around downtown Grass Valley a bit.  It was busy everywhere.  We got tasty cappuccino samples from the Krups salesman at Tess', score!  I got my squash soup started a bit late, so our dinner was awesome nut burgers and salad.  Fred said I can make those again anytime.  It's the perfect planover with leftover brown rice.  I baked up the cake and cupcakes for the next day's birthday party too.  Homemaking rounded out the rest of the day, as it does most days.

Day 112-December 21, 2012

     Quick, make the Magic Toyon Balls and get our morning walk in before the rain begins.  Mission accomplished.  Menu and grocery list organized so I know I have the essentials for many ideas rolling about in my head when the kids are home.  A single trek to SaveMart as it began to snow.  The cashier congratulated me for saving 35%.  I shopped the bargains and my list.  Prime Rib will be the main course on Christmas Day.
     Alexa fell asleep on our drive home.  She came running when I picked her up and cried when I put her in her car seat to go home in the eve.  After nap time, we had a fun play date with Tamir and Jenny, but Fred and I didn't get enough Alexa time.  We were planning to drive with her to Sac for Cokie's Christmas. The weather changed our plan.
     I made a nice pot of chili.  Fred whipped up the cornbread when I was in town.  I chatted with Auntie Carol after dinner.  My granola gift project pieces are complete, I just need to finish putting it together.  Reading rounds out the eve again.

Day 111-December 20, 2012

     I was a busy elf this day.  The kitchen was filled with smells from two new recipes, sugared nuts with bacon and and a oatmeal butterscotch cookie.  The laundry is finally folded and put away.  I got caught up with my newspaper pile and enjoyed two walks with Karly.  The Christmas menu is still evolving, but my head is there.
     Although tardy from my original plan, Sharon had forgotten that I was coming to help, so I got there just in time.  I baked up some stained glass cookies the kids had made and did some clean up before prayer group time.  Linda hosted us in her heavenly blue room.  It was a sweet time together.  
     Keeping the fire going on these cold days is another task.  I am always grateful for Fred's steadfast efforts to keep our woodpile large.  He got a neck rub before I headed up to bed to read.  

Day 110-December 19, 2012

     It's cold as a toad.  Fred said the mill was 20 degrees.  The chicken's water needed to have its frozen crust broken.  I put out extra food for the girls.  I harvested chard and peas, they looked bitten by the frost.  
     I headed in to school for dress rehearsal for the evening's performance.  The kids are so cute, and it is a blessing to wink and hug to spread the love.  I helped wrap at the final day of the holiday boutique.  The children come to select and wrap a gift for fifty cents.  I mostly wrapped for Amarah who had twelve gifts.  
     In the afternoon Fred and I had a relaxing nap.  I got my hair up in some curlers and took another walk with Karly.  Inspiration for homemade treats for my dollar store jars was helped by the computer.  Fred had a great idea to make my granola.  I made gift cards for those.  Finally, twas time to dress for the sing.  It was over in twenty minutes, then off to Victorian Christmas.  I hadn't been there in years.  Festive and fun describe it well.  We wanted to be supportive of Mark at the Forest Trails Alliance booth.  Wouldn't you know it was set up right next to our favorite, Izzy Tooinsky.  Our juggling friend has a partner now, they are the Locomotion Circus.  A bowl of chili in a seat at the Nevada Theater warmed us up.  I had brought a thermos of Good Earth tea to share.  Popcorn and "Bad Santa" rounded out the eve at home.

Day 109-December 18, 2012

     A brisk hour and a half morning walk at Empire with Margaret and Jacque.  Delightful, the lungs feel so good tickled by the chill.  I wrapped Fred's remaining two presents when I got home, then saw the tellie light blinking.  I raced to school for an earlier scheduled singing practice and arrived as it was ending.  That's ok, we'll sing again on Wednesday.  
     Fred got home at lunch time, so I made us tasty grilled crab and cheddar sandwiches.  In the afternoon I worked on that list to check twice.  Our evening was a wrapping fest.  At Kerksieck Kristmas I cleared off our kitchen island.  I'm trying to keep it clear as a work space, and Fred suggested wrapping there.  It worked great.  It was fun to work together although he pooped out before it was all done.  I got caught up on all the Tevoed "Big Bang Theory" episodes.

Day 108-December 17, 2012

     A rainy stormy day, so nice to be cozy at home.  I got in a lovely walk when a break came.  Fred and I cleaned up downed branches adding them to the burn piles in the afternoon.  Laundry, bills and budget, and some Christmas cards and correspondence filled the remainder of my day.  I need to be mindful and conscious of not spending money.  When I had more, it was spent.  There is less free flowing cash, and I must pay attention to that.  And again, boy am I grateful to be home and not working.  I have the gift of my time to give in a different way.

Day 107-December 16, 2012

     Fred and I rose early in this Sunday morn.  We met Jeff and walked our three mile loop at Bridgeport with Karly.  It feels so good to feel fresh crisp air fill my lungs as I trudge up the hill.  The clean swift river tumbling over the rocks draws me to a trance.  It was a great walk to start the day.
     We decided to host a dinner party and games, so we stopped for coffee, bread, and a few items at Holiday market.  Fred and I took down a dead oak tree at our neighbor Bonnie's, good for her and easy firewood for us.  The rain began to fall later in the day.  
     Mike and Jacque, Mark and Laurie joined us for pasta and some Kerksieck Go Fish.  I lost.  We laughed and played until 10:30, way past my bedtime.

Day 106-December 15, 2012

     The theme of joy was carried beautifully through the ladies tea and program.  The speaker was a woman with an autistic son and she is bipolar.  She reminded us all the God's gift of joy in Jesus came in an unexpected and unscripted package.  May we all rest in that place.  
     I always love touring homes as part of this event.  Two young family's homes were featured.  I love to be reminded of the nesting effort's value.  Home is a treasured place.

Day 105-December 14, 2012

     My early morning flight on Jet Blue reunited me with Fred by 9:30 in the morn.  We stopped to shop, me at Smart and Final, he at the motorcycle shops nearby.  I picked Alexa up after nap time and we headed to the library, our first  visit together.  She loved disappearing in the tall book stacks and exploring in the children's area.  I found a big board book of Piggies and two Elmo DVDs.  It was time for me to race off to Calvary Bible Church to decorate with Sharon and Jessie for the ladies tea on Saturday.  Grampa took over Alexa duties.  Our elegant turquoise and black table looked beautiful.  The hearts of our nation, however, were deeply saddened by the school shooting in Connecticut of 20 children and 6 teachers.  Lord, help our world find peace.

Days 101 to 104-December 10-13, 2012

     Helping Auntie Carol move was the theme of these four days.  Eddie and I headed out Monday morning for Long Beach.  He is on his way to Arkansas and I hitched a ride.  We wanted to support our special auntie as she made a big transition of moving from her condo of 15 years and her marriage of more than 25 to a transitional home.  It is a fully furnished condo in the historic Campbell building built in 1928.  It is next to the Lafayette, an art deco wonder built the following year, an early Hilton hotel.  Boxing and gathering treasures, papers, clothes, and other personal items gave me lots of workout of the arms and legs.  We had supportive time with friends too.  Tuesday, Lori made us dinner at her home.  We had a little birthday party for Auntie Carol.  Kathleen brought her daughter, Kelli Rose, and Curtis and Ali were there too, as well as Scott, Lori's husband.  Wednesday night we went to an Irish pub, Shillelagh.  Carol's packing helper and friend, Margaret, joined us.  Kelli Rose and Kathleen stopped in after her school concert.  Kelli played the piano and sang a lovely song for us.  Irish pubs are great!  Wednesday night Carol had her first night alone in her new place.  Eddie and I stayed one more night in the guest quarters at The Ocean Club.  Thursday morning I had a nice long walk on the beach.  Eddie and I fetched Kissy to reunite her with Carol.  Eddie and I met our Uncle Ed and Aunt Glenda for lunch, it was delightful to be with them.  Carol's granddaughter Beth was an amazing helper in the move.  She set up Carol's things in her kitchen, the heart of her new home.  I made a pot of chili that afternoon and six of us gathered around her table for a sweet dinner party.  Dear friends Kathleen and Lori joined us again.  I climbed into Carol's murphy bed with the male nude on the wall opposite, the condo's owner is most definitely gay.  I seemed to be the first one to sleep each night.

Day 100-December 9, 2012

     100 days of retirement, wow.  It is a gratitude fest each day.  This morning of Kerksieck Kristmas was joyful as Fred made up his special pancakes for all.  The kids and I have played our game Blokus this weekend.  Good game of spatial strategy!  A morning walk down to the pond then up to the back side of our property was fun, the kids found bones...the perpetual quest.  Tidying and resting filled the afternoon and spilled on into the eve.  I boxed up Beth and Dustin's Christmas package to mail.  A little stupid TV, "Eastbound and Down," rounded out the night.

Day 99-December 8, 2012

     "without a sound, he went straight to work..."  I felt like that line from "The Night Before Christmas" in the morning.  Soups to get on, veggie tray to make, and a snack table to set up.  Fred was a willing helper, and I felt ready when the first load of family arrived.  
     What fun to gather and enjoy the kids.  The polar swim has become quite the anticipated event at Kerksieck Kristmas.  Auntie Dawne was the only adult to imbibe. The tradition of grazing all day was enjoyed by all.  The snack table was still full at day's end.  The children opened presents about 4 and folk trickled out after that.  Total attending this year, 20, Cokie and four kids slept over, a very light crowd but it was lovely.  Fred made stilts out in the garage.  Lisa was the expert.  I love that the kids get to come and enjoy the country.  We played games, took a walk, even sang some songs.  The VCR wouldn't work, so I didn't get to watch "Home Alone," but "The World's Fastest Indian" was enjoyed by Coke and the kids.  It nice to pull out the sofa for a bed.  I slept amazingly well too.

Day 98-December 7, 2012

     Kerksieck Kristmas prep, if I keep focused on my lists, I'll be ready.  I had an appointment for a bang trim at 9:30, so I added a brief stop at Grocery Outlet before picking up Alexa from preschool.  On this lovely day the kids were playing outside.  I chatted for awhile, but Alexa began waving her arm, "Bye friends."  Time to go.  
     She took a long nap.  I went back to town to the recorder's office and on to Bell Hill for another singing practice.  Grampa reported Alexa was still sleeping when I returned.  Alexa is a good cookie baking helper, although she loves to snatch dough when she can.  I kept working on my list late into the night.  I slept great!

Day 97-December 6, 2012

     I posted some items for sale to help add to the Xmas coffers before heading off to help at Bell HIll.  I also got the Kerksieck Kristmas shopping done at Safeway, an ice chest in the trunk makes this possible, just like shopping before work in the olden days.  I arrived in Sharon's fourth grade classroom before lunch to help the kids roll out gingerbread men for ornaments and for snacking.  As the kids jostled to be first, eat dough, and get more than their share, my blood started to boil.  I remembered the demand of patience required each day to be in the classroom and teach these needy young ones.  Such worthy work, yet so demanding and exacting.  I spent an hour singing with the kindergarten classes after lunch, I read them Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear! too.  I quickly baked up the gingerbread cookies for snacking, then led the first through fourth kids as we practiced for the singing performance on December 19.  We all squeezed into Judy's classroom with the piano.  Their sweet faces warmed my heart.  
     After singing, I took a brisk half hour walk through Condon Park before prayer group time.  I found a fir tree arboretum that I'd never seen before.  I quickly baked another batch of cookies for Sharon, then darted to Linda's house for prayer.  In the morning I had prepared my gift tableau of little sleighs with a snowflake candle.  A bed of sugar in a tray looked like a field of snow, and I added part of Isaiah 1:18, "Whiter than snow..." as a reminder of the precious gift of God's Son, Jesus.  We jabbered until past 6, I was hungry.  Fred heated up our tasty curry leftovers.  I didn't have much energy left to do much past putting groceries away.

Day 96-December 5, 2012

     Decorating the tree and adding finishing touches of decorating on the house today.  I baked a new brownie recipe, Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies.  Sharon and Jessie came after work to go over table decoration planning for our ladies tea later in the month.  I fixed us a healthy dinner of Sweet Potato Quesadillas.  Alexa's preschool closed early, so I enjoyed having her in the afternoon.  She and Grampa had fun outside too, she got her feet soaking wet.  The neighbor's cows were visiting today too, so that was exciting for her.  I arranged some "hands on" Xmas areas for her.  She was very interested in looking at all the details of the tree and at the manger scene.  This will be a very special Christmas.

Day 95-December 4, 2012

     Tuesday morning without the walk with the gals...expected rain and many ladies busy.  Karly and I took our walk.  Fred was home from work today.  Home chores and the kitchen wench made beef stock.  Fred Watco oiled the redwood, it looks so nice, and he set up our Santa Bush.  He also shampooed the traffic area of the carpet.  He commented, "I need to go to work to rest."  I appreciate the team effort of cleaning.  
     I led singing at Bell Hill for the first time.  It was nice to know I could still contain the little buggers.  They were absolutely delightful, I got lots of hugs.  The kids are learning some Spanish songs too, so that will be new for me.  I'm so happy to be there to help.  I jumped on Iron Man when I got home.  I made us a tasty Thai curry with tofu and veggies.  Early to bed.

Day 94-December 3, 2012

     When I was working, I would be so upset when I was trying to drive at lunch time and I would see a bunch of retired people.  I get it now.  Well, you get up and do your morning routines, healthy eating, a walk, chores, and if you're going to town, you'll need a shower.  It's 10:00.  The errand excursion will spill into lunch.  Oops.
     Before I left, a fella stopped over to buy Hairyit's cage.  Twenty more dollars for the Christmas coffers.  I got great help at the Law Library typing up the new grant deed for the trust termination.  I walked around Nevada City to get it notorized.  I didn't distract myself with shopping, yet.  
     Next stop, the B and C/SaveMart complex.  I walked right through the garden section because I needed to pee.  I found the light bulbs I needed, avoided the holiday aisle, got distracted in housewares, and fiddle farted a bit in painting looking for gifts.  At Save Mart I started out with a hand basket, in the liquor aisle the manager went and got me a cart.  I decided to pick up margarita makings for Kerksieck Kristmas.  I didn't have my list with me and that slowed me down.  I forgot to get OJ.  I love the grocery store.  My bill was a bit over $60.  That was good considering almost half of it was alcohol.  I learned a bit about cooking wine from the liquor manager, but he didn't know how they make Triple Sec.  I'll need to look that up.  We agreed I'd let him know on my next visit.
     I arrived at Bell Hill at the perfect time to chat with my friends about helping with the holiday sing during their lunch.  From there, I hauled fifty rolls of pennies to the bank and made some gift purchases downtown.  I also bought me some new merino wool socks to try, they're Wigwams.  My Smartwool's wear out at the heel toooooooo fast.  I resisted a Lazy Dog ice cream, even though I walked past their new shop twice.  I averted my eyes at the cute kiddie stuff in Swensons and Future Generations.  I kept to one side of the street to avoid Yuba Blue that always has delightful stuff.  I did browse in the new Tess' Kitchen.  I basked in the glow of feeling retired and I remembered that I need to be careful about spending money.  The antique store didn't find my two books and Beatrix Potter figurine old enough for their stock, so I gave the Tolkien Father Christmas book to the sweet young salesperson at Book Seller.  I smiled all the way home.
     I had spied $19.96 douglas firs at the complex earlier.  I convinced Fred to go get one together and take Karly for a walk along Loma Rica ditch.  The sun set and the rain began to fall.  It was a lovely brisk half hour walk.  I am trying to get two good sessions of physical activity each day.  
     I made tasty turkey burgers for dinner.  We had a wonderful "dinner and a movie" night.   I forgot to collect eggs, again, and found 17 on Tuesday morn.  I cherish the sweet pillow talk and back rubbing that we shared at about three in the morn.  I'm brimming with gratitude.

Day 93-December 2, 2012

     Fred said, "Well, if I get up in one minute, it will be before 8."  We lay in bed and listened to howling winds and pounding rains.  The water running down our roads was like never before.  I was determined to re-pot some houseplants today...I did.  I bought the pots, oh, maybe four or five years ago.  I managed to make some messes in the process, two steps forward, one step back.  I got the corner for the Christmas tree all cleaned out. 
     Eddie, Mark and Laurie, Fred and I headed down to the 49 bridge after lunch to check out the high water.  The crown was like a summer day.  The power of the roaring river is amazing, hypnotizing.  We hiked up river a bit then caught the matinee of "Lincoln."  Daniel Day Lewis did a wonderful job in this Steven Spielberg film.  Inspiring and thought provoking.  We rounded out our second date night by introducing Eddie to Jim Boy's Tacos.  
     Sharon and I talked on the phone about our Christmas tea and the sing for school.  Fresh sheets on the bed and a soak in the hot tub.  Another perfect day.

Day 92-December 1, 2012

     Another stormy day for sleeping in.  Well, in the morning I didn't accomplish much...but it was grand.  Pictures in frames, dusting, rearranging, trying to get spiffed up before Christmas.  I was also completing legal paperwork, another rabbit hole.  In the afternoon we headed down to Sacramento with Mark and Laurie to shop and meet up with Jeremy and Lindsay.  Jeremy is interviewing for his medical residency at UC Davis, and many other places.  We met up in Old Town at Joe's Crab Shack.  Mark treated us all.  It is a loud festive place with lots of music and dancing.  We celebrated Mark's birthday, he rode a stick horse broom around the restaurant with a huge cowboy hat as we all sang.  The rainstorm continues.  Fred got us ice cream at Vic's, the old fashioned parlor on Riverside opened in 1947.  I fell asleep in the car on the way home, it was close to 11 when we got back.